"I'm not a typical meathead personal trainer," says Brian Lohse, who opened the Third Ward's first personal training facility, Energy, in early October.
With spiky brown hair and funky glasses (worn when he's not training), Lohse looks more like a guy who might own a coffee shop rather than a fitness studio. But he's no slacker. Lohse maintains a rigorous, five-day-a-week exercise regime and since he became an ACE-certified personal trainer in 1997, has helped hundreds of people improve their physical health.
Energy, at 207 E. Buffalo, is sunny and spacious, with freshly painted white and blue walls, good lighting and cool IKEA rugs. Most of the equipment is made by South Milwaukee's Magnum, including a treadmill, rowing machine, squat rack, dumbells, lat pull-down, medicine balls and more.
Energy clients range from college athletes to first timers who are intimidated by exercise, and Lohse claims that a number of his clients are in their 40s or 50s and in better shape than they were in high school.
Some clients hire Lohse for an hour or two to establish a training program that they can later take to a fitness club, while others exercise with him a few hours every week. In any case, Lohse, who just turned 30, is vigilant about creating a program that is realistic for a person's life.
"My job is to find a program they will continue to do," he says. "I'm not going to tell someone who's really busy that they have to work out four or five times a week. I encourage people to consistently keep exercise in their life."
For many, working out with a trainer is motivating, fun and an accelerated way to reach fitness goals. Lohse tries to keep his clients engaged and excited about their program by slightly altering their workout every session. He also feels his studio offers the privacy many people need to feel comfortable.
With a degree in business from Marion College and a love for fitness and helping people, Lohse's new venture is a perfect fit. "I worked in sales in Madison for a while, but I realized I like people more than products," says Lohse.
{INSERT_RELATED}Lohse opened Energy after working at the downtown YMCA for five years, an experience that influenced his commitment to community. The Y offers discounted memberships to low income people and families, and Lohse hopes to implement this at Energy someday by training someone who is struggling with their weight or health for free.
"Working out makes me feel energetic and better about myself," says Lohse. "I like passing that on to other people."
For more information, call (414) 270-9770. Personal training sessions are $55 for one hour. Semi-private sessions with one other person are also available for $37.50.
Look for Brian Lohse's fitness tips coming soon to OMC's sports page!
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
