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.
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 YounOne 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 PassThe 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 McAlisterI 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 started attending the women’s lifting class and absolutely love it! It’s exciting, fun and welcoming for all different ability levels!
Lainie AugensenLIFT 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 ScottIt’s always been difficult to get into a steady routine and stay motivated, until I started training at LIFT seven months ago with Coach Isaac. Not only do I... read more
Gabriel GarciaGreat variety of classes, the instructors are awesome! All very helpful and help you with any questions you may have.
Allen HernandezGreat 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 MI have been coming to Lift for a few months now. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable, flexible with schedules, and are great people to train with. I have noticed a significant... read more
Matthew BrunstrumLove the Lift classes- they are really unique, with 5 circuits and a mix of weight stations with some cardio, too (rope pulls, sleds, etc.). The coaches are the best... read more
Carrie SweeneyGreat workout for busy professionals. Simply the best !
Chris SantiagoI'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 JamersonCan’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 AllenStarted working out here a couple years ago. Love the instructors and the variety of classes offered.
Anthony SamsonDoing 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 GorlickiI'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 SilversteinHighly 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 KinderThe 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 SeyyediAmazing 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 FogelHands down best gym for power lifters, strong men, body builders. Equipment is top notch and it’s very clean and well maintained.
Katie CunninghamAfter 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 HosteCan'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 McCarthyLift 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