This small boutique gym is awesome. It's close my for me in River North. The inside is really nice, including the locker rooms. Everything is taken care of well and is really up to date. I've taken some of Adrienne's fitness classes and they are killer! I can barely walk the next day. I've also tried Molly's Pilates class and wow, that was awesome. Being a guy thats not really flexible and never taking things like that before I had a lot to learn. But she was so great and helpful. I also love how small and quiet it is. Never too crowded or cramped. read more

Great equipment, very clean and safe gym, lots of space, showers and fantastic trainers! Physical Therapy and massage on site as well. read more

If you want a VIP work out experience this is the place for you. It's pricey but you make an investment for the things that are important to you. So if you think health is wealth check this place out for sure. read more

This gym is fantastic- clean, not crowded, comfortable, and quiet but with a great playlist. I work out with a personal trainer twice a week here; it is the most welcoming environment. They have all the equipment to work out your entire body (although I wish they didn't have the sleds because I don't want to do them anymore, Michael). The staff is incredible, from Taariq, who is a freaking delight, the owner Erik, and all the personal trainers here. Everyone is kind, funny, and knows their stuff. My trainer, Michael Wollpert, has the patience of a saint and dance moves that will keep you motivated. I recommend this gym 11 out of 10 times. I would say walk over and sign up, but given the business, it is probably better to run and get that cardio up. read more

In a word, this is a "smart" gym that offers every imaginable fitness service in a low-key, friendly atmosphere. I've been a customer since the doors opened. The trainers are knowledgable and work with individuals based on their personal needs and fitness levels, including injury recovery. Erik patiently helped me recover from a rotator cuff injury with much better results than the Ph.D. specialist I had seen at one of Chicago's well-known rehab centers. Lateral Fitness also offers M.A.T. (Muscle Activation Technique), massage, licensed physical therapy, acupuncture, VO2/RMR testing, yoga, boxing and chiropractor services. A new performance room provides sleds, ropes, rings and other equipment to get in shape. Best of all, there are no gym rat lunkheads grunting and dropping weights. Instead, the clientele are ordinary folks trying to improve their personal health at their own speeds with the help of trainers who understand that. I like this place so much I worry about it getting too popular. read more

Ok so let me start off by saying if it wasn't for Erik I probably would never work out a day in my life. In fact, I never worked out prior to coming to LF. The facility is perfect. It has everything and more but is still not overwhelming and filled with people all the time. Everything is new and everyone is so nice. Erik pushes you really hard and takes the time to invest in your goals. Classes are really fun. I have taken the quickfit one with Erik and am excited to take the recruit with Erik next week. Also, excited to try the MAT pilates. read more

Came here on July 4th for a pre-bbq workout. The studio was small, which wasnt so bad because the class only had 4 people. Good workout no complaints. But this studio is perfect for ClassPass. I wasn't inspired to become a member here and would only return if it worked out scheduling wise. Also, the instructor tried to drop passive hints that things are much better if you get a membership instead of ClassPass. Ugh- no thanks. Ranked Competitors- 1) Shred 415 2) Atlas 3) SPROING 4) SWEAT 5) Lateral 6) POW read more

I love my workouts at Lateral fitness and love working with Michael Wollpert. The facility is extremely clean and state of the art and super easy to get to. All of the trainers and staff here are friendly, I feel right at home. It's nice working out with and around people who vibrate at such a high frequency. read more

I love everything about this place. Everyone is so nice, it is pristinely clean, and they have every type of class imaginable. I also love Jenny, she is knowledgable, motivating, and hilarious. You will not regret taking a class here, just do it. Seriously, go. read more

Oh. Mah. God. Killer workout, beautiful high end facility, and a friendly front desk (so friendly I was given a tour and actually walked back to the locker room!). And oh, the facilities. Right off the Chicago brown line stop with programmable lockers, all the gear you could need (think yoga mats, blocks, straps, etc.), towels, and the locker room. Seriously, big amazing showers with locks and two separate sections - one for the shower and one for dressing. Everything you could ever need is stocked, too, such as shampoo, contact lens solution, mouthwash, just everything. So no excuses if you forgot to lug your mat and crap to work with you - it's time to get your buff on! My fave classes were pilates, QuickFit, and HIIT and Recover. All were exceptional. I've never done a pilates mat class before, and have only previously trained on the reformer, so I was impressed with how challenging and fun the class was. The QuickFit was f'ing awesome. Just a half hour, with two cycles through numerous stations, each with a weight machine or free weight exercise matched with a cardio exercise. Ridiculously hard and challenging, and no attitude or calling out here, as I pretty much barely made it through the last few cardio sections. The HIIT and Recover is half an hour of intervals that will make you miserable, but if you survive you're rewarded with half an hour of abs and stretching. The price may seem steep, with half hour classes going for $20 a pop and hour long classes $25, but packages and memberships make them cheaper, and after taking a class or two you'll realize it's worth every penny. This place is modern, spotless, and the instructors know their stuff. I was beyond challenged in each class, motivated by the instructors, and never worried about injuries. So ya, see you there! read more

I discovered Lateral through ClassPass and loved it so much. All of the employees there are very friendly, and the instructors are some of the best in the city. The facility is always very clean, and the locker rooms spotless, you can tell that the employees and owners take pride in place. Adrienne's classes are wonderful and she's an incredibly inspiring person. They have a wide variety of classes, with a nice break from intensity with options like Mat Pilates. Since classes here are on the smaller side you get a lot more personal attention. Highly recommend this place! read more

Don't go there. Seriously. It's boutique, and I want to keep it that way. I've been using the lunchtime membership for a year (or so). The front desk always bothers me (too damn friendly, dare I say nosey;-) I NEVER have to wait for a machine, which doesn't give me enough time to rest between reps (sigh). There are also too-damn-many machines or exercise options available (I always have to try something new). The showers make mine at home feel 3rd. world (thanks for that). The music is often set specifically for who is in the gym (and I'm occasionally 'pressured' to pick the music - ugh.) Why anyone would want to go there is beyond me. read more

Update: they have added an industrial strength ceiling fan and will also use an oscillating fan. I've also been taking the QuickFit class held on Mondays and Wednesdays with Erik as the instructor. These classes are interval training at its best and only ~30 minutes long. Perfect for when I can't take a long lunch and go to an hour class. Erik will correct you if you are doing anything wrong, give modifications if needed and pushes you (but not like in a drill sergeant way). Lateral Fitness is one of my favorite studios in Chicago...honestly it's my 2nd favorite with Shred415 being #1 to me. Go check this place out! read more

I am in love with this boutique gym and its group fitness classes. I found Lateral Fitness through ClassPass and the gym is clean, has all modern/new equipment, and the trainers are awesome. I regularly attend the Sculpt and SImply Shredded classes with Adrie and they are the best group classes I have ever taken. I leave every class feeling accomplished and STRONG! The classes are structured and fly by. I find it really difficult to lift for an entire hour by myself without direction, and these classes have empowered me with new techniques that I can take into my workouts outside the class. I recommend Adrie's classes to everyone I know!! read more

I have been going to Lateral for yoga classes and I can do nothing but RAVE about it. I attend the Saturday class as often as I can and the instructor for that class is amazing. I was new to yoga and she has made me fall in love with the practice. The studio itself is quite impressive as well. read more

Almost 3 years later and I still love Lateral! Everything I wrote in my first review is still true. My favorite class is Trifecta with Adrienne/Adriefit. Her energy and enthusiasm is amazing! read more

I had a great experience at this gym. Everyone is extremely nice, my FIT class was great, the gym itself is super clean, and they play really good music! read more

If you are searching for a boutique gym with excellent athletic training professionals this is the place for you. They have a variety of trainers to fit just about any needs from injury rehab to the fine tuned athletic machine. I can't recommend them enough! read more

Love this gym! Have visited mostly Adriane's classes on the weekends which are fantastic!

Lateral Fitness is an awesome studio! I have been to 2 classes so far and loved both of them. Jenny is an amazing yoga instructor --her energy is zen but she is tough and very knowledgeable about her practice and teaching to her students. Erik teaches a fabulous "quickfit" class that is intense and fast--he really helps you get the most out of this 30 minute class. Erik will push you enough to see results and you will feel great after! Also, Wendy at the front desk is so helpful and sweet! I look forward to my next class! read more

Used a ClassPass to try out a Pilates class on a Thursday evening. I ended up being the only person to show up, so got a private lesson! First time using the reformer, which I really enjoyed. My instructor was great (hate that I can't remember her name!), and the facilities are really nice. Will definitely be back to try a few other classes, and may even spring for a membership. read more

My friend and I took a Pilates class here this past weekend. Instructor was great! She was able to adjust the movements for those of us who are experienced plus the newbies in the class. Really good one on one attention. I also like the Quick Fit lunchtime 30 min full body workout class. A great way to squeeze a workout into my day. Locker room was really A+, very clean. There was a definite relaxing, welcoming and personal feel to the entire place. I love the convenient location too-1/2 a block from the brown line stop. read more

Wow... I wish I could work out like this all the time... Trainers listening to what I want and how MY body is reacting so I can have a rockin' workout and still be able to walk the next day. Of course they will ramp it up for you if that's what you want, but that's not me and that's the point. These guys are cool, fun and they LISTEN. Also worth sayin' they know their equipment and have hand picked what they personally find works for their client base. I'm damned impressed so far. Shouldn't have to say it, but what a nice surprise to have a locker room I'm not afraid to be barefoot in. Headed back as soon as I can. read more

I absolutely love Lateral Fitness. Being so close to my house it facilitates will for my location but also has provided myself with the most beneficial workouts I have had. The entire gym is clean and modern. It has healthy food and drinks, as well as a tea bar which is great on cold walks home. The locker rooms/ showers are alway tidy and a great asset for a gym in the city (with great smelling products) - and they had mouthwash, razors, q-tips, hairspray, dryers, and straighteners which make getting ready at the gym almost easier than getting ready at home. The Pilates class with Molly Lersten is phenomenal! It made me sore in places I didn't know could hurt. She is so kind and makes getting up early easy to do, and a kind teacher in and out of the gym. The Sculpt Yoga with Jenny Finkel is worth getting up at 6:00am. Her class is exactly what I want out of a Yoga class. I have done classes similar and been so disappointed in them but have finally found the best location for a morning Sculpt Yoga class. Adrienne Foster's classes are all one of a kind. She knows JUST how to push you far enough but does it all with a smile and encouragement (and even sings along). She really does make working out fun. The bosses always greet me by name when I come in and I see intention in how they run their business and live their lives. This by far, is the best gym I have ever been to in the city of Chicago. read more

I signed up for The Recruit class when Lateral Fitness just opened. This class is an amazing boot camp like class that gets you leaner, stronger and more fit. I have enjoyed every class and am actually looking into taking this class on another day so I can do it twice a week. The trainers are great! They really know their stuff. I have gotten so much stronger and fit since I started. It is the greatest feeling after you are done with that hour class! I like the fact that the classes are really intimate, you get a lot of one-on-one attention. They are starting up a half marathon class as well. I am looking into this. I am sure this class is going to be a winner too! read more

Lateral Fitness is one of the most intimate gyms I have ever been to. The environment is extremely friendly and the gym itself is really clean. They hold many different types of classes and are beautiful when it comes to punctuality. The overall modern feel of the gym really sheds light on the cleanliness of the gym. The instructors are truly the best in the city and can live up to their name. I love it! read more

I take class here pretty consistently on Tuesdays - Recruit with Erik. The class is always a surprise! It's the best hour of my day - pushing myself to do things that I would never do on my own - running, climbing stairs, running... But it's never tedious and it's brown up so well that you forget where the hour went. It's a class I actually look forward to! The facility is also great, always clean and everyone is super accommodating. It has a great community feel. Highly HIGHLY recommend to anyone that is in shape or not - regardless you'll get an awesome workout and have a blast. read more

I discovered Lateral Fitness via ClassPass. This place is my new/favorite boutique gym. I'm a true fitness fanatic and don't like to 'waste' time in not getting a good workout. Lateral Fitness exceeded my expectations. The facility is amazing - great space, locker rooms with amenities and tons of equipment. The instructors and staff are super friendly and the classes are awesome! My favorite classes are Simply Shredded (Adrie), Pure Fusion (Adrie) and Recruit (Erik-owner). These classes were challenging, but accessible for all levels. The PT trainer/instructor always includes modifications -to be more/less challenging. Adrie and Erik give great cues and always walk around checking people's form and shouting out words of encouragement to keep going. I always use my CP allocation in the first week or so. Thus, I purchased more class sessions through Lateral Fitness to go multiple times during the month. It's that good and fun! I always look forward to my next workout. I honestly cannot state enough good things about this place and am one picky girl. read more

I've been coming to Lateral for their noon classes for the past year. I absolutely love their classes, facility and instructors. My favorite class is their 30 minute quick fit class that kicks your a** but has you back within your hour lunch break. Everyone is so great and can work with you at every level of your fitness ability. This is a true gem in River north read more

I discovered Lateral on ClassPass and it is excellent. Facilities are spotless, with great showers that also double as a private changing area. People are incredibly friendly and the place is welcoming. Erik's Recruit class is fabulous and I highly recommend it. Erik is the owner of Lateral and it's clear how much pride he takes in giving his customers a positive experience. Five stars for Lateral without a doubt! read more

I have been working out at Lateral Fitness for over a year now, and I'm in the best shape of my life. The quality of the training is beyond compare. Now that I know the value of instruction by qualified trainers, I will never go back to the cookie-cutter classes offered at big gyms where the instructors don't know your name and are hesitant to correct your form. The groups at Lateral are small, and you get a lot of personal attention. So in that respect, their claim of being "exclusive" is about a lot more than being boutique and high-end--which they certainly are--but also about that intimate setting of like-minded people. People aren't there to socialize or be seen in their cute new workout pants--they are there to do work. That makes the investment, both of time and money, that much more efficient. A good example of this Quickfit, a class taught by Erik on Mondays and Wednesdays during late lunchtime that's comprised of 30 minutes of circuit training interspersed with cardio. It's an extremely efficient format, and it works. You won't find a lot of "trendy" classes at Lateral Fitness; what you will find are challenging, efficient and intimate classes taught by the best instructors in the city. read more

I found this place on classpass, so I feel like I am cheating them a bit. I've been to Recruit with Erik twice now, and I love the intensity of the class. I would never push myself that hard, so it's great to have that motivator. The class went to the park yesterday, which was a great change-up from the regular in-the-gym circuit. I'm excited to make Recruit part of my weekly routine! read more

I highly recommend Dan Lona for personal training - his kettlebell expertise is producing quick results and I'm feeling better than ever. He's extremely knowledgeable, and the kind of trainer who will push you just enough without making you feel overwhelmed. I am extremely happy with my choice to train with Dan at Lateral Fitness. read more

Lateral Fitness is hands down the best studio gym I have been to in the city. I have been training with Erik for over a year now and continue to be impressed by his knowledge and ability to change up each work out week after week. I highly recommend Lateral FItness and Erik for anyone who needs a good workout! read more

I run, but I don't do much of anything else...at all. Well, at least that used to be the case before I came across Erik Marthaler's Linked In page to see that he and another trainer from the gym I used to belong to went off on their own. I contacted him immediately (really), and I set up a package of personal training sessions -- without the added expense of a monthly gym membership. If the treadmills are free, they let me use it before or after my sessions, which is great! The sessions are always varied to keep things interesting, and with the extensive inventory of equipment they have, I imagine that will always be the case. After the first 3 weeks, I felt like I was running stronger and feeling stronger, and I look forward to setting new goals to keep improving. Everything is very nice, very modern, very clean, and the music is good. Everyone is very nice, too. Erik is very encouraging without being condescending at all. I haven't tried any of the classes yet, but I have heard great things! read more