Came in due to a Facebook ad, by appointment! 2 people there, the person I was supposed to meet with just old me I could work out if I wanted, no intro to the various equipment, no info on classes, no real info regarding the "six-week" start that was advertised. I just left. The owner did contact me after, stating he understood why I left, wanted a do-over, I declined. Feel like the come-on on Facebook was just to get you in the door, not sure why, given the lack of give a damn once they got me there. read more

New location (just three doors down from old gym) is three times bigger and way better! With some new trainers kicking sweatiness around as well as all new equipment, the Sweatshop is reaching the potential that I knew it would hit. The trainers know every single persons names that walk in the door and make sure they get the proper attention we all need. They now offer a "Total Wellness" package that includes nutrition and support for members as well as kids boot camps. Do yourself a favor and least give them a shot, They are amazing! read more

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Place is a scam. They will continue to charge you and up your price. They are way overpriced as it is. They will increase the price and charge you with out authorization. Please watch your bank account when using them. I would recommend any other gym as they will take you for anything they can. read more

There is shop in BG,where you go and sweat Don't blame your life when you control your fate. Just break the shackles and knock on the door. When you aim for the sky just start with the floor Matt,Lyann,Jim,Angie always there to help. I loved the place so giving five stars in YELP Do it for yourself and do it for the mirror. Critics will shut their mouth and won't come near. Dance with the music move with the rest This is not just a gym it's a crazy fun fest Go and join the Sweatshop or you will miss the BEST read more

BEWARE EVERYONE! The owner of the Sweatshop in Palatine refuses to return my money. I tried their workout for half hour. They had charged my credit card $99 and will not reimburse me even though I have no contract and never signed any paperwork for one! This is thievery! They said they were a small business! Well I'm a senior citizen and $99 is a lot of money on a fixed income. This is the review I posted in Yelp. didn't even want to give one star but had to so I can write the review. They are located on Northwest Highway near Euro Fresh Market. read more

The Sweatshop is in fact the official "Happy Place" for dozens of people. The Sweatshop community is extra special because the members are "real people." All shapes, sizes, genders, ages, cultures, etc... People go out of their way to connect with you and make you feel like part of the community. It's truly amazing to see how everyone encourages and supports one another. I've been there a little over 5 months now and am so thankful for the opportunity to work out in a fun and supportive environment. I've had the absolute pleasure of meeting some incredible people that I now consider friends. Now I'll be honest, this place may not be for everyone and that's totally ok! No place ever meets everyone's needs and expectations. But if you're open to stepping out of the comfort zone and trying something totally different, I highly encourage you to stop in. Saturday morning has two bootcamps that are incredibly fun and during the week there is always some sort of fun yet challenging activity to conquer. I look forward to the possibility of meeting you =). read more

This place is awesome !!! It has been about a month now and I'm having a blast! It's my church now ! No day is ever the same, you are constantly moving. The trainers ... Ohhhh the trainers ... Are the best trainers in the world ! They are great with great personality and definitely know what they are doing. They will help you, they will make you laugh and cry and scream and laugh again! Love them all from the day one. I'm thankful I found sweatshop and I'm exited for this journey! Bring it on ! read more

Oh Matt... You have made me a Sweatshop junkie. On days I can't make it in I go through withdrawals. I had never done personal training before, but after buying a Mulamu for 2 weeks of unlimited personal training, I took advantage of it as much as I could. Group personal training, who cares?! There's usually only 2-4 other people when I've been there and Matt handles everyone perfectly. I actually like other people being there, we cheer each other on and it's cool to see all the action! A great plus is you don't need an appointment. You can go in anytime you please. Matt knows how to give you a GREAT, fun, and effective workout specifically to fit your fitness goals and endurance level. I've only been going for 2 weeks and already see results. I'm hooked. read more

This gym has changed everything! I am not a "gym person". I have never felt comfortable at a gym...always self-conscious, uncoordinated...but the environment here is totally different! From the day I entered the door, I felt welcome, a part of the community and that I fit. Matt sends inspiring emails that always seem to be just what I need to hear (spooky) and the trainers are all kind, helpful and full of encouragement. It's not the "prettiest" gym, so if you are looking for shine and razzle-dazzle, keep looking...but if you want a place that sparkles because of it's people...this is it! This gym has changed my body, my attitude and my life. read more

Always fun but hard core workout. I still can't keep up with boot camp. But I will get there. My son loves the sweat kids workouts on Saturdays. read more

The way it smelled when I walked in was awful. I don't like the set up of the gym it looks so last minute and the location is just terrible. No privacy for your locker space. I would definitely recommend visiting another place for fitness. They also seem to have a very unprofessional and demeaning attitude toward their employees. I would look elsewhere for a place that treats their employees and customers with respect and cares about how the place looks. read more

I always thought workout was torture. But these guys showed me working out could be fun. I loved the sweatshop so much that I got a membership the same day I walked in. The best decision I ever made in my life. Enter sweatshop and you are hooked for life. It's my happy place. The trainers are so much fun and know everyone by their names. They make u feel that u belong there. read more

I joined The Sweatshop a little over a year ago, and I'm so glad I did! This place works. I have been a member of other gyms, and even worked with a personal trainer at another gym, but have never accomplished what I have accomplished with the wonderful trainers at The Sweatshop. This is a very fun place, and I was worried that I might not fit in, because I have somewhat of a quiet personality, but it doesn't matter! No matter what, you will feel welcome here. I am all about the fitness, and making sure that I get a good workout in, but I also enjoy the laughter here, and it is indeed "My Happy Place." I stay motivated, I am never bored, and am confident that I am in the best health that I've ever been in since joining. read more

Having done some similar personal training in the past (both as a client and as a trainer), I was skeptical that The Sweatshop's 'no appointment needed' policy could work. I have always gotten an awesome workout no matter how many other people are training at the same time. Matt does an excellent job of tailoring each workout to the individual and their abilities. If everyone stopped going to gyms to mindlessly walk on the treadmill or stand on an elliptical, and worked out like we do at The Sweatshop, the world would be a better place. Do yourself a favor, take Matt up on his free trial session and go check out The Sweatshop. read more

I drive from Skokie to Buffalo Grove to get here, this place is that good. You can't imagine the amount of fun you will have here busting a sweat and cracking up. Do yourself a favor and come for a work out. It will change your life. read more

Loved working out here! The trainers keep you motivated as well as your fellow gym rats. It's a pretty simple program where there's a workout of the day that people can start and complete at their leisure..so important since my schedule is ruled by my kids & work. When I was having some back pain or when I was preggo, the trainers came up with my own modified workouts. I really enjoy group workouts and the bootcamps are a hoot and I totally get pumped when they play my jam. The only thing I wish they had was actual childcare while you workout. They do have memberships available for kids which is awesome, but nothing much a baby or toddler can do besides hang out in the play room. There's no supervision, so that really didn't work well for me. Once I figure out how to handle working out with 2 super mini me's, I'll definitely be back. Can't wait to do another Sweatshop workout! read more

The Sweatshop is hands down the best gym I have ever joined. They have six trainers who are all excellent and keep you challenged while cheering you on. They make going to the gym fun. They each greet you every time you walk in the door. Bootcamps are a blast to attend and you feel a great sense of accomplishment when you complete one. I never been passionate about my gym before. It's truly a special place. read more

I have been a member of the Sweatshop now for about 6 months. I, like some other reviewers, always had gym memberships somewhere. Sometimes I'd go, most times I wouldn't. I would get frustrated and discouraged because I didn't really know what kind of exercises I should be doing or "how" I should be working out. There is sooo much information out there, it was really overwhelming for me. I heard about SS through a friend who had been posting about it on her FB page. When I first went, I was kind of intimidated. I think I ended up doing too much and getting sore and I was NOT used to group workouts and I hated them and I hated going by myself so I stopped going for a while. I knew, though, that this place was different than the other gyms and I didn't want to give up. So, I went in to talk to one of the trainers - Ben - and told him my concerns and he was really supportive. I felt embarrassed and wimpy that I didn't like group workouts and that I did too much too fast but he was really cool about it and wasn't pushy and made me feel so much better. And finally, after going a few times, I did my first group workout and it wasn't so bad!! In fact, it was pretty fun. And if it got to be too much, I just stopped for a minute, caught my breath and kept going. And I still do this during my individual training and group workouts. Most importantly, if you don't like group workouts, you NEVER have to do them. Even if one is going on, there will always be a trainer walking around to help those who want to just do their own thing and I don't feel bad or intimidated anymore when I am one of those people. Most importantly, you can go for as long or as short as you want. Everything is completely up to you. Which brings me to the next paragraph: In reading some of the less than positive reviews, I have to point out - the reason why I love Sweatshop is because it is MY gym. I know that my workouts and my experience are what I make of it. The trainers are there to guide me and motivate me and they do make me laugh but if I wasn't able to step out of the box a little and be proactive about my fitness/nutrition, I wouldn't be stronger than I was when I started and losing inches and pounds as we speak. Yes, there are contests and FB shout outs that likely benefit the Shop but, honestly, I think those are the most fun. It brings out everyone's competitive side but it also brings out a silly side too and camaraderie which I love, and it makes going there that much more fun. And you can win stuff while working out! Who wouldn't want that? But, if you don't participate in the contests, it's fine too! I don't think anyone is treated any differently. Finally, there is a group within the Sweatshop called Total Wellness that focuses more on the nutrition aspect of weight loss if you want more one on one or in depth attention. It costs a little extra but it is really worth it. There are tons of workshops, free bootcamps with just the Total Wellness group, goal setting, weigh ins and a lot of positive support and motivation. All in all, I highly recommend The Sweatshop and I can't see myself ever leaving. read more

I love the Sweatshop!! I started working out here after I finished therapy for a broken leg. The trainers know how to push you enough to accomplish things that you never thought were possible. My favorite part is that you are never late for a workout. It's not like other places...they are are ready to train you the minute you walk in. Matt, Ben, Emma, Jim and Erika are all fabulous! They know everyone by name and the atmosphere is supportive and friendly. Even the people who work out there are wonderful. If you are looking for a great gym, look no further! They even have bootcamp classes for kids!! So cute! read more

I've never enjoyed working out, and I'm not in the best shape, but when a friend suggested I try The Sweatshop, I came for a session and stayed for a membership! I brought my husband and have introduced some friends to The Sweatshop as well! The "entertrainers" are the ticket to a FUN workout - whether it's personal training (with NO appointment needed) or a Power Hour group class (that you can come and go at will depending on your schedule - no dirty looks for coming in late or leaving early)! It's hard to describe without giving it a try - so give it a try! :) read more

Was a loyal member for 2 1/2 years. always boasted about the sweatshop, brought new members in & felt like a member of the Sweatshop family. Unfortunately, with a larger space they grew too big for their britches. too many people, not enough trainers, no concern for proper form either. Their business practice is to run referral contests & depend on members to do their marketing & sales for them. Newer members get most of the attention. Some days I was left standing around, other times I looked around to see what others are doing & did their moves. Then when a trainer comes my way, they ask me what I have just done! This system just doesn't work anymore. Gone is the personal attention. I did meet & make some great friends, which is what kept me there. However, after a disagreement over a groupon for my daughter (yes, he was putting conditions on it AFTER my purchase & lack of customer service from Matt Kuhlman ( the owner ), I decided to give my 10 day notice. Keep in mind that leading up to this decision, Matt had contacted me via a FB message. I then received an email letting me know my 10 day cancellation notice was waived & that my membership was cancelled effective immediately. I was also blocked from the Sweatshop member page & he sent texts to all the trainers that they HAD to defriend me! Really? Nice way to treat a "family" member! I could go on & on about the lack of business sense, no concern for proper technique, not enough entertrainers, (yes, that's what they call themselves) & lack of customer service~ but, when push comes to shove, if you're not singing their praises, they are done with you. There are sooo many other examples I could give, but am choosing not to. And no, this isn't sour grapes, this is me with eyes wide open now. I am waiting for current members to counterpoint my comments. Awhile ago, that would have been me too & one day it could be you being shunned from the shop!! I bet the next contest will be who can write the most positive yelp review. They don't handle negativity or constructive criticism well over there! read more

This is the first gym I haven't been scared of. The workouts are amazing and I can't imagine ever wanting to go to another gym again! Between the trainers and the power hour classes, it is all soooo much fun. Definitely a must visit! read more

After being at the Sweatshop for over two years, I can't say it's the same gym it used to be. This is a good first gym if you need help and motivation getting off the couch, and excited about exercising, but it seems they've lost a bit of their focus. There are times when there aren't enough trainers to client ratio and proper form isn't addressed. Needless to say, I've moved on. read more

the sweatshop sounds just as it is. a sweat shop. workout class sizes are so large that I feel like I can't move. packed in there like sardines and mixed with sweating.... not the best smells in that environment. I found that this gym was more to just get people there and as many as they can and run a class. Its definitely not my style of working out. Although I do like group fitness classes, I found this to be a little much. read more

I just have to add to my review, every time I go I am more and more impressed. First, Matt does a great job with people joining - and I can only speak to joining with a Groupon. I have purchased many Groupons and it can be a bad experience. I have had businesses do a bad job/give poor services and you feel like you can't complain because it was half off, I have had businesses that make you feel like they are doing you a favor. and I have had businesses that try and upsell you immediately before you have even tried the service you have purchased. Matt makes you feel like you are a valued customer - exactly what Groupon users should do to build there business - but unlike my past experiences - he actually does it!! Many of the people I talked to said they joined on a Groupon over the past few years and stayed afterwards. Second - he has these great posters all over the walls - some are success stories (before and after pictures with amount or weight lost and dress sizes dropped), some are kinda like those cheesy inspiration posters for business (you know the ones, success with a picture of a mountain peak). All the pictures in the Sweatshop are of people right there - people I see every day when I am working out. What a great way to honor your customers by featuring them and celebrating their successes. Third - Matt is great with people of all levels of health. Today he was able to effectively train multiple groups - 2 women that were seniors and working on balance and stretching, another woman that was very fit and was doing much more advanced moves and me - doing OK but just a beginner ;-) AMAZING! read more

I have done 4 workouts at The Sweatshop (I live out of state and was only in town for a week on vacation) and I LOVED IT! Ben and Matt are amazing and their motivating ways are like that of no other trainer I've met before. I regularly attend a boot camp gym at home that I thought couldn't be topped, but The Sweatshop did just that! Thanks guys, and let me know when you guys expand to SoCal.....otherwise I will be back next time I'm in town! :-) read more

Unbelievable workout and concept! Matt is revolutionizing the personal training industry with affordable group personal training. Don't let the group part scare you because he is there to show you exactly what you need to do, how to do it and makes sure you are doing each exercise the proper way. By the way, normally there are about 3-5 other people there at any given time so you will not be lost in the mix. Once he knows you can do it he goes off to help someone else, still keeping an eye on you, and is back as soon as you are done to show you how to do your next exercise. You pay significantly less than you would for traditional personal training and the only thing a traditional personal trainer does that Matt does not is stand there counting for you. I don't need to pay someone to count for me! I have only been working out with Matt for a few days now but he is kicking my butt into shape and doing it in a fun yet challenging way. Way to go Matt! You're going to do GREAT! Oh yeah, the first week of training is free! read more

I was a loyal paying member of The Sweatshop for about 2 years. It WAS my happy place. When I was a new member they praised me and gave me so much attention. They invited me into the private Sweatshop FB page and all of the trainers friended me on FB. I felt so loved and they were like family. After awhile I learned the truth. All Matt (the owner) cares about is himself and using you to advertise for him through contests and FB. That didn't bother me. I continued to workout and hang with my other friends. Then they moved to a bigger space. They didn't have enough trainers. The trainers were only allowed to spend 15 seconds with you before moving on to the next person. I wasn't a "newbie" anymore and also wasn't singing their praises on my FB page, so I was no longer important to them. I even received threatening texts from a trainer when another employee, who I happened to be friends with, left. In the end Matt ended up kicking me out of the gym. He deleted me from the Sweatshop page. He then made all the trainers defriend and block me on FB. You have to understand I adored these trainers!! I bought them holiday gifts, birthday gifts and concert tickets. They were everything to me and I was nothing to them! There is a silver lining to my story. I was forced to find a new trainer/gym. I always believed I was getting a good workout at The Sweatshop. I later found out my form on most exercises was incorrect. This is concerning to me since I had a spinal fusion which all of the trainers were acutely aware of. While the price to be a member of the Sweatshop is a good deal, finding the right trainer that cares enough to put your health before their ego is priceless! read more