The Burth Family: Finding Strength, Balance, and a Little Friendly Competition at Gifford Fitness

For Jodi and Andy Burth, fitness isn’t just a hobby — it’s a family affair. What began as a way for their oldest daughter, Allie, to stay strong for softball has grown into something much bigger: a shared lifestyle that connects the entire Burth family inside and outside the gym.

How did the Burth family first get started at Gifford Fitness?

Jodi: Allie started with workouts through her softball club, MN Force. She liked training but didn’t love the big class sizes, so she began coming to Gifford more regularly. After she got injured a couple of years ago, she realized how much strength training could help her stay healthy long-term.

Andy: Once Allie was in, Jake didn’t want to miss out. He had been doing some summer strength training for hockey but quickly saw that GiffyFit was a whole different level.

Jodi: And then Ben — after doing Giffy Kids Camp, he wanted in too. When he told us he wanted to do “real workouts,” we knew it was time. He loves learning the big kid lifts and has a goal of using the 35-pound bar for everything!

What’s it been like watching your kids grow through fitness?

Jodi: It’s been amazing. We’ve loved seeing Allie and Jake learn how to interact with people of all ages. Jake is one of the youngest in The Lions Club but has no problem advocating for himself with teens and college kids. And Allie’s confidence has exploded — she’s humble but stronger and faster than ever, and she’s not afraid to own her hard work.

Andy: The independence they’ve built is huge. They plan out their own class schedules every Sunday, show up early, and take their training seriously. Those habits translate directly into life skills: self-discipline, accountability, and structure.

Does fitness spill into life at home, too?

Jodi: Oh, definitely! We talk about the gym a lot — from celebrating PRs to complaining about brutal workouts. It’s just part of our daily life.

Andy: The kids see us taking care of our health, and that’s become normal. It’s who we are as a family. Whether it’s a game of catch in the yard or talking about recovery and nutrition, it’s all connected.

What are some of your proudest “parent moments” at Gifford Fitness?

Jodi: Allie’s bike test, hands down. She crushed her 10-minute test and even competed in the Giffy Classic against adults — and held her own!

Andy: For Jake, it was watching him during The Open last year. He kept getting no-repped on snatches but refused to quit. Seeing him stay determined and surrounded by so much support was incredible.

Jodi: And Ben? His 30-inch box jump at Giffy Kids Camp! He came out grinning ear to ear — mostly because he knows how much I hate box jumps.

Tell us a bit about your own fitness journeys.

Jodi: I’ve been at Gifford Fitness for almost three years and have over 500 classes under my belt. I’ve always been active, but strength training keeps me healthy for my job and helps me keep up with my kids.

Andy: I joined in late 2022 and have done around 430 classes. I grew up thinking life would be filled with quicksand and fire drills — turns out, not so much. So now I lift heavy things, coach hockey and baseball, and stay ready for whatever “real-life challenges” come my way.

6AM workouts — how do you do it?

Jodi: Honestly, I never thought I’d be a morning person! But now, 6AM is my time — no interruptions, no conflicts, just good energy and great people.

Andy: I still hate mornings, but it’s the only time that works. Even when Nick dreams up a Saw-inspired workout, I always feel better afterward.

Jodi: Plus, I’m a rule follower. I don’t like to late-cancel a class… so I just go!

Do you ever compete with each other?

Jodi: My kids can kick my butt in just about every lift. For a while I had that I could do double-unders and Allie couldn’t; but apparently, she can do those now, too! So…that was my last claim to fame! I do enjoy the competitions where we can workout together. They push themselves really hard and being front and center watching that is pretty awesome!

Andy: Even on their worst day, any one of my kids can wipe the floor with me when it comes to cardio, bodyweight, gymnastic, and endurance workouts. They know it, I know it, everyone knows it. But, bring out the barbell and I’m coming home with the hardware! I’ve been doing the major compound movement lifts - back squat, deadlift, bench press, power clean - since high school, so I have some street cred when it comes to those lifts and know a few tips and tricks. It’s awesome to talk lifting with the kids, coach them a little, and celebrate their achievements with them.

What do life and work look like beyond the gym?

Jodi: I own my own dental practice, and we love family time, church on Sundays are our typical go-tos for together time. We all enjoy the same type of vacations; part relaxing and part adventure. Our kids are big ride enthusiasts so we are regular Universal and Disney attendees.

Andy: When I’m not working, I’m usually coaching, watching games, or pretending to be a farmer on the computer. I have an unhealthy obsession with rubber ducks. I’ve flirted dangerously close to buying a Jeep Wrangler because then I would get “ducked” and increase the size of my army.

What personal goals are you working on right now?

Jodi: I’m learning to be more myself and less of a people pleaser. It’s a work in progress.

Andy: I’m a professional procrastinator. The house could be overrun by overly clever Velocidoodles and I’d still say, “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”

Through it all, one thing’s clear: the Burths don’t just work out together, they grow together. The Gifford Fitness community is lucky to have their humor, heart, and hustle lighting up every class.