Rainer Hartmann

Personal Bio

I have been involved in the fitness/bodybuilding industry since I started working out in 1982 at age 18, back in Germany. For the first 25 years my workouts revolved around bodybuilding, where I started competing in regional competitions in 1986, with the highlight reaching the Finals at the German Nationals in 1990. In 1988 I attended the then called Pro Muscle Camp in Los Angeles, where I worked as a trainer from 1990 – 1992 during their Summer Camps. I met my wife Robin there and moved to Cincinnati in 1992.

From 1992 until 1999 I worked as a personal trainer and continued my bodybuilding career, winning the Overall title in both the Northern Kentucky and Mr. Cincinnati in 1998. I also finished second at the Jr. USA Championship in 2001.

February 2000 saw a new milestone with the opening of ‘Das Gym’, originally in Pleasant Ridge. In 2007, while doing some research on group exercise classes, CrossFit got my attention. After trying a few workouts I was instantly hooked. I applied for my affiliation, which was granted in May 2007. In 2008 I competed in the 2nd CrossFit Games, at that time still in Aromas, CA. I also competed in the Regionals 2009 and Sectionals 2010, both held in Columbus, OH.

At age 50 I can say that my fitness, conditioning and strength, due to CrossFit, are better than when I was in my 20’s or 30’s!