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GymAbout the Club
Ladies Who Lift is opening up a women’s-only strength training gym in the Ravenswood and Uptown area of Chicago! Now, you’ll be able to get a taste of the LWL community in person in addition to our online coaching options.
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Reviews
ReginaC
★ 5
Trained with Marie. This woman knows what she is doing and I know her care and knowledge will get me back to a stronger form for my health and to stave off the effects of aging and a sedentary life style. Also the fact that it is all women, very comfortable atmosphere and frankly no embarrassment. Really looking forward ro my next training session!
Source: Google
Sarah Bartle
★ 5
This is a great gym, I highly recommend. I requested a piece of equipment that they didn't have and it showed up a couple weeks later! Plus, the trainers are knowledgeable and supportive.
Source: Google
c k
★ 1
The instructors—especially Zippy and Rachel—are amazing, and the gym itself is beautiful.
Unfortunately, my experience with management, specifically Maeve, was the opposite. This winter, I dealt with chronic back pain and often had to cancel classes about 12 hours out, racking up $10 late fees each time. Twice, I was incorrectly charged $25 no-show fees despite canceling in advance. It took a drawn-out email exchange and proof on my end before Maeve refunded me. After that, I felt anxious every time I canceled—they don't reply (at least to me) to cancellation emails, so you’re left hoping you aren’t overcharged again.
When I reached out to ask about maybe canceling my membership in a few months (due to potentially losing my car), Maeve responded with attitude and guilt-tripping—despite Rae previously telling me the 30-day cancellation policy would be waived if needed. She had no empathy for my situation. In the same breath that she told me there was an extensive months-long waitlist to rejoin, she told me her hands were tied and she couldn't waive the extra month membership fee. A 30-day notice is to give the gym a heads up since they will lose revenue. Insisting on charging someone who is ~losing their car~ for a service they ~will not be able to use~ when you just told me about the long line of people willing to take my place and pay you is diabolical.
After I politely pushed back, Maeve ultimately honored the promise Rae made when I joined, but only if I canceled immediately. I hadn’t planned to quit that soon (still unsure of the car situation), but I felt like I was being shown the door.
To top it off, my last class was a no-show. No coach, no warning, no follow-up from the gym until two days after I emailed them to let them know. I asked for a refund ($14 is the value of one class - seems fair), and Maeve refused. If I had no-showed, I would have been charged $25 on top of my membership. Make it make sense.
The monthly booking process is also frustrating. Classes go live at 7am on the 1st, but sometimes they drop early or late. You can miss out just by logging in a minute late—or waste your morning waiting due to delays. The communication around class releases was also disorganized and confusing.
Ultimately, my experience at LWL fell short of my expectations. I felt like I was being treated as a burden instead of a paying member. I’m grateful to the coaches and fellow members who made the gym a great place to train, but I can’t recommend this gym if you value flexibility or empathy from management.
Source: Google
Marnie Klein
★ 5
I love the support I get as a novice lifter. It's a non-judgmental, welcoming zone with experienced trainers and supportive teammates.
Source: Google
Amanda Tower
★ 5
Source: Google
Anne Leuck
★ 5
Ladies Who Lift is exactly what I’ve been looking for. It’s close to home, the small classes and fabulous coaches are welcoming, and I’m seeing real changes in my strength. I walk in feeling supported and leave feeling stronger and a sense of accomplishment. Yay!
Source: Google
Molly Sandeep
★ 5
The community and the vibe of this gym are amazing. Rae has created a space that is welcoming to all and so much fun. On top of that, all of the trainers really are invested in everything from the workout programming, to the experiences and relationships you have with them. I am forever thankful to have LWL in my life 💚
Source: Google
Rebecca M
★ 5
I've been working out with LWL since before the gym opened and I highly recommend LWL. I have absolutely loved working with Brittany Geary over the last 14 months. She is very knowledgeable and responsive trainer who builds out great programs for my home workouts and pushes me in the gym. The LWL gym has plenty of space for everyone, great natural light, and a healthy selection of machines, weights, and other tools to help you train at any level.
Source: Google
Lisa Burns
★ 5
I really enjoy the small group training classes. I have never felt intimidated as a beginner because all of the coaches are welcoming, the classes are small, and the students are at a variety of places in their strength training journeys. I love that the atmosphere is focused on supporting women and non-binary people as well.
Source: Google
Amy Weiss
★ 5
The small group classes at LWL are a dream way to workout! I've gone to different exercise classes for years, but was brand new to barbell lifts and serious strength training programs. All of the coaches are wonderful and helpful. I've gotten a lot of personalized attention to improve my form and answer my Qs. The other women in the classes are friendly and supportive — it's just a great vibe all around!
Source: Google
Mamiko Higa
★ 5
I was always intimidated by strength training, especially barbell lifting, but that quickly changed after joining LWL.
Both personal training (shoutout to Marie) and small group classes are fantastic - you really cannot go wrong. Coaches and members alike are very encouraging, and it's a great, supportive environment to work out.
I have also never had to wait for a rack or any equipment during open gym hours, which is a huge perk over a big-box gym.
Source: Google
Melissa Taylor
★ 5
I’ve been training with Brittany for a little over two years now, and I can’t recommend her enough! The combination of in-person and remote training has been a game-changer for me.
The in-person sessions are fantastic for learning proper form—I’ve finally nailed cues like “shoulders back, chin forward, hinge at the hips,” which makes such a difference when I’m working out on my own. The high-fives and accountability during those sessions are such a boost! Remote training, on the other hand, keeps me consistent and makes it easier to fit workouts into my schedule. Having that flexibility has been essential with my busy work and life commitments. Thanks to this hybrid approach, I’ve been able to meet my biggest goal: making fitness a long-term habit. If you’re looking for a trainer who offers personalized, effective, and sustainable programs, Brittany is incredible!
Source: Google
Rohita Rajkumar
★ 5
Nothing but good things to say about this warm, welcoming, incredibly well equipped fitness space.
Brittany makes strength training totally approachable. Her explanations of each exercise, keen observation of proper form, and tips for improvement create an incredible learning environment. I have been going to the studio since it opened and feel so lucky to have found it. It’s the most worthwhile investment in myself that I have ever made. Thank you to Rae, LWL, and Brittany!!
Source: Google
Megan Grandstaff
★ 5
I always thought that working out wasn’t for me, and I had never found an exercise regimen I liked until going to LWL. This space and community has changed my life for the better in every way. The various classes, the monthly focus on strength or endurance, and the AMAZING instructors make this the best place to find yourself and develop your (inner) strength.
Source: Google
Carrie Grogan
★ 5
I'm so thrilled to have found LWL! After taking a few years off from weightlifting, I'm so glad this gym opened nearby. The coaches are helpful, friendly, and attentive. The classes are challenging but scalable so I feel strong and capable, but motivated for more. I continue to make progress towards my goals and genuinely enjoy working out with this crew. It is an empowering community that I'm proud to be a part of.
Source: Google
Madeline Dowling
★ 5
I love LWL Studios. I’ve been going to small group classes for a few months and have gone from absolutely zero lifting experience to feeling pretty comfortable and confident in a gym setting. The small class sizes make it really easy to get personalized feedback in real time. The trainers are educated, clear, and fun in their instruction. My only gripe is that it’s kind of far from me and I’d love group classes mid day instead of just morning and evening. Maybe a second studio in Ukrainian village??? 🤞Wishful thinking😘🤞
Source: Google
Abra Owens
★ 5
I've been coming to the LWL gym since they opened back in April and everything about this place is magic. The gym itself is beautiful with all of the equipment you need to get a total body strength workout, but, even more importantly, the instructions are the best you'll EVER find. They're motivating, extremely knowledgeable, kind, and SO welcoming to lifters of all experience levels. With small class sizes you'll get tons of personal coaching to help you get stronger and better each class. This place and community of incredible women truly feel like home -- I can't imagine working out anywhere else!
Source: Google
Elizabeth R
★ 5
This place is amazing! As soon as you step in, it’s a nice welcoming environment. The group classes are small and keep you accountable to working out. Rae and all coaches provide great feedback when training, making sure lifting is done correctly and safely. Definitely recommend this studio to anyone who wants to start lifting and gain confidence in and out of the gym!
Source: Google
Carrie Sloan
★ 5
I love Ladies Who Lift! Joining this gym is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, hands down. Every coach is kind, patient, and impactful — even beginners can feel comfortable in the classes. I’ve done the virtual training which is great as well, but in the two months since I’ve been going to the small group classes, my physical strength / fitness and mental health have all improved! Everyone gets one on one attention in the classes — it feels like personal training. Couldn’t recommend it more!
Source: Google
Breezy Snyder
★ 5
Source: Google
Maeve
★ 5
Source: Google
Lauren Merrild
★ 5
I can’t say enough good things about this women-owned gym! At LWL I have always felt welcomed and supported. The trainers are amazing—super knowledgeable and always ready to motivate you, no matter where you are in your fitness journey. They make workouts fun and challenging, and they really care about helping you reach your goals.
The owner Rae is the heart of this place. You can tell she’s passionate about creating a positive, inclusive environment. She’s not just running a business; she’s building a community where women can feel strong, confident, and empowered.
This gym is more than just a place to work out—it’s a community of incredible women who lift each other up. If you’re looking for a supportive and fun fitness experience, I highly recommend checking it out!
Source: Google
Hazel Imogen
★ 5
Never have I ever felt so confident at a gym. Rae has built an incredible space for ladies to not only work out, but learn and be part of an awesome community. I highly recommend any of the classes and at the VERY LEAST stopping by to check out the space and say hi to the amazing team. Bonus: Don't forget to take a selfie in the very aesthetic bathroom.
Source: Google
Michaela McGill
★ 5
Been doing virtual training with Rae for years and was so excited she opened a brick and mortar gym. This space is absolutely incredible. From the LWL logos on weights to the bathroom wallpaper, there’s been so much thought put into everything. And obviously have to mention the supportive coaches who make the experience second to none. Love everything about it!
Source: Google
Liz Flemke
★ 5
I attended one of Rae's LWL events a few years ago at Rockwell Barbell. It was so cool to be part of a diverse group of women that day, learning and practicing fundamental strength training techniques and getting one-on-one constructive & positive feedback from Rae, who also memorably gave everyone a gift bag of healthy goodies at the end of the event!
At her new studio, there's no doubt you will be part of the same supportive and empowering environment her LWL events are known for. I encourage women at any level of their fitness journey to connect with Rae and the dedicated LWL coaching team - you will become smarter, stronger, and more balanced in your everyday life, and we all need that!
Source: Google
Katherine Ollis
★ 5
Loving this place! I’ve been doing online programs with LWL for a year or so, and it’s so fun to see it come to life for real—the energy is contagious and all of the coaches are wonderful. You get a ton of attention and feedback in the small group classes, it’s made me feel so much more confident in my form overall. Give them a try and find out how strong you are!
Source: Google
Grace Boblick
★ 5
I have been doing Ladies Who Lift programming for a little over two years and I was so excited to be able to visit this gym! The class follows the members programming which I absolutely love and have found so beneficial to my strength, health, and mindset. I was excited to take a class with Rae but she was not in town, but I had a new coach (Marie) and she was wonderful! I have no doubt the other coaches will be just as great and I can't wait to try out their classes. The small group feel makes it really approachable and allows you to get feedback. It is definitely a great class for beginners or very seasoned people with a very chill vibe. Definitely would recommend!
Source: Google
Brandi Harris
★ 5
I've been training virtually with Rae since 2021 and I love LWL live and in person. It's an intimate space with good vibes only and all the equipment you need for strength training. As many others have mentioned—no one phoned in the bathroom—it's a delight. The location is easy to reach via bike, public transit, and with plenty of (free) street parking. But I wouldn't expect anything less! Of course everything about LWL Studios is awesome, that's just how they do things.
If you're looking for a supportive, safe, educational environment, and want to get stronger and gain confidence (in and outside of the gym), this must be the place.
Source: Google
Veronica
★ 5
I cannot express how at home I have felt at this studio. The trainers are welcoming and personable and extremely knowledgeable. As someone who is still a novice in strength training, I feel well supported here. They provide modifications based on your body. They create an inclusive environment where you can grow from wherever you are in your training. I’m excited to become a regular as my schedule opens up and be a member of the community. I’ve never met a gym like this!
Source: Google
Tabitha Green
★ 5
I've been doing their programs for a few years now and I was so excited when they finally opened up a studio space. The classes are awesome and I love that the classes are small enough to get support needed from the trainers.
Source: Google
Julia Ariel-Rohr
★ 5
I've been wanting to get into weight lifting for awhile now, but I was always intimidated by it and didn't know where to start. I was thrilled when I heard about LWL and have been attending classes for a month now. I love it SO MUCH- I feel so strong and supported. Rae and the team are amazing coaches and I love the atmosphere.
Source: Google
Cara Brennan
★ 5
Run, do not walk, to the LWL studio. Rae and her team are so thoughtful in planning and delivering an incredible workout. Rae offered modifications and cues to make sure I had a solid workout and maintained good form. The studio was clean and welcoming and parking was fairly easy on the street. I cannot recommend the LWL studio enough.
Source: Google
Devinne Stevens
★ 5
As someone who's been doing the LWL virtual workouts for a long time, seeing the studio finally open was amazing!
From the get-go, the vibe is incredible. Rae and her team bring such positive energy to every class, making you feel right at home. Their knowledge is top-notch, but what sets them apart is how they push you. When I work out at home, I'll admit that I don't always give it my all. But that's not the case here! If I'm not lifting as heavy as I could, the instructors can tell and they'll encourage me to try to go heavier. And they always know!
And can we talk about the studio itself? It's spotless, well-organized, and just downright beautiful. Everything from the layout to the LWL-branded equipment shows how much they care about making your workout experience top-notch. And don't even get me started on the bathroom—it's like a mini spa in there!
But the best part of LWL? The community. It's like a group of friends cheering each other on. I always feel so supported! I go most mornings bright and early and it's so great to see the same people.
Source: Google
Lauren Davis
★ 5
Rae and her team are truly the best! They make you feel comfortable, welcome and take any nerves you may have surrounding training away. The space is clean and equipment is awesome! Love getting stronger here!
Source: Google
Erin MacDonald
★ 5
Rae and her team are amazing! They’re knowledgeable and inclusive. The care taken to educate and make sure you’re comfortable is absolutely above and beyond. I have worked out with ladies who lift for over seven years now and I’m so excited there’s finally a space for people of all levels to feel like they can go and feel safe, inspired, and empowered.
Source: Google
Maureen Murphy
★ 5
I've been training with Marie for a few weeks now and it's been the kind of experience I was hoping for -- I feel supported and leave feeling better than when I came in. I'm totally new to lifting and wasn't doing much intentional exercise before starting here. Marie has met me where I'm at, providing encouragement and clear explanation for what we're doing. This kind of thing is out of my comfort zone but it's been a totally non-judgey, confidence-building experience so far.
Also, I love that there are tampons and hair ties in the bathroom, which is as cool as all the other reviews say.
Source: Google
Emily Henry
★ 5
I joined LWL in 2020 (on the recommendation of a good friend) and to say it’s changed my life is an understatement. I didn’t have much lifting experience and where I could’ve been intimidated, I felt so well guided and supported. It’s been a respite and given me a new understanding of what it means to be fit. Not only did I gain strength in body, but also in mind. It’s been one of the most empowering communities I’ve ever been a part of. Rae and her team are truly the BEST in every sense of the word. They have your back (literally and figuratively)! I am forever grateful. I also recently had the pleasure of taking a class at the new and incredible LWL studios. It. Is. Beautiful. In people. In equipment. In vibe. In atmosphere. In bathroom decor:). Do yourself a favor and check it out!
Source: Google
Luz Ashby
★ 5
This space is amazing! The small classes really lets you immerse in the experience having attention to your form and you're movements.
The staff is so nice and welcoming and definitely professionals.
Also the space is so cute and everything is so clean and in the best shape.
They have different classes and sessions for every need, and the trainers definitely adapt to your strength and capacities.
100/10
Source: Google
Alexis Allegra
★ 5
I've participated in two small group training sessions and one personal training sessions at the new Ladies Who Lift studio and I can't say enough good things about it. The space is beautiful with top notch equipment, the coaches are knowledgeable and motivating and the vibe is exactly what I was looking for.
Source: Google
Karley Woods
★ 5
The space is the perfect manifestation of the brand - a friendly safe space to work hard and grow. Plenty of equipment, great variety - everything I need for a solid lift. I've attended LWL workshops since 2020, so it has been amazing to see LWL Studios come to life!
Source: Google
Freya Potempa
★ 5
Love the atmosphere and energy of the trainers here! Great workouts!
Source: Google
Brianne Johnson
★ 5
I've been a client with LWL since 2022 (before they moved into their way-more-beautiful current space) and really appreciate what a safe space it is. I've literally never gone to work out at a gym alone before, and so weight-lifting was intimidating and overwhelming. Especially in a traditional gym space. But LWL has been so good for me -- I'm becoming more comfortable, resilient, and duh, strong. Also, just major props to Rae (owner) for designing the studio SO beautifully. I want to copy and paste the bathroom and put it in my own home.
Source: Google
Kay Rollinson
★ 5
I love Ladies Who Lift! I was first introduced when they opened their studio, which is gorgeous, and immediately fell in love. Everyone involved is so friendly and helpful, the classes are fun, and there are so many resources available. You get so much value out of a membership. I was immediately hooked.
Source: Google
Cait Farry
★ 5
Loving the small group classes at LWL Studios! The space is amazing, the coaches are supportive and informative. Its so refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded folks and get strong!
Source: Google
Michaela Voit
★ 5
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Joleen Chrisman
★ 5
I have been a member of Ladies Who Lift years and now having the studio is just the cherry on top. I took a class during the first weekend and it was amazing! The support of the other trainers and obviously Rae’s fantastic programming and energy made the class so fun and great. I was able to get form correction that was easy to understand, while being challenged in such a supportive way. I have also come in on my own to workout and everything was so smooth due to the layout of the gym and it being stocked with everything you would need. The vibes here are immaculate and the bathroom is an experience of it’s own, it’s beautiful!
Source: Google
Kathy Salinas
★ 5
Amazing studio with incredible, supportive coaches. Such a positive and welcoming space, for ALL skill levels. Burned SO many calories there!!
Source: Google
Sarah Stanley
★ 5
I tried a full body small group training session at LWL, after doing their programming virtually for a few years. There was easy free street parking around the studio. The studio was clean and felt very open, the branding on the weights and equipment was a very nice tough. The class itself was actually small! While you are with other participants, I was still able to get good cues and modifications and form checks from the coach. The coach provided demos and many moves were at your own pace. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a safe space to gain comfort using heavy weights or for anyone looking to get a great strength workout.
Source: Google
Jeana Anderson Cohen
★ 5
I LOVE this space. It's packed with heavy weights and expert coaches. It is the perfect place to lift, no matter your experience level.
Source: Google