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November 2023 by Libby Collins
Really welcoming environment, especially for newer gym-goers. Diego is always friendly and responsive to questions! Definitely a great value for a small community gym.
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October 2023 by JoJo Farrell
I am a plus size trans girl. I don’t feel comfortable at any gym and have super social anxiety. From the minute I stepped in the door everyone greeted me with the biggest smile. I felt so comfortable. I love that it’s open 24 hours. I love that it’s super inclusive. I love that it doesn’t have a toxic environment. But most of all I love that it’s my in and out gym when I need to go fast. It’s an intimate gym, so there aren’t a lot of machines but no one over uses them or stays on super long! It’s the perfect gym for doing what you need to do and making connections :). 10/10! Anyone who is feeling like they want community and not to be judged.. THIS IS IT :). Go baby go
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September 2023 by Angelique Tally Menglimamatov
I've been in the fitness since 2018 and I've been working in big corporate gyms up until May of this year. I had the honor of joining the stronghands gym to run my own private company through their facility. Along with amazing atmosphere and community of other talented independent trainers, this gym offers all the bells and whistles. 24 hour access for all members and trainers, free promo for your company, the opportunity to run your business your way without restrictions and a welcoming place for any type of member no matter what your skill set is. The Owner, Diego had built a safe community for not only the LGBT+ community but a community for everyone no matter what your background is. This is a gym there there is no judgement and no egos.
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September 2023 by Al Toledo
I was never successful at working out before bc I didn’t know how to, and I always felt so dumb at the gym. My friend told me about this place, and how much he liked it so I decided to give it a shot. My trainer Angelique was amazing. Since the first day she understood my goals, created a workout plan, and gave me great tips to archive what I wanted to do. Angelique was so professional, so flexible with scheduling, and so approachable. Please if you are thinking about training here ask for Angelique 10/10 she’s just great.
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August 2023 by Lennox Mark
Sttonghands Gym is easily my favorite place to work out in Chicago. I’ve been a member of some chain “big box” gyms and they frankly do not compare. Stronghands is inclusive, clean, welcoming and FUN. I’ve organized private group classes there for my friends and had personal training sessions. Each experience leaves me feeling challenged, empowered, and eager to return. Hats off to Diego and Dan who make it their personal mission to help clients feel seen, safe and celebrated on their fitness journey.
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July 2023 by Edoardo Marchesi
I have been a Stronghands goer for over a year and I can say that I finally found a gym I enjoy going to. The gym is small, but it has everything piece of equipment you need for a full workout. Over the years the gym has attracted a diverse clientele, due to its focus on inclusivity and safety. The staff and trainers are very friendly. Diego, the owners, is perhaps the strongest asset. He is very welcoming and available to help. Personally, I have been training with Diego for a few months now and I am starting to see results from the careful meal planning and exercise routine he devised for me. I would definitely recommend visiting the gym and giving it a try.
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July 2023 by Armando Ramirez
1. Grunting2. Hitting weights in the floor3. Having an aggressive behaviorI mean I can continue with this list, but the reason I start my review by mentioning this is because that’s the typical behavior I see and get at most gyms.I don’t consider myself the most masculine or the most feminine, but I always feel insecure when I do free weights and when I’m surrounded by this behavior.One of the things that I enjoy at THIS gym is that I don’t see it at all.I feel very comfortable going and doing my thing without the necessity to be thinking about what I just mentioned. It’s hard enough that we stress on our daily lives so why add more.Diego has a gym that anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community can feel comfortable. The gym is far from where I stay but because of the level of comfortableness that I get I don’t care the commute.I personally do recommend this gym and I HARDLY take the time to do reviews. Try it! I’m sure he can give you more details and see what works for you.Thanks again Diego for makes a safe space for all.
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June 2023 by Caleb Ackley
I found Stronghands after a quick google of gyms in the area, as I was visiting for a few days. Both the reviews here and the gym itself were very specific about it being a queer-friendly space, so I was excited!I called to ask about day-passes and Diego, the owner, was all for it. I came in, met Diego, and had a great time. Diego was incredibly friendly and the other folks there were lovely! It's a small space but it's got all the essentials for a full-body day, including a space for boxing and bodyweight exercises. If you're looking for a quick session, I'd come in the later morning/early afternoon, as it can get crowded fast during peak times!It also held up to its promise of being a queer-owned and body-positive gym, which is a hard thing to achieve! I think the tone Diego sets for both the space and for the other trainers really make what could have been just another boutique gym into something that does feel communal and well-rounded. I didn't feel awkward or out-of-place asking questions, bouncing to the music, or smiling at folks! Very happy with my experience and I'm already planning to visit again next time I'm in town.
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April 2023 by Diego C.
Love it here. The community and people are amazing. Trainers are well trained and educated on fitness and always willing to help!
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April 2023 by Mihow P.
Love this gym! Though on the smaller side it's very lean as you can get all the workouts you need done in this gym. I surveyed a few gyms in the area and decided on this one because1. It is very LGBTQ friendly 2. I believe in supporting small businesses and black owned businesses 3. It is smaller so it's personal (also not usually crowded)4. Going off the previous it is by far the friendliest gym I've been in. 5. The personal trainers are not only very qualified but they are good people 6. The bathrooms and showers are the cleanest I've seen in any gym. Management takes care and the patrons respect the space. 7. I like the aged metal dumbbells8. Wide open doors in the summer makes for really nice fresh air breezes.9. The price is right 10. Diego I joined just over a month ago and Diego has helped me lose fat while maintaining and even gaining a little muscle. I've never been so informed about my eating and my bodybuilding. It's only been about a month but my physique is so much better than what it was (albeit working my booty off). I am super happy and I can't wait to see what 3, 6 and 12 months with Diego does to me. It has minor cons but it is really great for my needs (physically and socially). It's not luxurious but it is clean, affordable, has all the necessary equipment to do your thing, and full of good people.
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April 2023 by Kanwal Preet Singh
This is a great gym for anyone who is looking to get away from the corporate type gyms. I’ll breakdown the review in three parts.One: The gym owner Diego is great. Very responsive and helpful. He helped me get enrolled real fast and quickly. He got me in touch with Daniel, the gym instructor who is training me.Two: Dan is amazing, he understands really well what he is teaching and explains each and every exercise. He goes into details on how each exercise impacts different muscles. He is always smiling and happy to answer any question. He is flexible, accommodating and understood very well what I was looking for. I was a bit worried when I started gym because of my lower back pain. I have been going to the gym for 3 months now, I no longer have pain in my lower back and gained considerable strength, all thanks to Dan. I would recommend this gym to everyone who is starting their journey in the fitness world.Three: The gym is open 24/7 and has everything you need. Bathrooms are squeaky clean. Every member of the gym is super nice and polite.
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February 2023 by Madhana Raghavan Nitiyananda Rahavan
Been going here since September and have been enjoying my fitness journey. Diego helped me with my supplements which I think was a game changer. In addition to that he also set me up with Ivis Rodriguez who is an amazing trainer with great knowledge, and people skills. Everyone is friendly, and respectful of one another here. The space is somewhat tight, but folks are more than willing to move their benches or weights around. Overall, a great place if you're looking for some handholding in your fitness journey and/or not sure where to begin.
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January 2023 by Fred Greenfield
I have been working out for many years. I have always been associated with larger chain facilities. Never completely satisfied with the level of professionalism found in these facilties, I statrted asking around for a better more professional facilty that might satisfy my needs. An acquaintance told me about this place called "Strong Hands". I stopped by to check it out. What a "breath of fresh air". Strong Hands was exactly what I had been wishing for. A great experience. Personafied the ultimate in professionalism. I found a great trainer to work with,The owner, Diaego, is a hands on operator who personally makes sure that people accomplish their intended goals.I could not be happier.I highly recommend.
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October 2022 by Caleb Talbot
I’ve been going to Strong Hands for close to six months and training with Bianca for the entire time. When I started going to the gym, I was looking for a way to get back on track with my health and fitness. I was one of those people who stopped exercising during the pandemic and I knew I needed accountability to become consistent again. I can honestly say I made the best decision for myself by joining this gym and training with Bianca. It is a very VERY inclusive space where I always feel comfortable to be myself. Even though I’m training alongside professional bodybuilders, I never feel intimidated because that’s just not the vibe in this space. Additionally, Bianca makes it so fun to show up for my twice weekly training sessions. She super good at what she does and she is just a wonderful person on top of it! I highly recommend this gym!
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September 2022 by Julian Diaz
I'm working out with a personal trainer twice a week and getting nutrition coaching. So far I love it. The gym has a warm, inclusive, fun vibe. Lots of personality. And there's always some really cool classes taking place. I definitely prefer this over corporate chain gyms.
