This is an amazing place. The slogan is "more than a gym," and it has certainly become so for me…read more I've gotten much stronger and learned new skills I never thought I'd be able to do (pull-ups, rope climbs, hand stands, etc.), but the best part has been the community. Since I usually go to the same classes each week, I've made good friends and feel part of a community. All the coaches know me, my goals, my obstacles, and what's an appropriate level of challenge for me. They're great about scaling to an option that fits you and your goals, specifically. It doesn't matter your age or fitness level -- everyone is so supportive, encouraging, and inclusive. The workouts are hard, but everyone is there to do hard things together, and in the end, we all feel amazing.

What a place! I started going to Defined to work with a personal trainer, Sarah, through the Lunge…read moreLadies and I have never been happier with a fitness program. The energy and inclusiveness is unmatched. I have always felt welcome from the first day I came into Defined. They will work you hard, but everyone is so nice and friendly. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in CrossFit-type workouts and learning how to lift properly.

I joined this gym for the location and I committed to a year membership! My old gym was HIIT only,…read moreand this place is a mix of solid, strength-building programming, some yoga/stretching, kettlebells, and conditioning/HIIT classes. There's a mix of equipment which keeps it fun. Honestly a huge plus to me is the gentle warm up & prep work we take before diving into the weights. I really feel like the focus here is on steady, controlled progress. Each month has a new program and they provide a way for you to track your progress. I'm a nerd and appreciate the consistency! The trainers are all friendly and knowledgeable. I've never heard anyone say "Beach Body" and I really appreciate that. Small classes give it a real neighborhood vibe and I've made a few new friends- no small thing in this endless time of never leaving your house!

Not happy towards the end of my membership!......................................Blair tried…read morecalling me so we can discuss the issue but I was already upset and I had nothing else to say.

I'm on my fifth week of training and I feel confident to state that this pace is amazing!…read more I'm just shy of 50 and weigh from the pandemic crept up. I needed to do something but the thought of going to a regular gym that's always at capacity was unappealing. Transform is the answer. One-on-one training sessions with a trainer. No one else is in the studio during your scheduled time. My trainer (Gerri) is incredible. Her instructions are clear. She watches me like a hawk and corrects my movements. You have no idea how much I need this. If you're unable to do a specific exercise, she will find a different one that you're able to accomplish that work the same muscles. Sessions are tailored to you. I highly recommend this place!

I looked into several personal trainers in the neighborhood before settling on Transform. The…read morethings that stood out to me were: 1. The trainers I interacted with all had over a decade of experience 2. It is truly 1 on 1 personal training vs group training classes 3. The communication is excellent 4. It is reasonably priced I had been strength training on my own for half a year and my goal coming in was to learn the correct form for exercises, and ask questions about various joint / mobility pain I was having while working out. I had never worked with a personal trainer before, and was a bit intimidated, but Dave was really friendly on my initial call with him and not salesy at all. I was assigned to Eric-Todd and had a great experience. I learned how to do workouts that I was afraid to do on my own before, and was introduced to a wide variety of exercises, including using the cable machine, leg exercises using my own body weight, kettlebell, medicine ball, TRX, etc. Over the course of a month, we never repeated a single exercise! I was really impressed with how much were were able to get through in just 30 minutes, twice a week. Each session, I'd do warms up and cool downs on my own, and the 30 minutes were action packed with exercises. It was actually pretty nice not having to think about weights, being handed certain pieces of equipment, and being told exactly what to do. Overall, it's been an amazing first personal training experience. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a personal trainer in the neighborhood, especially beginners or those looking to learn a variety of exercises. Thanks Eric-Todd!

I've been training with Nick for the past three years, and I couldn't ask for a better personal…read moretrainer. He's incredibly supportive, consistently tailors workouts to my individual needs, and keeps things fresh with something different every session. Nick is also extremely flexible and has always gone out of his way to accommodate my schedule--even on very short notice. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, dependable, and motivating trainer

I love Above the Bar so much that I had to continue my membership in the form of online training…read moreeven when moving out to the suburbs. The trainers know their stuff, make sure you feel confident through the exercises, and become friends. 10/10 recommend.

Alex and his team at ATB are the most compassionate people I have come across in a long time. They…read moretruly care for all of their clients and really listen to each person's needs and meet them where they are in their fitness journey. If you are just starting your fitness journey, this is the place for you. If you have been on your fitness journey for a long time and looking for something new, this is the place for you. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Alex before he started this gym and he has always been encouraging and helpful. I love lifting weights. It has made me feel stronger physically and helped me a lot with my mental health as well. I often struggle with recovery due to scoliosis and imbalances in my physical body. Alex and his team are well-educated in the interconnectedness of the body's components and have the expertise to help their clients through any struggle. Alex and his team have shown me better ways to warm up and specific recovery stretches and movements to keep me progressing in my workouts. I recently joined their Training Club, which has been a great way to workout with others independently but with a coach on hand for assistance, suggestions, and posture/movement checks... and that little nudge of encouragement to keep you progressing with weight ranges...all within your comfort level, of course. There's no pushy, drill sergeant coaches here.

I went to BTrainer Fitness a few years ago looking to start working out. I visited this studio and…read moreit seemed welcoming. However, I did not find that I learned anything. Braulio would often be on his phone during his small group training sessions, trying to get content for his social media. He did not keep track of my lifts from session to session. Often, he would load the weights too heavily for my level. I eventually chose not to continue here because I felt that Braulio wasn't really teaching me to lift and I didn't want to be dependent on him long term. His prices, while cheaper for the area, are still high for what you get. However, I still added Braulio and his studio on Instagram. I eventually planned to return one day to give his business some support. Having him on social media has been a mistake. For about a year he has replied to my Instagram posts with mixture of emotional and uninformed comments. I love a good debate but Braulio is so emotionally driven and uninformed it was never worth engaging much. He doesn't seem to have much formal education. Braulio has also made several racist comments about black people relating to crime in Chicago. He has made Islamaphobic posts on his social media. To add insult to injury, he texted me on my personal number after I blocked him and called me fat and threatened my safety. I am considering filing an order of protection against him because he is unpredictable. I would avoid this studio at all costs.

A great private session and would highly recommend. Nice studio on Halsted with all the equipment…read moreyou need. Very motivating and structured workout that will get your heart rate up and your muscles fatigued. Also has a good playlist to get you through your workout.

My husband and I have been working out with Charles for several months now. At the start of the…read moreyear, we decided that we needed to get serious about staying in shape and Charles has been a huge part in our success so far. I've previously done group courses such as yoga, pilates and spin but that always got monotonous or I stopped seeing any sort of improvements. With Charles, none of the workouts have ever been the same so we don't get bored. Plus, they're always challenging and fun.

Fantastic atmosphere! Charles is very encouraging. The workout you get is better than anything I've…read moreever done before. Highly recommend both group workout sessions or personal training. They have classes for adults and young athletes!

Everyone here is so nice and welcoming! Anahi is an excellent trainer! She pushes me to work hard,…read morebut always makes sure I am still comfortable. I highly recommend this place!

I have been doing the personal training sessions with Orange Shoe for a few months. The staff is…read morewonderful. The workouts are creative and extremely challenging. I was hesitant about being able to accomplishing a solid workout in 25 min Personal Training session. I was wrong. I've never worked out harder, more efficiently, & more effectively. I've seen significant improvements in my strength & agility. Great energy in the studio - it's very tidy and everyone has been friendly. Most of the time I train with Paul and Stephen; however, all the trainers I have worked with have been superb.