★ 5

I’m so grateful for this place and for Coach Chris! The energy is welcoming and encouraging, and best of all - it’s focused on getting stronger, not dieting or getting smaller. When I started, four pushups felt impossible. Now I’m doing three sets of ten and benching triple digits. I’ve built real strength and had so much fun along the way.

Source: Google

★ 5

Strength Wise is a welcoming environment for everyone, and Chris leads newcomers every step of the way. I had never tried powerlifting until six months ago: now I look forward to lift days. I highly recommend finding yourself in this community of kind, passionate lifters.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is an excellent coach. He is very thoughtful about every person's unique needs and goals. I am generally an impatient person and Chris is patient enough for the both of us, so that I don't derail my training ambitions by moving too quickly or sloppily. Also, he has a very cute tiny dog.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris brings genuine warmth and expert coaching to his barbell classes and helped me work through an elbow injury by tailoring my workouts and even sending me rehab exercise videos outside of class. The small class atmosphere is friendly, supportive and fun, and sometimes gathers socially outside of class. I unfortunately can not continue with class because of a scheduling conflict but recommend Chris to anyone who wants to get A LOT stronger (I hit many personal bests!) in a safe, personalized, and smart way. He is a great trainer and more importantly just a great person who is a real community builder and leader. Thanks Chris!

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Chris has unlocked another level of performance for me. I really appreciate his approach to understanding the “why” behind my goals—so that I’m finding motivation from within, instead of chasing external metrics that shouldn’t apply to my age, body type, or circumstances. Plus, Chris is just a great hang! Upbeat, funny, and super knowledgeable about his work.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is knowledgeable and very easy to work with. He makes a very inclusive, yet challenging environment so you can push your self to your best. Chris was great to work with and I would recommend him to anyone looking to either start working out or finding that trainer to push your personal bests.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was new to barbell lifting and the barbell class was a great introduction. Chris is a knowledgable and patient instructor. Each person in class (very small class size) has an individualized program they complete. So the barbell class is basically personal training at a much cheaper price.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was looking for someone experienced to help me to correct my form.

As a beginner, it was great working with Chris! He provides an non-intimidating environment where he shows you everything you need to know!

If you’re looking for a great trainer that’s local, look no further, Chris & Strength Wise Barbell is your spot. Highly recommend! 5+ stars 🌟

Source: Google

★ 5

I recently took a barbell class with Chris and was truly impressed by his depth of knowledge and coaching style. As a physical therapist, I’m always focused on proper movement mechanics, and Chris’s expertise really stood out. He provided clear, effective cues that helped me improve my form and reduce discomfort in both my shoulder and hip. His ability to break down complex lifts and adapt them to individual needs made the class both educational and impactful. I highly recommend Chris for anyone looking to improve strength through barbell lifting!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been attending Strength Wise Barbell classes for almost a year now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. As a runner, I knew I needed to incorporate strength training but felt overwhelmed since it had been years since I last stepped into a weight room. Chris made it incredibly easy to get started, offering guidance every step of the way. He is extremely knowledgeable, and his classes provide a supportive and encouraging environment, perfect for beginners and experienced lifters alike. I genuinely look forward to each class, and I strongly recommend Strength Wise Barbell to anyone looking to start or improve their strength training journey.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chris as my personal trainer, and he truly stands out as an exceptional instructor. Unlike other trainers I’ve worked with, Chris is deeply invested in my personal goals. He consistently tailors workouts to meet his clients' needs, and his dedication is evident. As I’m recovering from an injury, Chris has been incredibly attentive, frequently checking in and adjusting my workout plan to support my recovery and help me regain my strength. On top of that, Chris is funny and witty—he even makes dad jokes, which adds a delightful touch to our sessions and creates a fantastic atmosphere in the gym. I’ve met great people through his sessions, and many of us now consider each other friends. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is such a great trainer!! He’s extremely knowledgeable and has views on training that I appreciate, like focusing on maximizing what you can do using specific strategies and techniques rather than forcing yourself in ways that cause pain. He’s also very kind and welcoming to new students. I’ve been doing the group barbell classes for a few months now and it’s fantastic; it’s fun while also being a great workout and I’ve definitely progressed in weight since starting. The people in the group are awesome and it’s such a positive, supportive setting to be in. I also like how everyone has a personalized workout plan each session that’s tailored to their own goals and areas that Chris sees as needs to support your overall strength. I highly recommend Strength Wise Barbell!

Source: Google

★ 5

After a herniated disc in my lower back, Chris and team put together a program I could do at home and gym that enabled me to build my confidence back up, strengthen the injured area, and build strength/muscle. Highly recommend for someone new to lifting or coming back from an injury or period away from training.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been meeting with Chris for over a year and he is an amazing trainer!! I had never lifted weights before and when I began training with Chris he was encouraging, kind, knowledgeable, and motivational. He pushes me to do the best that I can and is super helpful when it comes to creating routine workouts to do at home!! Chris is a wonderful person all around and a great coach who can connect with his clients while helping them improve themselves.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is great and so much fun to work with. He is highly knowledgeable and skilled, so I feel safe challenging myself and don’t worry about getting injured. My physique has changed in a way I never dreamed possible.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is outstanding! He has a great positive attitude and in the 15 months we've been training we've made excellent physical progress. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is supportive and positive in his training methods. I've gotten stronger both mentally and physically and leave each session better than before

Source: Google

★ 5

My experience training with Chris has been great. I consider myself a hobbyist weightlifter focused on increasing the weight I can move, and in our time together Chris has encouragingly and safely progressed all of my lifts.

I appreciate his professionalism and attentiveness in addressing training concerns I have or modifications I request. In comparison with my past experiences with other trainers, I consider my experience with Chris as more positive and higher value. Definitely see myself continuing to work with him for the foreseeable future.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a great trainer and a fountain of knowledge. He communicates the fundamentals clearly but can go deep. He clearly knows how to build confidence and capability in others. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a great trainer! He is very knowledgeable and changes up our strength work outs every week. Highly recommend Strength Wise!

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm the strongest I've ever been, after years of lifting, thanks to Chris

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a great session with Chris. His observations of my lifting form led to specific and guided instructions which helped me lift more confidently. He also answered all of my questions about exercise routines, nutrition, etc., and then gave additional helpful advice. I definitely recommend these sessions for people who are less confident or are new to some exercise routines. Chris definitely knows what he's talking about, and I felt great after working out with him.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is an amazing trainer (and person). I started training with him a year ago when I was new to working out, and I received much needed guidance on my form and technique. He also provided constructive feedback that kept me motivated, and his training app is great for staying on a disciplined schedule. A++ trainer, would highly recommend to anyone looking to weight lift.

Source: Google

★ 5

I reached out to Chris for some guidance on my bench press (shoulder was starting to hurt). He came to our session very well prepared, immediately spotted the main issues with my press movement, and taught me how to fix them. After our session Chris took the time to send me an overview of his recommendations including video analysis of my movement and a personalized video with very specific warm up techniques. The level of detail, thought, and care is beyond what I expected. A real first-class experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris at Strength Wise is knowledgeable, personable, and adept at matching his coaching to your challenges and goals. As a former martial arts instructor I recognized many of the teaching skills I have used in the past - many trainers can do, but Chris can teach as well! Working with him was a great experience I would recommend to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have known Chris for nearly 25 years. He is one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. He’s extremely intelligent and reflective. These character traits allow him to be a great personal trainer who is mindful of my needs and capabilities. He is encouraging and offers smart insight into what works well in a training regimen. He’s also honest and willing to challenge me. More than anything, he’s just fun to be around because he’s upbeat, witty, and kind. I can’t imagine having a better personal trainer!

Source: Google

★ 5

Loved working with Chris! We worked on a powerlifting program and it was my first time getting my feet exposed to this kind of program. He was extremely patient and motivating throughout my whole experience. Not only did he care for my physical well-being but my mental health during good and bad times too. I believe he gave me a great foundation on my weight lifting journey and I know he will be a great resource I can rely on!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is an amazing trainer, he provides straightforward coaching with an incredibly large knowledge base and answers to all your questions.

Source: Google

★ 5

My outlook on fitness has really changed ever since I started training with Chris. The name Strength Wise describes him perfectly! He’s very enthusiastic about the science, nutrition, and the physical and mental health that comes along with weightlifting and general fitness. I’m never afraid of ask questions and he’s accepting of everyone at any level of lifting experience. The structure that Chris puts into his training is personalized for you and your lifestyle, even as it ebbs and flows which I appreciate. He pays detailed attention on how to curate the best program for you that you’ll enjoy doing along the way and he’ll always check up on you. Even though I’m in California and he’s in Chicago, I still feel like he trains alongside me because he’s really that attentive.

When I started lifting with Chris, I came in wanting to be a specific weight number, very asthetic focused, and honestly pretty hard on myself and my body. Chris encouraged my goals and motivation to improve but also challenged the unhealthy mindset that I carried on myself. Working with him feels like talking to a friend, he’s very easy going and ready to listen to whatever you’ve got going on in your life. Because guess what? It translates into your training!

As our sessions go on, I not only am celebrating how my body is transforming but I’m constantly surprised at what my body can do. I’m definitely the strongest I’ve ever been. Making those PRs with Chris never gets old! I’m proud to say that I’ve not only gained a fantastic trainer but also a great friend. I highly recommend training with Chris to anyone and everyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris has been immensely helpful in improving my lifting technique. As opposed to a lot of health and fitness info out there his approach is evidence based. He's always been available to answer any of my questions, no matter how small. I can not recommend him highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Training with Chris at Strength Wise has completely changed the way I feel day to day and the way I see myself. I am stronger than I have ever been, and mostly importantly, it feels sustainable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris from Strength Wise is incredibly knowledgeable and really fun to work with. He's helped me get into a good routine; I haven't been this in shape in a decade!

Source: Google

★ 5

Encouragement, Guidance, Results, Community: That’s what you can expect from STRENGTH WISE.

I’ve been going to Chris’s Mo/Wed/Sat class for a few months now. Since starting with Chris, my quality of life has improved dramatically. I have always been a very active person, pre covid I was at the gym everyday. But the pandemic put me in a slump, I missed my communities and didn’t have the motivation to work out. Chris provides instant connection, dedication, and guidance. Physically, I am back in my pre covid shape and am getting closer mentally with every class.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris is a fantastic coach, very focused on the positives and full of knowledge that helps keep you on track.

100% recommend to anyone looking to lose weight or start lifting/training.

Awesome experience here.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Chris has been amazing. He teaches solutions for long term weight-loss. He is extremely easy to talk to about my concerns. His programs are simple to follow and he is always accessible.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris & Strength Wise have gotten me back off the couch after injury & pandemic had me sidelined! Chris is smart, knowledgeable, and makes workouts fun. He plans workouts that are perfect for where I am in my strength building, and the app he uses makes the workouts I do on my own much easier. And weekly masked workouts in the park keep me on track! I have learned a lot already and can’t say enough good things.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a fencer, it has been really difficult to find a specific lifting program tailored specifically to the requirements of the sport. Chris went above and beyond in his research to create a personalized nutrition and training program tailored to me. Not to mention, he was happy to answer all of the questions I had and opened my eyes to the benefits I could receive from other aspects of fitness (nutrition, recovery) that I had not really considered. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing to work with Chris!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chris has helped me get back to working with the barbell in a much more competent way. I don't feel like I have to kill myself every workout to make progress and have been getting PRs every week all while still being able to move the next day:) He curates a plan for the individual rather than what I've experienced in the past as"one size fits all." He cares about his client's wholeness and addresses nutrition, sleep, etc. to make sure that you're developing good habits that will last a lifetime. I highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I thought my lifting days were over. Bad shoulder, bad knee, bad back. Chris disagreed. Thankfully, he disagreed forcefully enough to get me back on the weights. I couldn't be more grateful.

Chris hasn't just helped me regain strength, he's helped me rebuild confidence.

It's only been a few months, but my relationship to my body has completely changed. I'm less fearful of every ache and pain, less prone to catastrophizing, and I'm getting steadily stronger. I'm not sure what more one could ask for from a strength coach.

But there is more to Chris! He's a real person who understands and empathizes with real people. He's whip smart, kind and funny. And his passion for this synthesis of mindfulness and strength training is infectious.

Don't miss out on your chance to hire this man before his schedule is completely filled!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

was a sporadic weight lifter for most of my 20s, then took a 15 year hiatus.

I returned to weightlifting during workibf-from-home with Covid, except this time I had 3 small children, (and less schedule flexibility to train), was 30 pounds heavier and had persistent back issues.

Chris designed a program for me that fit my schedule and has helped educate me about modern weightlifting theory, as I only knew bro weightlifting science from the 90s

After 3 months my lifts a bigger than I thought possible and I have no back pain. After 6 months my resting heart rate has decreased and my doctor will soon decrease my blood pressure medicine.

Source: Google