Today we’d like to introduce you to Chen Levy
Hi Chen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Eight years ago, I moved to the U.S. with my family, and right across the street from our new home was a CrossFit gym. I had never really done CrossFit before, but like many, I’d spent years trying different fitness programs, hoping to look good and stay in shape. But CrossFit was different—it tapped into my competitive nature and was more about functional fitness and overall health, rather than just aesthetics. With three young kids under two, I needed as much support as possible to stay fit and healthy.
After three years of participating, I truly believed in the power of CrossFit and the way it could help others. I approached the owner, who was also a friend, to see if I could buy into the business. With my marketing background, I knew I could help grow the gym and reach more people. A year later, my business partner decided to step away, and I bought him out. Around that time, I was lucky enough to meet Nick Mathew, a CrossFit athlete who was training for the CrossFit Games. His personality and dedication made him the perfect fit to join us as our head coach and GM, and together, we continued to grow the business.
CrossFit remains at the heart of what we do at Tonka Fitness. It’s an integral part of our offerings and our community. However, we recognized that to reach even more people, we needed to expand beyond just CrossFit. While it’s scalable and can work for anyone, it sometimes carries the perception of being too intense for newcomers.
That’s when the idea for Tonka Fitness was born. We found a space three times the size of our original gym, which allowed us to create multiple offerings. We built out a strength and conditioning area for people looking for personalized training or to focus on specific goals. We also launched a Bootcamp program for those at the start of their fitness journey who may not feel ready for CrossFit just yet. Additionally, we’re building a dedicated recovery space featuring a sauna and cold plunge.
To keep our members fit, healthy, and injury-free, we’ve partnered with a physiotherapy and chiropractic business that operates within the walls of Tonka Fitness, ensuring our community gets the comprehensive care they need.
At the core of everything we do is our community. Fitness is personal, but the journey is much more powerful when it’s shared. At Tonka Fitness, we’re passionate about creating a supportive, tight-knit community where everyone feels welcome—whether they’re a seasoned athlete or just beginning their fitness journey. Our goal is simple: to help as many people as possible achieve their fitness goals, stay healthy, and live better lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a gym is something you do because you love it, not for financial rewards. It’s about the passion for helping people improve their health and fitness, and creating a community where they can thrive. For me, that passion has driven everything we’ve built at Tonka Fitness. However, financially, it’s not easy. I have a “real” job that supports my family, allowing me to continue doing what I love here in the gym.
The biggest challenge we faced was, without a doubt, COVID-19. I had just bought the gym, and suddenly, I was responsible for making sure it didn’t collapse. We had to adapt quickly, moving to virtual classes, then offering distanced and outdoor-only workouts as restrictions changed. We lost a lot of members during that time, but we were resilient and bounced back. It took a couple of years to regain financial stability, but we made it through.
Another major struggle was our recent move to a larger space. There were very few options for renting or buying, and I couldn’t risk moving too far away from our current location without losing our loyal membership base. The space we found was the only viable option, but it was a significant financial risk. Gyms don’t typically bring in a lot of money, and I wasn’t sure I could take that on. But I also felt a deep responsibility to our community. Where would they go if we closed? I didn’t want to give up after helping people get so far in their fitness journeys. After discussing it with my wife, we decided to take the plunge and make it work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Tonka Fitness, our tagline says it all: “Life is great. Be fit for it.” Life is an adventure, filled with moments big and small—challenges, victories, joys, and discoveries. We believe that fitness is the key to embracing every moment with vitality, strength, and confidence.
Our mission is to empower individuals to live life to the fullest by making fitness the cornerstone of a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle. What sets us apart is that we meet you exactly where you are on your fitness journey—whether you’re taking your first step or striving to reach new heights. At Tonka Fitness, we offer a diverse range of options to suit every individual, from CrossFit and strength training to bootcamp classes and personal training, all designed to support you at any level.
We’re proud of the community we’ve built—a space where everyone feels welcome and supported, no matter their fitness level. Beyond the workouts, we offer a holistic approach, including recovery services like saunas and cold plunges, as well as in-house physiotherapy and chiropractic care. This focus on overall health and wellness ensures that our members stay fit, healthy, and injury-free.
We want readers to know that fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about being strong, confident, and ready for whatever life throws at you. Whether you’re looking for a place to start your fitness journey or you’re ready to push yourself further, Tonka Fitness is here to provide the tools, guidance, and support to help you succeed. Because life is great, and we’re here to make sure you’re fit for every part of it—embracing challenges, celebrating victories, and living your best life.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wife of course for supporting me in this decision, both financially taking on the risk and giving me the time to build a businesses that doesnt support our family but gives me what I need. Also to Nick Mathew for being not just a support, but a someone to challenge me, to foster a fantastic community, to be an inspiration to many of us on our fitness journeys. My coaches, who without them we wouldnt be here and many of whom have been with me the entire time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonka-fitness.com
- Instagram: @tonkafitnessmn
