What a FANTASTIC gym! This place is a real throwback to how crossfit started and was originally intended. The brick style building, street parking, industrial vibe just puts you in the mood to lift heavy stuff! This is a true strength and conditioning box, and the CrossFit programming was on point! I found it super easy to sign my waiver and pay for my drop in ahead of time through their website. When I walked in, I was immediately welcomed by the staff and other athletes. I also received some great coaching cues from the various coaches who ran the classes over my 2 days dropping in. Get this, they also have open workouts for traveling drop ins.. score! Can't recommend this place enough for drop ins, or local athletes looking to take their strength and fitness to the next level! read more

South Loop Strength & Conditioning - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Drop in and loved it! Coach Ryan is fantastic: welcoming, helpful, kind. Partner workout in a Saturday morning: so fun! Good programming, clean space with plentiful equipment. Easy sign up. See you soon SLSC! Thank you! read more

Excellent space with very friendly people! I dropped in 3 times. I enjoyed the programming, well varied across lifting, skills, and metcons. Coaches were very friendly and knowledgeable. Easy walk from my hotel in the loop. read more

One of my favorite things about crossfit is dropping in while travelling. I had a great drop-in workout here recently and will definitely make it a point to return. Amy gave me some helpful tips, which I think will really help my snatch going forward. The 6:30 pm class on Friday night wasn't overly huge and the space is clean, spacious, and has all the necessary objects. I also appreciate that they make it easy to drop in-- you can do everything ahead of time if that's your jam, or just show up and pay on the spot. read more

There's a reason why there aren't many black people here because we're not welcome. They welcome and love when gay coaches and staff talk about their sex life but when a black woman feels uncomfortable it's a problem and you will get kicked out. Super disgusting and a huge waste of time. read more

New gym - who dis?!? I hate change. Who moved my cheese? Gah. Ugh. Fug. Woof. I had no other choice but to change gyms due to my gym closing - so I picked the best (and closest...right across the street) one I could. I couldn't be happier with my choice. The coaches are phenomenal. The programming is amazing. The classes are fun and full. The athletes are super friendly. There are a lot of strong athletes here, so if you're motivated by wanting to be as good as them, it'll definitely help your mental game (and hopefully physical gainzzzz). SLSC is super clean. They have TONS of equipment (stuff that I didn't even know existed). I'm pretty in love with this place and I'm glad I made the switch. read more

I love so many things about this gym. 1. The space - it's big for the city and I love the garage door open to Clark Street. Great equipment, clean, and cool atmopshere. 2. Location - Great South Loop location but close enough to downtown that I can actually walk here from my office if I want to squeeze in a lunchtime WOD. 3. Programming - this is a big one. I always research a box before I go by looking at their programming online. If you can't find it or if it's lame, I usually won't bother. The programming is really one of the things I think that makes SLSC stand out amongst other boxes in the city. They offer something for every fitness level - they have a fitness, performance, and competition option each day that allows you to pick the right thing for your skill level and desired results. Honestly I've never seen another gym fit so much into an hour class time, but at the same time you aren't rushed get through it and you still get a lot of individualized attention and assistance (more on that below). It really allows you to build a good foundation. 4. Coaching - The coaches here are awesome. They care so much about you and want to help you meet your goals. The classes are small enough that the coach can actually watch you and give feedback and help. That should be a given, but let's be honest it doesn't happen everywhere. I've been doing crossfit 5-6 times a week for 2 years, and every single time I've come here I have learned something new that I've wondered why no one ever told me before. 5. Finally - and this may be my favorite thing - the pride in ownership. The owners are just wonderful people. They aren't people that started a business to make money. They are in it because they just genuinely love crossfit. And that really comes across which I think is really rare. read more

South Loop Strength & Conditioning - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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When I started my Crossfit routine 3 years ago, I hadn't been in shape since college and I needed a change in my life; it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had energy again, I ate right, and I felt healthy. My life definitely turned around. After 2 years at another gym in Chicago I felt like I needed to do more than just come in 4 times a week to do whatever was prescribed any way I can, then I found South Loop Strength and Conditioning. This place is more than just a regular Crossfit gym, they are a training facility that will change your perception on fitness and training. The owners and coaches will make sure that you learn how to do every movement properly and safely before throwing you into a workout you might not be able to do. When I came to SLSC I thought I was in great shape, but I was wrong. I perfected everything because of the attention they give to all their members. Their programming is very scientific and you will feel the difference. Now I am training 5 times a week and I know why I am doing it, I know what it is doing for me, and I'm doing it right! 1. Supreme Location: Accessible from Blue or Red line and walking distance from anywhere in The Loop 2. The space: Compared to the other gyms in the loop SLSC has a huge space and utilizes it well. New Assault bikes, new rig, new barbells, you'll be impressed with all this gym has to offer. 2. The best coaches: Always focused on making sure everyone is doing things right. In my experience most gyms only care about pushing limits. South loop pays special attention to all it's members by making sure they are doing things correctly and within their physical limits. 3. Flexibility: The gym is big enough to accommodate crossfit classes as well as individuals with training goals. As long as you're respectful of the class you're welcome to do any programming you wish. 4. Individual Program Design: If you're training for a sport or competition Todd and Jon will provide you the very best in whatever you're training for. These guys will focus on your goals and they will help you achieve them read more

I love this gym. I came here for the first time while the staff was mid-meeting. I stood off to the side and waited for them to be done and eavesdropped in the meantime. It was really interesting and comforting to see some behind the scenes action- you can really tell they know their stuff and they're passionate about your health and safety. My boyfriend and I had a session with Todd and it was phenomenal. He took the time to assess our individual mobility and catered each of our workouts accordingly. He really took the weirdness out of wandering into a gym for the first time- talked to us like we're regular humans and not some maximum output seeking meatheads. The vibe in the gym is interesting- it's like a fitness-log cabin-medieval times hybrid. Vaulted ceilings and the garage door open out to Clark St keep the space inviting and bright. Highly recommended. read more

Dropped in one of the classes. The staff was friendly and welcoming and it was also really nice that they had a shower and locker room to change. After the workout of the day, I was able to use the rest of the gym to do my own workout which was really nice! read more

Im what you'd call a "sometimes athlete". Like most people I go through phases where Im annoyingly dedicated to working out and then other times I half ass it for weeks on end. Crossfit always intimidated me (mostly because the thought of pull-ups and lifting HUGE weights over my head isn't exactly inviting). But after walking by SLDC for weeks on end my curiosity got the better of me so I went in to see what it was like. I was immediately greeted by Paul (one of the owners) who couldn't have been more welcoming. Paul took the time to answer all my questions (even the ones I was too embarrassed to ask my crossfit friends). He even offered to put me through a free workout and assessment. After that he recommended I go through their Elements program which taught me all the basics of how to move to lift properly and prevent injury. It brought me up to a level where I felt comfortable going all the lifts and exercises and more importantly it gave the confidence to do it. That was about 6 months ago. I've gone from being a "sometimes athlete" to now being a daily athlete. The sense of community you build working with a great group of trainers and the group of people you workout with is the thing that keeps you going. It's made a pretty remarkable change in my life. I'd recommend it to anyone. read more

My girlfriend and I dropped in for a Saturday morning team workout while in town for Lollapalooza (yes, we're those people)! We met all the owners, Kevin, Paul and John who were amazingly accommodating, incredibly personable, and extremely helpful. SLSC has built an amazing community and it really showed through our hour with them. If you're in the Chicago area, make sure to hit them up for a WOD! read more

South Loop Strength & Conditioning - Interval Training Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been a member at SLSC for about a year and a half and will continue to be for a very simple reason - THEY CARE! From the moment I started, I could tell that Todd, Paul, and the rest of the coaches were interested in helping me not just as an athlete but as a person as well. They take time to get to know each of their members and care about what our personal goals are. Their coaching is top-notch, but it's also very personalized because of this, and that translates into a community of CrossFitters who keep coming back for more. Beyond the touchy-feely aspects though, the results are incredible. I know I'm going to get my butt kicked every day and I can't wait to come back the next day. There is intent and strategic thought that goes into every cycle of WODs (just ask them and they'll happily tell you the theory behind the madness!), another indicator that THEY CARE about making all of us better. Show up consistently - which won't be hard because of the touchy-feely stuff - and the results will follow in short order. If you're looking for a CrossFit gym that gets beyond the buzz factor associated with CrossFit, where your coaches care about you, I can't recommend South Loop Strength & Conditioning enough! read more

There are a thousand different gyms and fitness fads out there. Most of it is crap. None of the noise or marketing or Reebok commercials will get you in shape. The single most important thing you want from a gym - any gym you decide to give your hard-earned dollars - is to have highly qualified trainers who understand (and respect) your fitness goals, who can create and help execute a plan to achieve those goals safely and efficiently. Simple, but rare. Enter South Loop Crossfit. I've participated in a lot of sports over the years. I've spent time in lots of gyms, with lots of trainers. The training I'm getting at South Loop Crossfit is as tough and rewarding as anything I've ever done. I've never seen a group of trainers as tuned-in to their athletes (SLCF doesn't care for the word "clients") as Todd, Kevin, Paul and the rest of the South Loop crew. They know each of our strengths and weakness, they know when to push and when to hold us back or substitute out an exercise in one of the daily workouts. While there is no shortage of crossfit gyms that let people act like idiots while throwing weights around recklessly, the Olympic lifts require training and technique. The South Loop coaches aren't about doing it heavy, until you're doing it right. That's what you want. I also have to say, after years and years of mostly lifting on my own and finding most gym people to be fairly insufferable, the group class environment is pretty great. Everybody jokes around, encourages each other, and commiserates over particularly tough workouts. And it's a pretty good mix of former and current athletes and folks who have just decided its time to get off the couch and into the gym. To be honest, the only "problem" with this place is that it will pretty much ruin you for just about any other gym experience. I was just in NYC for two months on a job and joined the local standard neighborhood gym. It sucked so hard. I couldn't wait to get back. read more

South Loop CrossFit has the most knowledgeable and helpful staff I've ever experienced at a CrossFit box (or any gym for that matter). Todd is super helpful, personable, and professional! I had an amazing experience at the box and would recommend it to anyone in the downtown area. It is WORTH the money. I felt comfortable at the gym where my physical capabilities were challenged in a systematic and healthy way. The programming is another reason I would choose this box over another. All around, this box is the epitome of what CrossFit was created to be! read more

TL;DR - 3 months into my first Crossfit gym experience, SLSC has exceeded my every expectation. I'll add my voice to the chorus of others saying laudatory things about South Loop Strength & Conditioning. My background: played team sports my whole life through college (Division 3). College ended and I had a few brief, unproductive stints with normal gyms. For some, they work great. I'm probably less self-motivated and just really enjoy working out with a group. I was reluctant to try Crossfit for the same reason many are: it ain't cheap. In my case, I took the plunge on their no-commitment monthlong trial and, at the end, couldn't think of not continuing. It's my first real Crossfit experience and so I have less to say in comparison to other boxes. I will say, amongst other members with experience at other boxes, the prevailing opinion seems to be that this is a top notch business. My experience has been consistent with that. Specifically: 1. Commitment - The owners are around, present, approachable, and genuinely seem to care about the members beyond just collecting dues. They seem to do doing it "the right way" and building a place that people will want to stay with for the long term. 2. Knowledge - Coaches, owners, and other experienced members seem educated and committed to not only teaching, but teaching the right way. They stress safety and form, knowing that once those are in place the results inevitable follow. 3. Versatility - There is a range of fitness and experience levels here, and they do a really good job of helping you get out whatever you want to put in. Crossfit games ambitions? Great. Busy with work and want to pop in a couple of times per week to blow off steam and stay healthy? They've got you there, too. 4. Community - As a first-timer, I was naturally a little unsure. Owners, coaches, and members are universally friendly and approachable. They really made a new guy feel welcomed. 5. Results - It's easiest to improve when you've been drinking beer on the couch for six years, as I had been, but even after 3 months I'm seeing very tangible results basically just by showing up and doing as told. read more

Best gym, hands down. I'm a former collegiate athlete so my main goals in finding a good gym are: an excellent training program and a competitive atmosphere, (if so desired). SLSC has the best trainers out there. Keenly knowledgeable in both fitness and nutrition. A lot of people out there don't realize BOTH are necessary for optimal performance and wellness. Seriously, google the gym owners/trainers: Todd Nief and Paul Wagner to see for yourself. I've tried (and enjoyed) many other cross-fit boxes out there. But SLSC is uniquely preferred because of the science and care they put into the training program. It's not about stroking your ego, nor over-working yourself inefficiently and ineffectively. It's about customized results. Last, but not least. I'm a sucker for that Mom-N-Pop style small business energy. Good people. Great energy. Everyone knows your name. It's everything minus the glitter. :) I love this gym. read more

I have been a member for almost two years and LOVE it. The people are supportive and the community is awesome. The coaches go the extra mile to help you achieve Your personal fitness and performance goals. It's inspiring to see the improvement and transformation of each individual that works out at SLCF. The programming is varied and tailored for athletes at all fitness levels but most of all working out here is FUN! read more

Being active has always been a priority for me, so I take pride in finding the best of the best. South Loop Strength & Conditioning goes above and beyond being just a gym. The programming is phenomenal and you can cater it to your own skill level. They also offer individual programming to reach whatever goal you're trying to achieve. The actual best part of this gym - the community. Everyone here is warm and friendly and you're excited to go to your workouts to see your friends. Todd and Paul, the owners of the gym, go above and beyond what's expected as a coach/owner. Not only do they want to help you achieve your best form and goal, they help you with your overall lifestyle. I'm so happy I found this gym - it's changed my life! read more

I recommend this place to anyone looking for a crossfit box to get started or progress in their training. The staff and ownership is highly knowledgable, the facility is clean, well maintained, and well equipped, and the community positive and welcoming. I've done a lot of different fitness modalities and been a member of several crossfit boxes, and I can tell you this is a really good one. read more

Always my favorite gym to drop into in Chicago! The staff is incredibly friendly, as are all of the members! I always feel welcome and always get a great workout. Not to mention their clothing is awesome! read more

Awesome community and proficient coaches! The facility is sick! The best box in Chicago!

Ive been at this gym for seven months now and I feel the necessity to share its greatness with the internet. SLSC has taken me on an absolute ride for the first half of 2015, and what a positive experience it has been. SLSC takes a holistic approach to getting you to achieve your genetic potential. These coaches are very qualified teachers and motivators. There is rarely a question that gets past them. They will show you your limits, and then show you how to overcome them. It is hard to ignore their passion. They want you on their level. At first, I was very intimidated by this place when I first started. However, I soon realized that the most respected person in the gym is the one that just walked in the door for the first time. Then it was easy to feed off the atmosphere and take the daily challenges in stride. This place has made me stronger physically, and tougher mentally. My time here has been very rewarding. read more

Great place, great atmosphere, great coaches! Great everything. They actually take the time to work with you even if it's a group workout.

Dropped in here on a visit to Chicago, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable, and the people were friendly. Even though I'm not a regular member, I still felt welcomed with open arms. Being a regular crossfitter at another box, I can tell this gym really focuses on it's members and they program with real foresight. I'll definitely drop in again if I'm travelling back to Chicago, as my experience was nothing but positive. read more

Far from a gimmick...SLSC, is where it's at! I've known Todd and Kevin, since March 2011. I've seen them go from Coaches and Members, to top-notch business owners. They, along with Paul, are committed to offering their members the best product possible to help them achieve their health & wellness goals. Well-rounded businessmen and workout enthusiasts, that are willing to do whatever it takes...travel any distance they need to go...in order to attend fitness seminars and learn from other fitness professionals; enabling their members to achieve high levels of fitness success, while helping their business thrive. Their members, are their business...and being able to offer the best in customer satisfaction, is the objective of SLSC. You'll only get that at South Loop Strength & Conditioning - a Premier Chicago CrossFit Gym. read more

The atmosphere is amazing. If you are not a regular or even if it is your first time trying out Crossfit, there will always be someone there to assist you. The coaches and other attendees are friendly and dedicated. If you are uncertain about your form or nervous about trying out a new exercise, just ask one of the coaches and they will gladly demonstrate the proper approach to any technique. I highly recommend this gym, you will love it! read more

Very welcoming environment--it doesn't matter whether you are an avid athlete or haven't hit a gym in several years. It's a very team-oriented atmosphere and each individual is there to further his or her health goals while encouraging his/her peers along the way. Many of the workouts involve Olympic lifts and the coaches stress the importance of proper technique before the athlete adds weight. Technique is a fundamental to succeeding in crossfit. Overall, the coaches and athletes are wonderful. I would strongly recommend checking it out. read more

SLSC is awesome. I've box jumped a lot (see what I did there?) and I feel really at home here. Took a little bit to get settled in coming from a new gym, but after a month or so, I feel like I've got my routine down and met some great people. I can't say enough great things about the coaches/owners. There is always someone there which shows they really care, and they're cool dudes too. Paul has helped me with my nutrition and health. I used to be a fat slob and now I'm feeling great. Ok, that may be a little extreme... I'm still a slob but just less fat. I love being a part of a growing community and look forward to being here for a long time. read more

Came here on a visit from out of town. Friendly people. Good equipment. Very welcoming.

South Loop Strength & Conditioning has a great group of coaches and owners. The owners care about everyone that walks in the door. The programming is tailored for different levels of fitness, everything can be modified. The coaches are educated enough to give the proper modifications. The community becomes your good friends. Amazing workouts, great people and a clean facility - best around! read more

SLSC has been my home away from home since I moved to the city until I move out of state in a few months. I could not have asked for a better set of coaches, friendly atmosphere, and top rate space and equipment! This is by far one of the bigger gyms in the city proper that I have found. The owners truly care about the patrons, and they are constantly reinvesting in the gym, equipment, and culture. If you are looking for go-all-out everyday programming with a Hero/Girls workout every other day, this may not be your best option (although they do have separate competitive program if you are into that). But if you want well-thought out, constantly changing and varied, purposeful program that is tailored for each individual, I could not recommend them more! Whether you are dropping in or looking for a new full-time gym, you just found it and don't hesitate stop by. Special shout out to Taylor, Sam, and Paul for helping me constantly reach my goals! read more

I really enjoyed this box. It has an awesome raw space and was convenient to my hotel near Millennium park. I dropped in and coach Todd and owner John could not have been nicer. I didn't take the class but followed my own programming and the facility had everything. I did watch coach Luke run his class and I could tell he is a pro. Very organized and good coaching. I've been following CF for more than 10 years and have been to at least 30 different boxes and this is among the best I've seen. read more

Best gym I've ever been a part of. Best coaches, and such a fun, supportive atmosphere.

I am fortunate to have met Todd Nief and Paul Wagner, (owners of the gym) and join their gym. I have been going through some health issues, and between Todd and Paul, they helped me make adjustments to my workouts, my nutrition and lifestyle habits. I know I am in good hands when the focus is not only on training hard and heavy, but what is best for each individual person. I appreciate their brilliant training/nutrition knowledge and know that no matter what stage (or age) I am in my life, the goal is overall health. The atmosphere is not intimidating, and open to all levels of people. I heart South Loop Crossfit! read more

Love this box and love the coaches! I drop in when I'm in Chicago and the coaches are the best. They make the time to help and have allowed me to come in with a flexible schedule. The programming is fantastic with a blend of strength programs and endurance/fitness workouts. The main reason I enjoy coming to workout here is not only I get a sweaty workout, but the people are so hospitable and friendly and really go the extra mile to make it feel like home. The community aspect really rounds this place out, plus its just a cool looking box with the street art. Keep it up guys, doing great! :) read more

This place got me excited about working out again. The space is nice and big with everything you could possibly need, but most importantly the staff here is great. They work with you from day 1 and put in a lot of time to make sure you do everything right from the beginning. There's no pressure here and the classes are fun with people at all different skill levels. It's monthly rate is a little more than a typical gym membership but well worth the money. Definitely check it out. read more

Would highly recommend. From the outset, you can tell they care about the members and the quality of the services provided. The coaches do a great job teaching/reinforcing the correct technique. After years of working out by myself, I recognize that I've been missing out. Todd, Paul, Kevin, and all the other coaches are top notch. read more

Todd and the coaches at SLSC are top notch. I have had the pleasure of being coached by many members of their staff over the years and am continually impressed by the focus on technique and the care they place into everything that is happening. The space of the new location surpasses what one would normally find in a busy city such as Chicago. If you are traveling, they are very flexible with the schedule and will allow you to get your workout in with no issues. Drop in and check things out, you won't be sorry! read more

I dropped into this gym when I was working in the neighborhood a few times. Each time I came in I was very impressed with the programming and coaching. The community at the gym is really friendly especially to drop-ins. The equipment is in great shape and the facility is really cool. It's the only gym I've been in with street-art on the walls. One of the coaches showed me around upstairs and the yoga loft is beautiful. Looking forward to coming back! read more