I've been to countless gyms and fitness centers in Chicago, but nothing compares to the experience at EDGE Athlete Lounge. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the energy and passion that drives this place. It's more than just a gymâit's a community of athletes, from beginners to seasoned vets, all working together to achieve their goals.
I'm fortunate enough to be on the coaching staff at EDGE and over the 6+ years I've been a part of the team, I've had the opportunity to not only see our community strengthen but also see the countless ways members show up for one another. I feel lucky to be a part of a team with so many incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely invested coaches who tailor workouts to meet a range of needs and also ensure that you're pushing yourself safely and effectively.
The facilities are top-notch, with everything you could possibly need for a great workout. All of the equipment is current, with enough for everyone while keeping a small gym vibe. The Woodway treadmills are the same as those at the Olympic Training Center, the bike room allows riders to use their own bicycle and ride the same elevation profiles as courses around the world, and the strength room has multiple squat racks, benches, free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls, bands... you name it. Whether you're into strength training, endurance sports, or just looking to improve your overall fitness, EDGE has you covered.
What sets EDGE apart, though, is the holistic approach to fitness by way of the recovery options, including an ice bath and hot tub for contrast treatment, compression therapy, laser therapy, and more - not to mention Pugcovery (the owner has 3 pugs, making EDGE the perfect place for dog lovers and for those who wish they had a dog but don't want to actually have a dog!). This focus on recovery has been a game-changer for me, especially after tough workouts. It's clear that EDGE understands that recovery is just as important as the workout itself.
The atmosphere at EDGE Athlete Lounge is incredibly welcoming and motivating and is what has kept me here so long. The staff and members alike are supportive and encouraging, making it easy to stay committed to your fitness journey. There is community for new moms and parents, LGBTQ+ members, runners/cyclists/triathletes, and athletes of any experience level (even if you wouldn't consider yourself an "athlete" we believe you are!). You can show up exactly as you are and not need to pretend to be anything else; this is a no BS gym where the first timer is on the same level as someone with 10+ years of workouts under their belts.
Plus, the community events like cheer stations and volunteering at a local nursing home are a great way to stay engaged and be a part of giving back. Community is always at the core of everything for EDGE.
If you're looking for a place that offers more than just a workout, EDGE Athlete Lounge is where you need to be. It's a place that truly cares about your success, both inside and outside the gym. I can't recommend it enough! Come in for a free trial to see if it's a good fit and if you see me,...
   Read moreI got to know this place from Instagram. I saw the ad for free 6week body transformation challenge and got an appointment with one of the member in the club. Now there's a deposit if $600 which you'll get back after completing the challenge successfully. I knew that this is something that I do and change my lifestyle to a healthy one. The challenge will offer all the necessary information for the whole 6 weeks for exercise and daily nutrition that is portion based which covers protein, carbs and fat.
I am a different scenario since I spent almost 5 weeks outside the states where my options for nutrition was very limited which encouraged me to go out of the way and find myself the required items. I had remote coaching and I can reach out to my accountability coach anytime I want and he's always ready to help.
For my final week I was in the lounge and working out with all the people with the same goal was really exciting and it was great. Everyone was very friendly and the drinks that they have are amazing.
This has been a game changing event in my life in that I have learned a lot. I have taught my friends about the necessary changes to be done to get fit and eat clean, thanks to more input from EDGE
Many people whom I've seen after the 5 week were amazed at my change and said I looked like a school kid, all fit and energetic. I think that sums it up.
In a nutshell, great place where you'll have a community of people with a greater goal while working with everyone to achieve the...
   Read moreMy partner and I joined Edge 9 months through a 1 year secondment from the UK. The routine, community & budding relationships we made in 2 months of membership at Edge enabled us to say Yes to another year of living in Chicago.
In the following year of membership my partner completed 3 half marathons (including a group trip to Eugene) and the Chicago marathon - one of her proudest achievements and one of my happiest memories to be there as a supporter at Edge Mile 18. She ran it with her Edge run club pace group who had suffered? enjoyed? training together for the previous 16 weeks, making her and their successes all the sweeter. I trained with indoors & then joined a cycling club ('friends' of Edge if you like), and worked with a coach to help me complete a 70.3 triathlon.
We were introduced to a Friday morning run & coffee club, volunteering opportunities with a fantastic adaptive sports non-profit, and the best taco shop in town through the members. We just scratched the surface of the inspirational people there and so many shared their invaluable experiences and support so generously.
Safe to say we might not have aimed as high, probably wouldn't have been as 'successful' and certainly wouldn't have enjoyed the process of training for these events as much had we done it alone. Having moved back to London, when people ask me what I miss most about Chicago, my answer is really quick and short...
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