Would I ever spend hundreds of dollars to be a member here? No frickin way. Is it totally worth a $35 social coupon? Sure thing. The "fitness evaluation", as others have conveyed, is merely a 3.5 hour sales pitch. They seem like they have some good advice, but it's all really just BS, unless you are a super hardcore weight lifter. (For example: "Women should be eating 110g of protein a day." Yeah right!) The classes are packed, but I was able to get in for the most part. The trainers are hit-or-miss (I liked Melinda and Melissa). If you're debating whether or not to buy the groupon, I suggest you do it. But, remember, when it comes to the sales pitch- "Just say no!" read more

I too give it three stars. The workouts were decent and made me work harder, however, with the Groupon, they definitely oversold themselves. The website promised small group fitness training, but about 30 people were crammed into the incredibly hot room, and we had to share stations if you were in the back couple of rows. I'm sorry, but it is not acceptable to ask people to SHARE a Step for cardio activity. Especially when there are lots of bigger people there (myself included). Have you ever seen two people share a step that is 2 feet long to do major cardio activity? It's not pretty and makes it hard to focus on your workout if you are sharing. It's way too hot, and they try so hard to sell things that are necessary. If they would stop the sales pitch, get two aerobic rooms (or make the room bigger) the workout would have gotten 4 stars. I was sweaty, sore the next day, and full of happy workout endorphins, but bitter about sitting through a 2 hour sales pitch, and the constant "buy a shake, buy this pill, buy this protein bread" pushing. Way overpriced if you don't have a Groupon. If you get the Groupon rate and are not claustrophobic, give it a try. Side note: Jennifer's QVR class was great. She was sweet, firm, motivating, and seemed like she actually had a fitness background and could give alternative moves for those with injuries, and she closely watched people's forms. read more

I also bought a Groupon in order to try this place. I called and emailed to get started, but did not get a call or email back until 2 weeks later. By that time, I had figured out that everything had to be done on-line. The "fitness evaluation" is not that at all. You listen to a sales pitch and then get weighed in. My group was there for 3 hours! Alas, my month is almost up, and so far for three consecutive Mondays, the 6:30pm classes end up getting combined into one room and there is not space to move. So yes, I no longer make that mistake. Most of the instructors are quite rude and more interested in talking about their upcoming life events than giving you a good workout. It also seems as though people are doing exercises differently, but nobody is being corrected on form. I loath my workouts @ Body by Todd, but refuse for my Groupon to go to waste. read more

NOT recommended. They way oversell with their groupon deals and it's next to impossible to get in a class. And when you do sometimes they cancel. The actual members bitch about the groupon people when they should be bitching about BBT. The room is terribly small and I was made to "work out" to the side, not even really in the room. I was asked to share a workout area when I was deemed worthy to be in the room at all. Some of the instructors were okay but some would go to other members and just start chit chatting about stuff during the work out. Overpriced, not motivating. Cheaper to join a gym and have a trainer periodically. read more

I will be concise as many others have hit the main points. Buy a Groupon for $30. Be prepared for a three hour sales pitch (that in no universe is a fitness evaluation) before you can begin scheduling classes. And don't fall for it: overpriced vitamins, clothes, and especially $4 protein shakes. (Pay attention: you'll always see a line for those, and its never the skinny folks in the line.) Everything is online and they have no phone number. Do not be surprised when the classes are jam packed and you will be disgustingly sweaty at the end. Get there early or you might be parking really far away. Bring water and a towel. Some of the trainers are amazing, and some of them are more interested in chit chatting with their friends. You'll learn really quick which classes are good. Schedule them online a month or so out or you'll be on the waiting list. If you know what you're in for, its a perfectly fine set-up to get in a workout after a long day sitting at the office. read more

YEARS AGO I signed up for a Groupon to check out this gym. Okay, that was cool. Didn't want to sign up for a membership as I didn't think it worth it (quality of workout and the high price point). Unfortunately, Body By Todd will NOT LEAVE ME ALONE!! It doesn't matter how many times I unsubscribe, reply by email that I'm not interested, or flag their emails as spam, this company just puts my email address on another list and starts flooding my inbox with their spammy BS. So, even if you think it's worth checking out this company using Groupon, DON'T! You will never hear the end of them. They will continue to harass you. Just don't do it. $35 is not worth YEARS of spam. read more

I now live in Chicago, but worked out here for a year in 2013.. I went back to the website to actually order their protein shakes and have them shipped to Chicago, and that's how I stumbled on their yelp reviews. I was very surprised because I loved this place! I wish I was able to take BBT with me when I moved to Chicago. My sister, my girlfriend, and I all came together and all three of us had drastically changed our bodies. All of use were not overweight to start, but the definition in our bodies changed and I've never received so many compliments from people. We scheduled our workout sessions two weeks in advance and got into every class we wanted. I did buy a protein shake after every workout and used this as a meal replacement, and no I am not overweight (referring to a previous post) The cost of the shake is cheaper than what I would normally spend on dinner anyway. I loved, loved, loved Melinda, and was actually sad to leave her! I bought the Groupon, and became addicted. My sister and I went in together on a long term deal and both of us loved it. read more

A friend and I bought a Body By Todd Groupon that came out a few months ago. I have gone to a couple classes and feel like I can accurately review the place. I'm a bit torn, I'd give the location a 2 or 3 and the quality of the classes a 4. So we'll settle on 3 stars. What it is: A class-only fitness place. They have individual personal training, but it seems that the majority of what they do are QVR (quick visible results, a weight-based program) and Bootcamp classes. Orientation: You had to go to some sort of fitness orientation. I thought this was going to be something where they took measurements and showed you how to use equipment. Seriously, we were there for almost two hours. People were getting registered online, they were selling their products and their food/fitness plan. I didn't like it, but had I been mentally prepared I would have been less upset. Just know what it is going into it. Location: They recently moved down the street to a somewhat bigger location. Regardless, you are still jammed into the workout rooms and it's still pretty warm in there. There isn't a locker room but there are some cubbies. They are putting in a shower, but my suggestion would be to just go home afterwards as one shower isn't enough for all the people. They have a water fountain and sell bottled water. QVR: I really like this class. It's weight-based, which I enjoy. You really set your own level by deciding what amount of weight you are comfortable working with. These are 45 minutes. I will say that I've taken this class with two instructors. One I really liked and one just chatted the whole time, which irked me. I'm not paying for you to chat socially I'm paying to lead this class, you know? Bootcamp: There are no stations (because you're jammed in the room) so you work in one place. It's typical bootcamp stuff, but there is very little jumping around, which I appreciate both as a person with ankle issues and as a busty gal. This is also 45 minutes. Pros: I work out way harder than I would on my own. The classes are quick and the instructors and other people working out are very nice. The other participants are quick to help you out if you are lost of confused. It's a pretty comfortable and non-threatening environment. Cons: They are holding on to some serious old-school fitness ideas. They sell shorts to wear because if you want to spot reduce you should sweat excessively from that area. Serously? And then they have these shakes. Let me tell you something, you are working hard, but not hard enough for a protein shake. Just go home and eat your sensible dinner and you'll be fine. I've heard a lot of people say they've been doing it for 3+ weeks and haven't lost ANY weight. However, they have a shake after every workout. I don't think that they give great instruction to newbies. I understand what I'm supposed to do so I do it, but I see some questionable form on some people that doesn't get corrected. The bright side of this is I really think if you go in and tell them you are new to all this the instructor would pay more attention to you to make sure you are doing things properly so you don't get hurt. It is also hot as a sonofabitch in the work out rooms. I like to snag a spot by the fan. I don't care for being jammed in to the room but I can deal around that. It's just something to keep in mind. Overall, as a person who has worked out before and understands the tenants of it, I enjoy these classes. I especially enjoy it on the Groupon price! If it comes through on Groupon I would encourage anyone to give it a try. I'm unsure how much it is without Groupon, but if you are looking for something that's class-based and you'd like to focus on weights (or don't like to but should) I'd give it a try. Just look past all the BS they are selling. read more

This place is a scam and a half...its located in a tiny strip plaza out by the old continent. I'm fairly certain no "stars" have ever trained here and they make most of their $$ selling overpriced "shakes". Good luck getting into one of the "non impact" classes..dispite boasting about the number of options you have, the classes are mostly over booked or, from my experience, cancelled. Save your 30 bucks on groupon and join planet fitness for a few months. read more

I have to say that I am disappointed in the 1 star reviews. Seems like the bitter rants of people that just didn't want to do the work to lose weight. I agree that the classes can be overcrowded when the groupon deals start. However, the trainers have ALL been fantastic. They have answered every single question I have had and modify when I ask them to. My tip to all the complainers is to move to the front. I have noticed that the trainers pay attention to those closer to the front. I really like the bootcamps and QVR classes (they have made me stronger). The trainers tell me exactly what I need to do and I do it (that's why I like it). I have a gym membership at another local gym and I go there to do cardio/zumba classes as well. You build a lot of muscle at BBT and I found that I wasn't losing until I did cardio outside of BBT. read more

Bought a Livings Social package for $29. Also had to sit through the two hour sales pitch which provided little information and started almost 30 minutes late. The voucher was never entered into the system so after two weeks I still can't sign up for classes. It took a week for someone to respond to my email and even then they didn't resolve the problem. Forget someone answering the phone, all you'll get is a pre-recorded message. They've got terrible customer service and no respect for their client's time. read more

Impossible to reach a human. Total lack of customer service focus. Do not recommend.

Went back this month and have found some unfortunate changes. I was sorry to see that my favorite instructor and class times are no longer offered. So, I went to a different class time with a different instructor and different format (QVR+ yoga) This has to be the worst fitness class I have ever been to over the years. There simply wasn't room to perform some of the moves correctly or safely (like trying to do a stand -to-pushup -to- stand in a 3.5 foot space), and the instructor was asking that they be done at a quick pace that also made it hard to do correctly, since such care had to be taken in the small space. I kept getting bumped during floor work by the feet of the guy 2 stations over! The instructor almost impossible to see, and hard to hear over the loud music; she did not make any effort to give any individual coaching to those doing the moves with poor form-- I doubt that she could see them. The instructor was also trying to have us do "yoga" postures that she didn't seem to be too clear about herself. This was not nearly as well rounded a workout as the QVR class I had always gone to before -- I didn't even break a sweat, and I am not at all in shape! The yoga portion is a complete waste of time. If you want yoga, go to a real yoga class. Or buy a DVD, the instruction will be better than BBT. I hope that I can come back after a few more classes and say that this one was a fluke but right now I fear that I have wasted the $$ for this round. read more

I guess this is a case of "you get what you paid for." Yes, they have oversold with their groupon deals but I expected it to be busy. I wasn't prepared for the fact that I had to wait 2-1/2 weeks to start my first class because the classes fill up so quickly. My biggest objection; however, is that while the trainers are very friendly, I don't think they are the best at their jobs. I expect a trainer to make sure my form is correct and to show me modifications when I explain that I have an injury/disability. I've learned my lesson that if I want high-caliber personal training, I'm going to have to pay for it! read more

I went there years ago for the boot camp program. They specifically said "no running" in the ad, which appealed to me. Surprise! By the second week, we were sprinting (= running very fast) around the building. When I brought up that the ad said "no running", the instructor said "it's sprinting, not running!" Nice. Todd himself was a good trainer, maybe a bit too "Jillian Michaels" with the tough talk/yelling sometimes. There were times I thought I might hurt myself, and when I said something, was told to be quiet and work harder. They should pay attention to the safety of their customers. Lastly, I quit the multi-week program one or two sessions before it ended (and I paid full price for it) due to the woman who checked in with me on diet, weight, etc. They gave you a specific diet to eat, which I did, but I didn't lose any weight. I figured it was because I had built up muscle (I was much more toned), and didn't really care. She told me I was a failure, and that there had to be a reason why I didn't lose weight. She quickly dismissed the muscle idea, and said "it's not brain surgery, you obviously didn't move more or eat less". I was angry that she called me a liar, and hurt that she wasn't proud of my body being toned...she only cared about pounds lost on a scale. Not the way to keep a client. read more

The quick version: I joined Boby-by-Todd the way most of their customers do - through a "social coupon" for their six week non-impact fitness bootcamp. 5 months later I'm still a customer. I lost 12 pounds in the first 12 weeks by merely showing up to class and not following their nutrition plan at all. These classes will make you work hard; and it pays off. The real selling point here are the personal trainers: Melinda, Brittany, and even Todd the Bodyman himself - they all really do care and want to see you meet your fitness goals. Everyone in the world has a bad "something", whether its knees, back, ankles, wrists, etc. The staff does an excellent job of tailoring the workouts to those in the class and helping you to work with the problem area instead of just avoiding it. This team and the community that they've built is quite unique, and quite exceptional. The detailed review: The bootcamp consists of two, one hour workouts per week. The team of personal trainers do everything they can to motivate you, and the music mixes help you maintain pace. They also go out of their way to watch the class for anyone struggling with a particular motion and help you to find the right version for you. If you have a bad knee for example, they'll work with you to tailor each part of the exercise just for you. The staff does an excellent job of changing routine so you never follow the same routine twice. I've been going for about 5 months now and I have yet to have a class that I've "done before." The first workout is the bootcamp session. This is essentially an aerobic & body-weight group fitness class. Yes, you do use the stereotypically 80's fitness step for about 40% of the workout, but it really is a good workout. The workout is fast paced - instead of resting between sets you just move on to the next exercise and come back in a few minutes. For beginners - this workout is very much do-able for all fitness levels. Most of the trainers show multiple versions of each exercise so beginners, regulars, and fitness nuts can all be challenged. For guys like me who enjoy strength training and think there's no need for cardio - trust me - this workout will kick your ass if you let it (and that's a good thing). It does wonders for raising your aerobic and anaerobic threshold. The second weekly workout is the "QVR" session or "Quick Visible Results". This is the small group personal training. This really is small group and you get personalized advice from the personal trainers on how much weight for you for each exercise, as well as how to adjust the exercise for your body. The trainers really focus on getting the form right and do a great job of motivating you to finish that last set. The QVR is a fast-paced strength training workout. Each session gives you a fully body workout in only an hour - largely because they stripe exercises together. you do one set each of 3 exercises to make one set - then repeat that entire set 3 times. by doing this, the next exercise *is* your break. so you take less breaks and fit an entire fully body strength circuit into one hour. At the end of the day, you get in what you put out. If something doesn't work for you - speak up. You have certified personal trainers ready to answer all your questions and be your fitness guide - use them! the more you partner with them the more they'll partner with you - and therefore the more you'll get out of the experience! Note: These classes are for All fitness levels. I started out about 70 pounds overweight. Yes, there are some regulars who've been going for awhile who are incredibly fit. But there are plenty of people at all different phases of their weight loss goals and all have different needs. What's great about this place is that doesn't matter - both beginners and meatheads alike stand to benefit because they really do work with you to make sure the workout is the right level for you. If something is to much for you they give you an alternative motion; likewise if something is to easy they'll do the same. read more

I agree with others not a good place to work out, too small areas , they're more interested in selling their protein shakes and products. Never see Todd! Lol read more

I love the classes that BBT offers however they are so interested in making a quick buck by selling crazy amounts of groupon and discounted offers they do not care about creating or maintaining a relationship. I started with BBT through a groupon loved it and joined. Now that I have joined I am constantly shut out of classes because they have sold so many deals. I have to email numerous times to get added to classes even though I am paying double or maybe triple what the discounted groupon rate was. Classes are so crowded and often times there are not enough spots or equipment for people. There is also no protocol to verify if you have in fact signed up for a class. Basically anyone can walk in take a class and not have registered for the class leaving someone who registered with out equipment and a spot in the class. They also have a hard time starting classes on time which sucks if you have somewhere to be. read more

My husband and I bought the groupon as well. It is awful. We hated going there for our workouts. The bootcamp room is, as all other reviewers have said, very small and hot. They allow WAY too many people to sign up for the classes. For the size of that room, there should only be 10 people allowed, and they had 30+. The instructors are ditzy and conceited, and yes, the communication sucks. Never again. read more

I agree with the previous 2 reviews... Just don't fall for their hype! Body by Todd promotes itself as private personal training, but it's really group fitness classes. The "new, larger" facility is mostly office space. The Bootcamp room is claustrophobic - a room that should probably have no more than 16 people regularly has 20 or more crammed in, and the QVR room isn't much better, with 2-3 people per weight bench. The classes never start on time, the staff pushes supplements, protein powders and shakes, and even merchandise that you can get at WalMart for less than half the price. Limited cardio equipment (a couple of stationary bikes in the lobby) and no open gym hours. There are no lockers, only cubbies. There are 2 single restrooms, but currently no showers. HOWEVER, the classes I've been to really have kicked my butt. If you are looking for a clean, airy, attractive facility with extensive hours and truly personal training, BBT is not for you. If you simply want an effective group workout and don't care about anything else, then BBT is a viable option. read more

I'm not entirely sure where all these negative reviewers worked out, but I'm on my 3rd week of workouts from the groupon's 6 week deal and I absolutely love it. While yes, the rooms are small, there is plenty of room to do your work outs. It's an intimate studio - so why someone stated the rooms should only hold 10 people I have no idea because then it would feel like an completely empty rooms. I've been in classes with the room completely full and no one has issues with finding spots to get their workout on. In fact, in the bootcamp classroom, they have individual spots taped off so everyone has enough space to do all the moves required. The trainers are absolutely amazing and genuinely care about everyone in the class. I find it extremely unfair to call them names when they are all available at any times outside of classes if you have questions. In fact, they are more than happy to stop in the middle of class to answer a question or to correct form. I have seen pretty awesome results in these first three weeks and am beyond thrilled I bought 2 groupons. I even signed up for programs after my 12 weeks are over because I am that happy with this place. Don't let the negative reviews sway you - I'm a "real, live person" not employed by the gym who needed a kick in the pants to get in shape (and get sexy for my upcoming wedding.) I cannot say enough good things about this place! read more

Groupon deal makes this the cost-effective way to go. The scheduling in advance and not being able to cancel the day of, really does make you accountable for your workouts. I love the whole staff. Everyone is there to answer your questions (especially for those new to workouts or working with weights, they make it very easy to understand and never intimidate you). I have seen drastic improvements in the toning of my body and cannot wait for what more is to come. I am continuing after my Groupon is up because I look forward to the classes every week. :) read more

I started at Body by Todd in late fall of 2013 by initially using a social coupon. I found that it was an effective work out that kept me on a regular schedule. I was going twice a week, but now am a Club 100 member and attend five days a week. I was seeing good results, but not as much as I'd hoped on my own. I talked to multiple trainers and they gave me excellent tips to lose weight. After speaking to Brittany, I started a new diet plan and lost 12 pounds in the first week! I love that the trainers are down to earth and give you the extra encouragement to push you to the next level! I have met new people, who quickly became friends through shared goals. The gym is no longer a place I dread going to, but instead a place that I know I can achieve my fitness goals with friends. read more

Would not suggest this place, feels like a cattle call and disorganized. Workout was disjointed and instructor didn't care if everyone heard her, saw examples or got out in time from the class. class started late and counting reps was uneven as it seemed socializing was the priority. They seem more about pushing their products than caring if you got a good workout. Totally not individualized either, I've gotten better direction in a jazzercise class. read more

I bought a Groupon a few months ago and have been going to Body By Todd ever since. Sure the classes are packed, but if you get there ahead of time you will always get your own spot in boot camp and you will possibly share a station in QVR (which is fine because you do alternating exercises in QVR and don't always use the bench anyway). The classes and exercises ane always different every time you go - this works all of the muscle groups and keeps your body guessing. I'm almost always sore! The trainers are extremely helpful and approachable - I've seen the trainers stop people during QVR and correct their form and also provide alternate moves in boot camp for those that have had injuries. In all, I would strongly recommend this place if you want a GREAT WORKOUT. And one more tip - try the protein shakes! They're delicious! read more

The groupon deals really make this a very cost effective way to push yourself in a workout. Sometimes they are crowded, but I still got a good workout. I like the bootcamps and agree that you have to settle on a instructor who works best for what you want. I am still doing the sessions and have enjoyed getting a sweat going to keep myself in shape read more

First, I'll start with the positive part of BBT. The workouts are great! They are always different and really kick your butt and get you into shape. And the personal trainers are all really friendly! If I were just reviewing the workout part, I would have given it 5 stars. The reason I only gave it one star is because of the communication. I have been working out here for a couple months now and have had to send a number of emails, most of which are never responded to. If they do respond it's at least two or three days later. They don't have a number where you can call and speak with someone, either. The couple of girls that make the protein shakes aren't able to answer any questions you have about your account. They simply have a clipboard where you can write your name down to have someone contact you. If you want to schedule back to back classes, you have to have an employee do that for you. I've let them charge my card for several months at once so they can get my classes scheduled. It's been two weeks and a total of 15 emails between me and BBT, and my classes still are not scheduled. If they would just hire someone that could call you to discuss your account with you I would give it 5 stars. read more

try the speedloss cleanse you can get on their website - my friend got one for me & i was nervous because ive never done one before but i lost 8 lbs just doing it for 2 days. i did it before holidays & my whole fam noticed i lost weight WOO HOO! will def do it again & want to see what the studio is like too. thx mary xoxo read more

I originally signed up with Body By Todd through Groupon. I enjoyed the classes. I like Melinda the best. She pushes you but she's nice too. My big issue with BBT is the total disorganization. It seems to me that no one ever seems to know what is going on when it comes to scheduling, product orders, anything behind the scenes. When I was taking my classes I decided to buy some protein powder. After waiting weeks my order never showed up. When I questioned them about it they told me to take someone else's order and they would mark it and change it. Now, I made the dumb mistake to once again try to order protein shakes. I figured maybe my first experience was a fluke. Truly the product is very good and I really wanted it. However, even though I was charged for the product and shipping cost, the product never arrived to my house (even after I got an email that said my product was being processed and shipped!). It was impossible to get an answer from anyone. If you call the number the message states its an "information only" line. You can't get a real person. I emailed the customer service and didn't get a response for over a week. I went to BBT to see if it was possible that my product had been placed in the pick up area rather than shipped, nope. Once again, the woman at the counter couldn't offer much help. She "checked" but there was no one there who could help me with my product order question. She offered that I could take the product I wanted from the shelf and just leave a note. I didn't want to do this because I had already been charged for shipping. I wanted to make sure that would be taken off my credit card. Eventually I contacted my bank and cancelled my order. I ordered my product in June and contacted my bank to cancel the charge at the end of July. Eventually I did get an email response and the customer service person seemed nice. He offered to refund my money and still send me the product for free. So today I finally got a product from BBT but it's not even what I originally ordered!!! These people are complete idiots! The sent me a Speedloss kit. I don't want a speedloss kit! I didn't order a speedloss kit! I wanted the chocolate protein powder I ordered. Don't trust these people with any product. The classes may be ok (impossible schedule and too crowded like everyone says) but the disorganized store is not worth it. read more