★ 5

I absolutely love Monarch, I came here after getting frustrated with home workout videos that never emphasized proper form—I didn’t want to risk injury by guessing in the gym. My training focuses on building a strong foundation, strength, and stability, which was exactly what I needed. Since starting, I’ve gained so much body strength and confidence in my workouts. The coaches are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or already advanced, they tailor the program to fit your needs. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for quality fitness coaching!

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather is awesome I feel like I’m in karate kid it’s a very slow start This is not a regular gym this is for those who want to understand and connect with their body. Learning how to isolate movements for each joint is way harder than lifting weights. This work is grounding & intentional.

Source: Google

★ 2

Read all fine print. I got sweet-talked into purchasing a package of services that I was not able to schedule — no alternate options or refunds allowed. The app required to use is awful and time-consuming. Workouts felt unchallenging.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Bad

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely fantastic experience during my in-depth consultation and training at Monarch Fitness Coaching! I can't recommend them enough. I am very interested in the group personal training sessions, and having videos in the training software to reference later will really help solidify the exercises. Heather is incredibly calm and focused. The studio itself is impeccably clean and has a quiet atmosphere, perfect for concentrating on your workout. Spread the word to others looking for a great fitness coaching experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

My experience with Monarch Fitness has been transformative. My tailored work out plans have been instrumental in achieving my fitness goals. The workout plans are a perfect blend of challenge and support - pushing me to greater heights without ever making me feel overwhelmed. The knowledge of different exercise techniques and the ability to adapt to my personal needs/goals has made every session feel productive and personalized. Great place, awesome coaches, and an array of services: personal training, group training, independent training, and open training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Monarch is the best place for Personal Training and Small Group Training.I have been going to Monarch for a year and a half, and I am so impressed by the expertise and the supportive attitude of the highly skilled personal trainers and small group exercise trainers. The trainers are totally invested in helping me achieve my goals and prevent injuries. I am stronger than I have ever been and better prepared physically to do my sport (horseback riding). The personal training is totally customized to me. The trainers in the small group training classes know all about me, and watch my form very carefully. The small group training classes are designed so well and the small group trainers so knowledgeable, that the trainers are able to customize each class to me and each of the other participants. The small group training is never too easy or too hard for me, the trainers help me get the most out of every workout. Great atmosphere, nicely designed training space, with modern equipment, super clean. Every aspect of this gym is well thought out.

Source: Google

★ 5

Accountability! I started with Heather in my late 50's and this is the first program that I've stuck with for almost 5 years. Heather and the other coaches provide excellent feedback, flexible scheduling and lots of exercise/movement options. And you are always made to feel that you are doing this for YOU and not in competition with anyone else. Highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Monarch! The team created a customized training program that helped prepare me for hikes and climbs. Coach Will was motivating and patient, making training fun. Would highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather at Monarch Fitness Coaching is incredibly perceptive and able to focus on small details when it comes to proper form and fitness. Not too long ago, I came to the studio for a semi-private group training, and she immediately noticed that my feet were not aligned straight ahead. I hadn’t yet mentioned a sore ankle that was bothering me. She recommended I discontinue warm-up if anything was even mildly hurting because to continue would create more flare-ups and prolong the healing process. I took her advice and did nothing to aggravate the ankle. Within 3-4 days, my ankle felt considerably better, and I was able to with walking / jogging with adjustments recommended by Heather.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm not one for gyms, and I remain skeptical of most personal trainers. Monarch Fitness is the exception. I am convinced that Heather and her team are actually helping me make significant progress with my fitness goals.
The quick context: I am a recreational cyclist of some years who wanted to climb better and ride faster. Based on many good recommendations from members of the Evanston Bike Club, I visited Monarch.
One of their strengths is that they cater to older individuals, and can tailor their approach to particular rehabilitative needs, especially in the context of older, non-athletic adults.
The first meeting with the owner, Heather, was impressive. I've dealt with orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists for decadess, with flat feet, heel pronation, etc. Heather immediately recognized that my feet would inhibit development of my riding without remediation, and would also endanger my ability to remain ambulatory, something that many orthopedic professionals have missed during evaluations. So after the initial meeting, I signed on for a program of exercises tailored to address my gait issues, my foot and ankle mobility, and my riding ability.
Fast forward ten weeks: despite a half-century of being told by physicians it was impossible to strengthen my feet due to extensive ligament defects, I can now stand with an actual discernible arch! My balance has improved, my legs and core are stronger, and most importantly, for the first time, I have an idea of where my body mechanics are failing and where they are appropriate. On the bike I have been able to refine and improve my pedaling stroke, and have started to master clipless pedals. In a short interval, there's recognizable improvement in my physical abilities.
Better still, Monarch dispels the worst stereotypes about fitness. Although rigorous and focused on form, I have yet to find an exercise regimen extremely strenuous. The focus is on improved form, rather than extensive effort. Better still, there is an obvious rationale to the work requested, exercises are added and subtracted from routines based on actual results and improvement. And best of all, the coaching is predicated on injury avoidance, rather than recovery!
I may not have a vast amount of experience in this realm, but I know two things: I sense rapid and material improvement, and I recognize value in instruction and analysis within the coaching framework.
I fully recommend Monarch Fitness - the coaching is tailored to each individual, the facility itself is top quality, and there is intelligence in the design of the training. One cannot ask for much more from a training facility.

Source: Google

★ 5

Monarch keeps me on track. It’s a great place to train. I love all the coaches and clients. When I do not feel like doing the training Coach Will encourages me a lot.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been coming to Monarch Fitness Coaching for the last few months and Heather and her team are keeping me motivated with great classes easy to follow instructions but most importantly attainable goals. I feel motivated every time I work with them and it’s a great environment for all fitness levels. Can’t speak highly enough about each and every team member. So glad I found them.

Source: Google

★ 5

Caring staff, a nice studio, great guidance about moving and getting stronger. I have learned a great deal from Coach Heather.

Source: Google

★ 5

Being a client at Monarch Fitness Coaching for nearly a year has been, and continues to be, one of the best investments I have ever made in my overall health and fitness. A welcoming atmosphere that promotes. supports, and challenges me, and at the same time, is geared to my specific needs, makes Monarch Fitness Coaching a unique place where all levels of fitness can find improvement and a sense of achievement. Coach Heather Collins and her staff bring an expertise, sensitivity, and knowledge of physiology that insures that every client optimizes their fitness objectives. I highly recommend Monarch Fitness Coaching!

Source: Google

★ 5

I purchased a few hours of personal training for my wife's birthday; the purchase process was simple and the gift well received!

Source: Google

★ 5

Monarch Fitness Coaching has a great new space, but also continues to offer virtual, offsite, and outdoor training options. Training is geared toward each client's individual goals, no matter how small or large they may be.

Source: Google

★ 5

My
9 years of working with Heather has been a great time. She has helped me stay healthy both in body and mind. She provided the training to help me prepare for 3 sprint triathlons. Following 3 surgeries, I have become stronger and continue to make progress toward achieving my goals of improved mobility, strength, and balance with my individual training plan.

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather is a fantastic person she really knows her stuff I have lost 70 pounds thanks to her I feel amazing and I look great if I may say so
If you are looking for a trainer look no further Heather is the person you need to see. You will not be disappointed Heather a big thank you to you for always giving me the advise I need

Source: Google

★ 5

This has been the best comprehensive personal training I have ever had. My body has never been this fit. I came in with multiple issues from being a long distance runner for 30 plus years. My Achilles tendinitis is gone, my left hip no longer pains me and my frozen shoulder has resolved. This is after only one year of disciplined training. Heather has helped me work on my form and strengthen my body overall so I now run without injuring myself. My goal is to keep running into my eighties and live a healthy lifestyle. Heather’s guidance and support are helping me stay on track! I couldn’t recommend her enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I began working with Heather 4 months ago after interviewing 3 different trainers in the area. In that time I've participated in a combination of group and personal training sessions and have seen substantial progress. Heather is great for training with stability/mobility in mind, and highly focused on good form and injury prevention. She goes to great lengths to customize each of her clients plans to focus on their individual goals, strengths and weaknesses. Each week, she clearly outlines a custom schedule (with your family and work schedule in mind) that details specific exercises and routines throughout the week to maximize your gains/progress. Her spirit is to use your time while at the gym in the most efficient way possible.

While every client gets a customized plan, her approach to training is highly structured such that everyone is working on their own 'level' of intensity while still having a good amount of overlap with others within the gym/group.  This helps build a sense of comradery within the group sessions where everyone is pushed hard, but everyone in the group can also help in giving you feedback and encouragement along your own journey. Everyone has gone through a similar progression sequence, so more senior members of the group are able to help out the more junior members. As you 'graduate' from one intensity level to the next (on each exercise), you get a continual sense of accomplishment along the way.

Source: Google

★ 5

Training with Heather helped me get running again...and biking...and swimming. Her energy, knowledge and ability to motivate are exceptional. Fun, too!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Heather over a year and plan to continue indefinitely. I really enjoy her combination of being supportive while making sure I’m doing exercises safely. Her sense of humor really helps since I don’t like exercising that much. She’s fun, keeps me moving and is very positive about the value of moving correctly.
Session yesterday - learning to walk on ice. I feel so much safer now. Thanks, Heather!

Source: Google

★ 5

Terrific - works with people at ALL levels and ages, from elite athletes to youth and active aging. Knowledgeable, flexible, positive and patient, and persistent through the ups and downs. Set a goal and achieve it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather Collins sets the highest standard for personal training. She can work with professional athletes AND folks like me who want to be strong and in shape but didn't know how to get there. I've worked with Heather for three years and feel amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather Collins is an ourstanding trainer with a proven training program! I have never found a skilled trainer that is dedicated to each client's success by committing herself to individual needs and translating them into workable training plans. A rare find and a very kind and thoughtful person as well. Kathy O'Malley

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather is an AMAZING coach! Before I started working with Heather, I suffered from re-occurring injuries, was out of shape, and dreaded going to the gym. Heather has helped me return to running injury-free and become a stronger athlete. I love working with Heather, because the workouts are a lot of fun, and customized to fit your goals and fitness level. No matter your fitness level, Heather does a fantastic job helping you achieve your fitness goals! I am so grateful to have Heather as my coach!

Source: Google

★ 5

With Heather's help I was able to not only meet my goals, but surpass them. She is incredibly knowledgeable regarding best practices and injury prevention. I've never been able to accomplish as much on my own, or without getting injured. Heather has taught me how to take care of my body and how to push limits without burning out. I highly recommend her!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic Trainer with outstanding attention to detail and proper form

Source: Google

★ 5

What an unbelievable experience working with Heather is!
I’ve been working with her since November 2016 and she has led me down a road of health and wellness that I never thought possible. I learn something new every day, not only about fitness, but about myself.
Heather is everything I’ve been looking for in a coach, but didn’t think existed.
Her programs are well rounded, building you towards your goals from the ground up, ensuring proper form and alignment, building endurance and strength, all with a focus on injury prevention.
Her individual programs are tailored to your specific needs and goals. Her group classes are collaborative and fun to participate in.
Heather is sharp as a tack and has a crazy attention to detail, she is the most positive, organized and experienced coach I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
Thanks Heather!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather is awesome! Extremely detail oriented, responds quickly to email, adept at creating highly individualized plans to help you meet your personal fitness goals. Highly skilled at coaching proper form for injury prevention and increased performance. Group classes are very diverse with a wide range of ages and skill levels, and provide a very supportive and welcoming environment. Progress in all forms is celebrated.

Source: Google

★ 5

Heather is terrific. She helps me define goals, reach them, and each month customizes a weekly workout program tailored to my ability, interests, and the amount of time I'm willing to commit to training. Her emphasis on form protects her clients from injury, and when I've had a non-exercise-related injury, I've recovered much more quickly than I'd expected. She responds quickly to emails and encourages questions, treating every single one of them seriously and with respect. Heather laughs easily, has the patient of a saint, and is exceptionally personable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Really, really good. She's very knowledgeable and helped me in setting up the right exercises, a good progression from starting out through getting in better shape, the right form as I'm running, picking a good tri-watch to track heartrate. She also has group training which is fun, and set up some specific exercises for biking and skiing.

I couldn't be happier.

Source: Google

★ 5

Listen up - I feel great thanks to working with the perfect coach/trainer Heather Collins.
She tailors her workout programs individually like to me. Man, I was moving like a slug.
Now I jog 5Ks, have a strong core, good cardio and endurance. I flat out say,
I'm addicted to the Heather Collin's way- I AM FIT!

Source: Google

★ 5

Began personal training with Heather Collins in April of 2015. After having suffered decades of broken bones I wanted to re-learn how to stand, walk and balance properly. My muscles and my brain – my entire body really – learned how to incorrectly compensate for the fractures, making the possibility of future injuries and lifelong frailty more likely.

That’s why I started training with Heather, but after several months, I learned Heather had much more to offer me than what I assumed I wanted and needed.

Her ability and commitment to help people discover and unleash their physical prowess is uncanny. While she has the experience and expertise of other personal trainers, she also has what many other personal trainers do not: a tremendous knowledge of the mechanical and physical functions of the body; an eagle eye that perceives and corrects even the tiniest imperfection of form; and a heartfelt care for those she trains which inspires them to do as much as they physically can with the body they have.

I’m astonished by how much my body has been able to achieve. I never thought it was possible. My strength, my balance and my endurance have all dramatically improved since working with Heather. If all of that isn’t worth a 5-star rating, then I don’t know what is.

Source: Google

★ 5

My personal trainer Heather is a beast at what she does, she really knows how to help you get a great workout.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been working with heather for several years now and am so grateful for her expertise and professionalism. Heather provides a truly unique and personalized experience. She's very organized, structured and thorough in her assessments and training plans. Heather is quick to respond to questions I have and is very thorough in her explanations. I always thought that I didn't have the body type to run, never being able to run a mile without having to walk. But now I run three times a week, enjoy it and can run several miles.

Heather provides benchmarks so I can actually see the progress I'm making. She really works with individuals at any level, tailoring the exercises so they are both safe and challenging. I've never worked with anyone who is so focused on form and injury prevention. She has just the right balance of pushing me to try to do things I wouldn't normally do, while also listening to my needs. I'm really grateful for Heather and find her training to be invaluable for both my physical and emotional wellbeing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great trainer. Makes workouts fun.

Source: Google