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.

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.

Great gym, nice staff, lots of towels, and cleaning supplies…read more It's never too crowded and you can always get a machine. They also have locks built into the lockers so you do not need to carry around a lock.

The location and convenience of this gym is 90% of the reason why i come here. The studios and…read moreweights are nice but the gym feels a bit outdated with the carpets. They have their hours posted, with a closing time of 9pm on weekdays, but employees will start closing out at 8pm and will sometimes ask members to leave the studio to mop early. The locker rooms are always clean.

I was a member here for 3 years, and had to leave because we relocated. It was a very easy process…read moreto cancel. I am now back in the area and interested in joining again, and worked with Brian and the staff. They seem very invested in the members and are flexible, and willing to listen to their needs. The gym is affordable, has a variety of equipment, and close to public transportation. I'm looking forward to joining again.

I have tried to cancel my membership at least 4 times and it still has yet to be cancelled. I…read morefinally reached out to my credit card company to stop payment. I highly recommend against signing up for this gym as this has been a massive headache and extremely unprofessional.

I've been a member of the CACs for almost two years now. I've been to all of the locations. I have…read moremy favorites and my least favorite location. My favorite locations are distinguished by their level of accessibility, availability and upkeep of equipment, and class schedules. When I started building a consistent schedule of gym-going, yoga classes were the greatest draw. Rebecca Delott at the Evanston location, Laura Dembo at the Wicker Park location, and Kathy Pace at all locations were particularly impactful. Each of these women infuses their practice with bits and pieces of their personality. They may all offer a multi-level vinyasa class, but their teaching styles are vastly different. That's what makes each class a different experience. Big shoutout to Kathy Pace who has taught me so much over the last couple of years. I would not be the athlete that I am without her. Most of the front desk staff are friendly and engaging as well. It's demoralizing to walk into your gym and be met with the face of a staff person who clearly doesn't care if you live or die. I'm grateful that those experiences are few and far between at the CACs. I've never had a visit in which I didn't see custodial staff moving all about the club. Big fan of their work! As a borderline germaphobe, it's good to know that things are being regularly refreshed throughout the day, not just once at night. My biggest gripe is with other members who treat the gym like their mother will come in behind them to tidy up. I've seen full grown adults leave towels and cable attachments pooled around the bottom of machines as though they never saw them. I wish everyone would respect the space in which they work out, but I guess you can't control the actions of others. All in all, great gyms.

I am a citywide CAC member, my home gym is LSAC, but often go to BAC because of it's proximity to…read moremy partner. Note: I have had the opportunity to work out at several FFC locations, Planet Fitness, and LA Fitness locations throughout the city as well as other locally owned gyms in the area. While this gym does get busy, and has a heavier focus on free-weights, it's an amazing facility for the price you pay. If you are someone looking to only use machines, then you should probably go to Planet Fitness or LA Fitness. If you are looking to really learn how to lift, this is a great place to do it. Their dumb bells have 2.5lb increases, which can be hard to find at most gyms, and really allows you to improve form without straining joints or muscles. If you are looking to throw out 200lb vanity lifts on a bunch of machines, this isn't the place. In terms of the gym being busy, that's most gyms between the hours of 7a-10a and 4p-7p. Develop a program that allows you to move between different areas of the gym while you're waiting for something to free up rather than complaining on the internet. BAC has substantially more free weight benches and racks than 90% of other gyms, there is no reason that you should be held up by anyone else. The only reason I am at 4 stars is because the Bucktown location does have fewer amenities than Lakeview or Lincoln Square, but that is to be expected, it's just a smaller space, but if you don't NEED to sit in a sauna or steam room after every work out, this gym is going to meet all of your needs. At $80-90 per month, you will be hard pressed to find a gym that is exceeding any CAC (and that price point gets you access to ALL of their locations), if you want TOTAL luxury and expanse, go drop the $350 a month at FFC (which is also busy, lacking diversity in amenities, and generally missing a luxury feel), or you can go to Midtown, which is **again** quite busy.

Lincoln Park proves that Barry's doesn't have to feel intimidating to be exceptional. The…read moreinstructors strike a rare balance between demanding and encouraging, creating an atmosphere where first-timers and veterans alike feel equally comfortable pushing themselves. The neighborhood itself has long embodied one of Chicago's sweetest combinations of city life and community, and this studio captures that feeling perfectly. It's a reminder that the hardest workouts often happen in the friendliest places.

I love this place! I've almost hit 25 classes and see myself going for years to come…read more I am not a huge fan of all group fitness classes, but this one takes the cake as my absolute favorite. I love the HIIT style with intervals of running (speed, incline) and strength training (body area targeted differs depending on day of the week). I always leave feeling confident, energized, and like I got a GREAT workout in. The instructors are so motivating and energetic that it's genuinely contagious. I also like how every single class I've been to is different-- they switch it up constantly and are really creative. To top it off, they made me feel like a queen on my birthday with this sign at check in. They also left a birthday card on my treadmill. Love Barry's :)

I've been going to Ryan for small group classes 2-3 times a week for almost a year and I've…read moredefinitely noticed a difference in my body. As someone that used to go to HIIT classes almost daily for years, I realized I had pain as a result of poor form. Working with Ryan has helped me fix my form on exercises that I thought I'd been doing right for years, totally eliminated pain from working out, helped me achieve progressive overload on a weekly basis, and form a strong mind-muscle connection. Even from my first consult with Ryan, it was clear that he's an expert on how our bodies move and injury prevention. My goals when I started working with Ryan were to build a sustainable workout routine and gain confidence in lifting heavier weights. Ryan has exceeded my expectations - not just as a personal trainer but also as an accountability partner. He encourages us to set and track progress toward our goals, and his monthly wellness themes add intention and purpose to our sessions. I highly recommend Ryan to anyone looking for a knowledgeable trainer in the River North area! Plus, the small group training makes working with a personal trainer far more affordable than most other options.

I've been training with Ryan for the past 6+ months and have seen incredible results. This is the…read morefirst time in my life that I've felt consistent with my health and fitness, and that's all thanks to the weight lifting programs that Ryan designs. If you're looking for a trainer who really cares and wants you to feel stronger and more confident, look no further than Chicago Strength in Motion.

I've been working out for years, but I knew I wasn't pushing myself as hard as I could be. And then…read moreI met Mia. And after one session, I knew for a fact that I wasn't pushing myself as hard as I could be... because I could barely move after our first session. And it felt great. Mia is awesome. She listens to what you want/need, and she creates workouts to get you there, offering up modifications as you need 'em. And the fact that she'll come to your house to do it? Doesn't get much better than that. I mean, you can't cop out of a workout when the trainer is sitting in your living room, waiting for you. I feel stronger, leaner and all around better since I started working out with Mia, and I recommend her to anyone and everyone I meet. If you're like me and need a little push to make some changes to your body and your health, Mia is the trainer to make it all happen.

Over the years, I haven't ever been able to get on a consistent workout schedule. Thanks to Mia I…read morehave a standing workout one morning a week and the best part is I don't have to leave my house. I have been working out with Mia for last 4 years and the fact that I have kept it going is a testament to her talent. Mia listens to what is working for you and makes modifications to take into account injuries or things that feel uncomfortable. Every workout with Mia is a new challenge, she keeps things interesting and switches it up each and every week so the time flies by. I would HIGHLY recommend Mia to anyone looking for a great personal trainer in the city.