Mind, Body & Soul: Business offers a ‘new’ kind of workout

Michael and Brandi Schaeffer, of DeWitt, believe they have the solution to both of those problems in the form of their business, XRP Fitness.

After all, Michael said the goal is to give participants a well-rounded workout and have them in and out of the door in exactly 60 minutes.

XRP Fitness is a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) fitness boot camp, located at 208 11th St., on the east side of the former Holst Construction building. 

The gym/physical fitness center opened in DeWitt in October 2021.

The Schaeffers’ motivation for opening a business like this in town was pretty simple.

No one else had done it yet.

“There are no gyms like it in our area,” Michael explained. “I’ve been doing boot camps and cross fit for six or seven years, but always had to drive to Davenport.”

Inside the 2,000-square-foot building (the couple said eventually they intend to move into a larger, more visible space), trainers — of which XRP has seven — lead pre-programmed workouts which are written by Michael every week.

There are four classes held each day, on a schedule that caters to people who work or go to school. Class times are 5 and 6 a.m., and 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

“Burn” sessions are held at 5 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and focus on light weight and body weight HIIT, without any complex movements.

Cross fit classes are held at 6 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The Schaeffers and trainers only are there during scheduled class times. Michael said they want to ensure there always is someone there to safely help guide members through their workouts.

He describes the XRP experience as different than that found at a more conventional gym, and one that appeals to him in more ways than one.

“I was getting bored with the traditional gym setting,” Michael related. “I had a buddy who went (to a cross fit/boot camp gym), and he said, ‘Try this.’ I liked it immediately. I enjoyed that kind of workout, instead of people all doing their own things, with their headphones in, not talking to each other.

“The main difference at XRP, is everyone is doing the same workout. We listen to music over the speakers; it’s an upbeat environment. We’re always doing the same stuff together, and that helps keep people motivated.”

Michael added, XRP is a judgement-free zone, and members can push themselves as hard as they like.

The key is to keep moving, keep your heart rate up and burn calories.

“You can bring a friend, and new members get their first workout free,” he said. “You can work out, hang out and just have fun with it.” 

For more information, look at the XRP Fitness-DeWitt Facebook page, or the website, http://XRPfitness.com/.