About Us

Minnesota’s Premier Sports Development and Training Center – First Athlete was designed with the high performance athlete in mind.  First Athlete offers individual athletes, teams, and groups the latest state-of-the art equipment and professional services at a world–class level. It’s what puts the word “FIRST”– in First Athlete. First Athlete offers the most comprehensive performance enhancement training, reconditioning, and personal training in Minnesota. First Athlete is a results- driven approach that covers every aspect necessary to achieving your goals, whether they involve sports performance, weight loss, or a healthier lifestyle.

Time and effort spent training at First Athlete will translate into peak performance in any athlete’s respective sport. If you are looking to lose weight or need a jumpstart to getting back in shape, our team of the top professionals in their field will provide the knowledge and the means necessary to help you become fit and stay that way. For athletes recovering from an injury or surgery, we offer a wealth of knowledge and training experience with our First Athlete Performance Staff, our In-House Physical Therapist, Exercise Physiologist,  and Massage Therapists. First Athlete is an Industry Leader when it comes to Hockey Treadmill Training. First Athlete takes the Skating Treadmill to another level. First Athletes Skating Treadmill System is the first of its kind in Minnesota. Using 2 Woodway Blade treadmills side by side attached to Minnesota’s largest multi-tasking Skating Synthetic Ice Surface.  First Athlete can offer programs matched by no one.

What can you expect?

First Athlete’s philosophy advocates the development of efficient motor skills and muscle activation patterns progressing into dynamic motion.  With an emphasis on developing lombo-pelvic stability, First Athlete’s proven and scientifically designed programs will be able to improve glide pattern positioning for skating and improve functional movement patterns for all sports.  Faster, stronger and more proficient athletes will be the outcome of our training.

Athletes are tested on a regular basis to insure proper training loads.  Participants will also receive homework programs to train outside of the facility (6 workouts per week) via XL ATHLETE to maximize their training.  Athletes will also receive information on mental preparation and nutrition during the program.

And More

1st Hockey’s nearly 20,000 sq. ft. facility has been designed to truly accommodate the athlete in his or her pursuit of excellence. At 1st Hockey there is an attention to detail that will be appreciated by all who venture in from the beginning athlete to the seasoned professional. 1st Hockey offers the latest in high performance treadmills Minnesota’s only Duel Skating Treadmill and Multi-tasking Training area, Keisers, stacks, medicine balls, free weights, and a turf field. All this combined with scientifically designed programs with proven results from Cal Dietz and Kevin Ziegler, separates 1st Hockey from the rest of the field.

1st Hockey also offers programs in gaining the mental edge for sports, vision training, sports specific physiological testing With Dr. Dan Halvorsen, Physical Therapy with Jim Olson and Motion Care, and Dr. Pat O’Brian and Health Architects. 1st Hockey is your “One-Stop” shop to optimal Sports Training.

1st Hockey is an Industry Leader when it comes to Hockey Treadmill Training. 1st Hockey takes the Skating Treadmill to another level. 1st Hockeys Skating Treadmill System is the first of its kind in Minnesota. Using 2 Woodway Blade treadmills side by side attached to a multi-tasking Skating Surface 1st Hockey can offer programs matched by no one. 1st Hockey has programs for the beginning skater all the way to the most seasoned professionals. At 1st Hockey players can start out with glide platform training move to edge awareness training and advance to multi-tasking (skating – shooting – and passing all while your feet are moving) to vision enhancement training. 1st Hockey along with Dr. Dan Halvorsen also offer some of the latest performance testing, and cardio training done on the Skating Treadmill.