Getting in shape for your wedding is a task that almost every bride and groom hope to achieve before their big day. But meeting your health and wellness goals is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why Nate Trelstad, owner of Excolo Athletics, began his business by creating custom plans based on his client’s body composition goals. Read on to discover how he got his start in the industry and how he can help you get into shape for your day!
Q: Let’s get to it, what is Excolo Athletics’ specialty?
A: I work in the fitness space and cater to the individual needs of each of my clients. I specialize in body recomposition and preventative medicine and also help rehabilitate those who are working around injuries.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: I operate all of my in-person operations from a boutique gym called Vault Fitness in Eden Prairie. I also do online and remote coaching services.
Q: Tell us when and how Excolo Athletics business began.
A: In college, I played baseball where I studied Sports Medicine and Exercise with plans to play professional baseball and act as my own trainer. I ended up spending more time in the training room and the gym, and through my studies and gaining an understanding of what exercise is helped me develop a passion for it. Then, I interned out East at a sports training facility where I started strength training coaching. Following that, I began working at a couple of different facilities and thought that some things could be done differently in terms of services offered, so I began working with athletes as well as other personal clients on my own.
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: We provide a personal, customized approach. When you go through a standard fitness program, you can get caught up in a “one-size-fits-all” program. Mine is a client-centric approach understanding that there is not just one way to get the results you want. You just have to find a way that works best for each individual person. It’s a partnership, not a dictatorship.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: 6 years. I used to be the person that was married to one methodology as opposed to building a program for the individual. I’ve really educated myself extensively since I’ve been out of college and found mentors in the industry and I’ve learned that a lot gets missed with non-individual training.
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: I spend most of my time working with clients in person, meeting with new clients, checking in to see how they are doing, and creating workout plans for them. A person’s daily workout can vary based on stress level, how much sleep they’ve had, and their emotional state so it’s important to not over-exert. I also spend time doing online training and remote coaching, responding to inquiries, and making sure I have time to help out at home with my wife and dog.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: A minimum of 2 months, but 3 or more months is preferable to make sure there is time for meaningful change in time for the wedding day and honeymoon. The more time the better, especially if a person’s goals are drastic, but be wary to not do anything too much too close to the wedding day. You want to make sure that the suit and gown that you ordered fit!
Q: What’s trending in health & wellness right now?
A: There is a lot of misinformation in terms of health trends. It’s my goal to educate people on these fads including what is actually healthy and what is not. I think more people are realizing that calories aren’t all the same and that changing your lifestyle doesn’t mean cutting out your favorite things. I also believe strength training is increasing in popularity as people realize that lifting weights leads to great physiological changes — and no, it won’t make you have a bodybuilder physique if that’s not your goal!
Q: What are some of your hobbies when you’re not assisting clients to achieve physical fitness?
A: I love to spend time with my wife and our dog. We love to host friends at our home as well as travel. I like to listen to audiobooks on coaching and health topics and continue to educate myself even in my free time.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts/audiobooks?
A: I play fantasy football so I like listening to content related to that. I also like RX Radio Podcast, and most recently have decided to go back and listen to the Harry Potter series!
Q: Workout music
A: A good instrumental is key for a good workout, so I listen to hip hop, rock, or EDM.
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Even though I don’t ski or snowboard, I still prefer the mountains!
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: Margarita
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Pro baseball player
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Savory every time
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Pizza
Q: Favorite Minnesota pastime?
A: I was born and raised in Minneapolis so walking around Lake Nokomis with friends or taking the dogs for a walk around the lake and then stopping at Fat Lorenzo’s pizza. I also love the Minnesota State Fair and fishing on Lake Itasca.
If you’re ready to begin your fitness journey and have Nate create a personalized program for your goals, check out his Instagram and discover his vendor page to find out how to get in contact with him.
All images courtesy of Excolo Athletics
