Cast of Characters

Nancy Stoneberg

Nancy is a certified personal trainer with nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness industry and several national body building awards under her belt. She serves as the “Fitness Guru” for Twin Cities Live and is a proud mother of three. Whether it was the extreme training and the discipline necessary to compete in national bodybuilding or the “step out of my comfort zone” and go “live” TV on a regular basis, it’s all important.

But the most important thing is to ask myself: “What have I said or done that defines me and separates me from all of the other fitness experts out there?” To this I’d have to say it’s the tapestry I’ve been woven into that makes me special. It’s the many lives I’ve allowed myself to be part of, by welcoming people into mine. I hope together we can truly find “Strength Beyond the Gym!”

Vicki Sobraske

Nancy changed my life’s course. I am grateful I walked through her door 13 years ago. My goal way back then??? Right before I turned 40?? It was to be “skinny”. I’ve wanted that since I was 12. I have since learned that it is more important to be lean and to maintain muscle. In the last 13 years I have been blessed by sharing in triumphs and struggles of the many women I met through Nancy’s little gym.

We have consumed more coffee together than anyone should be allowed to consume in a lifetime. We have shared it all. I cannot wait to meet you, and hear your challenges and successes. We are stronger when we support one another. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes all of us! Come along… you’ve got this!

Renee Benecke

Walking was always my deal. I thought I was in shape and walking was enough! I was even a walking race competitor. Then fourteen years ago, a friend mentioned a women’s facility was opening and my answer was “No, I don’t need a gym membership. I walk!” Two months later I went in and met Nancy and joined! Nancy’s knowledge and enthusiasm was encouraging and amazing! The gym was a place where I felt comfortable exercising. I met so many women of different ages, sizes and backgrounds.

The best thing was seeing women supporting each other and developing friendships. What was so apparent was that a community was developing! Now, I am thrilled to be “one of Nancy girls!” She is a friend beyond measure. What you see here is what I see when I walk through her door. Nancy wants to help everyone to become stronger as we move throughout the day. I think here at nancystoneberg.com we will have an encouraging community of people that help each other to live happy and healthy lives. I believe together we are “strength beyond the gym!

Kathleen Duffey

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Nancy Stoneberg by my sister Maureen. She thought I might be interested in Nancy’s new workout facility, knowing I would like her style. 14 years later and I couldn’t be more grateful for her advice!. I had always been pretty independent with my workouts, being active was normal part of life. I was a flight attendant for 23 years and have 3 children, I would squeeze workouts in when ever I could but as life became busier it wasn’t convenient to keep my workouts a priority.

A few years ago, the big 50 hit and I realized that exercise needed to be a priority again, more then ever! Thank goodness I did, at age 52 I was diagnosed with DCIS ductal carcinoma insitu, an early stage of breast cancer. I can’t tell you how many times the doctors would mention the importance of good health and how it specifically helped me in my situation. After a lumpectomy last May I opted not to do radiation or Tomoxafin and so far so good. I will continue my 5 to 6 workouts a week for my health and if I happen to lose a lb or two along the way that’s an extra bonus. Because of Nancy, I have a fabulous network of ladies who keep me accountable and focused on being healthy, having fun, and supporting each other in good times and in bad times. Please join us in our journey.

“Believe you can and you are half way there” – Theodore Roosevelt

Thomas S. Butler

Tom is the a coder, designer, and WordPress guru who developed this website. I’ve known Nancy for over 15 years and her family has always been a source of inspiration to me. I’m proud and honored to be part of her inner circle and to have played a role in this project. I’m a father and a geek. Generally, I work all the time. Even when I’m not working, I like to dabble with code and websites… there’s aways something new to learn.

My other interests include physics, black hole theory, Internet marketing, kittens and personal/spiritual development. I have big plans, hopes and dreams (like I want to bring back the age of zeppelins) but there is only so much time in every day. Nancy has helped me to realize that life is best when in balance and to get a bit of exercise every day – great advice! In my spare time, I like to sit quietly and wonder if anyone ever really reads bios.

Kelley DeSmit

Kelley DeSmit is a Minneapolis based photographer who has provided several images for this website. Years ago I recall my mom (Kathleen Duffey) telling me about this wonderful new fitness guru she met in Robbinsdale, more specifically I recall her saying, “Kelley, you have got to see her arms!” Well, I got to meet Nancy, and yes her arms were super impressive.

I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Nancy and all of the ladies through my mom. I generally tag along for workouts and parties, two things they are very good at planning. It’s helped me realize the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people who are interested in making you a better person. If you are interested in seeing more of my photography, you can stop over at my website and take a peek!

Jake Stoneberg

I should begin by saying, I grew up with the entire lower level of my house being a full size gym! 300 lb weight stacks, 100 lb dumbbells and equipment that most people would have no idea how to use!! It was normal! I assumed everyone had a gym in their basement! Not to mention a mom and dad that made exercise a priority in their lives! I remember when a new piece of equipment showed up it was like a new toy for us! Something we could play on like a knee-up rack or the bar on the smith machine to use like monkey bars.

It’s no surprise that at least one of us (meaning one of the 3 Stoneberg children) would make the choice to enter into the fitness industry. It happened to me and I’ve never regretted it! This career has allowed me to help people change their lives. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help in as big or little way necessary, it all matters. I’m thrilled to be a part of this business so we can reach out to so many people that are in need of our community and support!