★ 5

I was lucky enough to work out here with Jon in the early morning session while I was visiting Chicago for a work related conference. The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly, the same high standards for Starting Strength coaching were evident. I would wholeheartedly recommend this gym to anyone on the fence about starting their weightlifting journey or indeed anyone experienced who wants focused coaching to improve their lifts.

Thank you Jon and Starting Strength Chicago!

Source: Google

★ 5

Today marks one year since I joined Starting Strength in Chicago!

I remember coming in for my introductory session without knowing exactly what my goals were. Since I was a complete beginner, I thought maybe I would learn the proper technique of the lifts for a few months, then continue training on my own somewhere closer to my home.

Once I started coming in 3x a week, though, I realized I wanted to come back for as long as I can. I always feel good about showing up and I always look forward to the next session. It is a bit of a time commitment for me with 90 mins in the gym + 90 mins traveling back and forth on the CTA, but it’s been worthwhile.

Your rack is reserved so you don’t ever have to wait for one. Your program is personalized to you, specifically. You get the supervision of awesome coaches (thank you Alex, Jon, Cordelia, and Evelyn <3). And there is a community of other members who you get to know over time, who encourage and motivate you.

Previously, I was all over the place with my mix of routines (kung fu, running, online programs), so it’s been a relief to focus all my attention on just a few lifts that work for the whole body. I am happy with my progress so far and would not have been able to do this alone. Now my main goal is to keep lifting and to get a little stronger each time.

Bodyweight: 117 lbs —> 134 lbs
Squat: 31 lbs —> 152.5 lbs
Bench: 31 lbs —> 101 lbs
Press: 21 lbs —> 75 lbs
Deadlift: 51 lbs —> 220 lbs

Highly recommended 💪

Source: Google

★ 5

I started a couple of weeks ago. So far it’s great. I really value the personalized coaching. I have full confidence that Evelyn will guide me to realize my personal potential with correct technique dispute my unusual physique.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 2.5 years at Starting Strength Chicago have been, without a doubt, a highlight of my adult life. I came to the gym after long periods of disordered eating that consequently depleted my muscle mass and rendered my body emaciated. I had never followed a training program before, let alone exercised with the intention of getting stronger, instead of smaller. My first couple months were really rough, I was sore in places I didn’t know I could be sore in and I really struggled learning the correct form for all the lifts. I wouldn’t have persevered through these uncomfortable months if it weren’t for the wonderful community the gym fosters and Head Coach, Alex Ptacek’s, sincere kindness, genuine encouragement, and non-judgmental coaching style. While I wasn’t excited to awkwardly learn the mechanics of powerlifting week by week, I was excited to see friends, get stronger, and heal my relationship with food. Every session felt challenging but manageable and I came back each week with a renewed sense of confidence. Starting Strength has become such a staple in my life, I look forward to every session and I miss it whenever I’m out of town. As I begin to wrap up my six years in Chicago, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how I’ve changed and grown. Starting Strength has taught me that I can do hard things, especially things that don’t come naturally to me. It has also taught me that progress takes time; it’s only now upon reflection that I’m truly taking in how much better I feel, physically and mentally. Thank you Starting Strength Chicago for changing my life!!!!

Tessine xo

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym! Excellent gym. Learn, fine tune, or simply progress your Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Over Head Press, and more. Knowledgeable coaches watch every rep and really know their stuff. I’ve never been stronger, can’t recommend this place highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

As an older lady, I feel very supported by the staff here. The other women who come here are a good part of this weightlifting community. I would have felt a bit isolated without them. It’s only been about a month but I’m already sitting and standing better. And liking squats and deadlifts. Thanks Alex!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot recommend this gym enough! I love that throughout your training you receive custom feedback on the movements based on your specific body type, unique history, and goals. Whether you are new to barbell training or an experienced lifter, the coaches give you individualized attention and expertise that help you improve your performance both safely and effectively. As a novice in the gym, I was nervous and intimidated to start training but this gym community and encouraging atmosphere has made each session fun and approachable.

Alex is not only very knowledgeable but extremely encouraging and supportive. He really takes the time to assess your individual needs while challenging you to maximize your potential. Alex has helped me train through an injury, recover from surgery, and I’m now stronger than I ever thought I could be. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Knowledgeable and friendly trainers who collaborate with you in order to obtain your goals. Clean and well maintained gym. Pushing 4 months with Starting Strength and moving weight I didn’t think I’d be able to.

Source: Google

★ 5

This review is for all the gym-shy ladies wondering if “lifting heavy” at a barbell gym like Starting Strength Chicago might be right for them. (Spoiler: I, a nearly 50-year-old previously gym-shy lady, am here to tell you that it is.)

If you’re reading this, you probably already know about the health benefits of strength training for women - especially when that training incorporates progressively adding more resistance over time. And that’s good, because I have zero qualifications to preach about that, other than to state the obvious: getting strong and staying strong is essential for, among other things, preventing the otherwise inevitable loss of muscle and bone density as we age.

Perhaps less obvious, but something I’ve learned during the last six months as a Starting Strength member: flopping lightweight dumbbells around for countless repetitions is not nearly as beneficial for us as focusing on multi-joint exercises like the deadlift, bench press, overhead press and squat, with heavy weight, at far fewer repetitions (with lots of rest in between sets).

And these four exercises are what you’ll do at Starting Strength Chicago - a small, friendly gym where a handful of men and women of all ages and abilities are doing the same. With a coach. Coaching you. Every time you go there.

It’s fun. It’s no frills. It doesn’t matter where you bought your workout clothes. People are normal. And the weightlifting actually feels kind of amazing, regardless of fitness level. (I. Was. Not. Fit. when I started.) Yes, it gets harder as you go (as it should), but it’s not overwhelming at all. You grow into it. You get all the support you need along the way. The coaches (Alex and Jon) are exceptionally knowledgeable (and encouraging, and nice, and funny…). It’s like having a personal trainer, but at a fraction of the cost.

Sure, there might be a dude next to you squatting 315 lbs… but he’ll also probably genuinely congratulate you when you’ve made it to 75. That’s because you’re likely to see that dude - and other guys and gals (not more than five or six, usually) - on a regular basis, since you’ll be going to regularly scheduled sessions. You’ll learn their names. They’ll learn yours. You’ll share laughs; you can ask stupid questions. You’ll get stronger. And stronger. Seventy-five will turn into 105. Into 125. You’ll start casually slipping it into conversation with your friends and family that you deadlift whatever you deadlift now. You’ll offer to open jars for people. You’ll feel proud of yourself. Your body will feel good.

But back to the gym. I gush about Starting Strength Chicago because it offers not just a great program to get strong (lots of gyms can give you that), but a great environment in which to do it. It’s still serious business - it’s a barbell gym, after all, where people go to focus on their health through lifting really heavy weights, and where your coach’s only priority is to ensure your safe, forward progress towards maximizing the weight you can lift. (And no, gals, this does not mean the goal is to be an intimidatingly-sized bodybuilder. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

But it turns out that at a place like Starting Strength Chicago, the serious business of “lifting heavy” can actually be a pretty terrific experience. So I encourage you to check it out!

UPDATE: I’m pleased to report that I’m still at it, 13 months after joining Starting Strength Chicago, and just squatted 180lbs and deadlifted 240 this week - with every intention of adding more weight to the bar next week. I’ve reclaimed much of my old (read: younger, stronger) body and then some. And since my original review, a terrific new woman coach named Evelyn has joined Alex and Jon, making each visit all the more enjoyable, inspiring and hella productive. People, this gym is the real deal.

Source: Google

★ 5

I LOVE this gym. I had been thinking about joining for years and finally committed to it 6 months ago. Evelyn has made a huge difference in my bench technique and confidence. I never thought benching 100lbs would feel easy, but it does. Jon continues to figure out the best ways to coach me in the power clean. I look forward to it now instead of dreading power clean days! I cannot recommend this place enough… I only wish I joined sooner.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been coming to SS Chicago for almost two years now, after starting to lift at SS Columbus in early 2023. I learned how to lift at the Columbus gym, but my time at SS Chicago has taught me how to keep pushing when training gets hard and it’s no longer easy & fun. I’ve also worked through minor injuries with the help of the great coaches at SS Chicago & have always felt supported no matter what my goals were.

Lifting has genuinely changed my life - as someone who struggled for most of my life to find a form of exercise that I truly enjoyed, I’ve pushed myself further than I thought possible and have made great progress as a lifter.

For anyone thinking about starting to lift, SS Chicago is a great place to learn. You’ll get personalized coaching from really skilled coaches & get to push yourself alongside a great community of people. I couldn’t recommend it more highly!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been going to Starting Strength Chicago for 3 years. The coaching staff is fantastic! Alex is always helping me improve my lifts, and most importantly helping me to get stronger.
The clients are fantastic as well. It is a real pleasure to spend time with people who have become friends. Everyone is very encouraging.
Jon, the owner, fosters this sense of camaraderie with regular member outings where everyone can meet outside the gym.
This a great place to get strong, I highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Top-notch gym. The coaches are all great and I always leave with a smile.

Source: Google

★ 5

great experience working with the team at starting strength! i feel more confident in my lifts and feel stronger!! 10/10 would recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been going to starting strength regularly for the last year and it’s been an amazing experience. I have a longtime injury I’ve been trying to rehab with no success but I’m finally seeing progress after joining. Alex and Jon are super knowledgeable, welcoming and encouraging and kind. I’ve never lifted before starting here and they’ve really helped me learn and get up to speed (and strong!)

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, great coaches, clean space. I’ve made steady progress over the past year and improved old injuries along the way. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength Chicago is a wonderful gym! Coach and owner Jon is supportive, kind, and helped me with some sticking points I have on my press and squat. This gym is for everyone from a complete beginner all the way to experienced lifters. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. This was my first time here and I will be back anytime I’m in Chicago.

Source: Google

★ 5

I would recommend Starting Strength Chicago to anyone looking to begin or improve their strength training. As someone new to strength training, I appreciated the program’s routine cadence, active coaching, and approach to progressive overload. Definitely try one of their intro sessions if you’re interested.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great trainers and help you PR on every lift!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Had a form dial in session with the Head Coach Alex and booked via Jon - really helpful form feedback, nice peeps and at a reasonable price. Hoping to get here monthly for something similar.

Source: Google

★ 5

Thank you very much, Jon! Very impressed with starting strength’s philosophy and program

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place to just get stronger. All ages - even older lifters like me - are welcome here. The coaches, Jon and Alex, are great to work with, very friendly, positive attitude, advice that works. Stick with it and you will get results.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym, awesome folks. Community is familiar and fun. John helped me fix my core lifts, and though I was only passing through town, I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get serious about their training.

Source: Google

★ 5

A great gym to learn barbell training. Everyone is super nice and supportive and you will get strong FAST in a sustainable way. Jon and Alex are both great coaches.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place changed my life. I’ve tried a ton of different programs and this is the one that I stuck with the longest - and got the strongest. If you’re reading this, just call Jon. You won’t regret it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Been in the program almost a year, super happy with the results, the training (whassap Alex!) and the community.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the overall Starting Strength experience — a combination of high-quality and well-informed 1:1 coaching, excellent equipment, and encouraging atmosphere. I was visiting from Plano, TX and I really enjoyed my drop-in class at SS Chicago — I’ve only been training 3 months and coach Alex was incredibly helpful and provided great guidance and feedback. The class was also so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend this gym to anyone wanting to become stronger while ensuring great technique and form.

Source: Google

★ 5

Came here today for the first time. Jon was very very helpful. Had an awesome session. Will come back here for sure. Thanks

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the most incredible workout I’ve ever had…and I see results!!!! As a two time cancer survivor I now feel stronger than ever! Thank you Jon and Alex!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re looking to get stronger then this is the place to be. Great trainers. Great community. Great results.

Source: Google

★ 5

Honestly I love this place. Been working with Alex as my coach online for almost a year. He's a fantastic coach. Iv gotten so much stronger. I try to come visit him in person whenever I can, its just so much better to have him there giving cues in person. I wish I had a Starting Strength gym near me cause this place is the best. Always clean. Has everything you need. The vibe is awesome, people from all walks of life just trying to get stronger. Feels like home. Thanks Alex and the other starting strength coaches/ members for always welcoming me when I come to town!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to this gym for about a month. I've historically been a person who does not enjoy going to "the gym" or exercise for the sake of it...but I thoroughly enjoy going to this gym and working out to get stronger. The coaches Alex and Jon are extremely knowledgeable and encouraging and they create an atmosphere of humor and community that makes me feel really happy to be there. I've found the other members of the gym to be warm and welcoming too. I've also made some serious gains in just one month because the coaches have been so helpful in giving me real time feedback in every training session and setting my programming for long term success. As a former gym hater, I feel incredibly grateful to have found SS Chicago!

(PS there's a parking lot and spaces are plentiful...another huge benefit)

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. Excellent coaching (1:1) and good facilities. Have your own rack to work out.
I'm traveling from Katy,TX... stop ins at other SSGyms when you're traveling are no extra cost. I'm 80, been lifting for 2 years. Best thing I ever decided to do for my own well being. Highly recommend this!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this gym!! Great people. Trainer steven (stephen?) is a great coach! 🥹🧚‍♀️

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Dropped in while in town from Columbus. Great coaches, excellent facility and a very welcoming community. Everyone getting stronger while getting great guidance and programming. I highly recommend. Thanks for inviting us in.

Source: Google

★ 5

I enjoyed my experience at Starting Strength Chicago so much! I met some cool coaches who are specifically trained to work with both beginners and experienced lifters. I chose Starting Strength because it is a logical, organized way to focus on improving my technique on the big barbell lifts. Parking and setting up was a breeze! All the equipment is provided and top quality. Nothing can beat a gym like this, where the coaches are trained to hone in on their coaching skills, continually improving themselves and their lifters. They watch every rep! I recommend this gym for awesome people who want to get stronger efficiently and safely!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent coaches (Alex and Steve). Workouts are well planned, safe and constantly increasing your strength.

Source: Google

★ 5

Not in a million years I would think I will be writing a review for a weightlifting gym… not to mention a 5-star review! You might think it’s not for you, I did too, you might think you won’t fit in, I did too…Very friendly culture, accepting and encouraging no matter where you are physically. You will have a whole gym of people rooting for you and a coaching team that won’t leave your side as you are learning. Just a month ago I would start the day aching, 8-hour days in front of computer, I wished I cared for myself better not knowing where to start… This program offers a great balance, you can show up twice or three times per week, and you will notice the difference within that very first week!
Special shout out to the coach Alex who has been beyond kind, encouraging and… veeeeeeeery patient. I am forever grateful!

Build a courage, take a leap, your body and mind will thank you.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength has been an amazing gym experience. As a skinny, sedentary guy my whole life, I was always afraid of all the heavy barbell lifts. The coaches at SS could not be more welcoming and experienced. SS Coach Alex Ptacek is extremely competent and knows exactly how to fix your form and ensure you are doing the lifts correctly. The coaching is phenomenal. He also keeps a fun lively atmosphere in the gym. I have been going for almost 6 months now and I have loved every minute of it.

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff at Starting Strength cured my iron deficiency

If you want a place where you can get strong judgement free, consider this your new home.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting Strength Chicago is awesome. The gym is clean as a whistle and the coaches and fellow lifters are all friendly and encouraging. I lift when Alex P is coaching and he is a laid back coach, who is very attentive, knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond to help you succeed. I'd recommend this place to everyone. Coming here has made a tremendously positive impact physically and mentally for me.

Source: Google

★ 5

good coaching and equipment

Source: Google

★ 5

Jon and Grant are great coaches! Perfect gym if you want to start lifting heavy. Lots of racks, gym is clean and well maintained

Source: Google

★ 5

As a long time distance runner with barely any lifting experience, I’ve learned so much from SS Chicago and its awesome coaches. They meet you where you’re at and teach you how to correctly perform the main barbell lifts, adding weight & getting stronger each session. I’ve been able to lift more than I expected and gain confidence from my time here. The gym is simple & judgement free - just barbells and a great community of people working to get stronger and motivating each other. If you’re thinking of joining, do it! You won’t regret it and will be surprised by your own strength.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great team and facility. By design it is never overcrowded, so there is always an available rack. I’ve finally managed to build some consistency thanks to this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a novice, I've been really impressed with the professionalism, fund of knowledge, focus on safety, and approachability of the coaches at Starting Strength. I feel as though I've learned a tremendous amount in just a short time, and I've progressed with my lifts each time I've attended a session. All the other clients I've met there have been really friendly, too. It's a great place to train.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great coaching staff. They meet you where you are at today, and give you a plan and path to get strong. Couldn’t be happier with the service and coaching guidance.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I did Starting Strength on my own nearly 15 years ago which got me strong and helped me learn to lift weights. Moved on to other programs for other reasons. A decades' worth of injuries from sports and lifting on my own lead me back to Starting Strength.

Almost six months in and as old nagging injuries crept back, the amazing coaches in this gym have helped me work through it all, and get me to the point of doing the exercises entirely pain free, and while continuing to progress forward with my lifts.

The help with programming and tailoring to my specific needs has been phenomenal. Every coach here has helped and provides invaluable feedback and insights to make sure even the days where I walk in feeling like garbage, I get the workout done, so I know on those days to drag myself in there because no day is wasted.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this place! I'm actually getting very strong! The trainers are amazing and so nice and have really helped me with my form which had really helped to prevent any injuries. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the gym! Been coming for a few months and getting way stronger. Feeling better with my form than I ever have. Give it a go!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been training at SSC for over a year and was completely new to lifting at the time. Having a great coaches guiding and propelling me forward to get stronger has been invaluable to me! I love the community of lifters I’ve gotten to know. It’s a supportive and fun group of people at SSC. Check it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent barbell gym with great equipment and coaches. If you want to get healthy, build strength and workout in a great community this is the place to be

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to the Starting Strength gym for almost 10 months now. It's been a fantastic experience.
The business model for the gym is great. The trainers tailor a workout to your ability level. The trainers themselves really make the difference though. They are attentive, knowledgeable, and fun to work with.
Above all, form matters. The coaches will watch every single rep to ensure that you are executing with perfect form. As someone who suffered from chronic back pain for years, this made a world of difference to me. After ~20 years of back pain, I'm feeling better than ever and, bonus, lifting heavier weights than I could in my 20s or 30s.
The gym itself is clean and well maintained. Since you have reserved time slots, you will never be waiting for equipment to open up.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a great place for strength training, even for someone like me who has been following body building routines for years I’ve learned a lot here. Beginners thrive under the watchful eye of coaches who carefully monitor your form and create custom workouts based on your own fitness. I’m definitely addicted to this place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve spent 20 years making dumb mistake after dumb mistake in the gym - with and without trainers, mistaking gains for temporary changes in my body that would vanish at the first setback.

This is different. Trainers adapt the program around your unique needs without straying from the core principles of starting strength. In one month my body started to change and seven months later, this is the best investment I’ve ever made in my physical well being.

The gym has a family atmosphere. We kid each other mercilessly and celebrate each others milestones. Despite how challenging the workout can be, the three times I’m at the gym are always among the highlights of that week. This gym makes the hard work fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Edit one year later: still at the gym and still loving it. I’m still getting stronger on a consistent and measurable basis and the coaching is still top class.

Original review:

I started at this gym about a month ago and I’m super stoked with my progress so far. Having a rack to myself and a coach watching every rep to keep my form honest really keeps me confident and improving. I’m excited to keep pushing myself, adding weight, and feeling stronger every week.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very knowledgeable and approachable staff. Friendly, clean, no nonsense. Looking forward to coming back!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. If you're serious about learning powerlifting or the starting strength routine, this is the place to be. It's been exactly what I was looking for in a gym. Great coaches, good vibes, and supportive gym mates. Extremely welcoming to any and all. Highly recommend it.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place isn’t just for newbies! I started coming here to get back into lifting after an injury, even though I’m a formerly certified personal trainer and have been strength training with barbells for over 10 years. With the help of the excellent coaches, I’m now stronger and more muscular than ever — I’ve moved my squat PR from 385 => 485+, and also set new PRs in bench and deadlift.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, great people. Alex and Chris are knowledgeable, friendly, and personable. Jon makes payments and memberships super easy. For someone who was on the fence about weight lifting, Starting Strength made the impossible very possible! I highly recommend them!

Source: Google

★ 5

Started training here mid September, had no prior experience with barbells, and I’m hooked! The coaches are awesome, they really know what they’re doing, and there’s no way I would have made so much progress on my own!

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting strength is the most practical and effective method of training. It’s tough, it’s humbling, and it’s empowering to endure the rigger of testing one’s strength every workout. I’ve trained with other coaches at big box gyms, but I’ve never come across anyone as capable as the coaches at this gym. Strah, Alex, and Keith were my primary contacts, and they’ve gotten me results that baffle me every time I get in the gym. If you’re interested in results, train here. If you’re worried about technique, train here. If you don’t think that you’re capable, train here. Try out an introduction class, and the coaches will not disappoint. Starting strength coaches are the masters of barbell training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Starting strength is a gem! All the coaches are awesome!! They really know their body mechanics! And there is a really strong sense of community.

Shout out to Strah 😊!!
Alex, grant, keith and all the other awesome coaches.

Source: Google

★ 5

Joined in July and love it. Great coaching and great people.

Source: Google

★ 5

Tired of working hard for months and not seeing impactful progress?

In a little over a month, Coach Alex (with apprentices Keith and Strah) have been meticulously perfecting my form on squat, deadlift, press and bench press while i tapped into strength I didn’t even knewI had. Yesterday, I deadlifted 155lbs, my PR AND almost 20% more my body weight!

Initially I worried barbell training will make me bulky, but my body is tighter than it’s ever been - in a little over one month!

My sessions are like therapy to my body, mind and soul. The coaches are extremely strict on form and pay meticulous attention - no short cuts here. They are insanely knowledgeable and fantastic at keeping me motivated. And in-between sets, I am constantly belly laughing.

Definitely a best-in-class gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

First week and loving it. So far I've met Jon, Straw and Chris, a fantastic team. It's been about 10 years since I've been consistent in my workouts and SS Chicago got me excited to be lifting again. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

After attempting to do the Starting Strength program on my own for a year or so, I was happy to see a SS gym open in the Chicago area. They have straightened out many of my form flaws (always a work in progress) and I am steadily progressing in my lifts. I've met and worked with six of the coaches over time, and they have all been very helpful - and I think I learn a little something from my experience with each one. I'm a 62 yr old male, and I would especially recommend my fellow oldsters - male and female - to give Starting Strength a try so that we can all be healthy and strong as we move into your golden years!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started going to Starting Strength in March and 7+ weeks now I have seen immediate gains both in muscle mass and the ability to lift more weight the right way. I had never taken any lifting classes other than back in high school. The instructors (Chris and Alex) are extremely knowledgeable as are the apprentices. The program works, is fun and I have already put on 11 lbs primarily in muscle mass. If you are someone who wants to get stronger, and lift properly I recommend this to anyone. There is years of science and research behind this program and it's been one of the more rewarding things I have done for myself - just wish I didn't wait until my 40's . One other call out is this isn't intimidating at all you don't' have to worry about how big you are / if you have lifted before. There are people of all different levels and the classes are fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

In summary, I highly recommend Starting Strength Chicago. About 2 months ago, a friend/SSC member asked if I wanted to try strength training. With no experience (and coming from a history of failing to stick to any fitness routine), I hesitated for a about a day before ultimately deciding to try SSC out. Fast forward to today, and I could not be happier with my decision to sign up. While it's true you will receive technically-sound direction on performing various exercises, I've found SSC's greatest strength to be its community. From the introductory session, it quickly became apparent that SSC provides a judgement-free environment to build yourself from the ground up (for me, a top concern). This is a place for folks who want to have a good time getting strong and helping others achieve that goal. No question will go unanswered, and I've never felt 'stupid' for asking. Safety is taken seriously. Scheduling is very flexible. The group/team format builds camaraderie, in my opinion. Every trainer I've interacted with has been helpful in their direction, encouraging, and patient. Perhaps most importantly, I've noticed serious gains in only 2 months (e.g. started deadlifting at 88 LBS; today, 225 LBS). I'm not sure there is more I could add - SSC has earned their 5-star reviews.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training here in early March. Outside of a poorly taught high school weights class, I have never touched a barbell.

I highly recommend signing up to anyone that has never seriously lifted weights before. Alex, Keith, and Strahinja are all great guys that provide excellent coaching and support as you slowly move up in weight each workout. Also, the members are have all been extremely friendly and supportive and create a great community of people to get stronger with. Next week I'll be squatting my body weight for the first time, and hopefully before too long I'll be deadlifting 315. I'm confident with everything I'm learning from my coaches I can continue to progress on my own and turn the exercises I'm learning into life long habits.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is not your ordinary gym. Here, you'll follow an exercise program that was meticulously developed over the course of decades by adept powerlifters with the specific purpose of building up the strength in your entire body in a functional way. Coaches undergo a very rigorous certification program and really know what they're doing. This will help you reach optimal muscular conditioning, regardless of whether you're already active and trying to get better at your favorite sport or if you're sedentary and starting from square one. Do your body a favor and get on Starting Strength ASAP.

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding facility. I'm currently a college student interested in strength training. I decided to join Starting Strength Chicago because I wanted to learn to lift weights with good form. My entire view of barbell training was changed.

The coaches at this gym will guide you through each lift step by step. You'll be critiqued heavily on form, but the result is well worth it. The increase in weight comes by incredibly fast. You'll feel confident knowing you can lift heavy without unnecessary risk of injury. If you're new to barbell training or are looking to get back into it, I couldn't recommend SSC highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I discovered Starting Strength this year in January. I found out that Starting Strength was going to initially open at the end of January, but the opening got pushed back until the end of February. I had never been serious about strength training, but decided to join Starting Strength Chicago gym to give it a go and make gains. I like the look of the gym. It's simple and the racks are spread out evenly. It's not crowded, so my strength coach can easily switch between another client and me. I'm doing a great job with the lifts with the guidance of my coach and Starting Strength Chicago gym is also doing a good job.

Source: Google