Scottsdale Progress - 06-14-2020

SPORTS & RECREATION

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JUNE 14, 2020

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D1 Scottsdale takes �itness to another level

BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

A

new training facility that caters to the needs of athletes and everyday �itness recently opened its �irst location in Scottsdale.

D1 Training opened to the public two weeks ago near the intersection of Scottsdale Road and East Joan de Arc Avenue.

Owned by Scottsdale residents Mike and Kristen Baker, the 7,000-square-foot facility offers training for a wide variety of individual, including kids.

“Everyone in here works with coaches in a group class that will help guide you in the right direction to meet your �itness goals,” Kristen said. “Our coaches can tailor to a 7-year-old and then turn it up a notch in the afternoon with a professional athlete.

We want to create a community for everyone to come in and enjoy themselves.”

Franchised by a slew of former and current professional athletes, including former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and Denver Broncos Super Bowl MVP linebacker Von Miller, D1 has long been one of the premier training facilities in the Midwest and southeast part of the United States.

But when the Bakers saw an opportunity to franchise D1 and bring the concept to Arizona, it was one they couldn’t pass up.

“The D1 model itself is something we have always heard about,” Mike said. “The concept of an elite training facility regardless of what your athletic ability is, was appealing to both of us.”

A former collegiate soccer player at Lambuth University in Tennessee, Mike knows the importance of a good training regimen. Kristen, who graduated from South Alabama with a sports medicine degree, has also been deeply involved with �itness. Both have extensive backgrounds in medical and pharmaceutical sales. Mike focused his profession solely

D1’s coaches have the ability to not only provide general �itness for patrons, but some are able to provide sport-speci�ic activities that can bene�it athletes of all ages in any sport. The gym has already catered to as many as 20 professional athletes from a variety of different sports seeking a viable training option during the coronavirus pandemic.

The facility itself is out�itted with several strength and cardio machines, as well as free weights, resistance bands and other equipment to ful�ill a full body workout. There is also D1 Scottsdale recently opened the doors an area with arti�icial turf, to its 7,000-square-foot facility aimed at catering to athletes and everyday fitness allowing for cardio training that closely resembles the goers in the Valley. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff) same surface most athletes ness training to the Valley. train on during the season.

Every training session So far, feedback has been positive. at D1 is done in a group “The feedback has been extremely posisetting, lasting roughly tive,” Mike said. “To have such a big brand 54 minutes. Coached by and to see the names involved, along with one of the gym’s certi�ied the new facility, the turf and all the equiptrainers, many of whom ment, everyone is enjoying it. It’s been have achieved the high- very overwhelming and encouraging to est level of certi�ication see what has happened so far.” for trainers, every workBoth Mike and Kristen said they �ind out highlights the �ive key joy in being able to bring a new level of elements athletic-based training and �itness to Arizona, which as training: dynamic warm- of late has become home to several upMike and Kristen Baker jumped at the opportunity to up, performance, strength, and-coming athletes at all levels. franchise D1, a prominent training facility primarily core and conditioning and “Especially right now with everything located in the southeast part of the United States. cool down. that is happening, it’s ful�illing to be able (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff) The groups all vary to provide a place that can almost be seen by age. D1 caters to the as an outlet to continue focusing on the on D1 after nearly 20 years in the business. Kristen, meanwhile, has over 10 “Rookie” (7-11), “Developmental” (12- goal you’re trying to achieve,” Kristen years of experience and continues to 14) and “Prep” (15-18). It also hosts boot said. “I just enjoy being able to provide camp and strength training groups for that space for you no matter what level work in the industry. you may be at.”

Together, they brought a new level of �it- adults.