★ 5

I use this gym because I work in the Mart and I really enjoy it. There’s good equipment, and it’s usually not overly crowded, even in peak hours.

I trained with Jimmy and he’s great! He emphasized good form and technique, and helped me build a plan that worked for my busy work life. Down 10 lbs in 4 weeks!

Source: Google

★ 5

This review is for Cass, one of the personal trainers at the gym. I was having a knee issue which I thought was due to running. She was able to very quickly determine the issues in my weight-training routine causing the pain, correct my posture, and suggest mobility and alternative exercises. Sticking to her suggestions, I've amazingly not had any issues since. I highly recommend her if you're looking for a PT.

The gym itself is clean and well-run with friendly staff. It's not the most well-equipped gym, but has most of the basics. If you need courts, a swimming pool or a lot of classes, there are better options. However, if you just want a place to work out that's a step above LA Fitness in a convenient location, check this place out.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

If you can go anywhere else, you should. I have been a member for over a year, and only stay because it's convenient. A step better than nothing.
The staff is terrible. While they are not actively unfriendly, they are far from friendly. Or welcoming. Or respectful. They do actively promote disrespect and unsafe practices. Trainers teach their clients to also be this way, which is disturbing.
Cleaning and awareness of the condition of the space is spotty and lacking. I have seen the same pair of socks in the same cube in the locker room for weeks. A pair of headphones, untouched on a bench for weeks. Trash in a cube for weeks.
The men's locker attendent, rude and unfriendly.
Yes, the equipment is nice. But, it is everywhere. The space is a nice size.
But, what is wrong here is a list to rival "War and Peace".
As mentioned, it's convenient. So I stay. If convenience isn't important to you, go elsewhere. You'll be better for it.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the gym I’ve been searching for almost an entire year now. Spacious yet intimate, attentive staff, friendly members. The gym is squeaky clean and well stocked. The equipment is top tier and plenty of available options. The decor is minimalist yet textured and ambient. The music is great and it feels like nothing but good vibes only. I am so excited I finally found the perfect gym home. This is the BEST gym in Chicago!

Source: Google

★ 5

Good quality gym!
I love that they have massage chairs and leg compression for recovery! Extremely useful. Have been coming here for a year. Amazing staff and it's one of the cleanest gyms I've been to.

Source: Google

★ 4

Not crowded and you hardly ever have to wait for equipment, also much cheaper than other gyms in river north (lifetime/ebc) and the equipment is new and well-maintained. They have air resistance machines and most equipment you can think of apart from leg press and arm/shoulder isolation machines. The workout classes are really good too, they have one almost every day at a different time so you can find at least one per week that fits your schedule.
The downsides are poor hours (especially since it's closed on Sundays) and if you want a bigger (but busier) gym with more variety of machines then FFC is available for a similar price (but not in river north). Though if you work in the merch Mart you get a discount so the value is really good (but I don't).
Overall a good gym, I have been coming here for 6 months cuz it's close to my apartment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Have been at the gym since it first opened. New clean machines and in a wide variety. I can always get machines that I want to hit even during peak hours. Would recommend to those in river north looking for a gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

The WorkLife gym at Merchandise Mart is top notch. Great facilities, new equipment, and never too packed.

I signed up for personal training lessons with Kirsten Wei who was incredible. She created a fully personalized plan based on my goals, and was an excellent teacher throughout each session.

Source: Google

★ 5

I enjoy working out at WorkLife at the Mart. They get five stars because of trainer Lou Johnson. He listened to my goals and has greatly improved my flexibility. His exercise program also has helped my back issues.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am not an old RNG member but new to working in TheMart and being a part of this gym as of a few weeks ago. I love being able to go a few floors down to work out at a new facility.

I haven't tried the free sessions yet nor the classes, but the staff has been nice to me. There is a plethora of cardio machines. I really enjoy the two separate rooms that are technically for classes but are often open and amazing for stretching or laying down a mat for a workout. One room has a whole bunch of free weights and other equipment which I love. I don't enjoy being seen at all at gyms, and I'm confident that there are many like me out there, so its nice to have a little place away from all the machines that you can stretch or work out at. There is another room for cycling classes that you could probably use as well when class isn't in. I have not used the saunas, but love that they have them.

I will say that the layout is really awkward, but I think everyone including staff and whoever designed the space knows it. It's not always easy to tell whats where, and the weight machines/area appears eclectic. I feel like I look at the weight machines and have a hard time understanding whats for what and wish things were more easily accessible as a weight machine novice. Based on review feedback, they added new weight machines recently, so maybe they will re-organize the space. There are also massage chairs that I want to use, but they awkwardly face all the weight equipment, so I don't want to use them and have a bunch of people stare at me. Maybe a partition of some sort could be put up without making it too private of an area.

Overall, I've had a good experience here so far and look forward to using the facility more. Will likely update this after some time has gone by.

Update: I've been going to this gym consistently since September of last year (2023). I've done the free sessions and take the free classes regularly-- they are fantastic. The facility is really nice and new. The monthly cost isn't exactly cheap, but for the area and what you get, it is totally worth it. Everyone who works there is super nice and helpful. I recommend this place to everyone working in The Mart.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best experience I’ve had in a gym, plenty of equipment and very clean

Source: Google

★ 5

As a long-time member of the gym amenities at the Merchandise Mart (formerly RNG, now Worklife Wellbeing) I can attest to the extremely high quality of the product you receive when you join this facility. Equipment and facilities are high-quality, clean, and well-maintained, the staff is kind and responsive, and the location is fantastic for folks working in the River North area. In addition to all of these benefits, the training staff (and particularly Andrew, the resident head trainer) are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their work. I have worked out for over a decade and have learned more things than I can count in the few months I've had the pleasure of working with him. Give the gym a try and definitely take advantage of the complimentary personal training session, you will not regret it!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in the loop! Friendly staff and excellent personal training team.

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly staff, well maintained facilities, and convenient location to work during the week! Special shout-out to Joyce who always makes sure the locker rooms are clean and greets everyone with a smile

Source: Google

★ 5

great space, good machines, plenty of free weights and massage chairs and sauna to boot! what more could you want 😍

Source: Google

★ 5

I was a previous member of RNG and while adjusting to the new space took a little time - the space is amazing -- offering variety along with the inclusion of standard training equipment (the staff has done such a great job of adding to the equipment as the space has developed). It also is extremely clean, which I appreciate. I feel right at home and am happy to be a member.

Source: Google

★ 4

Nice gym nice new equipment. I really like the hydraulic equipment. Lost 10lbs over the last 7 weeks working out there. Really impressed with the space and staff overall.

Several things:

Sauna was out of service this past week.

Leg extension machine is nice with hydraulics but is rigid for me I can’t get that full range of motion with that particular machine. I’d definitely like to see another leg extension machine to do just that.

Gym is quite small and equipment limited which I suspect with the new years crowd as I’ve witnessed in the last two weeks will continue to pick up and that will make for a crowded space and less time to work out. Typically I work out mid morning before lunch due to the hours of the gym and the gym is less crowded around that time. I wish it were open later especially on weekends but I understand the hours at the Mart make it a challenge.

Had a session with Lou he is a great trainer if you suffer past injuries. Different style of training steady pace but really warms you up for intensity later. I was a college athlete ran cross country have some injuries from other hobbies like mountain biking including a torn shoulder and not a hobby but a terrible car accident that left me with scoliosis. Working with Lou I felt young and spry had my mobility back less tense and would recommend a session or a series of sessions with him.

Update: 13lbs lost

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My doctor recommended weight training. I didn't really know the right exercises, so I started with a trainer. I figured after 12 sessions, I'd be able to navigate without a trainer - but as the weeks continued, I changed my mind. The value of the trainer was greater than I anticipated: Kirsten Wei emphasizes correct form. If necessary, she'll reduce weight for the last set or even during a set. Having someone be that vigilant about form is great: it's very easy to unintentionally compensate for a movement with other muscles, which can put undue stress where it doesn't belong. My lower back feels better than it has in many years. I'm now on my third set of 12 sessions, which is a testament to how good I think Kirsten is.

Source: Google

★ 5

There is a beautiful workout facility at The Merchandise Mart that opened recently. I have always been just a walker trying to do my 10000 steps a day. Since my age has crept up on me I decided I need to become more mobile so I don’t fall and break a hip. (Now you know how old I am if I’m worried about that) :)

So I signed up for the gym and decided I should sign up for some personal training. I got paired with Kirsten Wei and this was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Kirsten pushes me and adjusts as I need adjustments. When I first started I kept getting cramps in my calves or hips and Kirsten would stop and make me stretch and then I could do the exercise. If she hadn’t been there to guide me I would have quit that one and moved on to something I could do and not push myself.

Kirsten has given me a real sense of pride in what I’ve accomplished and I know that would never have happened without her. She is an excellent instructor/trainer and understands how to push to get the most out of me and I love her for that.

They offer classes which I would like to try soon. I also signed up for the Nutrition portion which really helps me concentrate on what I’m eating and trying to fuel my body correctly. It is silly to do all this work and not get the maximum benefit by not eating what your body needs.

I would highly recommend Kirsten (my trainer) and Ali (my nutritionist).

Source: Google

★ 5

I just completed a three-month training program with Kristen here, my personal trainer, having attended over 20 sessions, and I couldn't be happier with the results!

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have met Kristen right when I started my fitness journey. Not only does she possess an extensive knowledge of fitness, but she also has an incredible personality that makes every training session a delight. Kristen is always there to encourage me and highlight my strengths.

I wholeheartedly recommend Kristen to anyone looking for a top-notch personal trainer. Trust me, working with her not only transforms your physique but also boosts your confidence and positivity. It's an experience you won't regret - give it a try!

Source: Google

★ 2

I was also a member of RNG and this new gym is a disappointment. There’s almost no equipment and there is a third of the amount of dumbbells. Seems like a great place for cardio but if you’re going to lift, you’ll likely be disappointed. The staff is great so I hate to rate this so poorly but maybe they’ll expand their options w enough bad reviews.

Source: Google

★ 2

I was a member of RNG for a year and a half and really liked it. This change is pretty disappointing honestly. As others mentioned, the variety of equipment is subpar, there are not enough benches or regular free weights (there are few adjustable dumbbells which don't work nearly as well in my opinion), and most machines use air resistance instead of iron weights which is a very different experience. On top of that, guest passes are not offered. The staff is lovely, but I will likely be terminating my membership and going elsewhere.

Source: Google

★ 3

Honestly a step down from RNG in the variety of equipment. There is only one small free weight section whereas there used to be 2 and there are probably less than half the number of resistance machines. In general, the space feels poorly utilized and the gym is lacking in equipment.
The sauna is a nice addition, though.

Source: Google

★ 1

I and a number of the "regulars" from RNG were excited about this new gym opening up and the potential for a larger, more modern facility to improve upon RNG. Unfortunately, the new gym doesn't live up to the hype. While the new space is nice, and having new equipment is always a plus, the lack in variety of equipment probably won't suit a lot of people used to typical commercial gyms. For example, there is no lat pulldown/cable row, a machine that is pretty standard in most gyms. If you are a gym-goer that focuses solely on compound exercises/ free weights (squats, deadlifts, bench press), then WorkLife WellBeing may be good enough for you. In addition to the lack of equipment, the gym's layout is strange and doesn't maximize the space available. Having the power racks so close to the dumbbells is an odd choice. Maybe after another couple weeks, my opinion will change, but as things stand, I'm reevaluating my membership.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing gym in the heart of Chicago. Gets busy but plenty of space. Yoga weights cardio and… sauna. Hard to beat

Source: Google