MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO OPENS AP TRAINING

By Molly Milroy

Looking to make some changes in your fitness routine? Or maybe you are in the beginning stages and just getting started. Well, look no further. Mother and daughter duo, Anna McGee and Paige Stratioti, have the perfect spot for you: AP Training. Last summer they opened their doors to the public and since then have been busy transforming lives in their fitness studio located on Superior Street across from the Holiday Center. Their histories and personalities bring a unique blend to their training regime.

Former bodybuilder

Originally from Duluth, Anna has spent over 30 years in the fitness world, from working as a trainer at a variety of gyms to competing as a professional bodybuilder. Back in the 1990s, she was one of the first women trainers, when personal gyms were just starting to become a trend.

Since then she has completed many training and professional certifications and has done both group fitness and personal training at the YMCA. Her history and passion allows her to push and encourage her clients at the same time.

“I meet people where they’re at,” said Anna, emphasizing that her mission is to get her clients stronger. “This is not always fun to do. I want to help you enjoy moving your body and getting your heart rate up. I want to help make you the strongest, fittest person you can be.”

Running star

Paige, a former Division 1 collegiate track and field athlete, completed her master’s degree in education. Her combined experience and knowledge makes her the perfect fit for what she does now, serving as the strength and conditioning coach for local hockey teams, including the Duluth East boys team and the Duluth Northern Stars composed of girls from both Duluth East and Denfeld.

“I wanted to work with athletes,” explained Paige. “There’s a demand, a need for that in Duluth. There are so many different ways to train for sports now – weight training, cardio, endurance – and I don’t think there’s a one-size-fitsall.”

Blend of opportunities

AP Training offers a variety of training methods including kettlebell and Advanced TRX.

“I do a blended training,” explained Anna. “I know the importance of weight training and activating the core.”

“She does a lot of stuff that challenges balance,” added Paige. “Almost all of it revolves around core strength, which is great for women.”

Anna says TRX is a perfect training program for beginners to advanced. Both Anna and Paige offer group trainings and private sessions, although they tend to work with different markets, Anna with an older crowd and Paige with a younger crowd.

Wellness lifestyle

“I want people to take care of themselves,” Anna said, and part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is nutrition. “When I did my first bodybuilding show I consumed 2,400 calories,” said Anna, sharing that it’s not necessarily about how many calories one consumes. “I suggest to my clients to take a couple of weeks and write down exactly what you’re eating and how you’re feeling.”

For fitness and nutrition both Anna and Paige agree that two things are needed – discipline and consistency.

“It’s discipline that’s the hardest thing for everyone,” Paige said.

“People start off in January wanting to make all of these changes,” added Anna. “They want to start out with six workouts a week. You do that and you’ll burn out.”

Both Paige and her mother know that working out not only benefits the body, it benefits the mind.

“Working out, no matter what it is, it makes you mentally fit too,” Paige said.

“Strong body, strong mind,” Anna added.

Stop into AP Training

In their free consultation, you’ll have a discussion about your goals and show you around the studio.

“I’ve had more new people come in here saying they’re not a gym person, but they’re intrigued with this because they’re not walking into a big box gym,” Anna said.

“It’s kind of a private studio,” explained Paige. “It’s locked and no one’s in here unless we’re in here.”

Anna and Paige complement each other well and it carries over into their business.

“I love working with my mom,” Paige exclaimed. “She’s always inspired me and she just gets it done.”

“And there’s been no question that I thought we could do this together,” Anna said. D