TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics

Congratulations to our 2024 BELIEVE Award winners. The BELIEVE awards are an opportunity for our staff to nominate and vote for staff that exemplifies TNT’s core values daily.

-Outstanding Employee of the Year: Matt Swesey
Matt is constantly going above and beyond to make sure that the TNT building and the people inside are taken care of, even on days off or weekends. Matt is always willing to help anyone and everyone all while having a smile on his face.

-Unlock Potential Award: Leslie Frie
Day in and day out, Leslie is a walking and talking example of what TNT is all about. Not only does she live out our values herself, but she encourages and challenges everyone she encounters as well. Leslie really invests in helping everyone reach their potential.

-Mentor of the Year- Educator: Jon Lee
Jon is an incredibly dedicated coach to everyone here at TNT. It does not matter if you are an athlete or another coach, he’s always willing to help and offer some of his wisdom.

-Mentor of the Year- Administrative: Christi Hawley
What does someone at TNT do when they aren’t sure of something? Ask Christi! Christi goes above and beyond helping all staff and customers in any way she can. She’s always willing to be an ear, encourage others, as well as taking the time out of her busy schedule to invest in others.

-Rookie of the Year: Lauren Sekely
Since her first day at TNT, Lauren has immediately made an impact. As soon as she walks through the doors as her athletes are waiting for class to start the kids always yell “Lauren” and she responds with a huge smile on her face. Her upbeat personality and high energy are often contagious, she fits in very well!

The only drawback of the BELIEVE Awards is that we can only give out a limited number, because we have so many staff members that are deserving as well. Please help us celebrate our 2024 BELIEVE Award winners by liking and commenting on our post and congratulating them when you see them at the gym!

2024 Break the Barrier Spotlight: Champion - Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

Ever since Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota began following the Great Depression, they have been dedicated to helping people get affordable health care solutions to improve their health and well-being.
As they enter a new era of health care, BCBSND continues to transform the way health care is delivered and to make a meaningful difference for those they serve.

On behalf of everyone here at TNT, we want to give you a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. You are making a monumental impact on a daily basis.

to those action-packed summers at TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics! Back in the day, kids like Molly Dudley and Ethan Waterbury were part of the "No Bummer Summer" program, where staying active was the name of the game. From jumping on trampolines to taking nutrition classes and even tending a community garden, these kids learned that fitness could be fun. The program was so popular that there weren’t any openings until the next summer! With dedicated teachers like Nate Hendrickson and April Iverson, TNT created the ultimate playground for kids to stay fit, make friends, and boost their self-esteem.

Our registration system was down for a bit today but we are happy to announce it is back up and working!

Classes start in less than 2 weeks!

Need help registering? Call our Customer Service team at 701-551-5000.

Register today https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/tntkids

2024 Break the Barrier Spotlight: Champion - Alerus

Alerus Financial is a leading commercial wealth bank and national retirement services provider, offering a wide array of financial services such as commercial and business banking, consumer banking, mortgage, wealth management, and retirement and benefits services. Serving thousands of commercial and consumer clients across various industries, Alerus operates banking and wealth offices in Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, and Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals, Alerus upholds core values such as Passion for Excellence, Success is Never Final, Do the Right Thing, and One Alerus, guiding their mission to provide comprehensive advice and exceptional service.

On behalf of everyone here at TNT, we want to give you a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. You are making a monumental impact on a daily basis.

to when TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics was just starting out! 🏃‍♂️ Back in the day, 6th grader Scott Opatril was training hard in our acceleration conditioning program to boost his football skills. TNT's mission was clear: provide unique fitness opportunities for all kids, from recreational gymnastics to specialized programs for children with special needs. Kim Pladson, our executive director, spearheaded the launch in a former warehouse, serving nearly 1300 participants in the first year. The inclusive environment allowed kids like Sumara Rooks and Alivia Norris to thrive and find joy in physical activity. Here's to making fitness fun and accessible for everyone! 🤸‍♀️

Due to demand we have added a couple classes to our schedule!!

Lil Leapers: Tuesday 4:30pm

Tiny Tumblers: Tuesday 4:30pm

Ninja Minis: Monday 5:30pm, Tuesday 5:30pm, Tuesday 6:30pm

Advanced Girls: Tuesday 7:15pm, Wednesday 6:00pm

Register online for all our gymnastics and ninja classes today https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/tntkids

🌟 Meet Our Occupational Therapist and Trainer 🌟

Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started at TNT?
I grew up in West Fargo and was a level 10 gymnast before competing for four years in college at Texas Woman's University. I have been part of TNT since the beginning, helping with everything from setting up the gym to painting the outside of the building! I have a Master's in Occupational Therapy (OT), worked at Pediatric Partners for a couple of years, and transitioned to TNT as a full-time employee in 2015. I opened an outpatient OT clinic within TNT and provided therapy services. I am contracted through Fargo Public Schools as an OT, where I love teaching and sharing my passion for movement to support the IEP goals of our students.

How does your work contribute to the overall mission of TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics?
One aspect of my work is having the opportunity to play a part in our staff training. I implement strategies that not only grow the physical aspects but also the cognitive, social, emotional, and sensory aspects. Whether it's helping teach skills and activities for our 3-month-old Rockin Rollers, giving self-regulation strategies to our childcare programs, or providing education and being a resource for our staff and local college students, I aim to share my knowledge to help the next generation unlock potential through movement!

Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your time working at TNT?
One of my favorite memories is from the first year of ABLE Games. The Covid restrictions had just been lifted in Fargo, and we hosted our 1st Annual ABLE Games downtown under the lights of Broadway. The joy on the athletes' faces and the community's togetherness were incredibly inspiring. It still gives me chills to think about it!

What do you like to do in your free time when you're not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family at home, the lake, or the farm. I love being a mom and seeing the world through my two little girls' eyes! I also enjoy CrossFit, staying active with family workouts, reading, cooking, watching sports (SKOL Vikes), and playing with our dog, Millie.

Update: iClassPro is back up and running! If you run into any issues registering, our customer service team will be back in the office at 7:30am Tuesday!

Our registration system iClassPro is currently experiencing issues. If you have any questions or have issues registering please reach out to our customer service team at [email protected]. They will reach out and help you register.

You can view the schedule herehttps://www.tntkidsfitness.org/_files/ugd/b349f1_4db93dad20a54070b3e517228803233a.pdf

Thanks for your patience and we will let you know when it is back up and running fully.

2024 Break the Barrier Spotlight: Elite - Swanson Health

Swanson Cares is dedicated to fostering healthier communities by supporting various causes aligned with their values of health and wellness. They collaborate with organizations focusing on youth, the elderly, veterans, first responders, education, food banks, health-related causes, fitness programs, and critical needs. Through generous contributions from Swanson Health employees and customers, they provide financial aid and product donations to numerous organizations, ensuring that 100% of the funds raised directly benefit those in need. Notable beneficiaries include the American Red Cross, Vitamin Angels, YWCA of Cass Clay, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, among others. Swanson Cares emphasizes the significance of even small donations in making a meaningful impact and invites others to join their mission of creating healthier communities.

On behalf of everyone here at TNT, we want to give you a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. You are making a monumental impact on a daily basis.

Thank you to our Break the Barriers sponsor, First International Bank & Trust, for hosting groups of our No Bummer Summer students. On two separate days this summer, they showed our TNT Main and TNT South groups the ins and outs of their fantastic business. Whether it was trying to convince the staff to give them all their money, offering all their parents' money as a bribe, or having an impromptu Taylor Swift sing-along in the lobby, the kiddos had a lot of fun! While visiting the security boxes, we gained insight into what the NBS students would put into their boxes if they had one:

-Toys
-Pokémon Cards
-Candy
-Their pets
-Dinosaurs
-And so much more!

A special thank you to Bobbie, Lauren, Eric, Dontae, and everyone at First International Bank & Trust for being such great hosts! We're incredibly thankful for your generosity and support!

Registration is open for our recreational gymnastics and ninja classes!

We have classes for boys and girls starting at 3 months old!
Check out all of our class descriptions here https://www.tntkidsfitness.org/recreation

Register today at https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/tntkids

Customer Portal

to the early days of TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics! 🏆 Back in the day, a group of dedicated parents aimed to raise nearly $1 million to open a new gymnastics academy in Fargo. They transformed half of a former warehouse into a 20,000 sq. ft. facility focused on kids' fitness, health, and wellness. Led by Kim Pladson, the academy offered sports acceleration, recreational gymnastics, and inclusive fitness programs for all children, including those with disabilities. It was a game-changer for our community! 🤸‍♂️

Thank you to our Break the Barriers sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota , for hosting a large group of our No Bummer Summer students! The kids had a fantastic time continuing their movement with fun games and obstacle courses at a new location. Despite the heat, all the amazing BCBSND volunteers provided the kids with endless amounts of water to keep them hydrated. The kids had an absolute blast and loved the special BCBSND gift!

A very special thank you to Amber and all the BCBSND volunteers. As always, your energy and excitement were contagious, and we greatly appreciate it! Thank you for being such a great supporter and sponsor—we couldn't do what we do without your generosity.

🌟 Meet Our Coach 🌟
Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started at TNT?
I come from a small town in northern Minnesota. After spending 4 years in the Marine Corps, I fell in love with exercise and its impact. I attended MSUM for Health/Physical Education DAPE and worked in a therapeutic riding program before joining TNT in 2008.

What does your role at TNT involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a TNT employee contracted by Fargo Public Schools as a movement specialist. My role is to support students who haven't been successful in a typical educational setting. I help develop their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills through movement and a sensory gym. Building stable and consistent relationships with these students is incredibly rewarding.

Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your time working at TNT?
Over my 16 years at TNT, there have been many memorable moments. One that stands out is being considered a father figure directly by a student.

What do you like to do in your free time when you're not working?
I enjoy going to the lake with my family.

What makes TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics unique compared to other places you've worked?
At TNT, we consider the individual first and focus on who they will become through our programming and influence.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role at TNT?
I stay motivated by realizing the incredible opportunity we have every day to support individuals and their ability to contribute to society.

What future goals do you have for your department and your career at TNT?
My future goals include advocacy for TNT, our employees, clients, families, and the community.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our community about your experience at TNT?
Developing the next generation and supporting the current generation is not easy; it comes with great stress and challenges. It is something we do not take lightly, and we are willing to go through these challenges to support individuals and families.

What a GREAT Friday the kids at TNT’s No Bummer Summer had last week! They kicked off the day with a special treat from our friends at North Buffalo Wild Wings, who opened early to accommodate about 50 kids and staff. Thanks to the incredible kindness and generosity of Kathryn and the Buffalo Wild Wings staff, the students and staff enjoyed a delicious meal before heading to a very special field trip to the North Dakota Air Force Base to meet the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

With their bellies full of Buffalo Wild Wings, the students and staff received special security clearance and were welcomed by some of the Blue Angels pilots. The large group was split into two smaller groups to attend presentations and ask questions. Group one met Commander Thomas Zimmerman to learn about Blue Angels plane #7, while group two met Staff Sergeant Matt Thompson and the plane "Fat Albert." Then, the groups switched. As seen in the photos, the students got to board the “Fat Albert” plane (no worries, the planes stayed grounded). After the presentations, the kids had the chance to take pictures with the staff and the planes.

Overall, it was a very special experience that I believe the kids and staff will cherish for a long time.

A very special thank you to Officer Fred Gray NTAG Northern Plains for assisting us in the process of providing this opportunity for the kids. Big thank You's to Staff Sergeant Thompson and Commander Zimmerman for being such great hosts and teaching the students about the Blue Angels and their planes. A heartfelt thank you to Kathryn at LaHaise Management for being the driving force in setting up this opportunity for TNT. We’re incredibly thankful for everyone who helped make this field trip possible.

It's almost go time in Paris for the US Women!

Congrats the the US Men's team for winning BRONZE at the team final yesterday. 🥉We are ready to watch the women compete for a medal of their own today!

We're streaming gymnastics live at the gym at 11:15am and replaying the event during primetime tonight!

Let's go USA! 🇺🇸

Pressure is a Privilege.

➡️ Women’s Team Final
➡️ 6:15pm local / 12:15pm ET
➡️ LIVE on NBC & Peacock

Who's ready to cheer on the men today? WE ARE!

We will be streaming the action in Paris in our lobby all week! Check out the men preform while watching your child at class!

GO USA! 🇺🇸🤸‍♂️

TIME TO FINISH STRONG.

WATCH LIVE ➡️ NBC & PEACOCK
LIVE SCORES ➡️ https://live.gymnastics.sport/live/Paris2024/mensfinal.php?app=tm

2024 Break the Barrier Spotlight: Premier - Laney's Inc.

Laney's is a locally-owned company delivering a variety of home comfort services including heating, cooling, plumbing, indoor air quality, and water treatment services. Laney’s Inc. has been committed to ensuring the indoor comfort and safety of our neighbors in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and surrounding areas since 1960.

On behalf of everyone here at TNT, we want to give you a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. You are making a monumental impact on a daily basis.

Honoring the superheroes of everyday life.❤️ Happy Parent's Day to all who nurture, guide, and love unconditionally! Your dedication shapes futures and your love moves mountains. Today, we celebrate you and all you do!😊

Thank you to Kaley, Alex and the staff at our Break the Barriers sponsor Sign Badgers for showing our TNT Main No Bummer Summer kids all the cool things that you do! The kids and their water bottles also wanted to say thank you for all those awesome stickers the kids went home with. I think you have a best seller if you make a sticker of the “It smells like the future in here”, I’m pretty sure the NBS student didn’t trademark it.

On the tour, the students got to learn about the different signs Sign Badgers makes, that the Scheels candy store is named “Fuzziwigs” (a sign again you made), as well saw a laser printer that printed and also looked at a bunch of different name tags you created for business all over the area. My heart definitely skipped a beat when I heard someone ask the K-2 student group “Do you guys like Sandy’s”. But if you asked half the students what the BEST part of their tour at Sign Badgers, they’d all say Benny the Badger! Not exaggerating, the kids would not leave his side!

Thank you again for hosting our No Bummer Summer kids, and for all the support you’ve given to TNT as a Break the Barrier sponsor. We’re incredibly grateful.

Congratulations to Jaelyn Stetz on her commitment to Eastern Michigan University for gymnastics! Best of luck on collegiate endeavors and go Eagles!

🌟 Meet Our Coach 🌟

Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started here?
My name is Kelly, and I am the Competitive Department Manager for TNT Kid’s Fitness and Gymnastics. This fall, I will have invested 14 years at TNT, and I have loved every second!

What do you enjoy most about coaching at TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics?
My passion for gymnastics is deeply rooted in the competitive program. The dedication required from coaches and athletes alike is inspiring, and I am honored to be a part of their journey in any capacity. I also love coaching Parent Tot classes! Preschool classes bring so much energy to the gym. They are some of my favorites to teach, and let’s not forget - every competitive athlete was once a Jr. Jumper just excited to “play gymnastics.”

What makes TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics unique compared to other gyms?
I’m so excited for the Olympics in the next coming weeks – a true showing of passion and commitment to mastering a sport. The Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics Competition will be my “must watch,” but I’ll be cheering on the rest of the athletes in their respective sports as well. GO TEAM USA!

Thank you to our gracious host and Break the Barrier sponsor Laney's Inc. for showing our No Bummer Summer students all the great things you do for the residents and businesses in the Fargo Moorhead area! If it wasn’t for you, TNT would be either an incredibly hot or incredibly cold place to be every day.

A special thank you to our tour guides Jodi, Melissa, Kari and all the fantastic staff for teaching us so many very useful things. Useful facts such as:
• Only toilet paper gets flush down toilets, not Mom hair or dinosaurs.
• Laney’s has a camera that will go down toilets and they will find out if you do flush any toys down the toilet, and when your parents get the bill, they will not be happy because it is expensive!
• Mario and Luigi are in fact plumbers.
• There are over 800,000 parts in Laney’s warehouse
• Be sure to stay FAR out of the marshmallow shooting zone (those things can really fly)
• Laney’s makes great popcorn!

Again, thank you so much for hosting both TNT Main and TNT South on three separate tours! We had an absolute blast learning about the ins and outs of HVAC and making marshmallow shooters. Thank you so much for all the support you have given TNT over the years as one of our incredible sponsors!

2024 Break the Barrier Spotlight: Premier - General Equipment & Supplies, Inc.

Founded in 1984 by four former General Diesel and Equipment employees, General Equipment & Supplies specializes in providing heavy construction and aggregate equipment to industries such as construction, mining, and oil exploration, as well as municipal governments in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. From humble beginnings with one location and 22 employees, we have expanded to over 250 employees across 10 U.S. located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. General Equipment even operates two locations in Canada, in Regina, SK, and Winnipeg, MB.

On behalf of everyone here at TNT, we want to give you a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. You are making a monumental impact on a daily basis.

Registration is just about to begin for our recreational gymnastics and ninja classes! We've made some exciting updates to our class names and descriptions:

• NEW CLASS - Mini Movers: A class for early walkers – confident walkers, serving as a transition from Curious Crawlers to Wiggly Walkers or for those new to gymnastics.

• NEW NAME – Kinder Kids (Previously Kinder Boys & Kinder Girls)

• NEW NAME - Intermediate Girls (Previously Advanced Beginner Girls)

• NEW NAME - Advanced Girls (Previously Intermediate & Advanced Girls)

Priority Registration - July 22
Public Registration - July 29

Check out all of our class descriptions here https://www.tntkidsfitness.org/recreation

Sneak peak the schedule for classes (August 26 - May 23) herehttps://www.tntkidsfitness.org/_files/ugd/b349f1_38872920d7d54bb7b4a364d4b46b0216.pdf

🌟 Meet Our Coach! 🌟

Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started here?
I am currently the Ninja Lead, but I began working at TNT after completing an internship in 2019. As part of the exercise science program at MSUM, we are required to have an internship. My professor got me in touch with Nate. During this opportunity, I found the diversity of participants and programs here at TNT to be something I wanted to continue working with.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?
My favorite class to teach is either Ninja or the adaptive fitness classes. It is fun to work with people of all ability levels, and I enjoy the challenge of modifying a skill or task in several different ways so everyone can be successful.

Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your time working here?
During my internship, Nate and I worked with a child who liked to run away, was nonverbal, and struggled to follow directions. As we worked with him, we learned his interests and strengths, using those to improve his coordination and communication. A few months ago, I saw him at one of the ninja gyms. He is now verbal and doing really well in ninja and school!

What do you like to do in your free time when you're not working?
In my free time, I like to work out, do ninja, spend time with my cat Vivien, and rock climb.

Share your favorite story or photo of Coach Rachel!

Thank you to Andy and his team at Gateway Building Systems Inc. for hosting our No Bummer Summer Main Campus kids yesterday! It was great to hear an insight on everything you do from building grain bins to working on building all over North Dakota and Minnesota (including TNT’s building). If you do, however, want to expand and try building a hotel, one of the kids definitely recommend building it by their house!
Special thanks to Ron, Michael, Larry and Chris for your presentations, the kids definitely brought home some great information:
• Safety is important on the job site just like when riding a bike
• Corn is used to make Fritos and Doritos and the importance of which flavor is better blue or red
• Kids love corn on the cob and that its different than what’s in the grain bins
• Grain bins are built from the top down
• That Chris would get along with a student’s dad because “his name is Chris, and he builds things too”
• And that there are special cups that when filled with cold water can turn blue!

Thank you again for hosting TNT’s No Bummer Summer kids! And if any other businesses are interested in hosting our students on a tour to learn about your business, please reach out to us!

A look into a No Bummer Summer field trip!☀️ This week-long program, all-day adventures blends physical activity in a learning environment.

Check out our No Bummer Summer Camp at TNT South! A great convenient location where kids enjoy a variety of field trips, visits to the pool, parks, and local businesses!😊

Learn more about our TNT South No Bummer Summer Program here https://www.tntkidsfitness.org/explorer-academy.