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.
“My strength training background has consisted of 9 years in the collegiate setting with stops at Central Michigan, TCU, West Alabama, and Universities of California Irvine and Riverside. Through my time in the collegiate setting I gained valuable knowledge of how the body works and how to organize training. I look forward to the challenge everyday to help individuals reach their goals, and learn from such an amazing coaching staff as well as client base!
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.
I have always had a love for exercise and movement science, so turning it into a career seemed like a no brainer. I received my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science as well as my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. While in graduate school, I began training clients as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I am a firm believer in strength training through all phases and stages of life. Helping clients reach their goals, overcome injury or self doubt and exceed their expectations fuels my fire. I’m excited to be a part of the exceptional team at Lift Chicago!
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
Stephanie SilversteinI've been training at LIFT since they opened and the trainers here are second to none. They are highly skilled, consummate professionals, and just all around nice guys. ... read more
Chris JamersonI 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
CaraIts 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 KingWOW!!! 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 JawnyGreat programming. Great staff. Pete is very tuned in and makes sure you get the most out of the workouts.
Grant Chavin, MDThis 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 SpellmanI’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 GariepyCan’t recommend LIFT enough. If you’re looking for challenging, yet functional, strength training program to look and feel your best, LIFT is the place. All of the coaches there are... read more
Samantha AllenAfter 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 HosteGreat variety of classes, the instructors are awesome! All very helpful and help you with any questions you may have.
Allen HernandezI have trained with the guys at Lift for a long time and consider my sessions to be some of my best long-term investments. My workouts there are sustainable, enjoyable... read more
Brigid SweeneyI’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 ChavinI 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 WalkerAmazing 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
Erik FogelI’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 ChavinLooking for a great workout with Chicago’s best trainers, in an immaculate space in Lincoln Park or River North? Then do not delay and book an appointment at LIFT today!... read more
Kristin ArnoldThese 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 BlandI 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 SwansonLift 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 MorrissyI have a very busy schedule, so my training sessions need to be very efficient, staying under an hour at all times. LIFT provides a highly “efficient” workout protocol—... read more
Pete WilkinsThe 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 McAlisterLIFT is fantastic!! The trainers are motivating and push you to your max but not in a way that you would injure yourself. The work outs are challenging but... read more
Julie ScottLove everyone here and they all get to know you even if you aren't their client. I train with Abby twice a week and it's always a great experience. She... read more
Christina Carrdellio