Conquer LLC, Crystal

Sand shifts and slides beneath the feet of the athletes who traverse it. It softens pressure on the joints, but provides additional resistance for the volleyball players who favor the beach form of the sport. These are fundamental truths that Conquer's owner Jake Marshman understands. They are why his gym contains three pro-level indoor beach volleyball courts. There, he hosts classes that allow beach volleyball enthusiasts to practice their sport at any time of the year. This is a unique opportunity in Minnesota, where indoor courts are scarce, and the government has recently upgraded winter to the Ultra-Deluxe version.

But the sand isn't for beach volleyball alone. Marshman also hosts race and obstacle training that's inspired by the popularity of races like Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash. During training sessions, the sand becomes a medium that mimics the slipperiness and resistance of mud (though without the mess). Students can practice their hanging, jumping, and vaulting skills on more than 20 obstacles that pepper the gym, from hanging rings and monkey bars to a towering warped wall.