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Starting Strength Coaching in Arlington Heights!
Join us to feel better, more confident, and more capable, whether in your sport, hobby, or daily life. You will get stronger, no matter your age or experience.
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Reviews
Marianne Krzeski
★ 5
I am a petite sixty-five year old woman with osteoporosis and no weightlifting experience. Eight months ago, in a last ditch effort to improve my bone health, I joined Chris’ Starting Strength program. Chris is always punctual, attentive, encouraging, and patient—while thoughtfully tailoring individual workouts. Although I haven’t had a DEXA scan yet this year to measure my bone density, I have gained noticeable strength and stability thanks to Chris' instruction and skill. I am convinced that this program is the answer to my health challenge and my overall goal to stay strong—well into my later years!
Source: Google
Kathy Scortino
★ 5
Almost 6 years ago, shortly after turning 71, I began strength training sessions with Chris. For 2 years, 3 days a week, Chris taught me correct weight-lifting form, and offered me steady encouragement in every session. I built strength, increased muscle tone, and I knew I was doing exactly what was needed for my health. Then COVID, the subsequent shutdown, and additional medical issues hit, and I was unable to continue.
Thankfully this Summer I was able to start again. As a woman in my 70s, I know how important it is to do consistent weight-bearing exercises, especially when dealing with osteoporosis. Chris also knows this and was instrumental in helping me to get back on a regular basis.
Chris is an excellent teacher and trainer. He closely observes form and technique, correcting them as needed. He is patient and encouraging. He customizes my workouts. He listens to my concerns and answers all my questions. I know how fortunate I am to work with Chris. He is excellent at what he does!
Source: Google
Chris H.
★ 5
Chris Olson and Moon's House Strength get 5+ stars in my book.
If I could leave more than 5 stars, I would. Chris exceeded any expectations that I had for a personal trainer by helping me learn the techniques to do back squat, deadlift, bench press and shoulder press without putting excessive/unnecessary pressure on joints. In addition to helping with form, he also designed my workouts. He suggested what weight to do for each exercise and when to do each of the different lifts. He also helped coach me through a back tweak that involved a counterintuitive approach (for me). I decided to trust him and my back recovered surprisingly quickly. I’m glad that I took his advice since I would have otherwise taken a couple weeks off. I’m very grateful for Chris’ coaching and would highly recommend him as a trainer for anyone who is looking for strength gains.
Source: Google
Joseph Salemi
★ 5
A great place for anyone at any level. Moon’s house helped me develop as an athlete and a weightlifter. After training with Chris I was confident in my ability in the gym. He teaches form to perfection and has a great personality that makes the hours in the gym fly by. I would highly recommend Moon’s House to anyone looking to start, continue, or enhance their fitness journey!
Source: Google
K. L.
★ 5
Chris was described to me as being “good people” when I first met him so he could work with my 9 y/o son for tennis (strength, agility, fitness). I wasn’t sure how that would be relevant to his training, but I quickly found out that it was EXACTLY what my son needed. Not only was my son getting sound athletic training from a knowledgeable coach, he was benefitting from Moon’s ever-present positive, supportive and patient influence. Fast forward 5 years – my son continues to work out with Chris, having now graduated to strength/barbell training.
Because of my son’s experience, I began barbell training with Chris about 4 years ago ... Best health decision I’ve made. As a self-conscious, nervous 50+ y/o woman with not the best fitness level or genetics (family history full of back surgeries, osteoporosis, chronic arthritis, etc.), Moon has not only made training something I’m willing to do regularly, but he’s made it something I look forward to. He created a training environment in which I could just get over myself and do it.
Chris definitely knows his stuff (has the tough- to-earn “SSC” cred) and trains without intimidating, condescending, or criticizing. He is (very) patient, thorough and receptive to questions. He constantly observes and corrects/provides feedback on your lifting form. He is also supportive, clear, direct and pragmatic in his coaching. And, he customizes your workout to you – I totally trust him to keep me from doing anything unsafe/stupid in the gym.
By training with Moon, I am getting stronger, feeling better and (hopefully) cheating my genetics. Chris is not only “good people” … He’s also a fantastic strength coach – one you should absolutely work with if you want a conscientious, positive and trustworthy guide on your strength journey.
Source: Google
Elizabeth Small
★ 5
I can’t say enough about Chris and Moon's House. I have had experience with many trainers over the years, and Chris is far beyond them. He doesn't only show you what to do, he explains how and why you are doing it. He ensures you exercise/strength train correctly from the beginning, which I have learned is critical to success. I have always cared about fitness, and have been active most of my life, but I realized that I had been doing many things wrong for years, resulting in many aches and pains. After being under Moon's guidance, my shoulder pain went away and I became stronger
than I’ve ever been. Finally, Moon makes it fun. Some trainers can be intimidating, but Moon isn’t. You’ll feel right at home, right away.
Source: Google
Mundo C
★ 5
Chris is a first class person and a first class trainer. He knows how to motivate not only to get started but to keep going. He has the knowledge and ability to change your life in a positive way no matter what.
Source: Google
Teresa McMillin
★ 5
I knew I wanted to get into weightlifting, having read about all the benefits, especially for middle-aged women. I had no idea how to begin. Fortunately, I contacted Chris. I was completely intimidated by a weight room (and the weights!!). Chris has a very supportive and approachable style that makes me completely comfortable. I am now building muscle and lifting weight I never dreamed possible!
And ladies!! You won't get a bulky, manly figure from lifting weights. You WILL get strong, lose inches, and gain muscle tone.
Chris is a hidden gem in the world of coaching!
Source: Google
Chris M
★ 5
Chris is a very experienced and supportive coach who helps me learn proper technique and make incremental progress at a measurable pace.
With his expert guidance, I developed confidence with the equipment, process, and steady results.
I have a lot more to learn, but health and strength are about the journey rather than the destination. I'm happy that I found the right guide.
Source: Google