The only gym I've ever loved. Not busy, reasonable prices, extremely talented staff and a good vibe.

I have done a few sessions with Alex and I am very happy. He is a real pro and very knowledgeable. He's also a very likeable guy. At my first session, I told him what I wanted to work on (compound lifts technique and flexibility) and he has tailored the workouts around these goals. read more

I've doing small group classes with Alex at Paramount since April and I can't say enough about how great of an experience it's been. I love that his approach to fitness encompasses all facets of healthy living - from endurance to flexibility to strength training. I've seen significant gains in each and feel the best that I've felt in a very long time. Alex is extremely knowledgeable about his profession. He has taken all of his knowledge from years of experience to craft a program that maximizes results while emphasizing form and safety. I also find his motivation style perfect for me. He has a quiet yet effective way to get every once of effort out of me. read more

I started training with Alex in the spring of 2010, the year I decided it was time to be more dedicated to a fitness program and actually followed through. I had two goals: train for the Chicago Half Marathon and learn more about strength training. I knew from seeing Alex's training sessions with my husband that I wanted to enlist him to help me reach my goals. To say that working out with Alex has dramatically changed my outlook/approach to fitness would be an understatement: I've gone from exercising several times a month (at best) with only a cardio focus, to integrating a variety of strength, cardio and core exercises 4-5 times a week. Workouts with Alex are challenging - every time. As a forty-something woman who started with an aversion to lifting weights, I wouldn't have kept at it if Alex wasn't also very encouraging. He will push you to your max, whatever that may be. Often when I tell friends I do push-ups, lift weights and swing kettlebells, the response is, "well, I could never do that." If you think the same way, I'm here to tell you that you can. The number one lesson I've learned from training with Alex is that I'm capable of much more than I ever thought possible with the help of a great coach. read more

I have been training with Alex since last August 2011, and he has literally redefined "fun" when it comes to working out. Every day is different, which I love, and he is a perfectionist when it comes to technique and proper movement, ensuring that I can push myself further than I thought possible, WITHOUT risking injury (the single most important thing you should look for in any cross-training style program). There is NO judgment in this group -- just a crowd of awesome people who like to have fun and enjoy being active. And, even though it is a group exercise environment, Alex scales every movement/activity to the individual, and is very adept at it because the group is small enough that he knows everyone's strengths and weaknesses inside and out. Also, he has built an incredibly solid foundation off of which I've been able to develop into a better weightlifter (something I honestly wasn't interested in until he made it so much fun that I fell in love). There are few things I would wake up at 4:30AM for. This is one of them. But he also offers classes at other times that sound less intimidating :) read more

I decided to try Paramount about a year ago and couldn't be happier. All of the staff are friendly and knowledgable, focused on aiding you in achieving your goals with proper technique and greater mobility. Ryan has been training me regularly and truly goes above and beyond. He is constantly educating himself and his wide breadth of knowledge shows. The group classes are exceptional as well. I love that they cap the classes at 6 people, allowing for plenty of personal attention. Paramount is awesome, I highly recommend trying them out! read more

I've been training with Alex since last summer, and had to post about all the "FUN" we have working out! After attending a Fitness program in Utah, I was desperate to find a trainer in Chicago who could provide me with a high intensity workout, one that would continue to sculpt and change my body. Working out with Alex is the trick! From kettle bells, push ups, circuit training, and rowing, Alex's training sessions encompass all areas of the body, and will make you sweat like never before. Just in the past six weeks I have seen a tremendous change in my arms, and core muscles. Outside of the high intensity workouts, Alex has a great knowledge of nutrition, and understands each person's limitations...always pushing me to complete a set, even when my mind is telling me no. If you are looking for a kick ass workout, give Alex a call! read more

Alex is a Body Whisperer. From my first consultation to every class since, he has shown himself to be a guru of all things strength, mobility, and endurance. During my first consultation he sent me through a rigorous assessment that helped him pinpoint my areas of weakness and strengths. That first session was challenging and as cliche as it sounds, I worked muscles I didn't know I had. I've signed up for the monthly package and every class has pushed me harder than I've ever been pushed. (FYI, the Boot Camp class is not for the faint of heart!) And the variety of exercises Alex employs keeps my body going faster, farther and longer than I imagined. Something that adds to Alex's Body Whisperer title is that throughout each exercise he is observing our form and quickly diagnoses what body part may be disrupting our form. If something is tight or inflexible he has a stretch, move, or fix to ensure we get it right and get better. So if you want to cross train and get stronger and leaner I highly recommend Paramount Personal Training. read more

I am a wimp. I cannot touch my toes. I am a little soft around the middle, but I want to change all of this.... so I tried Paramount Personal Training and I have no regrets. My experience is with the small group personal training sessions. The group is small enough (anywhere from 2-6 people) that you still get the "personal" attention in the training. Within a week I felt stronger. Within a month I looked more tone and my flexibility improved. Within three months I went from running a 11:30 mile to running a 9:00 mile and I wasn't as soft around the middle. The best part of this is that Alex/Megan created a super positive and encouraging atmosphere. Everyone in the room is rooting for one another, regardless of skillset, strength, flexibility, etc. I highly recommend Paramount Personal Training for anyone trying to get to the next level of fitness. read more

I've been going to Paramount for almost a year now and I couldn't be happier. I came in not having worked out much in my life. I had never lifted a barbell, I had never touched my toes, never run more than a mile (and only in high school PE)... You get the picture. Despite the fact that I looked healthy, I surely was anything but. I signed up for the group fitness classes - I definitely need the motivation of others around me to keep me going. Everyone in the class is super friendly. And I look forward to seeing everyone almost as much as I do the workouts! On the first day, Alex, the owner will sit down with you and see what your body can and cannot do. Unlike previous gyms where they basically asked if I had any injuries and just had me do a few push-ups, Alex was super attentive. We worked one-on-one for over an hour, free of charge, with Alex taking down and noting the different ways my body moved and the tweaks he'd need to address over the next months. Since then, I've been going to the group fitness & boot camp classes three times a week. All three trainers, Alex, Megan, and Kim are very attentive in every workout. There is a set workout each day, but they'll tailor every exercise to your needs. They are very good at knowing what you can and cannot do and supplementing the workout with additional exercises. Classes are as intense as you want to make them. There's a good mix of strength and mobility exercises along with a lot of stretching. At times I was critical of the stretching (can't we just lift weights already!), but seeing as I can now touch my toes, I'm much less of a skeptic =) They are also big on data. So they record a lot of metrics and you can see the growth you've made. I've been able to see huge growth in my deadlifts and benching abilities and can proudly run almost two miles without stopping! I'd definitely recommend Paramount particularly for those who haven't worked out much or simply want a supportive environment to help motivate them exercise! read more

I've been taking an Intro to Cross-training class with Alex for a few months and I really like it. The classes are always very beneficial because he keeps the class sizes small and has a record of each person's progress, so you know that you're getting a lot of individual attention. Truth be told, my personal choice of physical activity is running, not weight lifting or cross-training--but after suffering a running injury last year a physical therapist told me I had to work cross-training into my routine to strengthen certain muscle groups. The classes with Paramount have given me a great and un-intimidating way to do this, and though I do have to push myself during every class it's also a very fun atmosphere. Alex is encouraging but doesn't let you go too easy--he makes sure you slowly increase the repetitions and weights you use for various exercises, so I've seen steady progress in my strength since staring (and plus he plays good music). I also love the bizarre gym where the classes take place! This is no shiny yoga studio with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and parquet flooring. It's an independently-run gym that makes you feel like you've stepped into a modern-day version of Pumping Iron. (I mean that in the best possible way.) It has the feeling of a weight lifter's gym, but there's plenty of space and equipment to do any kind of workout. There's always space to park outside--but be warned, you might initially be a little confused about where the gym is because it's on the top floor of a warehouse-type building that houses various other businesses and art galleries. In other words, it's a well-kept secret, it makes me feel tough, and it's awesome. read more

Alex is fantastic. I noticed a lot of reviews of personal trainers discussed how much better people felt and how much happier they were, but my number 1 priority was results. Alex gets just that. He is really easy to be around, and yet he manages to push me to my limit each session. I came to him wanting to tone up for my wedding, and I lost 2% body fat and three inches off my waist. He also did a great job planning workouts that met my preferences for the days I wasn't working out with him. What I think makes Alex unique is his holistic approach. His goal is to make his clients healthy and fit (looking great is just a byproduct of this). Although I was primarily concerned with how my muscles looked, Alex had me practice balance and agility and worked a lot to help me relieve back and shoulder pain I'd had for the past eight months. In the end, pain that made putting on some shirts unbearable was almost unnoticeable. In summary, he's great, he gets results, and you should make the investment in yourself by working with him. read more

Alex has been doing personal training for my husband and myself together for about a year. We trained last year for the Chicago marathon (not our first marathon) with the hopeful goal to break PRs set 5 years before. Neither of us has done regular personal training before on a regular basis nor combined the kinds of workouts Alex has us do (focusing on strength, core, flexibility) with the running training before. Both of us got into better-all-around shape from a fitness standpoint than we've ever been. We also each broke our PRs for the marathon by 5 minutes, much more than we had even hoped. Alex has been wonderful to work with - he's personable, great at listening and explaining, and very responsive. He comes to our home, which is key with kids, and has helped us get outfitted with the basic equipment we need for that. I strongly recommend him to meet your fitness goals and PR (and stay injury free) for your next big event (especially if there's any marathon hopefuls out there)! read more

I'm taking cross-fit training with Alex and he really knows what he is doing. I leave each workout knowing i put as much into it as I could. After going for about a month an a half I have noticed gains in stamina, strength and some flexibility. Excited to get back there tomorrow! read more

Life Changing. Excellent team and dedicated trainers who actually CARE. I love going here and would never want to change, and every penny is worth it. It has changed my outlook to not only fitness but also life, as Ryan pushes me to be more disciplined in not just the gym but in every aspect of my daily routine. Cannot thank the team enough. read more

This place rules! It's the first time I've ever found something that has kept me consistently working out for over a year straight. Alex and Megan are awesome and they have a great system going. I especially love the Saturday morning boot camp classes. It's a friendly and casual environment to work in and takes people of all ages and fitness levels. Highly recommend! read more

Alex is the best! I can't get mad at him, no matter how many lunges or burpees he makes me do. He just has a great way of motivating everyone. I've been training with Alex for over a year now and I honestly can't say enough great things about him and his programming. I met Alex at another gym and followed him when he left to train independently. He's that good. I self admittedly have a tendency to whine and not always give 100%. He pushes, but more importantly he makes you want to push yourself and that's what I need. As someone who hates getting up early, I willingly hop out of bed at 4:30am twice a week and actually look forward to it. I feel like I can do things now, that I never imagined a year ago. He is meticulous in instruction and highly knowledgeable on training / nutrition and to boot he's just an awesome person. read more

This place is amazing. I worked with Megan and she is awesome, she has a great personality that keeps you motivated and works with your limits. She finds ways to push you but in all the right ways. I only worked with her a few times as I was on a vacay but I can definitely imagine that if I continued to work with her I would have improved so much. read more

Alex and Megan create a friendly environment for everyone. They make you feel comfortable no matter your fitness or skill level. I think other reviews have covered the excellent job Alex does at assessing you and tailoring the training to you. I also like that the classes are a relatively small group so he can still give you personal attention and correct your form. It's very affordable considering you're getting personalized training. Highly recommended! read more