This review is about my trainer Stephanie Mangrich of D21 Fitness. This is my first experience with a trainer. I had previously been working out (rather intermittently) at the park district gym near my home. But needing guidance I sought out D21 fitness center because it was referred to me by a college friend who has been going there for years.
Stephanie has been my trainer for a year and she is awesome!!! She walks the walk. Her degree is in Athletic training so she is extremely knowledgeable about fitness health. She is a runner (everyday she runs with a group rain or shine, cold or wet), but she is not a snob about it, nor is she judgemental. She meets you where you are, sets mutual goals for you, and helps you implement them. She keeps meticulous record of your workouts, and changes it up regularly to keep it interesting.
You have the feeling that you are her only client! After an injury forced me to see a physical therapist she offered to confer with the therapist on how my exercises could be modified to prevent further injury. Before my vacation in February she emailed me a complete workout (with YouTube tutorials on how to do it right) so that I could continue my workouts in the resort's gym in the week that I wouldn't be there.
Before giving you an exercise to do, Stephanie always explains its purpose, and she always demonstrates first (even if you've done it before) showing you both the right way AND the wrong way to do it. Because I only meet with her once a week, I would mimic what I did with her at home in another day of the week. And while I don't have a lot of the equipment at home, she showed me ways to compensate for that. She also let's me pick the workout music I like (I have a fondness for the 80s!)
Stephanie makes working out fun! She laughs, and cajoles, but she is about the business of the workouts. She is very professional. She watches my moves, corrects when I'm doing something incorrectly, high fives me when I'm nailing it, and redirects. If I tell her I was sore the next day, she'll message me the day after that to see how I'm doing. If one day I'm not feeling especially talkative when I'm there, she picks up on that and our workouts are largely silent (except for counting my reps, and, yes, Cyndi Lauper in the background).
My core is a lot stronger today, than when I first met Stephanie. I would recommend her to anyone who is interested in improving their fitness health.
About D21. The gym is small, but has everything you could possibly need for a thorough and great workout. The sessions are private, though there might be the rare occasion where another client might be finishing up a session. Still it's enough room.
There is a washroom, but unfortunately not a shower. There are also clean towels and filtered water so no need to bring. Great location too (right up the street from the Lucky Platter for a great post workout breakfast) and a Starbucks (with outside seating in warmer months)!!!
Also plenty of street parking AND an adjacent parking lot.
This gym seems to serve every age, and every body type from what I have observed.
And the owner is pretty awesome too! The trainers all seem very happy. That must be a reflection on him. read more