Sweatshop,

1838 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030

"This place is life-changing. I've been a regular member for almost 4 years. Truly supportive atmosphere for ALL body types and abilities. Amazing trainers who work SO hard and will do anything to make you forget you're working out because you're laughing so much. Super silly and fun challenges and themes to keep you motivated. Best of all, tons of the absolute best people!!! Joining the shop was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself."

"The best gym i’ve ever been to! The staff and trainers are so friendly, and the whole gym has a really great atmosphere."

"I attended the sweatshop from 2014-2015. The trainers are fun and enthusiastic, and the owner Matt really cares about his customers and their progress. They would have different events each day. Sometimes it was aerobic workouts where everyone worked out together in lines. Sometimes it was obstacle courses or rotating workout stations, and sometimes it was open gym where the trainers would go around and show you proper methods for using the weights to focus certain muscle groups. The trainers were top notch and always tried to entertain, often wearing wigs and singing (intentionally badly) to the songs as the group mirrored them in the background or danced along with the exercise. But by far the most memorable thing about this gym was the challenges. Challenge days would allow you to earn wristbands which were similar to martial artist bands. Each time you completed the challenge during challenge day you got a new wrist band. The bands said things like 'smoke', 'fire', 'spark', 'inferno' and there was a whole chart of progress. The challenges themselves usually involved completing a series of exercises within an hour or so that were usually 500-700 reps worth of material (extremely difficult) and would occur once a month. Miraculously there were people even when I was there who had their 12th level band (the highest level). At the time I believe Matt was offering free gym to those who made it to the top level but that may just have been a promo offer."

"I really love this place and I highly recommend it to people who are looking for a great and fun workout, after a stressful day at work I really look forward to going to the sweatshop and sweat my stress away and feel great afterward. All The trainers are so helpful and they all make sure that you get a great workout and have fun doing it."

"This is not only a gym, it's an experience. The trainers really care about you. They know your name, interact with your kids, and know when you are just having an off day. They work with any limitations you might have and never judge. I have been working out there a year and really feel welcome and part of the family. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will SWEAT."