Train With Ron

TWR is a great facility that offers small group training.
Essentially, you come in early, do a 15-​minute warmup on your own. You’re then assigned to a trainer along with one to five other people and given a BRUTAL cardio or strength exercise to perform on your own (if strength, usually many reps, like 30 to 100). When you’re finished, you go back to the trainer for another exercise.
My one quibble would be a lack of supervision and attention to form. At times you may be given a list of, say, six exercises, told to perform 30 reps of each, then repeat three times, so you’re pretty much on your own the entire session. Theoretically, your trainer would be supervising and correcting you, but I find this often isn’t the case. Yes, the trainer occasionally steps in and comments, but it’s rare. As evidence, check out what’s being allowed to pass for a squat (a woman moving her butt about two inches closer to the floor than it normally is) or a push-​up (a woman flopping belly first into the ground before wriggling up and flopping back down again) and you’ll see what I mean.
The lack of supervision and attention to form is a minor criticism (to the point that I feel bad even mentioning it because this place is otherwise so awesome); if you’re knowledgeable about how to perform basic strength moves and have the discipline do so, that doesn’t matter. The studio has great equipment, the trainers are really motivating, the workouts are never the same (even if you do two on the same day, and people love this place so much, some really do that), and the place in general has great energy. And you can’t beat the prices… A package of 50 sessions comes out to about $ 40 a session.
All things considered, I’ll take a slight lack of supervision in exchange for what I do get: an intense workout with some awesome guys for an awesome price.

Thought I would update my review… it’s 6 months after my initial review and I am still going to TWR (actually going even more frequently now) and have not only kept the weight off, I’ve lost a LOT more and increased my strength and agility over time. I’ve developed great relationships with the trainers and also others who go to TWR… it’s become a «second family» but when we’re at the gym… WE WORK!
My wife and I have been keeping a blog since we started going to TWR and I thought it might be helpful or inspirational if you’re interested in knowing more about our weight loss experience at TWR. We’re so lucky we found Ron, it’s really has changed our lives.
Thanks and enjoy a healthy life!
D

I started at this place after I met Matt online. I was looking for a trainer on craigslist and that’s how I started going there. He listened to me and helped me set a realistic plan to achieve my goals. I started a routine (going several times a week) and after about 2 ½ months I convinced myself it was too far for me to travel and I could find a place closer to home. I tried other places, but was not getting the results, nor were they fun or seriously working me out. I came back to TWR and have been going regularly for the past 4 months. I really see great results and wish I had never left. They will get you in shape, overall good shape. Great for beginners to advanced fitness levels.

This is the place to go if you want to get in shape fast! The staff, as well as the clientele are incredibly motivating. I have been a fairly regular client here for 2 years and have never repeated a workout, which is important to me since I tend to get bored easily with my fitness routine.
I would not hesitate in recommending this place to anyone, regardless of their level of fitness.

I started going to Train with Ron in late 2007 based on a friend’s recommendation and years later, I am still hooked! Every workout is challenging, fun and unique. The trainers (Ron, DB and Matt) are great guys who encourage you and work with you to set fitness goals.
Prior to TWR, I tried out personal trainers at both Cheetah Gym in Bucktown and the West Loop Athletic Club. I had such terrible experiences with these gym trainers that I nearly gave up on personal training. I am glad though that I gave TWR a shot because it’s a totally different experience. There are no bored, apathetic gym trainers here! I have realized great results in terms of endurance, strength and weight loss. I’ve also found that it is more affordable than gym trainers and clients have the option to either purchase a package or pay-​as-​you-​go. Make an investment in your physical health and contact TWR for an appointment today!

I’ve tried other trainers in the past and it always seemed they were more concerned with their cell phones than my workout. That being said, at TWR you not only get the personal attention of 1 trainer, but you get 3! Between Ron, DB and Matt I am challenged each and every workout. In addition, I’ve taken those good habits and put them to use when I go to workout on my own. Anyone reading this can roll their eyes and believe it or not, but there is one thing that no one can argue with: RESULTS. I’m relatively new at TWR, but in my first 6 weeks I dropped 3% body fat and my energy level is through the roof! If you’re serious about your goals, whether it be losing weight, losing body fat or just enhancing your overall fitness level, give TWR a shot. You won’t regret it!

I heard about Train with Ron from a friend over five years ago. From my first session there, I was hooked. I am easily bored by formal workouts and that is never the case at TWR. Each time I go the workout is totally different but always incorporating cardio, core and major muscle groups. When I started at TWR I could not even do one regular push up and now I do them effortlessly. Ron, DB, and Matt are all so encouraging and motivating as are the other clients. I have made many friends at TWR and really look forward to my sessions there.

My story — I was always someone that had shied away from gyms in general, crowds in general, and had never lifted weights or been on a regular fitness routine. Then a few years back after shedding some weight by eating frozen TV dinners I tried Lakeshore Athletic club personal training. Although an OK start to strength training, I never felt comfortable that the trainers I worked with really pushed you hard or knew what was truly effective for results — there was always a lot of second guessing going on. In stark contrast the trainers at Train With Ron clearly have depth of experience and are also clearly trying to better their own techniques and knowledge — nothing feels stale nor do they seem to ever be bored training you. Unlike other places I’ve been to all the trainers are equally great to work with such that I don’t care who I wind up with when I show up. The workouts are intense and you always have a large amount of endorphins following one because of that intensity (if you have ever run a 5k you know what I’m talking about). I myself had lost some weight on my own but never had figured out the long term solution to lose the last 40 pounds to reach my final goal weight nor had I figured out a good way to be «fit for life». Now I’m well on my way — only 20 lbs away from an ideal weight/​body fat %. (having started at 265 lbs and now 200) My body in general is clearly significantly stronger and my mind is clearly working better as a result of that. For someone who is more of an introvert — it is nice that it is a small intimate environment where everyone is so tired/​beatup by the trainers that everyone pretty much ignores everyone else and gawking is kept to a minimum :) The people here work hard without exception, and when you finally are able to take a breather to socialize the clientèle that TWR attracts seems consistently friendly and cordial.

GREAT WORKOUT!!! I was feeling a little overworked and out of shape, and needed a personal trainer to motivate me and get me on a set schedule… I was glad I found Train with Ron! In just a few months I’ve
shed some pounds, and am a lot stronger. My 1 hour workouts have intensified, and most importantly I feel like I have more energy during the day! Thanks Ron! Can’t wait for bikini season now ;)

Seriously the BEST trainers in the city. They care about your progress and will kick your …
Really fun group classes that push you to your limits. Really engaging atmosphere.
I’m buffer (is that an adjective?) and cuter because of these guys. I started as a beginner and have gradually worked my way up to an intermediate athlete. I could never do a push up, now I’m rocking 20 or 30 at a time!
I would absolutely recommend coming in for a free trial session and meeting them.

This training facility is wonderful. The trainers, Matt and DB, are awesome. Every time I go the hour is completely different, we never do the same workout twice. Also, unlike most trainers in the city, these guys actually listen to you and your goals. Whether you are looking to just tone up or to build muscle mass, they don’t have you doing some prefabbed routine.
I would really recommend this place to EVERYONE! They are great for beginners all the way up to advanced athletes.