This gym is great. Welcoming, fun, and very helpful. I can't currently afford the cost, but the…read moreprice is worth the offerings. Great workouts, good equipment, helpful staff and thorough lessons. It doesn't matter your demographics, size or fitness level, they are welcoming to everyone, and as a fat person, I appreciate that there aren't mirrors in the workout area. It's about the workouts, not vanity or body-shaming. Senad, the owner, is very sweet, and has really built a nice gym.

I joined PXM a few months ago and it is hands down the best gym I've ever been to. Each class I…read morelearn something new about myself and my capabilities. It's mostly Crossfit-adjacent group classes, but they also offer olympic lifting, personal training, weekend community workouts (a Saturday morning class with Coach Chris is fantastic way to kickoff your weekend / cap off your week), and other small group sessions. I was admittedly worried about going to a Crossfit type gym, they come with a certain reputation, but I look forward to going to the gym frequently and consistently. The culture at the gym is really fantastic, my classmates (and coaches) are encouraging and helpful, and everyone wants to help you do your best given your abilities. It's impossible not to make friends at PXM. Additionally, I came to the gym with a lingering "knee" issue, but with a combination of physical therapy and a lot of individualized attention from the coaches, I'm feeling the best I've felt in years. Senad, one of the owners was extremely helpful at encouraging me to continue to move throughout my recovery. With a lot of support, I was able to continue moving throughout my recovery and I think this helped accelerate my overall recovery timeline. Coach Leah and Coach Matt we really helpful (and incredibly patient with the million questions I asked) in helping me find movements that were supportive and didn't cause pain while still working towards the goal of a specific class. All the coaches are really great at modifying workouts to ensure you are working towards the prescribed movements without risking injury. Most classes offer two tracks, each with modifications, that are designed for folks who either want to do more traditional Crossfit movements and another for folks who are seeking more traditional fitness movements or are working towards being able to do the Crossfit movements. The gym has a general wellness focus, so you can also sign up for nutrition counseling, meal prep kits, massage, etc. I recently signed up for nutrition coaching with Melissa, and I'm learning a lot everyday about what my body needs to fuel itself. If you are looking for a welcoming, inclusive, and fun place to workout, I can't recommend PXM enough.

By far my best experience at a gym. I highly recommend trying out a personal training session with…read moreJosé. It is clear he is genuinely passionate about helping people feel their best. He explains the purpose behind every movement and really emphasizes proper form and technique. I used to feel intimidated at the gym because I had no clue what I was doing, but now I feel confident and look forward to going! I know I can expect a safe, comfortable, and clean environment to work out in. I'm excited to see Fit City grow and looking forward to some of the new equipment José is bringing in. If you've ever wanted to learn how to lift weights, use the machines, and feel better in your own body, go to Fit City, you will not be disappointed!!!

It's a good gym, a hidden gem. It's got everything you need. Just a very intimate gym. You're not…read morewaiting more than 5 minutes to use equipment like at other gyms. Everybody is just there to workout which I like compared to people just there to be there and take videos. It's got showers and lockers. Just like that there's no peak hours where you can't even workout.

Best gym in Chicago, hands down! I've been going to Quads for years and it truly stands out from…read moreany other gym I've been to. The trainers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to answer questions or offer advice, no matter your experience level. The owner, Sharon, is so welcoming and has created such a great community where everyone feels comfortable and motivated. If you're serious about lifting, this is the place to be. They have an amazing variety of machines and equipment that you won't find at most gyms, and everything is designed for people who really want to train properly. The atmosphere is motivating, the people are friendly, and it feels like a gym where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed. A couple of my friends joined after I recommended it, and they're so glad they did. I couldn't recommend Quads more!

This is the most difficult review I've ever written for Yelp because I honestly love the idea of…read moreQuads and its history, but after a trial week, I ran back to my pathetic Planet Fitness. For years, I walked by and looked in the window just to see if some of the vibe would entice me to walk in and get energized by all the real-life Marvel Superheroes working out. And I'm glad for the week of experience I had because Quads has some of the nicest, knowledgeable, and dedicated fitness people I've ever met. From the moment I walked in to my final exit, the desk staff, the family members who run it, trainers I encountered, and a few guys who could deadlift car engines whom I asked questions how to use this or that, I felt a lot of compassion for me being the new guy in a sea of bewildering equipment that could either change my fitness life or scare me away. Bear in mind that I truly love Quads but coming from a lengthy history of memberships at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, Gorilla Sports, YMCA, Holmes Place, Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Planet Fitness (with visits to FFC, Crunch, East Bank Club, Cheetah, Life Time, Bally's, and Midtown Athletic Club), I have to do a pro and con thing. Pros It's a good environment to watch others doing astonishing calisthenic exercises and massive lifts and squats. I'll never get to that level, but it's an inspiring place to get jazzed about your own routine. Quads has a diverse membership. You'll see everything from people doing their daily treadmill to pro bodybuilders doing four-hour circuits. I saw every kind of body type and age group. People doing rehab exercises and a person with a visual impairment. The specialty here is bodybuilding, though everyone is welcome. You'll hear grunts, fits of anger, yelling of encouragement, the rage of accomplishment, and claps of high-five. I felt like I was in a place where great bodies are refined. The membership prices are fantastic for the amount of equipment you're offered, and the hours are comparable to other gyms. They offer a few additional membership discounts not listed on the website, so go in and talk with them. Kudos to a gym that finally understands the right way memberships should work--upfront and no hassles. You are constantly reminded of your potential. There are photos and awards everywhere of past and present bodybuilders and pro and amateur athletes, and you can't help but soak up some of that greatness. You're in a place where celebrities have trained, too. Cons Here's where I have to be brutally honest. I may not know the difference between an Iso-Lateral Front Lat Pulldown and an Iso-Lateral Wide Pulldown, but I do know when machines are so old that they need to be replaced. If a machine's pads are worn, replace them. If a Selectorized's weight stack has half its weight labels missing, that should be fixed asap. If a machine's so old that the frame's been painted a number of times, it's probably a good time to replace it. I'm going to guess most of the equipment is older than the members. Sure, old-school machines can be great, and a lot of bodybuilders want them, but at some point, you need to replace them. Hammer Strength, Precor, and Cybex are constantly evolving the science of ergonomics, body mechanics, and safety. Please, Quads. Get new equipment. I didn't see any dumbbells less than 10#. That's not a bad thing, but small weight dumbbells would be great for people doing rehab or weaklings like me starting back at doing simple free weight exercises. In fairness, Planet Fitness dumbbells start at 10#, too. Other reviews are correct: A lot of the equipment, especially the Selectorized machines on the first floor, are squished so closely that safety could be an issue. There are a few machines so close together that parts could touch if used in full range of motion. If you're used to a defined circuit from a previous gym--especially if most of your workout is using Selectorized equipment--you might have difficulties matching it to the machines here. Plate-loaded and cables, no problem; they'll have one of anything you'll ever want. But for Selectorized, nothing made sense because a lot of what I needed was spread throughout the gym on both floors and in hard to find areas (e.g. the pec fly/rear delt machine was in a dimly lit corner, and most of the weights in the stack had no labels). I won't go into cleanliness. Suffice it to say this is a well-worn gym. The rusty lockers and second floor smell attest to the longevity of Quads, for better or worse. Overall, you should try Quads for a week to see if you like it. Most people swear this is the best gym. No, Quads doesn't have a pool, a sauna, towel service, group fitness classes, fancy self-locking lockers, a three-story climbing wall, or sleep rooms. They offer a world of fitness possibilities in an old school gym where amazing happens.

I have gone to several CrossFit gyms in the Ravenswood area for many years, and I can confidently…read moresay that feast is a fantastic option. There's other great gyms in the area, but, in my mind, several things set Feast apart from the others: -The programming. The programming is classic CrossFit with a weightlifting emphasis and is challenging, but not so crazy insane that you get frustrated or disheartened because you can't complete it. -The instructors. Andy, Conner, Anna and PJ are all really fantastic. I am not an elite athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but they work with me on ways that I can modify while still pushing myself to get better and better. All four of them are really top-notch athletes, and also happen to be as nice as they could possibly be. -The facilities. It's by far the nicest gym that I have been to in the Ravenswood area. It's climate controlled, the equipment is in really good shape, it's very clean, the bathroom facilities are really nice, and I think it's laid out well. -The culture. The culture of a gym really matters. When you walk in, you could just feel the positivity. I really appreciate the ways that they cultivate community and how encouraging they are. The people are fantastic, and that makes a big difference. -The owner. Greg is a really nice guy and is super knowledgeable about nutrition and fitness. I have found him to be very flexible, and open to feedback. The most important thing to me in a gym is that I'm getting results - and that's exactly what's happened. The one downside is that it's expensive, it is more expensive than other gym in the area. I've been part of several other gyms in Ravenswood, and while this is a more expensive option, for me for the value of what you get with the instruction, people, curriculum and the facilities, it's worth it. Overall, I highly recommend feast.

Top notch. Coaches are fabulous. Equipment is superb. Friendly atmosphere. Excellently managed.read more

This gym is clean, the owner is nice and professional, I really appreciate the different workout…read moreareas - its nice to have your own space to workout. They have a wide variety of fitness equipment as well as a workout of the day which is a great motivator to work out.

I'll never be able to go back to a "Global Gym" again. Being able to schedule and reserve a…read morestation to myself is the only way to workout. Each pod has everything I need to get in a great workout. I no longer have to wait on equipment to become free or deal with the people who don't have gym etiquette. I never have difficulty reserving my spot, and if needed Victor is very responsive, and very accommodating if my schedule changes last second. The website makes it super view and book my workout times. Victor, the trainers, and all the members are all very friendly, and contribute to a safe and comfortable workout environment.

I have been on PT with Kris and strongly recommend him. I am new to crossfit and am an engineer so…read morethe moves, the purpose of each move, the flow, the order are all important to me and to be motivated I need someone with enough knowledge to answer all my questions. With about 20+ years experience in crossfit and similar sports, Kris has been a great coach for me so far (my third month on PT). It is hard, but I can feel the improvements and growth in my body. Even people around me have started to notice the change in my body. Way to go Kris and MR! The gym is clean, everyone cleans up after their workout. The noise from the train is a little annoying, but after few session, it goes to background and you get used to it (unless you work outdoor). The music is nice, gym is big enough and well equipped with a ton of moves (It is Movement Republic!). Sara and Kris are very nice, great athletes themselves and both professionals. It is rare to find a professional athlete that also coaches and is the gym owner. I am very satisfied and impressed by their management and work. During summer, there is weekly free Sunday activity at the beach for members which is very fun, but it is a real workout as well!!! All and all, I strongly suggest it for all levels (entry like me, mid or pro levels- I am not a mid or pro though, so my opinion may be biased!). One thing I am sure of, you will sweat and you will have fun

Edited for clarity: Would not recommend. Unprofessional and non-communicative…read more I joined Movement Republic right before the gym moved locations. No one told me about the move before I signed a year-long contract. I attended a class or two and the coach didn't make an announcement about the move before class. I live about 3 blocks away from the original location. The new location is 1.8 miles from me. That's a big difference, especially when my work schedule changes on short notice. I only made it to one class after the location change. If I had known about the move I would never have joined in the first place. I then emailed Sarah, the owner, about letting me out of my contract and never heard back.

Staff lacks professionalism. If you want to be part of a gym where members and staff behave as if…read morethey're still in junior high school; where destructive gossiping and cattiness is prevalent, then this is the gym for you. However, if you want to be part of a community that is welcoming and supportive of your fitness goals, there are far more superior gyms out there. When you are paying a premium price tag for a gym, being treated with decency and respect should be the least of your worries. This is not the case at Hardware Strength & Conditioning. Give your money to another gym.

Hardware Crossfit has been my home gym now for over 4 years. After taking a small break from an…read moreofficial Crossfit gym I noticed myself following and implementing Hardware's programming each day at an independent gym prompting me to join. Given the abundance of Crossfit gyms now available in the Chicago area, I was very fortunate to have made this decision. George and Jess (owners) are absolutely wonderful both from an owners and coaching standpoint as well as being just genuinely good people. They have created an incredibly positive and, most importantly, accepting environment. Their coaching staff is second to none which is due to the extensive shadowing hours a newer coach is required to perform prior to taking on a class of his/her own. All coaches can properly and safely demonstrate movements or at the very minimum explain proper technique. I've never felt unsafe or not properly coached. Lastly, George and Jess are always open to any kind of feedback and suggestions. They want to do anything they can to make members, old and new, feel the most comfortable and will do anything they can, within reason, to accommodate. This mentality then very notably trickles down through their staff. If you're on the north side of Chicago and considering Hardware, try it. And if you're visiting and looking to drop in somewhere, definitely reach out and stop by.

I really enjoy working out at Bezz. It's a small gym (compared to the box gyms) with a solid…read morecompliment of machines, squat racks, dumbbells, and cardio equipment. I like that I can get in, get my workout done, and get out. If I ever have to wait for a machine it's only a few minutes. The staff are friendly, the owner is passionate about making the gym a place where people want to workout. I'm glad I have a neighborhood option that isn't a box gym.

Ask 10 people their reasons for seeking out a personal trainer, and you will undoubtedly get 10…read moredifferent answers. For me personally, I've found that working with a trained professional helps keep me motivated, but most importantly, focused on my goals. Muscle maintenance is only one part of the equation. Preparing my body for and embracing changes caused by the ageing process is why I continue to work out with a trainer. I've trained with Jorge from Bezz Training Club for about a year. Our workouts are a combination of strength maintenance, flexibility, range of motion, stretching and balance. The space is as comfortable for a one-on training as it is for any of the group classes offered there. Bezz Training realizes that all people learn differently and at a different pace. As a classic kinesthetic learner, my trainer has to demonstrate and allow me to participate at the same time. If your form is off on a few of those reps, rest assured, you will be corrected! The culture of Bezz Training Club is solid ,cohesive, and non-judgmental. Staff all have a passion for fitness, are enthusiastic, dependable and motivational. And last, but certainly not least, BTC offers free parking in the building. This is the place you want to train if you're serious about getting results