My background in strength training started with the University of Illinois – Fighting Illini Football team in 2011. Prior to that, I studied Sports Medicine under the Athletic Training Educational Program at Illinois. The combination of understanding how the body works, and applying it to strength training has really helped me establish myself and take my clients through what is truly a specialized strength training approach. To this day, I am constantly absorbing, learning, and doing everything i can to grow myself and put that passion into my work with my clients.
After receiving my B.S. in Kinesiology from Illinois, I didn’t really know what the hell I wanted to do. I love exercise and strength training, and after completing an internship with the Maryland Terrapins Football team I was ready to turn my passion into a career. I am beyond excited to apply my skills to help every day people get strong, remain healthy, and achieve their fitness goals.
My fitness truth: “No one ever complained about being strong.”
As a former Track and Field athlete at The University of Houston, I was exposed to and gained a love for strength training. Post competition, I transferred to Eastern Illinois, and while finishing my degree towards becoming a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, discovered a passion for helping others succeed. From there, I went on to work with athletes of all ages and have since been working with the general population. By being a strength coach, I have the opportunity to safely and effectively, change people’s lives. Using my current knowledge and experience while continuing to learn and stay current in the field, I aim to provide a second to none, safe, and efficient workout to every single client.
My first experience with strength and conditioning came as a college soccer play at DePaul University and ever since then I’ve been hooked. I continued my education at the University of Texas and have spent the last 5 years in the collegiate setting perfecting my craft and trying to become the best coach that I can be. The opportunity to coach and develop people, improve their health and daily lives, and to connect with so many great individuals is what motivates me to come into work every day to give my absolute best for our clients.
After coaching at Southwestern University, the University of Missouri, and Texas A&M University, I’m very excited for the opportunity to come back to the city of Chicago and work at LIFT.
My love for strength and conditioning started as a college soccer player at Schreiner University in Texas. I had the opportunity to become the assistant soccer coach/strength coach shortly after graduation. I realized my passion for strength training was rising. I continued my education at Springfield College in Massachusetts, one of the best programs in the country for developing strength coaches. I’ve spent the past 4 years in the collegiate setting learning and growing as a coach. My ambition is to help each person achieve their fitness goals while also having a meaningful impact in their life.
After coaching at Schreiner University, Springfield College and Amherst College, I’m ready and excited for this opportunity to coach at LIFT.
After playing golf at Southwestern Community College in Iowa for a year, I continued my education at Iowa State University where I received my Bachelors in Exercise Science. During my last full year at Iowa State worked with the football program’s strength and conditioning staff. After graduation, I then went to work with the University of Florida football team. I could not be more excited to join the team at LIFT and apply my knowledge of strength training to help others live strong, healthy lives.
I have always had a lifelong passion for movement. I picked up strength training in my early 20s which gave me the confidence and drive to always do better. I started running obstacle course races several years ago and I train all year round so I can excel at those events. I decided to turn my passion for lifting into a career after I spent several years working in social services. After achieving my strength and conditioning coach certification, I was able to blend my desire to help people with my love of fitness. I am excited to continue working with individuals to help them find their confidence in the gym and fulfill their personal goals!
My love for Strength and Conditioning started as a college soccer player at Schreiner University after my second ACL tear. From there I continued my education at Liberty University where I worked as a sport scientist for the men’s and women’s hockey teams collecting and interpreting data. I have spent time coaching at the University of Denver, Mississippi State, EXOS, and BASE Fit Performance. Each experience has allowed me to grow as a coach and given me the opportunity to learn from those with different levels of experience and skills. Educating and seeing clients become more confident in the weight room and within themselves is what drives me everyday.
My love for strength training and fitness comes from my academic background in exercise science. I always wanted to learn about the “how” and “why” to health, fitness, and human movement. So, when I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, I pursued a degree in Kinesiology. Through this experience, I have been able to attain the tools and knowledge to help people enhance their fitness in a safe and efficient manner. Now, as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, I strive to stay current in the field in order to continue to offer the best services possible.
My passion for strength training started in high school and grew throughout college as I was training intensely for my athletic seasons. I played basketball at Central College in Iowa where I studied kinesiology and completed my undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University. I then went into the private sector to train youth and high school athletes as well as the general population. I can’t wait to continue pursuing my passion at LIFT while helping the people of Chicago achieve their fitness goals.
With over four years of experience in the dynamic fitness landscapes of Hawaii and Colorado, I’ve honed a training knowledge base that’s as diverse as the environments I’ve worked in. Fitness has always been my passion and I’m excited to bring my experience back to Chicago. My goal is to help you make fitness sustainable. I truly believe that working out will help you embrace a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Hey Chicago – I am Ali! I have always had a love for exercise and fitness. Since experiencing a career-ending injury and realizing there was a more sustainable way to exercise, I found a passion for strength and conditioning. I attended Purdue University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology while working as an F45 coach. My aim was to provide meaningful, positive, and safe workouts for participants. I have now been with LIFT for over a year completing my internship and assistantship. At LIFT, I have significantly improved my understanding of functional strength training and gained significant experience training a variety of LIFT’s clientele. I am beyond excited to help Chicagoans gain confidence in the gym and achieve their fitness goals.
My first experience in strength and conditioning came while I was a soccer player at Benedictine University. I grew to love the process involved in strength training, and I ended up pursuing a career in strength and conditioning. Over the past five years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop as a coach at LIFT Chicago (River North), DePaul University Sport Performance, Base Fit Performance, and Anthos Training Clubs.
My goal as a coach is to improve clients’ health and well-being in the weight room while also having fun. I am excited to bring my experience to LIFT Chicago.
My love for fitness began from an early age as a competitive dancer. I earned my BA in Dance Teaching and Choreography from Columbia College Chicago. After graduating, I started supplementing dance with teaching fitness and quickly realized this is where I wanted my career to go. I hold certifications from NASM, ACSM, ProNatal and I am a Post Corrective Exercise Specialist. As a mom of 3 I have a unique understanding of what our bodies go through at each stage of pregnancy and postpartum. I can’t wait to help you feel successful no matter where you’re at on your journey and be part of your village.
I highly recommend Lift Chicago. I have been training here for a little under a year and love it! All of the trainers are extremely knowledgeable, motivating and welcoming. Every... read more
Jessie AllenI’ve been training at Lift for almost 2 years and have gained so much confidence in my lifting and strength. Every trainer is approachable and knowledgeable, making for a very... read more
Mary HarbaughWhen businesses understand what matters, it makes a world of a difference and Lift Chicago understood that it’s not just about providing a place to workout, it’s about creating a... read more
Tausif KhianiThis 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 SpellmanWOW!!! 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
Alexis JawnyCan't say enough good things about Lift! I started training with Abby after losing a substantial amount of weight and muscle tone and I can't thank her enough for her... read more
Katie McCarthyStarted working out here a couple years ago. Love the instructors and the variety of classes offered.
Anthony SamsonPositive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality Love the Lift classes- they are really unique, with 5 circuits and a mix of weight stations with some cardio, too... read more
Carrie SweeneyHands down best gym for power lifters, strong men, body builders. Equipment is top notch and it’s very clean and well maintained.
Katie CunninghamI 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 KimI started attending the women’s lifting class and absolutely love it! It’s exciting, fun and welcoming for all different ability levels!
Lainie AugensenI started training at Lift over a year ago, after my daughter recommended it. I typically work with the same trainers, but it varies occasionally, and all have been careful,... read more
karyn hurwichI have been working out at Lift Chicago for over 10 years. I love that the trainers create a new personal workout every couple of months for members and on... read more
Kenya BrockettI'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 SugrueAbby 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 CarrizalesI 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 SwansonHands 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 PortnoyIts always been a great experience with a professional environment, high quality and well maintained machines. I'd definitely recommend this gym to anybody wanting to reach personal goals for themselves.
Francisco KingI’ve been training at Lift since it opened, and with Pete prior to. Everyone here is always extremely professional and so very nice. They may not know it, but they... read more
Jenny GariepyI also love the open gym and the equipment. They are constantly adding new things to make the best experience for their customers!
Juana FerminI’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 RothschildThe whole staff there is great. You cannot go wrong training with any of them. Plus, it is super clean. I feel complete safe going there with COVID-19.
Timothy McAlisterHighly 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 KinderDoing 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