Facilities: Both locations have the latest in equipment, a lot of which is not standard for a regular gym (ex: rock climbing grips for pull ups, TRX systems, power plate, etc.). For me, personally, it was also important that they have dumb bells over 100 lbs. Most of the individuals working out there don't need this amount of weight, and most of the work outs don't allow for that level of heavy lifting, but it is nice to have them for when they are needed or when I'm working out independently. The work out area is always extremely clean, with fresh towels available to everyone.
Trainers: The trainers all have good dispositions and friendly attitudes. I am always greeted by a trainer even if they are not the usual trainer I work under. My trainer, Peter, is well educated and does a great job altering planned work outs for my own needs. Peter is also very flexible and works with me if I need to change my plans due to work or home needs. The trainers all have excellent ongoing communication with the members. I have observed Peter and Jordan to show excellent people skills when working out individuals that would be considered 'challenging' (for whatever reason) to most of us.
Workouts: The work outs are primarily done in group format under the supervision of one trainer, though there may be two trainers/groups utilizing the gym area. The work outs are tough and push me harder than I would working out on my own. They are primarily stamina based, with higher reps and short rests that often utilize the theory of Max Interval Training. The work outs change their focus/style weekly (great for 'muscle confusion') and all members are sent an email by their trainer of what style of work out to expect for the following week. The facilities are also available to you during hours of operation whenever you would like to do an independent work out.
Owner: Corey is often in the facilities doing one-on-one training and available for you to speak with in person. He seems to strike a laudible balance of giving his trainers independence to run their groups as they see fit, while creating a personal relationship with each location and its members. You will work more with your trainer than the owner most likely, but he is available and approachable to everyone at Black Clover.
Members: Let's be honest, it's a huge plus that you miss a lot of the mouth-breathers you see in gyms regularly. My experience has been that most of the people I meet at BCF are friendly and equally interested in obtaining a quality work out experience. You are likely to see people working out hard as opposed to gazing in the mirror, hording equipment, slamming/dropping weights, incessently socializing, or doing something dangerous to themselves and/or you. The volume of people also helps to reduce other issues like stress on the equipment, and the bathrooms (nothing is wet and smelly).
The negatives: I love working out at BCF, but every gym has negatives to be fair. The cost is considerable compared to normal gym memberships, though extremely competitive if you are seeking a work out experience that involves a personal trainer. BCF helps me with accountability and maintaining an ongoing work out routine; if that is not an issue for you then the cost may not be worth it. I wish there were 4 group workouts per week rather than 3 for the price you pay, but again, the gym is available to you whenever it is open, so that's just nitpicking. Also, if your goal is power lifting and/or focus on strength gains then you will likely not be interested in the regular group work outs. A one-on-one training experience may be better tailored to those goals, and I do know they are building programs based on the needs of young atheletes. Lastly, the facilities are closed on Sundays. That really doesn't detract from the intended experience BCF offers its members, but for many professionals the weekends are a small window to get in that extra work...
Read moreI have been working out at BCF for almost three years. My wife worked with Corey Cain one-on-one to "stay vertical." She had a spinal tumor in her 20's that was removed successfully. After the tumor, radiation treatment followed. In her 50's she started losing her ability to climb stars, had neuropathy in her feet and back pain, all as a result of the radiation. After getting a diagnosis, the doctors said she would be in a wheelchair in 6 months. That was over four years ago and she is still vertical thanks in part to Corey's help.
After seeing what Corey had accomplished helping my wife, I started working out in his bootcamp program in the wee hours of the morning. Shortly after I joined BCF doing block training with a smaller group of people The progress I made focusing on increasing my fitness level for cycling was dramatic. The trainers are great and have made working out something I look forward - not something to endure. The other aspect of BCF that makes it all worth while is the people I get to work out with. No egos, all working to accomplish their specific goals and all pushing each other. I have seen transformations my BCF partners that inspire me to keep going.
I have now lost 30 pounds, lots of inches and gained muscle mass. Being in my late 50s, I maintain a level of fitness I wish I had in my 30s.
Corey has assmbled an amazing group of talented trainers that believe in his core principle - making life better. Trevor, Jordan, Peter, MC and Ashley are fantastic trainers and I have been able to work with each one. They know how and when to push - just a fantastic group of people to work with. What I also appreciate about Corey is that he applies this principle to the people that work for him and it shows in the care and effort they make in helping all of us achieve our...
Read moreI’ve always been fitness minded, but a significant illness got me out of shape and out of motivation. I came to Black Clover looking to get both back. I’ve been working out with Trevor for almost a year and have lost all the weight I was trying to and also have significantly lost body fat as a result of the fitness training and nutritional guidance Trevor has provided. I have several challenges with my diet due to my illness, but Trevor has been fantastic about providing alternatives on what and how I should eat to drop body fat and build lean muscle. He also has been a reliable and solid accountability partner, ensuring that I am sticking to my workouts and to my food plan and changing things when necessary to ensure I keep making progress toward my goals. Workouts are never the same and never boring. They are challenging enough to keep me interested and not so challenging that I will get frustrated. Trevor tailors each workout to my specific fitness level, but DOES push me, which I need. I definitely am seeing results. I have more energy through the day, I feel better overall, and I am in the best shape in my 40’s than I’ve ever been in.
I appreciate the smaller facility and more intimate atmosphere as compared to the large gyms in Omaha. You get hands on, personalized, focused attention without the chaotic energy of a typical gym. The facility itself is clean and the equipment is awesome. Trevor has a fantastic attitude, and is encouraging, energetic and extremely knowledgeable with both fitness and nutrition. All of the other trainers I’ve worked with there have been equally as helpful and encouraging as well.
My only request is that they add an on staff massage therapist and a sauna. :)
Great gym and great staff! I highly...
Read more