May 20th, 2021 I highly recommend Essence Pilates Studio in…read moreDeerfield, Illinois Living in the North Shore for 32 yrs I have worked out in very upscale gyms/studios for many years. However, NOTHING compares to what I have experienced at Essence Pilates Studio. Not only do you workout with highly educated and skilled, professional trainers/instructors - you get a complete total body wellness experience. Inside and out. Your health and wellbeing means everything to your instructor. With that in mind, your health journey begins. In one months time my balance is better, my posture has improved, my muscles are redefined, I am toner, stronger, and down 10lbs. You will get a new found knowledge of how your body can work for you. I wish for you the blessed experience I have at the Essence Pilates Studio. Thank you Marilee you are awesome.

I've been doing Pilates for about a year at Essence with Brittney. At first I received a gift…read morepackage for 10 sessions and thought that was all I would do. I now go 3x a week. Pilates has helped me improve my overall fitness and reduce muscle pain. I also think my posture has improved. Brittney has worked tirelessly with me on my individual needs and is truly invested in my success. Overall, I highly recommend Essence as a studio where the standard of training their instructors is above the norm and where Marilee (owner and trainer) is focused on excellence in her people.

I believe HIIT is the most effective group fitness method, and Shred415 is the best place I've…read morefound on the North Shore for it. I have family in the area, though Shred415 wasn't around when I was a kid. When I'm home to see my parents and want a real burn, this is where I go. Group fitness wasn't really a thing when I left the North Shore. Many years and hundreds of classes later, I'm fully hooked. The format is simple, hard, and effective: treadmill intervals, calisthenics with hand weights, bodyweight work, and enough stretching to keep the class feeling complete. The programming is already built, so I can put my mind on cruise control and follow the workout in front of me. Then it's about effort, sustainability, and staying honest with myself. That combination builds strength, helps me lose weight, and keeps me flexible without risking injury. The Northfield studio is clean, well laid out, and easy to settle into, with big bathrooms, showers, and childcare, which is a huge plus if you have little ones. The app is easy to use, and the class times are solid. The classes are busy but I can usually find something that works when I'm back in town. I've taken classes with Meg, Jacki, Marci, Melissa, and Kim; all have been great. I'll absolutely be back!

Since Covid, I've limited myself to running outdoors and doing stairs during breaks at work…read more Unfortunately my individual efforts are simply not enough. I know I need to vary my workout and shed additional pounds but most off all, I need the motivation to make it a regular habit. I started to research a few gyms with Shred415 being one of them. They're a circuit training gym offering group classes and caters to all skill levels. On my recent visit, Jordan was my instructor. She was awesome. She was lively, showed us proper form when switching to floor exercises and kept us motivated the entire time. Their parking lot is ample and I didn't have trouble finding a space. I'm hoping to make a decision in a month and glad I got the chance to try this place out.

I've been going to The Bar at 6 am. I wish The Bar was open at 6 am on weekends and I would be…read morethere too. I'm talking of course about The Bar Method, which is barre-focused workouts of high-repetition, low impact resistance training. I saw a $49 special for two weeks. I'm a lifelong exerciser and most recently I've been practicing Pilates. The Bar features more cardio and the classes are more high energy, and with more participants. My quads and triceps are sore. The people in these classes are fit! The instructors are very welcoming, make sure to correct form, and are supportive and motivational. There's a bathroom/shower, water, cubbies, and childcare (!!!) available. The studio is large with barres on all sides and one Saturday class I attended was packed. (I'm not a fan of the carpet though) The Bar Method definitely makes an impact quickly. I'm pretty sore (in a good way). Though I won't cancel my Pilates membership, I will consider a class pack. Right now class packs are 25% off.

I love this place. The workouts are wonderful. The owner, Sarah Oates, is so receptive. I highly…read morerecommend Bar Method Highland Park.

Long time member and the system is a "first come first serve" to get your station. Today I came in…read moreand was told all the stations were taken. I looked around and there were not enough people to fill the stations and I asked if everyone was there and was told "Yes" Later two or three people came in after me and were given the station I requested so not only were they "holding spots" for people I was told an untruth. I have been a member for approx 10 years am very disappointed.

I wanted to start working out and have a healthier lifestyle. My coworker raved about Orangetheory…read moreand told me to try it out. After the first day, I was hooked. I've been attending this location everyday for about 4 weeks now. I am feeling healthier and I can see changes to my body. The coaches here are very nice and great motivators. I feel energized after my workout. Would totally recommend it!!!

No joke- it took me 8 years to get enough courage to come back, but I did it! It may have been even…read moremore difficult being 8 years older, but I was so determined to master it that I bought a 10 pack. I'm nearing the end of my 10 pack and am far from mastering lagree. In fact, I would say it's not possible to master this workout, but there are plenty of women in my classes that seem to be experts. And they have perfect lagree bodies as a result! I've tried a variety of teachers and have liked them all! Each class is pretty different, but I leave feeling pretty shaky in my core, legs and arms. I swapped regular pilates for this and feel like I'm getting a much better workout! I do miss the stretch that came with regular pilates, but this really works every muscle of your body. I'm going to continue to try to master it, but it may take another few ten packs to get there!

Studio Lagree originates from Hollywood, and this studio concept workout combines core, endurance,…read morecardio, balance, strength and flexibility training. Booking online is easy, and the instructors are great; the sessions sometimes go over a few minutes, so definitely worth the higher price point. This location is in Highland Park, and nestled in a small strip plaza with ample parking. +online booking +friendly instructors +ample parking

I was a frequent "boxer" at the 9rounds Northbrook pre-pandemic. I recently found myself with a lot…read moreof time to kill each week while my kids play tennis at North Shore Racquet Club and discovered there was another 9rounds location just a few miles away. I tried it out one day and remember why I like this workout so much: 1) It's Challenging: 9 challenging stations that change daily with an exercise between each station 2) It's fast: 30 minute workout...done! 3) It's convenient: You don't have to book ahead or deal with waitlists (ahem lifetime fitness), but you just show up anytime during their open hours. I bought a 10 pack and plan to go once a week. I usually go when they first open on Saturday mornings so am one of the first to workout there. Thanks to the pandemic I don't love the idea of going to stations following sweaty people, but being first takes care of that. I've worked out with Luke during my few sessions and he's personable and gives you a great workout. It's a great workout and I"m sure I"ll fly thru this 10 pack! I do wish you could buy a membership to multiple locations since I find myself near the Northbrook location often too, but they have different owners so doesn't seem possible right now.

I've been looking to join a gym. My friend recommended this place. It's a kickboxing place with…read morecardio and weights integrated in the workout. There are 9 "rounds," or stations. Each station has a different workout ranging from jump rope for cardio, to dumbbells for weight training, and heavy/speed bags for punching and kicking. There's always one station called freestyle where you get to work one-on-one with an instructor. They'll teach you combos. There's a buzzer that goes off to start working out at the station; it lasts 3mins. When the 2mins is up, there's a 30sec cool down before moving to the next station. It's a complete workout. The instructors are energetic, positive, and encouraging. They're all also highly qualified. They've had years of experience ranging from Taekwondo to boxing to Muay Thai. This is definitely a must-try. First time is free! I went once and got hooked. They'll let you borrow all the gear you need. They'll also have you wear a monitor to make sure you're in the ideal heart rate range. Membership comes with free wraps and gloves. Try it for yourself.

The instructors are amazing and great with kids. My daughter has grown so much since she has…read morestarted and it shows everyday. I highly recommend Championship Martial Arts.

This school is outstanding. The instruction is high-level, motivating, and well-structured for…read morestudents who truly want to improve. Classes are challenging but rewarding, and you constantly learn new techniques, strategies, and ways to push yourself further. The instructors genuinely care about student progress and create an environment that's both disciplined and encouraging. Sparring sessions are especially valuable and are my favorite part of training. They're smart, technical, and help you grow fast. This school pushes you to be better every time you step on the mat. Highly recommend it to anyone serious about martial arts.

So I've been going to their online sessions, I try to make it every Tuesday and Thursday and let me…read morejust say this is my most favorite thing to do. I always always look forward to it. I really enjoy the instructor, Julia. She has such a calming voice and such a delightful attitude. I am really glad to have stumbled upon this and that this is being offered in the tumultuous times we are living in. Thank you so very much!!

This is a spa treatment for your spirit…read more Anyone who could be open to mindfulness or wants to strengthen their mind body connection should try a class or two. I recommend it, and wish that everyone could or would participate in something like this.