Great place to work out. Very friendly environment. The trainers there really care about you…read more Classes are fun. You really get a great full body workout.

I can't recommend Prevail Athletics highly enough! I have been coming here for about a month now,…read moreand I love it! I have trained under most of the coaches at least once, and they are ALL amazing! Everyone is so encouraging and welcoming, including the other members. The workouts are always challenging, but so rewarding. The coaches are all great at pushing you when you need it, but also give you the space you need when you can't push any harder. I have two kids under two and getting to the gym itself is a challenge, not to mention I am still learning my new body and what I'm capable of. I feel so comfortable at this gym, working out with and around people of all ranges of athletic ability. If you're looking for a gym where you feel comfortable, encouraged, and part of a team, definitely give Prevail a try! They have two programs- PrevailFit and SweatFit. I suggest trying out of each class to decide which is best for you to achieve your goals! *Also worth mentioning- the gym is well-maintained and clean, has a kids room, and utilizes a very user-friendly app. Kristina truly runs a great program here.

Needed a place to get me back in shape after not doing much the last couple of years. This gym is…read moreamazing!! I've been going for about a month now and love it. They have both early morning, late morning, afternoon and evening classes which work well with my schedule. I've been exclusively doing their "SweatFit" class which is a combo of cardio and strength and will kick your butt. All of the trainers I've met so far are fantastic. They are motivating (which I desperately need), enthusiastic but most importantly they care about making sure you have great form and are pushing yourself to do better. Can't wait to keep going and build my strength and endurance here! Highly recommend.

Best gym in the county! Everything you need in a training facility. Equipment is top notch, it's…read moreclean, showers, sauna...

Clean gym with good working equipment. Strong community and respectful members. I've been working…read morein fitness a long time and this is my go-to gym whenever I'm visiting back home.

Date of visit: December 13, 2025…read more I haven't been to a gym that wasn't in a hotel in forever, but took advantage of some time with my BFF to check out the gym near him recently and was overall pleased with the experience. Staff at the front desk were fun and the guest sign in process was easy, though not accurate. It said I would have to download their app (which I didn't want to do) but in the end I just had to completed a simple web form and my friend scanned a code and we were off to the races (well, okay, the locker room). There were a wide variety of machines to choose from and I appreciated that sanitizing stations were never more than a few steps away. The lockers are bare-bones and require a lock (guess the built in locks are for fancier gyms), though most of them are really quite small and would be difficult to stuff a duffel bag AND a winter coat inside, what do they think this is, California? I also didn't love the guy using the speakerphone feature of his cell the entire time he was changing and dropping a deuce, would have appreciated staff coming to ask him not to do that, but overall everyone I encountered was nice and the signs of "no judgments" and general support were great to see!

Just started at Planet Fitness this year and we are feeling fantastic thanks to their outstanding…read moretrainer, Andy! Andy has designed a personal regimen for my husband and I that changes monthly to keep us involved and moving forward. I've never had this personal experience before and it's led me to lose interest and quit. Andy is very knowledgeable and shows us how to do the exercises and how to use the machines. That has helped up tremendously. I even look forward to working out now! Thank you ANDY!! Also, the rest of the staff has been nice and welcoming each time we come in. The facility is always clean and well maintained. A big Thank You to All!!

This is my second home, has been for over 5 years. Mike the owner is awesome, they have equipment…read moreyou can't find in commercial places. 2 sets of Dumbell racks in separate rooms. The places energy is unmatched. I've been to many gyms in my life. Trust me this gym is it. Don't trust me just go in and take a look.

This place is a scam, stay away. Impossible to cancel membership. Talked to owner in person at the…read moregym he refused to cancel, said it had to be done through social media only. Not surprisingly, no response on social media. Total scam outfit.

OUT OF BUSINESS ??? Tried calling, emailing, and filling out 'contact me' forms on their website…read morewith no response. They are either out of business (or do not know how to run one).

Great professional trainers. Very happy with my decision to go with them. Felt comfortable from…read morefirst contact. Over a few short months goals are being met and people are taking notice. I recommend them to my family and friends.

John is the most knowledgeable, experienced trainer I have ever worked with. He has all but…read moreeliminated my back pain through strength training, his workouts are smart, tough and efficient.

My wife and I took class with Erin she did an awesome job and made us feel very comfortable and…read moresafe!

I recently completed my CCL course at Lightning Defense Academy, and I can say without hesitation…read morethat this is the best firearms training academy in Northern Illinois. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional, educational, and deeply meaningful to me. My instructor, Erin, is nothing short of outstanding. Her intelligence, professionalism, patience, and strong character set the tone for the entire class. She created a supportive, welcoming classroom environment where every question was encouraged and answered with clear, precise instruction. Erin truly takes the time to ensure her students understand not only how to safely handle a firearm, but also the laws, responsibilities, and mindset required of a concealed carry license holder. Her trust in me as a student, the time she invested, and her belief in my ability to succeed meant more to me than words can fully express. She is an incredible female instructor who absolutely rocks this class and blew it out of the park on every level. The class itself was fun, informative, and well-paced, with a great group size that allowed for individual attention. The agility test and range qualification were run smoothly and professionally, and the written test at the end of the course was extremely helpful in reinforcing everything we learned. I walked away feeling confident, informed, and prepared. The owner, John, is an amazing instructor and an even better human being. Despite running a busy family business and teaching instructor-level classes, he took time to step into our classroom and share invaluable, real-world knowledge that every CCL holder should hear. His guidance on the range is something you truly need to experience firsthand. He is patient, highly knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in the success and safety of every student. Lightning Defense Academy is also home to an incredible pro shop located in the same building. It is a family-run business, with John and his son working behind the counter and going above and beyond to help. They patiently answered my questions, guided me toward the proper holster for my needs, and made the purchasing process comfortable and educational. The selection of firearms and accessories is outstanding, with one of the largest selections of new and used firearms I've seen, along with hands-down the best-priced ammunition in McHenry County. What truly sets Lightning Defense Academy apart is their commitment to the community. They offer free classes for women taught by Erin, free CPR and first aid classes, and many additional opportunities to continue learning and growing as a responsible firearm owner. Passing this class meant the world to me. Being trusted, taught, and guided by such a knowledgeable and caring team opened my eyes to the seriousness, responsibility, and legal understanding required of a CCL holder. Lightning Defense Academy doesn't just teach you how to pass a class--they teach you how to carry with confidence, responsibility, and respect for the law. Located off Route 14 in Crystal Lake, Lightning Defense Academy is a true platinum gem. If you are considering obtaining your CCL or furthering your firearms education, do not miss the opportunity to train with John, Erin, and their outstanding team. I recommend Lightning Defense Academy without hesitation as the absolute best in Northern Illinois.