LIFT LESSONS

4 Tips to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain.
December 7, 2020

4 Tips to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain.

Holiday weight gain is something we all dread. Here are 4 Tips to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain. ‘Tis the season of comfort foods, hot chocolate, endless holiday treats, and plenty of drinking with family and friends. This year we may not be spending extensive time with family and friends, but the treats and cocktails will still happen within our small gatherings. A little extra weight gain is almost a guarantee this time of year like complimentary bread at an...

5 Lower Body Stretches to Work on at Home
April 8, 2020

5 Lower Body Stretches to Work on at Home

While the majority of us are working at home, it’s easier now more than ever to find yourself sitting around for most of the day. Spending extended amount of time in a seated position can wreak havoc on your hips and lower back, especially if you aren’t setting aside 30-60 minutes of movement/training a few times per week. Starting off your day with a little movement is an easy piece to add to your daily routine and will help alleviate...

March 25, 2020

How Detraining Affects Your Strength and Muscle Mass

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” you’ve been working so hard to develop over the last few months/years has been for nothing, I’ve got some good news for you… Previous studies...

Food labels – How to read to avoid unhealthy ingredients.
March 22, 2020

Food labels – How to read to avoid unhealthy ingredients.

Written by Jamie Sabel, Nutritionist Why does it seem like food labels and ingredient lists are written in morse code? We don't know the names of half the ingredients, and the ones that we are familiar with are often disguised under alias names.  The good thing, we don't have to worry about ingredient lists when we eat whole foods. But sometimes our schedules make it impossible to turn away from the convenience of packaged food items. Life gets busy, and...

Building a Bigger & Better Deadlift
December 27, 2019

Building a Bigger & Better Deadlift

By: Jared BlincowWith December comes DEADcember and another opportunity to build and develop one of the big three lifts! The deadlift is one of the most important lifts in our training arsenal and comes with a handful of benefits. The posterior chain of the body often gets neglected by gym goers even though our largely sedentary lifestyles means we need to train and strengthen this part of the body more than ever. The posterior chain is a group of muscles...

May 8, 2019

5 SMARTER WAYS TO TRAIN YOUR ARMS 

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 compound liftsImprove shoulder healthImprove arm growthThinking about how you program arm training can do wonders to consistent and sustainable growth. Here is what we like to consider…What...

May 4, 2019

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

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. It’s rare for us to complete a training session with a client without having them perform some variation of a squat at least once. Let’s...

What People Are Saying About Lift Chicago

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    Anthony Gayles Avatar Anthony Gayles

    Great variety of classes, the instructors are awesome! All very helpful and help you with any questions you may have.

    Allen Hernandez Avatar Allen Hernandez

    Amazing Gym! All the instructors are incredible! I'm hooked! Never a dull moment! Every single second is used! Scheduling Training! One of the easiest and most transparent... read more

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  • It has been challenging for me to find the motivation to workout since the beginning of the pandemic. Lift has helped me to get back into a routine in a... read more

    Stephanie Garcia Avatar Stephanie Garcia

    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

    Hands down the best gym and the best trainers in the city. The entire experience from start to finish is outstanding. The staff is friendly, the equipment is... read more

    Kyle Portnoy Avatar Kyle Portnoy
  • 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

    I started attending the women’s lifting class and absolutely love it! It’s exciting, fun and welcoming for all different ability levels!

    Lainie Augensen Avatar Lainie Augensen

    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 training at Lift since it opened (and with Josh elsewhere for a few years prior). As a middle aged endurance athlete, I used to think I should strength... read more

    Dana Rothschild Avatar Dana Rothschild

    I’ve been training at LIFT for 1.5 years. Each and every one of the trainers are knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and extremely efficient. It’s surprising how great of a workout you... read more

    Kendra Chavin Avatar Kendra Chavin

    Lift Chicago is an incredible gym. Unbelievable equipment that you cannot find at big box gyms. I’ve been working with Pete for the past two years and he consistently challenges... read more

    Jason Avatar Jason
  • 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

    Kathryn Sugrue Avatar Kathryn Sugrue

    Just had my first session with John and it was great. Very attentive and friendly. Paid attention to my goals and paced me throughout while directing my form ( chief... read more

    Alexis Youn Avatar Alexis Youn

    I started training at LIFT over a year ago in prep for my wedding. I have never looked or felt better! I have worked with almost every coach, and they’re... read more

    Cara Avatar Cara
  • Lift is an amazing place! The trainers are knowledgeable and the workouts are tough. Being a runner, I was constantly getting injured. Lift has strengthened me overall and worked on... read more

    Anne Scranton Avatar Anne Scranton

    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 started training at LIFT over a year ago in prep for my wedding. I have never looked or felt better! I have worked with almost every coach, and they’re... read more

    Cara j Avatar Cara j
  • Lift Chicago is a fantastic full-service gym. The trainers are knowledgable and motivating, the facility is clean and bright, and they take all steps to insure health and safety. As... read more

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    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'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... read more

    Ryan Carter Avatar Ryan Carter
  • WOW!!! I cannot say enough great things about Lift Chicago! Truly a fantastic experience. First off, with all things COVID, I felt very safe and comfortable using the equipment. Every... read more

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    I've been going to LIFT for over a year and a half and I cannot say enough positive things about this gym. The minute you walk in, you are personally... read more

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    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