South Loop Strength & Conditioning — Local services in Chicago

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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 a lot 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, Nehemiah 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 throw 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 annoying, 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.

If you are looking for a gym in Chicago, put the Cheetos down and get to South...

If you're apprehensive about starting something new, this is a great place to be. If you're a crossfitter looking for a drop in, this is a legit spot that will scratch that wod itch while you're traveling. If you're looking for specialized help with personal training or nutrition, you'll also be in talented, highly educated hands.

The facility is well maintained and there is a diverse array of equipment to keep exercise interesting. The classes are humbling and challenging and soon become so fulfilling.

This gym has an exceptional community of coaches and members that make something hard welcoming and accessible. The staff has always gone above and beyond to know their craft, learn to be better coaches and teachers, and meet every individual where they are at in whatever journey they are on. They genuinely want to be better at what they do for their members, including taking feedback seriously, adapting to what members need, and regularly continuing their education and certifications in both crossfit and weightlifting.

Another huge perk that I appreciated was the flexibility for member access outside of class times. Other gyms I have been a member of have had limiting hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends that made it really challenging with my work schedule. I was able to truly fit exercise into my busy schedule, which was a game changer.

11/10...