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.
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 passion for strength and conditioning began during my time as a basketball player at Otterbein University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. After college, I started my career as a strength coach at Olentangy High School in Columbus, Ohio. Following that, I joined the strength and conditioning staff as an intern for the 2024-25 Ohio State football team, where I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the Buckeyes’ national championship victory.
I’m passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential, enhance their performance, and improve their overall well-being. I’m thrilled to bring my experience to LIFT and be part of a community that strives to push boundaries and achieve excellence.
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 KinderPositive: 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 SweeneyI'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 SugruePositive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality I’ve had such a great experience here, especially training with Coach Abby! The trainers here are very attentive and helpful, which... read more
Linda QuizhpiI’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 QuizhpiI'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 JamersonLift 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
JasonFinished my first ten days of training here and truly impressed. The four trainers I alternated between were all very attentive and friendly. Paid attention to my goals and paced... read more
Alexis YounGreat coaching in an excellent facility.
Rick SudekumI started attending the women’s lifting class and absolutely love it! It’s exciting, fun and welcoming for all different ability levels!
Lainie AugensenI’ve been training with Sarah at Lift for almost 2.5 years and it has been a great experience! I had never been able to maintain motivation for a consistent workout... read more
ben schwertzI 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 KimThe 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 RyanAmazing 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 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 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 ZloofGreat experience. Had my 1:1 with Chad & Mike years ago pre-Covid. They tailored it to my needs. Give them a try, you’ll not regret it. ... read more
E MLift 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 ScrantonI 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 WilkinsLift 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
Margaret BergThe best gym in Chicago area. Highly recommended. The sessions are super efficient and you are always working out under supervision of best coaches in town. It is super clean... read more
Daniel SeyyediI’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 RothschildThese 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 BlandAmazing, diverse gym. Place to get strong and lean.
Malika Whitmore