★ 5

Great gym would highly reddens for anyone wanting to get in shape with a great community and different options for all fitness goals / martial arts.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started an over 60 fitness class a couple of months ago and the coach/trainer/owner Albert is amazing. He is completely focused on each person in the class and it is like having your own personal trainer within a group. Albert makes working out which is something that is necessary but not exciting a fun and entertaining experience all while getting back into a great health routine.

Source: Google

★ 5

Al teaches classes at my place of work and, after three years of struggling to get back into a fitness routine, I have attend his classes religiously since April largely due to his high expectations for me and his approachable, warm demeanor. Al's approach to fitness is fun, informed, and effective.

In a relatively short period of time, I have manages to lose ten pounds; the other day, I wore a pair of jeans that I had sitting in my closet for several years hoping, hoping, hoping that I would be able to wear again some day. Even more important has been the change I have experienced in my stamina and vitality. My two year old son often wants me to carry him when we are out in the neighborhood and, in the past, I have found myself in pain and short of breath after brief periods of time. Last week, I carried him three long city blocks without having to stop and without feeling like I was on the verge of collapse. My ability to play with my kiddo and enjoy my time with him has significantly increased as a result of Albert's training.

What I love about the classes (and also hate about the classes) is that they are hard. I mean...HARD. I am a sweaty mess by the time classes are over. He keeps the classes interesting and challenging by constantly changing up the exercises and movements and playing great music! But, honestly, probably any trainer can do that. what Al does especially well is create an atmosphere that is encouraging, team-oriented, and non-judgmental. He has been able to quickly intuit my abilities and modify movements to support my needs. He is able to simultaneously understand and accommodate my current level of fitness while also comfortably pushing me to do more and get stronger.

Lastly, he's just a nice guy to be around. He's knowledgeable about his field but also just generally a highly intelligent person. He does a nice job of balancing work with enjoyable conversation and he really seems to care about us in the class which he demonstrates through simple gestures like remembering our names and pronouncing them correctly to remembering our injuries and modifying them without having to be asked. In his class you get the feeling you are known and liked which makes a big difference! Seems basic enough, but I've had a lot of experiences with fitness professionals that have not managed to demonstrate these qualities, so working with Al is a refreshing change.

Albert Ferguson is smart, tough, and kind. He will kick your butt and you will like it. Hire him! You won't be sorry.

Source: Google

★ 5

Having been diagnosed with mild cognitive issues my neurologist encouraged me to do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Since boxing with Albert at Fitness Matrix along with personal training my most recent neurological testing improved greatly! The repetition with my boxing of eye hand coordination, constant movement using the entire body has helped my overall mental and physical well being., Albert's skills and personality make you want to keep coming back!!! I would highly recommend giving this a try especially but not only for people in their later years. IT helps me stay young, vibrant and strong!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a great place with skilled trainers. I have been working with Larry for the last few months. It has made a measurable difference in my body - improving the range of motion on my rotator cuff in my right shoulder (unbelievable improvement) and the strength and mobility of my knees. He always challenges, but never hurts, me. Give this place a try - you will see measurable improvement in your fitness goals!

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend training with Albert and Larry at The Fitness Matrix! It's an excellent value and well worth your time and effort. The trainers are incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, motivational, and kind. Their expert, enthusiastic instruction prioritizes safety and proper form to create workouts that challenge you to reach your unique fitness goals in fun, creative ways. I always look forward to my training sessions and am amazed at the results.If you're looking to get in the best shape of your life while having a great time, check out The Fitness Matrix!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great guys, always respectful! They know how to challenge you without crushing you. Excellent workouts with interesting mix of strength, fitness and boxing. I highly recommend them!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Albert's an amazing coach! Great personality, and also highly skilled. Would highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Transformative and empowering. Albert changes lives.

Source: Google

★ 5

I would highly recommend the Fitness Matrix to reach your training goals! I'm a paramedic and have a very physical job...I was anticipating having to take a physical aptitude test that is even hard for my strongest, tallest male coworkers, so I went to Albert at the Fitness Matrix. Ive been training with him for 3 months, taking Thai boxing and circuit training classes, and yesterday I kicked butt on a physical for my new job, and it wasnt even the physical I had been traininf for! I walked in not knowing what to expect, in fact not knowing if I'd be required to do a physical test at all, and every exercise or strength challenge thrown at me I had done in class, or at least prepared those very same muscles being tested! It was an awesome feeling! I always look forward to going to class, which is not something I would usually say about going to the gym. Albert is funny, motivating, knowledgeable about fitness and body mechanics, and a top notch trainer. He will have a class of 3 people at different levels and differentiate his instruction so each individual is challenged. Thai boxing is amazing and like learning an art form! Once again, Albert makes sure that every inidivdual in the class is pushed and challenged, but never intimidated. Everyone who attends has an awesome attitude, which I attribute to the fun but serious atmosphere Albert has created. In addition, I can afford it on my paramedic salary....it feels like a necessity in my life now, so it is great that it doesn't cost like a luxury! 5 kick-butt stars for The Fitness Matrix!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

After taking Bodysculpt classes for a just over a year, I'm stronger and better conditioned than ever. Albert is a great, knowledgeable trainer and always puts together challenging circuits. Left to my own devices, I would never be able to lift as much as he challenges me to do every week. Between the diverse workouts and the camaraderie of the group, I've never once been bored!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working out with Albert for almost two years and have had an amazing experience!!! He is patient and always there with an encouraging word to help motivate you to work harder. I have gone to both the Muay Thai classes and the Lean FX classes, and have definitely built and toned muscles I never even knew were there.
Albert also has the unique ability to tailor each exercise to the participants ability, so even group workouts are challenging for every person.
Albert really cares about the progress of each person he trains - he makes the Fitness Matrix into one of the best gym expierience around!

Source: Google

★ 5

Albert and his staff of trainers seemed committed to improving my overall fitness. I am very impressed with the very high level of detail attention given during my training sessions. I highly recommend The Fitness Matrix if you're looking to improve your health and fitness

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to the Fitness Matrix for almost two years working with Albert ,it's a great great gym,My goal was to get stronger and of course lose some weight, well not only did I got strong, I also lost a lot of weight, and for first time in my life i have been able to maintain my weight lost for over year now, and still losing, I owe this all to the wonderful help i got from the Fitness Matrix, I play Basketball and and Softball,with both of my games there is great improvement as far as endurance and strength. Not only did i see change physically, health wise a huge change,all thanks to fitness matrix.Albert is a great and caring person,He truly cares and wants the best for you to reach your goal, your health, he tailored to your strength and work with u to improve each individuals where they at and what each one needs. Bottomline 5 stars is not enough...DA best!!!!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I highly recommend Albert Ferguson and The Fitness Matrix. My individual personal training workouts with Albert have helped me build muscle and lose weight. Albert is an incredible motivator and during each session, he challenges me to work out to my optimal level. He is passionate to help his clients reach their health goals and I always look forward to our work outs as Albert exudes such a welcoming and genuinely kind demeanor.

Source: Google

★ 5

Albert is without a doubt one of the most knowledgable and passionate instructors I have trained with. He has a background in many different martial arts and his drive definitely rubs off on his students. The set up is fantastic and very easy to get to. I highly recommend any and all of the classes at the Fitness Matrix.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am in my second month of training with Albert. I am doing both the krav maga/muay thai training as well as the Lean FX training programs. I have trained for the NYC marathon, a triathlon, and other programs...this is by far the best overall training experience I have ever had. This will be a part of my long-term training regiment. Albert is great at pushing and encouraging at the same time. And, the results and progress are real and meaningful.

Source: Google

★ 5

When I started working out with Albert, I was out of shape. Albert took the challenge, and made a tailored workout for me. No two workouts were the same, and as I got in better shape, he would modify the program. He is very friendly, attentive to all his clients needs, and is very flexible to your needs. Just after a few months, I could see a difference in my body. It is better than going to a big gym. Albert knows you and cares for your well being. I would highly recommend you give him a try.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've had the pleasure of knowing and training with Albert for many years. He is highly motivating, encouraging and thoughtful. He's a talented martial artist familiar with a variety of arts, and is also one of the most competent personal trainers I know. Whether you're learning BJJ, or training in any one of the various classes, you'll be challenged, engaged and appreciated. I cannot recommend Albert, or the Fitness Matrix, more highly.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had the pleasure of having Albert as my personal trainer. He gently but firmly pushes me to a level of exercise that I could never accomplish on my own. And, very importantly, he is a stickler for making sure I perform each task with proper form and in proper rhythm. I attribute much of my positive feelings of general well-being to working with him.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love to start my days with Albert's classes. His MuayThai is the perfect cardio/ stress reliever, while his strength classes have transformed my body. He is patient, knowledgeable, challenging, and makes working out fun, and something I look forward to. I have tried many different Gyms around the North Shore, and this is the best one hands down. You have to give it a try!

Source: Google

★ 5

I look forward to starting my day with the 6 AM Muay Thai class. Everyone is friendly and we work hard and have so much fun that the hour just flies by. Albert (the instructor) is knowledgeable and motivating and makes sure that everyone learns at their pace and comfort. If you want to learn Muay Thai, you will learn it here. If you would like to just treat it as a conditioning work out, you will sweat (and still learn) and leave happy. And then there are the stories from real fights!

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm so glad I found Albert and The Fitness Matrix. His Muay Thai/krav maga blended class is the best around. Clear, patient instruction and really encouraging and empowering workouts. You won't be disappointed.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been to The Fitness Matrix for several fitness pursuits and it has been great! It is an awesome Evanston gym!

1) Personal training:
I started training with Albert to incorporate some weights and cross training into my routine. When adding weight, I was mainly concerned about proper form. Albert really excels here giving specific easy to follow instructions and quickly modifying to make sure the exercises were right for me. He also made the session lot of fun. I ended up bringing my wife with me and we've completed a dozen sessions together. This is where it is really amazing - Albert is able to make a individual, challenging, and fun routine for 2 people with different builds and different fitness levels and run it simultaneously. We have a blast training together!

2) Muay Thai and self defense:
On the other side of the street they have a new facility dedicated to martial arts and self defense. I decided to give it a try to challenge myself (even though I dreaded the 6am time of the morning class!). Albert instructed here as well and i've had some incredible sessions. His coaching is detailed and form-oriented without being overly technical. Many body-type modifications are made to keep the diverse group active and exercising in a way that fits them best. I love the knee and leg strikes! Whenever I finish a class my hips and low back feel so loose and mobile! In today's class we went over elbow striking and footwork which was a lot of fun and helped to open up my mid-back that has been sore from the work week.

Side Note: As a rehabilitation focused physician I cannot reccomend Albert's training highly enough. He may be the best Evanston Personal Trainer for modifying workouts to be safe and effective. For this reason I have sent numerous patients to him to get active once they are out of pain in my office.

Try out The Fitness Matrix - You won't be disappointed!

Source: Google