ABOUT

Who is Primal?

I’m Nikki Stock - founder of Primal Performance Training. I hold a Master’s in Kinesiology, I’m a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and USA Weightlifting Coach, among other credentials.

But more importantly, I’m here to help you stop guessing and start building a strong, pain-free, resilient body that actually supports your lifestyle.

I started Primal in 2018 after years of coaching, studying, and working in Campus Recreation. My journey began in 2012 at the University of Minnesota, where I first stepped into the world of personal training and group fitness. Since then, I’ve built a foundation rooted in movement science, performance, and nervous system regulation - but what matters most is making that knowledge useful for you.

Over the years, I’ve worked across the field in exercise science, athletic performance, and massage therapy - and I kept seeing the same problem: most people are missing pieces of the optimization puzzle. Strength training alone isn’t enough. Most recovery methods alone fall short. But when you understand how the body actually works - from biomechanics to the nervous system - everything starts to click.

Primal Performance is built on the idea that you don’t have to choose between high performance and a balanced life - they go hand in hand. Here, we blend science-based training with bodywork and nervous system education to help you reach your full potential, inside and out.

This means moving better, recovering faster, and building lasting resilience - not through trends or hacks, but by using science to make your body more adaptable, efficient, and strong for the long haul.

If you’re tired of guessing what your body needs, I’m here to help you decode it - and rebuild it the right way.

— Nikki Stock, MS, MT, CSCS, USAW

STRENGTHEN | HEAL | THRIVE

These three words sum up our approach:

• Build real strength from the inside out.

• Use movement and recovery to heal what holds you back.

• Create a life where your body supports your goals — not limits them.

What You Can Expect

• Better Movement
  Move more efficiently with less pain. We use cutting-edge movement science and nervous system work to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

• Faster Recovery
  Integrated massage therapy relieves pain, restores balance, and accelerates healing from training or trauma.

• Mental + Physical Resilience
  Learn to regulate stress and connect your body and mind for more consistent energy, focus, and well-being.

• Lifelong Results
  You’ll build sustainable habits — not just hit quick goals. Expect to walk away stronger, smarter, and more confident in your own skin.

VALUES

• Knowledge — We stay on the cutting edge so you don’t have to.

• Integrity — No gimmicks. Just honest, expert help.

• Diligence — We work hard so you get lasting results.

• Compassion — We meet you where you are — physically and emotionally.

• Personal Growth — We coach for more than just fitness. We coach for life.

• Balance — Discipline & rest. Intensity & calm. We help you balance it all.

SPECIAL THANKS

I would like to specifically thank the following professionals for their mentorship over the course of my career:

Richard Aceves - Moved Academy

Julien Pineau - Strongfit

Dr. Derek Hottell - VCU Rec Sports

Dr. Steve Byrd - then: VCU Rec Sports

Jake Rowell - RVA Performance Training

Dr. Todd Misener - then: WKU IM Rec Sports

Sarah Mork - then, University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness

Cody Mikl - University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness