Best gym in Chicago, hands down! I've been going to Quads for years and it truly stands out from…read moreany other gym I've been to. The trainers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to answer questions or offer advice, no matter your experience level. The owner, Sharon, is so welcoming and has created such a great community where everyone feels comfortable and motivated. If you're serious about lifting, this is the place to be. They have an amazing variety of machines and equipment that you won't find at most gyms, and everything is designed for people who really want to train properly. The atmosphere is motivating, the people are friendly, and it feels like a gym where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed. A couple of my friends joined after I recommended it, and they're so glad they did. I couldn't recommend Quads more!

This is the most difficult review I've ever written for Yelp because I honestly love the idea of…read moreQuads and its history, but after a trial week, I ran back to my pathetic Planet Fitness. For years, I walked by and looked in the window just to see if some of the vibe would entice me to walk in and get energized by all the real-life Marvel Superheroes working out. And I'm glad for the week of experience I had because Quads has some of the nicest, knowledgeable, and dedicated fitness people I've ever met. From the moment I walked in to my final exit, the desk staff, the family members who run it, trainers I encountered, and a few guys who could deadlift car engines whom I asked questions how to use this or that, I felt a lot of compassion for me being the new guy in a sea of bewildering equipment that could either change my fitness life or scare me away. Bear in mind that I truly love Quads but coming from a lengthy history of memberships at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, Gorilla Sports, YMCA, Holmes Place, Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Planet Fitness (with visits to FFC, Crunch, East Bank Club, Cheetah, Life Time, Bally's, and Midtown Athletic Club), I have to do a pro and con thing. Pros It's a good environment to watch others doing astonishing calisthenic exercises and massive lifts and squats. I'll never get to that level, but it's an inspiring place to get jazzed about your own routine. Quads has a diverse membership. You'll see everything from people doing their daily treadmill to pro bodybuilders doing four-hour circuits. I saw every kind of body type and age group. People doing rehab exercises and a person with a visual impairment. The specialty here is bodybuilding, though everyone is welcome. You'll hear grunts, fits of anger, yelling of encouragement, the rage of accomplishment, and claps of high-five. I felt like I was in a place where great bodies are refined. The membership prices are fantastic for the amount of equipment you're offered, and the hours are comparable to other gyms. They offer a few additional membership discounts not listed on the website, so go in and talk with them. Kudos to a gym that finally understands the right way memberships should work--upfront and no hassles. You are constantly reminded of your potential. There are photos and awards everywhere of past and present bodybuilders and pro and amateur athletes, and you can't help but soak up some of that greatness. You're in a place where celebrities have trained, too. Cons Here's where I have to be brutally honest. I may not know the difference between an Iso-Lateral Front Lat Pulldown and an Iso-Lateral Wide Pulldown, but I do know when machines are so old that they need to be replaced. If a machine's pads are worn, replace them. If a Selectorized's weight stack has half its weight labels missing, that should be fixed asap. If a machine's so old that the frame's been painted a number of times, it's probably a good time to replace it. I'm going to guess most of the equipment is older than the members. Sure, old-school machines can be great, and a lot of bodybuilders want them, but at some point, you need to replace them. Hammer Strength, Precor, and Cybex are constantly evolving the science of ergonomics, body mechanics, and safety. Please, Quads. Get new equipment. I didn't see any dumbbells less than 10#. That's not a bad thing, but small weight dumbbells would be great for people doing rehab or weaklings like me starting back at doing simple free weight exercises. In fairness, Planet Fitness dumbbells start at 10#, too. Other reviews are correct: A lot of the equipment, especially the Selectorized machines on the first floor, are squished so closely that safety could be an issue. There are a few machines so close together that parts could touch if used in full range of motion. If you're used to a defined circuit from a previous gym--especially if most of your workout is using Selectorized equipment--you might have difficulties matching it to the machines here. Plate-loaded and cables, no problem; they'll have one of anything you'll ever want. But for Selectorized, nothing made sense because a lot of what I needed was spread throughout the gym on both floors and in hard to find areas (e.g. the pec fly/rear delt machine was in a dimly lit corner, and most of the weights in the stack had no labels). I won't go into cleanliness. Suffice it to say this is a well-worn gym. The rusty lockers and second floor smell attest to the longevity of Quads, for better or worse. Overall, you should try Quads for a week to see if you like it. Most people swear this is the best gym. No, Quads doesn't have a pool, a sauna, towel service, group fitness classes, fancy self-locking lockers, a three-story climbing wall, or sleep rooms. They offer a world of fitness possibilities in an old school gym where amazing happens.

Great trainers and big facility. The exercises were easy enough to follow but complex that it keeps…read moreyour mind engaged as well. The bathrooms were clean and they have showers. They give you a cool towel after your workout which I found thoughtful. Will be back !

Beautiful large well-appointed faculty with excellent staff and trainers. Ample classes including…read moreevery day at noon. Will return next time I'm in Chicagoland.

Not a safe place. The owner Zach had me do risky exercise during a trial session. I said I didn't…read morefeel good about it, he told me to keep going. I got severely injured and had my life upended. He never reached out until a couple months later when they tried to recruit me back. All they wanted was my money apparently, not my wellbeing. Everything was handled very poorly and I paid the consequences - I do not recommend this place.

I cannot recommend All Strength Training enough. Zach and the entire coaching team are incredibly…read morehelpful, friendly, and truly committed to helping you achieve results without ever compromising safety. They motivate you, but do not pressure you into doing more than you are comfortable with, and there is no sales pitch for doing more than you want. The focused and personalized coaching here has been a game-changer for me. The trainers ensure every workout is effective and safe, which gave me so much confidence in my fitness journey. My experience with AST is that it has been a supportive and a results-driven fitness experience. I am super grateful to them for helping me find my way back to feeling fit and on track with my health goals.

This place is great! I enjoy working out with my private trainer in this space. It's super clean…read more The equipment is all new and you don't have a bunch of gym meatheads to contend with. There is plenty of space as well so you don't feel crowded. Definitely recommend.

After a year away from strength training, I recently completed the Mom:30 course offered at Windy…read moreCity as a way to ease back in to working out since having my son. The course was geared towards postpartum moms, however it shared the same thoughtful approach to classes that I had taken at Windy City prior to becoming pregnant. A new mom herself, Coach Esther did an amazing job leading us through a curated series of classes designed to teach us (or remind us) of the basics of strength training. As someone who was intimidated by gyms, especially anything involving weights, I would recommend Windy City to anyone. When they say "we meet you where you are," they really mean that! The environment is friendly, positive, and also motivating. Often times classes include a range of skill levels, which is inspiring, and the general vibe of every class is one of encouragement. I'm excited to get back into the swing of working out at Windy City!

I've never been a member of any gym. I've always worked out on my own, running biking swimming (at…read morelocal park districts) I tried out several in the city but none of them we're a good fit. I saw Windy City's 6 week challenge and decided to give it a try. After completed the challenge and 2 years later I still continue to go 5 days a week, took away some good eating habits and have kept off the 16Ibs (and 10% body fat)that I lost. Windy City is not just a gym but the vibe, the coaches, and fellow members are so supportive and encouraging. They make time for their member outside gym hours to get together for some fun. I would highly recommend WCSC to anyone of every body type to join.

I really enjoy working out at Bezz. It's a small gym (compared to the box gyms) with a solid…read morecompliment of machines, squat racks, dumbbells, and cardio equipment. I like that I can get in, get my workout done, and get out. If I ever have to wait for a machine it's only a few minutes. The staff are friendly, the owner is passionate about making the gym a place where people want to workout. I'm glad I have a neighborhood option that isn't a box gym.

Ask 10 people their reasons for seeking out a personal trainer, and you will undoubtedly get 10…read moredifferent answers. For me personally, I've found that working with a trained professional helps keep me motivated, but most importantly, focused on my goals. Muscle maintenance is only one part of the equation. Preparing my body for and embracing changes caused by the ageing process is why I continue to work out with a trainer. I've trained with Jorge from Bezz Training Club for about a year. Our workouts are a combination of strength maintenance, flexibility, range of motion, stretching and balance. The space is as comfortable for a one-on training as it is for any of the group classes offered there. Bezz Training realizes that all people learn differently and at a different pace. As a classic kinesthetic learner, my trainer has to demonstrate and allow me to participate at the same time. If your form is off on a few of those reps, rest assured, you will be corrected! The culture of Bezz Training Club is solid ,cohesive, and non-judgmental. Staff all have a passion for fitness, are enthusiastic, dependable and motivational. And last, but certainly not least, BTC offers free parking in the building. This is the place you want to train if you're serious about getting results

If you're looking for a gym that offers a variety of classes -- look no further…read more I'm not a gym enthusiast but I do enjoy trying different workout classes. I struggled to find a gym that offered a good variety all throughout the day, every day, so I could always find something to fit in my schedule. FFC East Lakeview has AWESOME group fitness classes. One of my new faves is Werq with Jennifer - she is SO sweet, hilarious, and enthusiastic, I actually smile the whole time and realize I love the class -- and that's coming from someone who does not love working out. On top of that the gym offers a whole lot more. 2 floors of workout equipment. A spa with - dare I say - one of the best massages I've ever had from Winly. A large locker room with showers and amenities. A lap pool and hot tub. And one of the best perks - 2 hours of free parking (and additional hours for reduced rates) in the attached garage. Sarah, the manager, is the SWEETEST. She responds to every single request, in a timely manner, and is always the most professional in her responses, and helpful, too. I really enjoy bumping into her at the gym and I know she's always there to help and support with anything needed from members. Overall this gym is a win for me, and I recommend you check it out! I just have 1 tiny piece of feedback... PLEASE repaint the ugly pastel lime ish green color that is everywhere. It is hideous. LOVE EVERYTHING ELSE THOUGH!

There's constant closures for maintenance at FFC East Lakeview. The showers were closed for days,…read morethe gym was closed for an entire day, today the locker rooms are closed. It's aggravating.

Without a doubt the best gym I've been to in Chicago and I've lived here for 11 years. Lawrence…read more(the owner) is a super cool dude, has almost all of the equipment you'd ever need. Sad to say I had to leave because I live just outside the city now but if I ever find something remotely close to Rockwell I will be ecstatic. 100% recommend.

This is the spot. If you want a powerlifting gym in Chicago, this is the spot, look no further…read more They have the equipment, the trainers, the right attitude and heavy blaring music to get you focused on moving that bar. You will want to lift more weight the moment you step foot into this gym. Don't be intimidated by the tattoos or piles of weight. You will learn how to lift properly, you will make gains, and you will be challenged. Thats why you are reading about Rockwell right?