Manic Training Fort Collins

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Ask most parents whether their young child should do strength training and they will say no. It feels obviously risky, too young, too small, surely it stunts their growth. But that fear is not backed by the research. The American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed decades of studies and reached a clear conclusion: properly guided resistance training does not stunt growth, damage growth plates, or harm a child’s heart. The real problem is the opposite one. Children’s muscular fitness has been declining for years, and that decline has lasting consequences. And kids do not get stronger the way adults do, their early gains come from the brain, as training teaches their nervous system to recruit more muscle fibers at once, so they get stronger without getting bigger. It also predicts their future: a study following over 21,000 children found that better muscular fitness in childhood was linked to healthier hearts, stronger bones, and lower disease risk years later. Maybe most importantly, among all exercise types, strength training ranked number one for building self-esteem and highest for easing low mood. And this is not heavy lifting. For young children it is bodyweight play, bear crawls, frog jumps, crab walks, hops, learning to control their body through space. The one rule that matters above all: it must be technique-driven, not load-driven, kept light and slow, and supervised by someone who understands training kids. Good coaching is the single most important safety factor. You do not need a gym. Just get your child moving their own bodyweight, and make it a game. Save this and send it to a parent who needs it. REFERENCES: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2008). Strength training by children and adolescents. Pediatrics. Smith et al. (2014). Muscular fitness and cardiometabolic health in children. Sports Medicine. Ahn & Fedewa. (2011). Physical activity and childhood mental health. Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

THIS Sunday, we will be having our annual Donut Mile! This one is always a good time and for a good cause. We also need judges, so if it sounds like something you don’t want to do yourself, you can still be a part of the fun and help support the Food Bank.

📆 When: Father’s Day, June 21
📍Where: Weber Middle School Track
⏰ Start Time: 8:30AM
🏃🏃🏻‍♀️ What: Run 4 laps around the track and eat 1 donut before each lap
🎗️Cause: A fundraiser for the Larimer County Food Bank
🍩 Cost: 4 donuts for each participant, plus $20 donation from everyone in attendance. (100% of proceeds are donated)

Member Highlight: Suzanne Carver

🔷 How long have you been coming to Manic?

I joined Manic in early 2023 after realizing I had lost both the motivation and confidence to work out with intention and care. A series of challenges—including a double hip replacement and severe plantar fasciitis—left me in constant pain and barely able to move. At times, it felt unbearable. After months of near stillness, I knew I had to do something different.

🔷 What made you decide to join?

I committed to three months at Manic, believing that would be enough time to rebuild a foundation and eventually return to working out on my own.

🔷 How has your experience compared to your expectations?

I remember my second visit—I sat in my car and cried. I was overwhelmed by how far I had drifted from what once felt like a strong, resilient body. But deep down, I knew something else too: I just had to keep showing up. That over time, things would change.

🔷 How is Manic different from other gyms you’ve been to?

I had to live the words I often share with others—be kind, be patient, and nurture every part of myself: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. And keep going. I’ve always believed the body is a roadmap for our life, and this experience deepened that belief. The body is always communicating, asking for what we need—both above and below the surface. I had the mobility and flexibility to move through life, but I lacked the strength and resilience to feel truly sovereign.

🔷 What has changed the most about you over your time here?

After those first three months, I kept going. And I continue to be impressed—daily—by the positive, strong culture and community at Manic, as well as how effective and thoughtfully challenging the workouts are. I’ve made dear friends here. Not only do I get an incredible workout, but I also feel elevated by the people around me—people I’ve grown to admire. In every way, it’s different from anywhere I’ve worked out before: fun, challenging, motivating, supportive, and yes—still incredibly fun.

🔷 What are your goals as you continue to train here?

My goals now are to stay consistent in how I care for myself and to set realistic goals that align with my desire to live a full, adventurous life. I want to feel strong in my ability to meet life as it comes—to take command when needed and not feel held back by a lack of strength or courage.

🔷 What has changed?

I feel more sovereign. In a time when so much is outsourced, I take greater responsibility for myself and place less blame on environment, genetics, lawful entities, or circumstance. I cherish the body I have and treat it accordingly.

🔷 Do you have any advice for someone considering trying out Manic?

If I could offer any advice, it would be this: stay consistent. What you do in showing up for yourself physically at Manic will ripple into every other area of your life.

I have a massage and bodywork practice here in Fort Collins. I also teach anatomy, pelvic health, and yoga, with a special focus on the relationship between the pelvis and the psoas.

My current class explores the anatomy and function of the pelvis and psoas, and how they influence posture, movement, sexual function, breathing, digestion, pelvic health, nervous system regulation, and body awareness. The psoas is one of the body’s deepest and most influential muscles, formed early in development. In fact, some embryologists believe it was the first muscle/organ created. Often described as deeply intuitive, the psoas constantly communicates through posture, tension, movement, and what we experience as gut instinct.

If you’d like more information about classes, bodywork, or upcoming offerings, please visit my website at https://www.suzannecarver.com/ and sign up for updates. All proceeds from the class are donated to women’s charities.

Member Highlight: Ashleigh Allen

🔷 How long have you been coming to Manic

I technically started in 2018, but I had moved away to Denver in 2021-2025 and returned February of 2025, that is where I feel like my real journey with Manic started because it was the first time I was truly present in the program and consistent (not perfect) in my commitment to myself and getting into the gym and really getting involved.

🔷 What made you decide to join?

When I moved back to Fort Collins in February of 2025 Manic was one of the first things I signed up for, I came back to the gym at a point in my life when I realized I needed something more—something that would truly challenge me and push me forward. I wanted an outlet that would motivate me to grow, not just physically but mentally as well. The gym became that space where I could invest in myself, face fears, build discipline, and keep striving toward becoming a stronger, more confident version of myself.

🔷 How has your experience compared to your expectations?

Honestly, it’s exceeded my expectations in every way. I initially thought it would just be about getting in better shape, but it’s turned into so much more than that. The community alone has been amazing; I have reconnected with and met some amazing people since I have been back, and it’s really opened my world up to all kinds of new fitness experiences. It’s helped me build consistency, confidence, and a stronger mindset. The progress hasn’t just been physical—it’s changed how I approach challenges in all areas of my life. What started as a way to push myself has become something I genuinely look forward to and rely on.

🔷 How is Manic different from other gyms you’ve been to?

Manic stands out from other gyms I’ve been to because of the people behind it. The owner and coaches genuinely care—not just about your performance in the gym, but about you as a person. They take the time to support, encourage, and push you in a way that feels personal and meaningful. On top of that, the community is something special. It’s not just a place to work out—it’s a group of people who show up for each other, celebrate progress, and make you feel like you belong from day one. That level of support and positivity is what really sets Manic apart.

🔷 What has changed the most about you over your time here?

The biggest change for me has been my ability to face challenges head-on. Whether it’s a tough workout in the gym or stepping into something new and uncertain in life, I’ve learned to lean into that discomfort instead of avoiding it. I don’t back down from things that once would have intimidated me. I’ve also built a much stronger sense of consistency and commitment to myself. Showing up regularly, even on the hard days, has carried over into other areas of my life. It’s helped me stay focused, follow through on my goals, and trust myself in a way I didn’t before. The gym became less about showing up for a workout and more about showing up for myself.

🔷 What are your goals as you continue to train here?

As I continue to train here, my goals are to keep growing both physically and mentally. I want to keep challenging myself, pushing past limits, and seeing what I’m truly capable of. It’s not just about hitting specific milestones, but about continuing to build strength, resilience, and confidence. I also want to stay consistent and keep showing up for myself, no matter what. At the end of the day, it’s about becoming a better, stronger version of who I am and carrying that mindset into every part of my life. Finally, I hope to continue to grow my Manic tribe and community, I love meeting members I haven't worked out with before and new members to the gym, it truly is such an amazing community, I literally met one of my closest friends in a rowing competition!

🔷 Do you have any advice for someone considering trying out Manic?

My advice would be to just go for it, throw yourself all in! It can feel intimidating walking into something new, but Manic is one of the most welcoming and supportive environments you could step into. You don’t have to be at a certain level to start—everyone is there to grow, and the coaches and community will meet you where you’re at. If you’re looking for a place that will challenge you, support you, and help you become a stronger version of yourself, this is it! Just show up, stay consistent, and trust the process, you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of, and hey if you are nervous, come stand next to me we will get through the workout together!

A huge thank you to one of our members, Brooke, for sharing this wonderful letter with us. Messages like these truly mean a lot, and we always appreciate the kindness, support, and encouragement from our amazing community.

How I felt after doing 4 rounds of wall walks, inchworm push ups and turkish get-ups:

Member Highlight: Michael Abramowitz
by Coach Rebecca

🔷 FIRST, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF MANIC.

I am currently a senior at Poudre High School planning to attend Montana State University next fall in Bozeman MT as undecided. I have been an active member in my school's performative arts department since freshman year. Doing a variety of large musicals to smaller emotional plays. Most of my experience is backstage on the tech crew working on the set, props, lights, and audio. I also have costuming experience, involving sewing, cutting and sketching outfits. My on-stage debut was when I recently acted in our winter show of Lost Girl cast as a lost boy-Curly. With a very light fourth quarter schedule I have found myself spending most of my time going out and being with friends and making some last-minute memories. When I am on my own, I enjoy listening to music, shopping across all departments, design researching, traveling, storytelling/making comedy, and looking at real estate listings across the country.

🔷 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COMING TO MANIC AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN?

I have been attending classes with Manic since early October 2025. My main reason for joining was realizing I’m not the person who could walk into a gym and work out on my own. Having a set class time gave me the accountability to not skip a day at the gym. Plus, I am very much a morning person and I have found the 5am class to be a great way of starting my day. Additionally, I realized I was at the age where I needed to start taking care of myself in order to have a better life down the road.

🔷 WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS YOU CONTINUE TO TRAIN HERE? AND, IF YOU HAD GOALS, WHAT WERE THEY AND DID YOU ACHIEVE THEM?

When I first started working out, I had the goal of improving my overall fitness level. I am pleased to say over the past six months I have definitely achieved and gone above that goal. With improvements to my overall arm, leg, and core strength I have also gained better flexibility and much more endurance when my heart rate increases. As I continue my time with Manic, I am now looking to do more weight training in order to increase my lifting, pulling, pushing capacities.

🔷 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING (OR THINGS) THAT YOU LOVE ABOUT MANIC?
Many thoughts come to mind when I think about why I love this gym. Personally, I have found the community to be unlike any other. It is a true honor to be surrounded by such a diverse group of people who put just as much energy into their own goals as they do into the goals of those around them. The motivation spread by peers is what makes those classes more than just a workout. I also love how each class is different, for example workouts can range from individual to partner to group work. Additionally, the equipment, rep scheme, and time keeping vary each day. I enjoy this level of planning because it allows people to just show up and do without having to make it up as they go along. Another small detail that is appreciated is the music played; it keeps the energy going, fades out the sounds of heavy exhaling, and has made my playlist bigger.

🔷 DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT TRYING OUT A CLASS?

To those who have given thought about trying a Manic class I believe the best place to start is the free trials. Having the opportunity to come into the space with low stakes is a great way to better understand the types of work outs that are offered. Additionally, having those few days allows for a wider range of equipment usage and work out set ups because each day is different from the last. As for doing any type of work out, a positive attitude will go a long way, same for setting a good self-pace. I also would urge newcomers to engage with those around them. Each class always has a variety of people who can help coach and adapt a workout making it easier for people to find their own flow.

🔷 FINALLY, WHAT'S A FUN OR INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU THAT WE PROBABLY DON'T KNOW?

I was born in Russia. My biological Mother was too poor to care for a child, so I was put in an orphanage from which my current parents adopted me at the age of two. They brought me back to Fort Collins in 2010 where I have lived ever since.

Reminder the we are testing Q2 of Manic Metrics tonight (April 7) at 5:30 . Come in and measure your progress.