Our Story
As you may have guessed from our name Garage1880 started in an actual garage. But before we were even in a garage, our founder Allie Knobbe was working at training studios, commercial gyms, and building up her own clientele through social media. As Allie worked at different studios and gyms she saw the same pattern over and over again: Trainers were not able to make enough money when they got started to pay for basic needs, so they picked up side jobs. This led to trainers having little energy to focus on their personal training clients and eventually quitting personal training for something that could pay the bills. When trainers left many of their clients would leave the gym creating a lose/lose. The gyms lost passionate trainers and usually a book of clients and the trainers had to leave a job they loved for a job that covered their cost of living.
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Eventually Allie too got sick of working at commercial gyms that treated trainers poorly and converted her garage into a temporary training space. After about a year of her garage gym going better than she anticipated she began to look for a space to rent.
Allie opened Garage1880 with the vision of being able to provide the highest quality training by attracting the highest quality trainers.
The best way to do that? Pay a fair and livable wage day one. Provide high quality continuing education, create a team environment with monthly seminars and create the standard of listening to clients and addressing needs on a personalized, case-by-case, basis.
We take care of our trainers so they can take care of you!
Veronica Attanasio
Personal Training Director
Veronica specializes in muscular endurance, strength, and hypertrophy training. Originally from Miami, FL, Veronica trained at Equinox as a Tier3+ trainer. Veronica's favorite part of strength training is when her clients realize how rewarding and fun weightlifting can be. Regeneration is just as important to the human body as is strength training. She will make sure you're getting sufficient enough rest, sleep, and nutrition to hit your goals. On her days off, you can find her at the gym, local brewery, reading, or most likely taking a nap.
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Certs: AFPA, NASM, PNL1, PPSC, AED, CPR
Rebekah Mclain
Lead Trainer
With nearly ten years of experience, Rebekah specializes in strength and hypertrophy training. She also has experience helping endurance athletes optimize their gym workouts. Rebekah is all about cheering on the little victories and making sure you realize just how capable you truly are. She's not just about creating healthy habits; she's all about helping you make real, lasting changes. Rebekah will be your guide to becoming the strongest, fittest version of yourself!
In her free time, she enjoys being at the gym, running, reading, or netflix and chilling.
Certs: PNL1, AFPA, Strength & Conditioning Specialist, AED, CPR
Aaron Earley
Trainer
Aaron brings an emphasis in movement based training, specializing in functional workouts to improve athletic performance for everyday life and reducing risk of injury. Transitioning from a career in social work, Aaron aspires to create an approachable, judgement free space where clients can feel empowered to challenge themselves and reach their fitness goals. In his free time, Aaron enjoys adventuring in the mountains, live music, and as a Kansas City transplant, celebrating Super Bowls (Sorry, Broncos' fans).
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Certs: NASM, AED, CPR
Lillie
Trainer
Lillie, originally from Louisiana, holds a degree in kinesiology and is a former pilates instructor who has a deep passion for health and fitness. She is dedicated to inspiring others to become the healthiest versions of themselves and to embrace the journey towards their goals. Lillie excels at meeting clients where they are and guiding them to achieve their personal best. When she's not at the gym, you might find her enjoying the outdoors, hiking, cooking, attending concerts, or traveling!
Certs: NASM, AED, CPR, Holistic Health Coach
Walter
Trainer
Originally from Bakersfield, California, Walter attended Ripon College in Wisconsin, where he played football for five years. During his time at Ripon, he achieved a Midwest Conference Championship in the 2023 season. He earned a bachelor's degree in Human Performance with minors in Coaching and Strength and Conditioning. After college, Walter returned to Bakersfield to obtain his NSCA personal training certification in July.
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Walter is deeply passionate about sports and physical fitness and is committed to helping others achieve their goals. ​
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Certs: NSCA, Coaching & Strength & Conditioning
Joan
Trainer
Joan’s fitness journey began as a competitive gymnast and evolved into a passion for health and wellness. She took up weightlifting seven years ago, initially to support her mental wellbeing during a challenging time. Over the years, it has transformed her mind, health, and confidence. Joan champions a sustainable, holistic approach to fitness, steering clear of industry gimmicks and quick fixes.
Outside the gym, Joan loves exploring new restaurants, enjoying live music, and reconnecting with her gymnastics roots through aerial dancing. She’s also an outdoor enthusiast, whether relaxing in the park with friends or soaking in nature’s beauty.
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Certs: NASM, AED, CPR
Allie Knobbe
Owner/Trainer
Allie's training career has been focused on helping women achieve confidence through strength training. Allie first became interested in training when she did her original training certification hoping to learn how to navigate all of the wellness misinformation presented online. With some trial and error Allie realized, when she shifted her focus away from quick fixes and weight, to what she could sustainably do and what made her body feel good she not only felt better but also started to see the physical results she had been chasing. Allie now aims to help other women see past the fitness industry's "BS" and move their focus from how they look to how they feel. She believes the best way to help clients have a positive training experience is to help facilitate a positive relationship with food and exercise.
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Allie specializes in women's strength, pre and post-natal and mobility training.
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Certs: NASM, PN L1, AFPA, AED, CPR
