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Meet our Instructors & Owners
PROUDLY A WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS

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Michelle Moore
OWNER & FOUNDER

 

This gym began as a backyard bootcamp fueled by Michelle's sheer force of will and a passion for functional movement. A self-proclaimed "form freak" who spent years preaching TRX, she built this community on the belief that fitness is about taking care of yourself, gaining flexibility, and helping your body FEEL better.
As the founder and driving force behind our mission, Michelle remains dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space for everyone. While she now focuses her energy on the big-picture vision and behind-the-scenes operations, her high standards for form and function are the heartbeat of the studio. She works closely with Lindsey and the team to ensure that the unique, high-energy environment she created continues to thrive for every member who walks through our doors!

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Toni DauWalter
OWNER- PHYSICAL THERAPIST 

We thank the Ely gods every day for luring Toni and her husband to our community! As a licensed Physical Therapist with a career dedicated to sports medicine, Toni brings an elite level of expertise to our team. She has spent her career helping athletes recover and perform at their peak, and her passion for injury prevention and body mechanics is the perfect final piece to our gym’s puzzle.

When she isn’t sharing her talent for sports medicine, Toni is likely off exploring the world. An avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, she stays incredibly active and embodies the "healthy for life" philosophy we value here. Whether she’s navigating a new trail or helping you understand your own body's resilience, Toni’s wealth of knowledge and adventurous spirit are an inspiration to us all!

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Lindsey Dare
GENERAL MANAGER
PERSONAL TRAINER
CLASS INSTRUCTOR

With a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota and 15 years of coaching experience—ranging from Division 1 athletes to fitness first-timers—Lindsey is the engine that ensures the gym runs smoothly and everyone feels at home. As an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and our Gym Manager, her primary focus is overseeing day-to-day operations and serving as the go-to resource for the entire gym community.

While she maintains a background in high-level athletic coaching, Lindsey’s true passion is fostering a non-intimidating space for beginners, especially women, to start their weightlifting journey. You’ll find her leading Body Boost, summer Boot Camp, and private barbell classes, as well as working with a select group of personal training clients. Whether you have a technical question or just need a hand around the gym, Lindsey is your first point of contact and is happy to help!

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Carly Curtiss
CORRECTIVE THERAPIST

Credential-heavy and recovery-focused! Carly pairs her Health & Exercise Science degree with NASM certifications in Nutrition and Personal Training to provide a holistic approach to wellness. These days, you’ll find her specializing in Corrective Massage and short-term corrective work—perfect for those looking to iron out the kinks and get back to peak performance.

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Kristian Nelson
PERSONAL TRAINER

GROUP CLASS INSTRUCTOR

A lifelong athlete with a background in soccer and lacrosse, Kristian has spent years mastering everything from Olympic lifting and bodybuilding to martial arts and parkour. With four years of extensive training experience, he specializes in focused one-on-one sessions.
As an ATG Level 1 Certified Coach, Kristian integrates elite-level mobility and strength principles into his training philosophy. He is dedicated to helping clients build balanced, resilient, and injury-resistant bodies that can handle whatever life throws at them. Whether you’re looking to master your mobility or bulletproof your joints, Kristian has the expertise to get you there!

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Tim Wilbur
PERSONAL TRAINER
TRX INSTRUCTOR

Meet our newest trainer, Tim Wilbur! An outdoor enthusiast and former college athlete, Tim brings a high-energy, NASM-certified approach to the gym floor. Don’t let his background intimidate you—his friendly demeanor makes him the perfect coach for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're hitting his TRX class or working one-on-one, Tim is ready to help you crush your goals with a smile!

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Dafne Caruso
SPIN INSTRUCTOR

Latin blood and a sassy energy sums up our Dafne. A lifetime obsession with weight lifting and spin, her energetic and FUN class will keep you spinning to the beat. You might even catch yourself smiling through your sweat for the entire class.

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Autumn Cole
SPIN INSTRUCTOR

Autumns energy and effort is unmatched. 
Join her storytelling music and amazing workout spin classes! This lady will inspire you all while making you sweat!

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Susan Polege
SOMA YOGA INSTRUCTOR
SPIN CLASS INSTRUCTOR

Susan is an avid outdoor enthusiast! If she's not spinning in the studio, she's off biking the country.
She has brought Soma Yoga to our class list, as she also works for Yoga North in Duluth remotely. With an abundance of energy she knows her stuff and does it all with a smile on!

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Kelly Noble
GRIIT CLASS INSTRUCTOR

Full of energy and life, Kelly is a ray of sunshine in the gym. BUT don't let this sweet face fool you, she is an ass kicker. She loves HIIT type workouts and knows how to make sure her group is sweating quicker than anything!

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Ian Lah
SPIN INSTRUCTOR

Ian's obsession with spin turned into a love of teaching. Our professional actor/author of a Good Life/ spin instructor is a man of many talents! And if we haven't sold you on his perfection yet, add that he's an amazing human with an incredible zest for a healthy lifestyle!

Functional Fitness 

760 Miners Drive E. Ely, MN 

call or text: 1-218-206-6655   

office@functionalfitnessely.com

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OFFICE HOURS:

mon - sat: most mornings + late afternoons.

not sundays, they are our day of rest! 

**call or text ahead for most

accurate office hours.

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