As someone who started working out at Badger Den Strength with little to no experience lifting weights, I cannot recommend them enough!Shawn creates an atmosphere that is welcoming while encouraging you to push your limits. He provides detailed instruction about the micro-movements/form of each exercise in a clear manner which enables you to understand the exercises and the muscles they are targeting. He also creates daily workouts with enough variance to stay engaged throughout the hour as well as after months of training.If you are interested in improving your fitness beyond the group classes, I spent ~10 weeks learned to box with Shawn in personal training sessions. I went from no knowledge of how to throw a punch to understand my strategic advantages as well as how to move through a short take-down series.Give Badger Den Strength a chance and you wont be disappointed!

One of the best Gyms Ive trained at! Its small group training, but Shawn tailored my program to my goals and specific situation. The coaches were always willing to help me correct my form and provide additional insight into all things fitness.

I am so happy to have found Shawn and this gym. Its my idea of what a team should look like along with the leadership and training that is always present during our group trainings. I highly recommend this gym to anyone - just come ready to work!!!

Badger Den is far and away the most supportive, inclusive gym community Ive ever been a part of. It doesnt matter your age, gender, experience or current fitness level the staff/coaches will assist you in every way to help you reach your goals.I cant say enough good things about Shawn and his team of coaches. If youve been going to a gym for years or have never been in your life, youll find patient, expert coaches at Badger Den.

Shawn and the community at Badger Den Strength is the gym I have been looking most of my adult life. From day one I felt welcomed and fully supported by everyone Shawn especially. The programming is amazing!!! Shawn does an incredible job putting together well rounded programs. One would never get bored at Badger Den Strength. It is the best part of my day!!!

Shawn and his staff have made such a difference in my fitness! Im a 52 year old female. I came in struggling for 1.5 years with a torn hip labrum. No amount of PT helped my pain levels or enabled me to get back to squatting or running. Shawns patient and structured approach has been nothing short of a miracle. By following his instructions I have been able to get back to squatting and deadlifting and am happy to say that Im back running again for the first time in a year! Thank you, Shawn and Team!!!

I was a newbie to strength training before joining BDS and I’m so glad I did. Shawn is super knowledgeable and the gym is welcoming to all and has a great sense of community. I’m in better shape now than I was 20 years ago and feel more confident in my skin - the programming here works!

Ive always considered myself a fairly active guy, but as I get older and as a father of a young toddler, its harder to keep that energy up that I had in my 20s and 30s. I had been taken some personal training at a local gym previously as well as did classes at Orange Theory Fitness. So Ive done it before and I had some fitness in my background and thought I knew how to lift weights. I joined Badger Den because I was curious about the new gym in the neighborhood.Two years later, Im in the best shape of my life, Ive gotten rid of the back pain that was plaguing me at night, and Ive got more energy than Ive ever had before. Badger Den Strength has been the most important factor in that. From the variety of workouts we do to the nutrition counseling to help make sure Im eating right to the support of the small group classes where it really feels like everyone is in it together to the personal attention we get from the coach, I finally feel like I know how to lift weights. But more important than that, I feel great. Its a program that fits into my schedule and thats consistently challenging while still being do-able.Plus, for the kind of workout you get and all the training attention you get, it is a great value for the monthly membership. There are all skill and fitness levels in our classes, but the common denominator and the only thing that mattters is everyone is giving it their all.Badger Den has challenged me to be my best and I heartily recommend training there to anyone looking to get in shape or even just make a positive change in their lives.

Shawn is one of the smartest and experienced coaches out there. Listen to him. Stay dedicated. You’ll get the results you want.

Shawn is a great motivator who is willing to work with all levels and bring out the potential in everyone. He is creative and always coming up with new themes to keep things interesting.

Not only is this a great gym with LOADS of personal attention but during covid I felt safe and taken care of. This is not some muscle gym. This is a healthy space with well-rounded exercises.

Can’t recommend this place enough! Personal attention from coaches who emphasize technique, safety, and commitment to fitness. Shawn knows everyone by name and makes you feel welcome whether it’s your 1st or 500th time in a gym.

Fantastic coaching and workout. I can’t remember the last time I had that much personal attention in a class. Kudos to Shawn! Look forward to going back.

Coming from a crossfit background I wasnt sure what to expect. I found amazing programming, attentive coaching and a great community at a lower price than my old gym. I cannot recommend the badger den enough.

Badger Den is a great place to achieve your fitness and strength goals. Shawn is really knowledgeable and the other members are all really welcoming and supportive.

I have been going to Badger Den Strength for about a year. Shawns coaching and thoughtful programming have helped me get stronger than Ive ever been. I could not have done this on my own. Hes also helped me dial in my nutrition and change my body composition. I think its more than worth it and only wish Id found this place sooner. Id recommend this gym to anyone looking to improve their fitness, whether you have little experience working out or have an athletic background. There is programming for everyone. Everyone a the gym is really nice and supportive. Its a great community.

I heard good things about Badger Den while passing through Madison and decided to drop in for a class. Not only was I impressed by Shawns keenness to quickly assess my ability and scope the days workout to my needs, but I was also struck by the community and welcoming-nature of everyone else at the gym. I will absolutely stop back in if Im ever visiting Madison in the future.

I started here just a few months ago with no strength training experience, and I love it. Shawn is a great teacher and motivator. There is a friendly and supportive community built around this gym that youre not going to find anywhere else. Im thrilled at the progress Ive made so far, and Im excited for how much further I can go. I cant recommend it enough.

Love these guys and the atmosphere of the gym- I feel welcome and supported even though I am not the most consistent or in-shape gym goer. Every work out is very customizable, although some (Elements classes) geared more towards beginners/ slower pace.

Great place to workout and get top-notch training.

Agreeing with very positive reviews below, this is one of the best functional training gyms I’ve ever been to in the world. Personalized, upbeat, encouraging coaching that pushes athletes to the next level. Encouraging others to check it out!

Badger Den Strength’s approach is welcoming, supportive and I consider my membership a strong investment in myself. I have trained with other gyms, and with few exceptions have I found an approach that really works for me like BDS does. I really appreciate Shawn’s leadership, detailed training program, and I feel that he cares about my fitness and life goals.After just one month, I feel stronger, more fit and tone. I also don’t get winded taking the stairs, and feel more comfortable in my clothes. He also gives a free class on Saturdays to sample it out.

Shawn is a skilled coach and trainer. Ive been to other gyms and tried online programs, and Ive had the best experience at Badger Den. The community is supportive and non-competitive, yet its definitely a place you can get pushed-- in a good way. I appreciate Shawns keen eye for form; hes always offering feedback and encouragement, and has tons of knowledge to share. The programming is intelligent, combining strength and conditioning with mobility and corrective lifts to address strength imbalances and build more efficient movement patterns. So glad I checked it out!

The workouts change regularly and are great for all around strength and conditioning. Shawn provides good one on one attention and the workouts can be customized to each members skill or fitness level. Hes always willing to teach new moves and concepts and encourages members to track and work to improve their numbers.

Ive been going to Badger Den for over a year now. I love the classes, the people who I work out with and Shawn is a fantastic trainer. He knows how to push you just hard enough. It reminds me of highschool sports and I like that. Class sizes are small, people are friendly, and you will get strong. Strong enough to lift your nieces and nephews and fast enough to outrun them!

I love going to the Badger Den! Shawn has helped me increase my strength, technique, and confidence in a short period of time. I would totally recommend giving Badger Den a whirl for people that want a new angle on fitness or want to get back into weights! A totally accessible, welcoming, and judgement-free space!

Ive been going to the Badger Den since February of 2018, and can see results already! Shawn is a great trainer and tailors the work out to your level and needs. I like that every work out incorporates both strength and conditioning, and that there are a variety of exercises to keep it interesting. I will definitely continue to go - Id recommend anyone of any fitness level to check it out!

I appreciate Shawns ability to focus on each person that comes to his gym on an individual level. He takes the time to understand what you want to work on and learn and it makes your experience a lot more personal.His Saturday morning free classes are the best deal in the area and the perfect way to try out the gym and meet new neighbors. Its an incredible workout and I leave absolutely exhausted but feel AMAZING!

It had been several years since I had incorporated any weight training into my exercise regime, so I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into my first class. I quickly realized that Shawn’s program was a different breed. His functional approach to strength and conditioning is a fantastic example of how training can be fun, challenging, and super rewarding. The workouts are set up to allow members at all levels of fitness gain stregth and confidence while progressing toward personal goals. He prepares each class so that every movement has a purpose. I really appreciate the attention to the warm up, cool down, and recovery aspects of the training.

Excellent training with a focus on technique and overall strengthening, without neglecting flexibility. Ive gotten so much out of my membership here, with the added sense of community to boot!

Shawn believed in me even when I didnt. I never achieved gains like the ones I gained while working with him. You cant put a price tag on that. If I ever relocate back to Madison I know where Im going to work out. 5+ stars.

I started at Badger Den after I tore my acl and was looking for personal training to help me continue to exercise/ keep motivated while recovering from my ACL surgery. I really appreciated how Shawn kept me motivated and helped me find exercises I could do while my knee was in a leg brace. I have also been coming to the group classes and Shawn is really great about helping me tailor the workout to what I am able to do with my leg. Shawn is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend checking out this awesome local gym!

Great training community in the group classes, and the coaching is tailored to the individual so it feels more like personal training. Im making gains on my strength goals while also getting great overall conditioning.

Shawn is a great trainer! Great workouts customized to where you are, and lots of individual attention. I feel so much stronger.

**UPDATE** If youre looking for a place to stay in shape during COVID, this is the place. Shawn takes great care to follow all guidelines and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels comfortable.After being in the Army, I swore off going to the gym because I felt burned out. I started going to Badger Den and working with coach Shawn in January 2018. He plans each session so that its easy to follow and new every day/week. Shawn makes every hour I spend at Badger Den worth my time and I highly recommend checking this place out if youre looking for a new place to train.

This is a great gym! Shawn is an excellent an knowledgeable trainer. The classes are fun and friendly.

I really enjoy all that I’m learning about the body during my workouts. Also, I like how Shawn is very intentional and precise with his coaching.

I can’t say enough good things about Sean’s gym. I am a 59 year-old man who let things slide for a while, had some chronic pain, worried a lot about various injuries - in fact, over the past 10 years I HAVE injured myself working out with weights and started to shy away from... all kinds of physical things. I decided to try something new and joined Badger Den Strength in July. Fast forward: this morning (before work) I deadlifted not only CONSIDERABLY MORE than I ever have before, but considerably more than I ever THOUGHT I could lift. I lift more than I ever have before every week. Thanks Sean!!!

Such a great place, Shawn always help me and is very supportive and motivates me to be my best self.

Shawn really knows his stuff! He adapts each workout to fit the individual and the results are awesome!!

Shawn trained me in college and lost the most weight I ever lost with him. Great trainer and motivator.

My advice - you should definitely give Badger Den a try if youre interested in gaining strength, learning and improving technique, and feeling like a badass in general. They have free trial classes on Saturdays. Theres literally no reason not to try it out.Ive been working out with BDS since this summer, and am very glad I did. Id never lifted with barbells before. It was intimidating to start and occasionally frustrating to learn, but ultimately is incredibly satisfying to see my strength improve week after week.Shawn does an excellent job providing instruction and motivation - especially when he can tell its needed. He modifies moves to fit your comfort level, but also helps push you to improve (in a positive way).In short, BDS is a real fitness gem. You should totally work out there.

Shawn is a great coach and Ive gained a lot of strength since starting at this gym. The strength training is consistent and deliberate and theres a nice mix of metcons to keep things fresh.

Shawn is great and motivating. Love having my workout planned out and just being told what to do and how to do it to be successful.

The feedback is what initially attracted me to badger den. Over a year in, the coaching has continued so I continue too!

Great trainer, great local