When I first came to Nikholas at Tailored Strength, I was suffering with a lingering knee injury…read morefrom pickleball that six weeks of physical therapy couldn't fully fix. Not only did he help me regain strength and mobility beyond what I achieved in PT, but he also prepared me to conquer my first Hustle Stair Climb--I was not fully mentally ready but the strength and endurance that I've gained ensured that I accomplished a goal I previously thought I couldn't! My brain fog has lifted, my energy is soaring and I continue to hit new milestones in strength and flexibility every week. What sets Nikholas apart is his dedication and genuine care. He doesn't just coach during sessions--he checks in post-workout to make sure I optimize recovery and keeps me accountable to nutrition and protein goals. As a former athlete himself, I appreciate how he uses his real world experience to tailor every session to how my body feels, making progress feel achievable no matter how I'm feeling when it starts and even when he's pushing me way harder than I'd ever push myself. But the magic doesn't stop with Nikholas. Tailored Strength's boutique gym culture is a game-changer. The trainers--Nikholas, Ryan, Joe, and Drew--rotate leading semi-private classes, and their collective expertise creates an environment where every athlete is seen, coached, and motivated. They prioritize proper form and weight selection to ensure that whether we're newbies to strength training or seasoned athletes, we're challenged while crushing our goals safely. This isn't just a gym--it's a community that celebrates progress and champions injury-free training. If you want a trainer (and a gym family) that truly invests in your success, look no further. Nikholas and Tailored Strength have leveled up fitness for me--10/10, would recommend!

Tailored Strength has been a game changer for me. I work 1:1 with Nik who is a quiet genius of his…read morecraft. I love a highly varied workout routine and Nik mixes it up every time in a very thoughtful way. It's never slogging through the same sets-- it's making steady progress on strength areas but coming at them in different, dynamic ways. (If more regimented routine is your thing he does that too of course). He's got a really chill energy that makes my visits to TS such a welcome break in my day. I've been working with him through my first pregnancy (I'm now 7 months) and I'm in my 40s so was nervous about what toll this pregnancy would take on my body. I couldn't be happier with the results. I've had zero back pain, zero leg cramps, really none of the musculoskeletal maladies that people so frequently experience in pregnancy. My weight gain has been right on track and feels healthy not out of control. I think working out has kept my other symptoms to a minimum too (nausea, insomnia, moods, and the whole list of delightful things one looks forward to in pregnancy have all been totally manageable in the great scheme of things). I've kept my conditioning up even as my belly's gotten bigger and heavier, and I have even built strength during this period. Even this late in pregnancy, I am striding and out and about, and am not "waddling." People are telling me all the time how great and healthy I look. I truly credit all of this to the steady work I've been able to do with Nik. I am confident that I am doing everything I can for my baby's health and my health with Nik's help. Some other notes: The gym is a perfect size-- has a great amount of space, lots of different equipment, but is not massive or impersonal. (I've worked out at other gyms that were either too small to comfortably accommodate all clients, or too big for my preferences. Don't want to feel like I'm in a warehouse). I get the sense that the folks at TS meter how many folks are in the space at once so it's never been over subscribed when I've been there-- good hum of activity but good availability of equipment. The community of other trainers in the space is wonderful. They are fun, upbeat, positive, warm, and inclusive. They are invested in fostering a community. Couldn't recommend this business enough for folks who want to invest in their longevity and health.

The EMS workout you get at Body Time Chicago is amazing. It works out all muscle groups with a…read morevariety of exercises. There's two types of workout, strength and metabolism. I prefer a mix of both but it depends on what your goals are and the trainer can help you decide. You really feel the workout the next day as if you worked out for an hour but its only 20 minutes! Being only a 20 minute session works well with my busy schedule especially since I work late a lot. They have availability in the mornings, evenings as well as weekends. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they help make sure you have the right form in all the different exercises they show you (which is an added plus, you'll learn new exercises you can do on your own at the gym). The facility itself is great too, clean and spacious, and you have your own changing stall to store your personal items. Over all I'd recommend Body Time to those who are new to working out, as well as those who are experienced but want a more time efficient work out.

Excellent concept for busy people. The staff is very friendly, professional and full of energy…read more Love the vibe and mostly the amazing results that I am seeing. Adrian, Silvio, Julia and Warren are great. It's a lot of fun!!

I went to BTrainer Fitness a few years ago looking to start working out. I visited this studio and…read moreit seemed welcoming. However, I did not find that I learned anything. Braulio would often be on his phone during his small group training sessions, trying to get content for his social media. He did not keep track of my lifts from session to session. Often, he would load the weights too heavily for my level. I eventually chose not to continue here because I felt that Braulio wasn't really teaching me to lift and I didn't want to be dependent on him long term. His prices, while cheaper for the area, are still high for what you get. However, I still added Braulio and his studio on Instagram. I eventually planned to return one day to give his business some support. Having him on social media has been a mistake. For about a year he has replied to my Instagram posts with mixture of emotional and uninformed comments. I love a good debate but Braulio is so emotionally driven and uninformed it was never worth engaging much. He doesn't seem to have much formal education. Braulio has also made several racist comments about black people relating to crime in Chicago. He has made Islamaphobic posts on his social media. To add insult to injury, he texted me on my personal number after I blocked him and called me fat and threatened my safety. I am considering filing an order of protection against him because he is unpredictable. I would avoid this studio at all costs.

A great private session and would highly recommend. Nice studio on Halsted with all the equipment…read moreyou need. Very motivating and structured workout that will get your heart rate up and your muscles fatigued. Also has a good playlist to get you through your workout.

If you are committed to getting stronger, this is the perfect gym to join. The monthly membership…read moreis absolutely worth it for-- 1. Knowing you have your own scheduled rack and never having to wait. The space is clean and simple (no clutter, distractions, multiple floor levels, overwhelming equipment). 2. An individualized, optimized program made just for you so you never have to guess what's next. It's even adjusted on the spot according to your ability that day. (If I were responsible for selecting my own weights, I know I would not challenge myself to progressively go up due to self-doubt and safety concerns) 3. Excellent coaching. Having someone to watch your lifts, spot your bench presses, and provide feedback and encouragement. I also learned misc, unspoken things like how to load a plate, how to use the safety pins, how to wear a belt, and etiquette like not walking in front of someone's deadlift. Thank you Alex, Jon, Cordelia, Evelyn! 4. A motivating community of gymmates. There are only like 10 racks in the space, so as you go in at the same times each week, you get to see and get to know the same group of people. Everyone is training together and congratulating each other on PRs (personal records). We have also had fun socials (a beach party, a gathering at a brewery). 5. And lastly--you will actually get stronger, physically and mentally. You will exert all your effort into one lift one day, and maybe you will even fail it, but a few months later, it will become your warmup. The process is challenging and satisfying. All you have to do is show up! "The human body functions as a complete system--it works that way, and it likes to be trained that way." - Rip

I love this gym. The vibe is awesome and everyone is really encouraging. I'm so grateful to the…read morecoaches for all of their guidance and support. I joined 6 months ago and am stronger than I've ever been :)

Align studio is a boutique style facility with a highly impressive, and skilled staff. They…read moreprimarily instruct Pilates and offer custom Massage treatments. Although small in sqr. ft., I found it to pack a big punch in the results catagory. Sometimes its hard to believe that when you take initiative to better yourself and become fortunate enough to find places like this, it feels incredible and hard to say no! They offer plenty of value and in a great location. 530 west diversey chicago, illinois 773.883.8864

I have been taking private pilates with Steven for 2 years; Steven has in-depth knowledge of human…read morebody that he applies to pilates. In the time that I have been taking pilates at Align I have lost over 20 pounds, increased my strength and agility, and improved my bicycling form and endurance. I have tried other pilates studios in Lincoln Park and was very disappointed with the intimidating attitude. The environment and attitude at Align is comfortable, welcoming, and very conducive to learning and self-improvement. I have also taken group kettlebell classes with Gene, and found it to be a great workout. Even though it was a group class, Gene spent time with each person to work on their form.

I stumbled upon SPORT Fitness through Wellhub and I've been enjoying it so much! I really…read moreappreciate how well-rounded the training is from weight-lifting to boxing and BJJ. As someone who can often struggle with finding consistency in exercising, this type of approach not only gives me a full-body workout but also stimulates my brain which makes the experience much more enjoyable. Everyone is very welcoming and the facility is very clean, not to mention the convenience of having showers available. Highly recommend!

It has been a few years since I posted a review of SPORT Fitness so I wanted to provide some…read moreupdated accurate information for those looking to up their fitness routine. This is the absolute best gym ever in Chicago and anywhere and best of all you are supporting a local business rather than a corporate gym. Adam Dicker, the owner, is hands down the best personal trainer, coach, workout instructor there is. I have worked out with him for 3 years now and the results have been incredible, I lost over 30 lbs from when I started and have the strength, muscle, and build that I thought I could only ever dream of from when I began. The other trainers here including Tom, Katie, Matt, among others are fantastic and if you are looking to learn a new skill whether it be strength training, boxing, Muy Thai or Jiu Jitsu you will learn it here and enjoy it immensely in the process. The new Elston location is beautiful with an aesthetically pleasing studio offering any equipment you would want to have the best workout . All in a super clean, uncrowded, and supportive environment. I can't say enough great things about Adam, as he has helped me so much with self-confidence, pushing me to the limits of a tough workout that I would not be able to do on my own, and given me the build I dreamed of. He is also the most genuine, nicest guy ever creating the perfect balance of friendly, but tough in the workout so you get the results you want. 11/10 recommend this gym, Adam, and all the trainers here. It has become my favorite place and second home.

My husband and I have been working out with Charles for several months now. At the start of the…read moreyear, we decided that we needed to get serious about staying in shape and Charles has been a huge part in our success so far. I've previously done group courses such as yoga, pilates and spin but that always got monotonous or I stopped seeing any sort of improvements. With Charles, none of the workouts have ever been the same so we don't get bored. Plus, they're always challenging and fun.

Fantastic atmosphere! Charles is very encouraging. The workout you get is better than anything I've…read moreever done before. Highly recommend both group workout sessions or personal training. They have classes for adults and young athletes!

I've known Dave for several years and can tell you he is a wise, dedicated, and focused personal…read moretrainer. He demonstrates to clients how they should exercise and coaches them to to a place of change. What I particularly like about Dave is how he doesn't over-push people but instead, motivates them (big difference). He also knows his stuff and you can see that by the way he maintains his own body. If you are looking for trainer that will spend time helping you reach your goals and model healthy behaviors, he's a great choice. He's worth every penny. I only wish he had his own studio. I'd signup in a heartbeat.

My significant other and I have trained with Dave for over 5 years. He is a certified personal…read moretrainer, and is always working toward more education on nutrition, strength, and health. His workouts are tough but fair, and he finds the areas where you are weak and helps develop them into strengths. (for me, push ups=BARF, but now I can do FIFTY of 'em!). He has worked us through injury with compassion. He also knows how to dole out a KITA when you need it, but won't let you hurt yourself. This past spring we trained for a race together, and he created a team that competed and finished strong. His personable approach to training demystifies weight training/ nutrition/ cardio and allows you to take that knowledge into other workouts on your own. You'd better brush up on your Hawks, Bears, & Cubs trivia before you go!