Coach Ericka
Hello! I’m Ericka Darst, a certified StrongFirst Elite Instructor, strength coach, and owner of EDK Training, providing online and in-person strength coaching in Minneapolis.
My path into coaching started with kettlebells in 2008. I was working a corporate desk job, at a point in my life where I needed a habit change, and found it in a kettlebell class that was welcoming, challenging, and completely energizing. I was hooked.
After several years of learning, training, and building my own practice, I changed careers and began coaching classes and private clients. That shift eventually became EDK Training: a place for skill-based strength training, thoughtful programming, and coaching that supports real people in real life.
My niche is technical, progression-based strength coaching with a practical, human approach. I help you understand your movement patterns, develop strong mechanics, build self-assurance under load, and create sustainable training habits you can carry into everyday life.
I’m especially passionate about helping women learn how to lift heavy, build muscle, trust their bodies, and feel empowered by strength training at any age. Heavy lifting builds physical strength, but it also changes how you move through the world.
Over the years, I’ve written programs and coached a wide range of people, including beginners, experienced lifters, certification candidates, athletes, police officers, busy parents, grandparents, and women through pregnancy and postpartum transitions. Whether you’re brand new to strength training or refining advanced skills, I’ll meet you where you are and help you build from there.
“Ericka is an excellent coach. She is passionate about teaching correct technique while strengthening your belief in what you can accomplish. Training with Ericka has helped me approach things I thought I couldn’t do before, from both a strength and confidence perspective.”
credentials
Certified strength coach with 18 years of training experience
StrongFirst ELITE Certified Instructor
StrongFirst Level 1 & 2 Kettlebell (SFGI & SFGII)
StrongFirst Barbell (SFL)
StrongFirst Bodyweight (SFB)NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Girls Gone Strong Academy Pre & Postnatal Certified Coach
Functional Movement Specialist
Assistant Instructor for StrongFirst SFG I, SFG II, and SFL Certifications
coaching expertise
STRENGTH & ENDURANCE TRAINING
Individual strength coaching, online and in-person
Small group kettlebell training
Kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight technique
StrongFirst and RKC certification prep
Functional movement assessment and corrective exercise
Prenatal and postnatal strength training
Training around limitations, imbalances, and injury history
Progression-based programming and sustainable habit building
When I’m not coaching, training or programming and creating for EDK – I am keeping up with my bright and energetic 6-year-old son! I enjoy a good book, witty conversation, nerding out on all things movement and wellness, craft breweries and spending quality time with my little family. In the winter, you can catch me taking a cold dip at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis!
Cheers!
Ericka
Want help building strength with smart, technical coaching?
Book a call and I’ll help you find the right place to start.
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PERSONAL INSTAGRAM • Coach Ericka @erickadarst
EDK TRAINING INSTAGRAM @edktrainingmn
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