As we enter a new year, there's no better time to prioritize our health and well-being—especially for those of us over 40 who want to stay strong, active, and energized. At Union Fitness in Eagan, owner Jen Williams has created a welcoming environment where fitness meets community, making it a destination for women looking to take charge of their health and wellness at every stage of life.
A Holistic Approach to Fitness
Union Fitness is not your typical gym; it’s a family-owned space that focuses on a holistic approach to fitness. Union Fitness is designed to help members feel their best, from building physical strength to nurturing emotional health. Their programs focus on total wellness—body, mind, and spirit—guided by a supportive team and a close-knit community.
One program, Empower-U, is tailored specifically for women navigating mid-life changes. This eight-week program brings together small groups of women who start the journey together, working on strength training, nutrition, and emotional health. The focus is not just on physical transformation but on rediscovering a sense of self and empowerment.
Jen explains, “Women come to us feeling like they’ve lost themselves, their bodies aren’t cooperating, and their emotions are all over the place. And we lose about 3 - 8% of our muscle each decade after age 30. This can be demotivating to women as they might not be able to do everything they used to. Empower-U allows them to ‘take themselves back’ and feel empowered through support, structure, and community.”
A Community of Strength and Support
In a recent Empower-U session, 21 women joined together, supporting each other through weekly accountability calls and a dedicated WhatsApp group. Here, members share recipes, ask for motivation, and celebrate their wins.
“The WhatsApp group was so engaging,” Jen shares. “Members were sharing their journeys, cheering each other on, and forming new friendships. It’s a community where women in similar phases of life can come together and feel understood.”
For women over 40, finding a gym experience where others are on the same path is rare. Today, about 90% of the 150 members are women over 45. The focus at Union Fitness isn’t on the scale or getting smaller; rather than striving to fit into jeans from years past, members are training for life and longevity.
Classes and More to Support a Healthier Life
Union Fitness offers small group strength training classes with six people or fewer, allowing coaches to provide individual attention and correct form. This approach helps prevent injury, especially for those new to weightlifting or returning after a break.
Beyond strength training, Union Fitness also emphasizes emotional wellness. Empower-U includes breath work, stretching, and meditation sessions that give members tools to cope with stress, improve mental health, and build resilience. With seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affecting about 5% of the population, especially during the winter months, these classes are a lifeline for staying positive and energized.
More Than Just a Gym
The team at Union Fitness goes above and beyond to create an environment that’s as welcoming as it is empowering. A massage therapist is now on staff, and the gym features a relaxation lounge—a space to unwind and connect with fellow members.
Union Fitness has a lasting impact on its members, which is clear from their commitment to the program. “No one from our last Empower-U group has left the gym,” Jen says. “They’ve all stayed on, which speaks to the power of this community.”
Union Fitness celebrates its six-year anniversary on January 18th, and the next Empower-U program kicks off on January 20th. For those looking to enter the new year with a renewed focus on health and well-being, it’s the perfect time to explore Union Fitness's opportunities.
Want to hear from others who have experienced the results from Empower-U firsthand? Danette shared, “The Empower-U Program is special because it welcomes women into a safe and supportive space without judgment. The coaches are amazing and support individuals in a way that honors their needs while building community. Not to mention that we have a lot of fun!”
Carrie said, “Since joining Union, my cholesterol and glucose levels are back to normal, and I have lost 65 lbs. I felt welcomed when I walked through the door and stayed because I was stronger and more confident, but, more importantly, I stayed for the community. The people genuinely care about you and want to see you succeed.”
Union Fitness isn’t just a gym; it’s a space where women over 40 can embrace health, fitness, and wellness in a way that fits their lives today. For more information or to join the next Empower-U session, reach out to jen@unionfitmn.com and discover a new way to thrive in 2025.