Strength-training
Lift Lessons

Back Squat vs. Front Squat: Which One Should You Be Doing?

May 8, 2020

Ever wondered what the difference between the back squat and front squat is? Which squat is best for you? Let’s run through both squats and see which one you should be doing in your program. Squat variations are the foundation to any great training program, but each one has its own pros and cons. Knowing

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Mastering The Hip Hinge

Mastering The Hip Hinge

April 24, 2020

Hip Hinge – What is it and Why should we care? We perform the hip hinge hundreds, maybe even thousands of times per day. We would be here until Christmas if we named all of the times we get in and out of the hip hinge. Any time you bend over, stand up, sit down,

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Building a Great Home Gym

Building a Great Home Gym

April 22, 2020

Having a home gym set-up can be a life saver during these tough times. Bodyweight exercises and cardio can get old really fast, making training not as enjoyable. Depending on your budget and space available you can grab just a few essentials or you can build the holy grail of home gyms. Extra home fitness

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How Detraining Affects Your Strength and Muscle Mass

March 25, 2020

With the COVID19 pandemic hitting the country and forcing us inside, it’s easy to get frustrated and come up with a number of excuses as to why our training should take a backseat. Although training at home may not be the most ideal solution, something is always better than nothing. If you think your “gains”

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How Training to Failure is Ruining Your Gains

How Training to Failure is Ruining Your Gains

November 13, 2019

By: Jared Blincow CSCS, FRC, Coach at LIFT Chicago How many times have you heard that if you’re leaving reps on the table and not training to failure then you’re missing out on some serious gains? What if I told you there was an alternative approach that was just as effective, allowed for greater recovery,

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Five Exercises Every Runner Should Be Doing

Five Exercises Every Runner Should Be Doing

October 21, 2019

Believe it or not every runner should be strength training in order to reduce injuries, increase stamina, and shave minutes off race times. Stronger bodies result in stronger, faster, better runners.

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5 SMARTER WAYS TO TRAIN YOUR ARMS 

May 8, 2019

If you have ever train here at LIFT you may have noticed we don’t always directly train the arms because compound lifts (just a fancy word for 2 or more joints) are more efficient for our clients. Having said that, we do believe there are benefits to hitting the arms when programmed correctly. Benefits: Improve

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REAL STRENGTH SERIES: SHOULD YOU BE SQUATTING? HOW TO SET UP THE SQUAT…

May 4, 2019

The squat is a functional movement that our bodies naturally begin to develop from infancy. Unfortunately, some individuals begin to regress in this movement over time and now struggle to perform it properly. It is one of the foundational bilateral movements we use here at LIFT to build strength in the lower body and core.

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REAL STRENGTH SERIES: LET’S RETHINK YOUR CORE TRAINING

April 8, 2019

Core training may be, simultaneously, one of the most overused and most commonly misunderstood concepts in the fitness world. Whether we are at the gym, taking a yoga class, or simply scrolling through social media, we see countless fitness influencers performing incredibly complex movements and slapping them with labels such as “functional” and “core” training.

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Quick Tips to Maximize Strength

February 6, 2019

If you have been exercising for quite some time and feel you aren’t getting any stronger try concentrating on a few of these pointers! Maximizing strength is a lot more straight forward than people make it out to be. Let’s take a look at what I am talking about. First, simplify everything! If you want

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What People Are Saying About Lift Chicago

  • I've never been to the Center but what's offered sounds like a great help to a community ESPECIALLY if the staff are cordial

    SONJA DIANE BELL Avatar SONJA DIANE BELL

    I've been working with Abby 3 days a week since October 2021, and it's probably not too much of a stretch to say I'm in love with her. In all seriousness,... read more

    Ryan Carter Avatar Ryan Carter

    Abby is great! I’ve been training with her for almost 2 years and it’s been great! The set time forces me to workout. Lift is a great option for beginners... read more

    Alison Carrizales Avatar Alison Carrizales
  • These deserve more stars. Ive been rocking with these guys for years. Always fun and professional. They have help me achieve my body goals by coming 3 days a... read more

    Domique Bland Avatar Domique Bland

    One of the best workouts in the city. Always challenging and thoughtful workouts. Being able to see myself grow stronger and stronger week after week is all thanks to this... read more

    Maddie Pass Avatar Maddie Pass

    Abby is great! I’ve been training with her for almost 2 years and it’s been great! The set time forces me to workout. Lift is a great option for beginners... read more

    Alison Carrizales Avatar Alison Carrizales
  • I have been lifting here with Sam for a couple of months, and couldn’t say anything better about Lift! The gym is clean, equipment well maintained, and the staff is... read more

    Erik Swanson Avatar Erik Swanson

    The women's LIFT class has been a highlight of my week for a few years now. Sarah is a fantastic trainer who puts together great workouts and provides helpful feedback.... read more

    Christine Ryan Avatar Christine Ryan

    I’ve had such a great experience here, especially training with Coach Abby! The trainers here are very attentive and helpful, which I definitely appreciate since I’m pretty new to weight... read more

    Linda Quizhpi Avatar Linda Quizhpi
  • I’ve been training at Lift for a year and a half - the workout, professionalism, facilities and trainers are the best of the best. Strength training at Lift has transformed... read more

    Alexi Zloof Avatar Alexi Zloof

    I’ve had such a great experience here, especially training with Coach Abby! The trainers here are very attentive and helpful, which I definitely appreciate since I’m pretty new to weight... read more

    Linda Quizhpi Avatar Linda Quizhpi

    This best place to work out in Chicago. Intelligent trainers with a great atmosphere. You can tell they love what they do and are passionate about creating the best gym/workout... read more

    Danielle Spellman Avatar Danielle Spellman
  • After working out at LIFT for a year now, I can't say enough good things about this place. My trainer, Isaac, is kind, knowledgeable, experienced, and careful, making sure... read more

    Paula Liss Avatar Paula Liss

    I recently found Lift on Yelp like a month ago and I’m absolutely loving it. I workout with Sam, Isaac and Kyle and they’re amazing. I’m looking forward to continuing... read more

    Mandy Jo Walker Avatar Mandy Jo Walker

    The women's LIFT class has been a highlight of my week for a few years now. Sarah is a fantastic trainer who puts together great workouts and provides helpful feedback.... read more

    Christine Ryan Avatar Christine Ryan
  • Lift is THE place to go to perfect your training, perfect your form, and have an incredible time while doing it. Josh and the other coaches are the smartest and... read more

    Jake Morrissy Avatar Jake Morrissy

    I’ve been working with John Fuhr at LIFT Chicago since February and it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve lost 12 pounds while still retaining muscle, which was really important to... read more

    Analisa Novak Avatar Analisa Novak

    I love going to Lift in Lincoln Park! I've been doing personal training with Abby twice a week for 45 minutes each for about 8 months. I like that they... read more

    Christine Kim Avatar Christine Kim
  • I've been working with Reid at Lift's River North location for over four months. Based on my experience, I've been recommending the place to friends, colleagues, and strangers on... read more

    Matt G Avatar Matt G

    Highly recommended. If you want a personalized, thorough, concise workout this is it. Each personal trainer is excellent for listening to your fitness goals, celebrates your achievements and accommodates any... read more

    Kristine Kinder Avatar Kristine Kinder

    After working out at LIFT for a year now, I can't say enough good things about this place. My trainer, Isaac, is kind, knowledgeable, experienced, and careful, making sure... read more

    Paula Liss Avatar Paula Liss
  • I have been lifting here with Sam for a couple of months, and couldn’t say anything better about Lift! The gym is clean, equipment well maintained, and the staff is... read more

    Erik Swanson Avatar Erik Swanson

    Doing the group workouts has been the exact motivation I needed. The small group let's the trainer give me personal adjustments and everyone else pushes me to get it done!... read more

    Maya Gorlicki Avatar Maya Gorlicki

    I've been training with Sarah for two years and she has been amazing to work with! Both locations are clean and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I highly... read more

    Kate Sugrue Avatar Kate Sugrue