LEAP Chicago

I have been a member of LEAP for a little over 2 months and came here to write a review. I was surprised to find this most recent negative review, written by what seems to be a disgruntled employee. Now, I feel not only compelled to write about my experience here at LEAP, but to also write in response to the aforementioned negative “review”.I am 48 years old and a practicing clinical psychologist, who consistently weaves health, wellness, and fitness into the treatment plans of my patients. AND, I practice what I preach. I have been intensely focused on my own fitness and nutrition for the past 14 years including: 1:1 personal training, small group training, strength and conditioning, hypertrophy training, HIIT, running, and even “training” my friends in-person and via zoom workout videos. I’ve been a member of many different gyms and training studios over the years, each with its own culture, style, and “feel”. I share all of this to say that I’ve been intimately involved in the fitness world in various capacities for many years and am therefore a good judge on whether a trainer is instructing from a foundational place of knowledge, experience, and safety.I can easily say, without hesitation, that Matt, my 1:1 personal trainer, and the other staff who teach small group classes, are knowledgeable, focused on proper form and safety, while also encouraging us to push ourselves. In response to clients lifting “too heavy”, I can honestly say that I’ve never been encouraged to lift as heavy as I currently am training with Matt. However, he is acutely focused on my form, giving proper direction and feedback, and modifying by lessening weight or reducing reps when necessary. I have never been injured, nor do I fear that I may.I am inclined to make one more comment in response to the negative review regarding this individual’s degree in kinesiology. A degree does not make a good practitioner. A good practitioner, whether it be a psychologist like myself, or a fitness trainer, comes from education- yes-, BUT more so is derived from years dedicated to a craft that becomes honed through years of experience and the individuality that each client brings to the table. Therefore, to discredit someone’s training style because they do not hold a a specific degree is extremely short-sighted.LEAP has a true community feel. Everyone, including staff and clients, has good energy and lifts one another up. The classes are fun and the trainers I have worked with here are knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to helping clients meet their own individual goals. My sense from the other clients at LEAP, some of them “long-timers”, is that they feel similarly as I do. 💪Dr. M

This place is a complete joke. The owner is a pathological liar and teaches improper technique to his clients. Matt let’s his clients workout without shoes and in socks only, which is dangerous as a person could slip and doesn’t provide the support some people need, let alone is gross. In addition, he lets his clients lift weights that are clearly too heavy for them, with form that could put them at an increased risk for injury (he posts the videos of clients on LEAP’s instastories if you don’t believe me). In fact, some clients have injured themselves as a result, including Matt. I wouldn’t waist my time here for how much they charge when you could find a gym with an owner who actually knows what they’re doing. The exception being Casey and Madeline and if you insist on going to this gym, I’d suggest you take their classes over Matt’s.Edit: after posting this review, Matt took to Leap’s Instagram to beg his followers/clients to write positive reviews to belittle what I have I said (even had his wife leave a review lol). And no, I am NOT a former employee. I have attended a few classes and witnessed things myself. While Leap does provide a sense of community and have a variety of equipment, Matt is unprofessional and I will reiterate, he has clients do poor variations of exercises, at weights that are too heavy, which is ignorant on his part. And last but not least, I will stress that Matt creates a toxic environment behind the scenes that you, as a client, aren’t aware of because he knows how to hide it from you all. I wouldn’t be wasting my time reviewing this place if I didn’t feel that people should be aware.

LEAP is extremely client focused. Their main objective is help you achieve any fitness or health goal you may have – no matter your current fitness level. Their classes combine strength conditioning, cardio and mobility. This combined with the extremely friendly atmosphere; you can’t help but want to come back again and again.

LEAP offers great self-guided workouts with the current limitations of Chicago. Amazing one on one personal training offered as well! Joined LEAP to motivate myself and create a great habit, I have seen great results.

This place is awesome! Coaches are very knowledgeable, professional and super friendly. The facility is very clean and safe, everyone wears a mask and practice social distancing. This is the only gym I feel safe to go to during these times.

LEAP is a top notch facility with the very best trainers and equipment. Matt and his team personifies what you want in a personal trainer and small group engagement. Best of the Best!

Matt and his team are great! They make the gym experience very welcoming and not intimidating or pretentious like other gyms. Even the other clients are really friendly and there's a sense of community amongst everyone. You also get a lot of personalized attention. If you're real serious about reaching your fitness goals, and have struggled elsewhere, I would definitely recommend LEAP!

I have truly enjoyed my fitness journey since becoming a part of the LEAP family. I received a thorough first consult with Matt who took into account all of my fitness requests and previous injuries. I’ve enjoyed all of my 1:1 sessions with Casey, Matt and Anna; they take pride in their work and dedicate attention to their clients. It’s great to see that we can continue working out in a comfortable environment and small groups without any concerns. I value that now more than ever. Glad I joined!

I love the positive atmosphere at the facility. The instructors all have good energy and are professional. If you are looking for a unique workout that will improve your strength, endurance, and cardiovascular system, LEAP has the best functional equipment that other gyms don't have. The facility is also clean and safe, especially important during this time.

I've been training at LEAP since June and highly recommend. I enjoy training one-on-one with Casey, and recommend checking out personal training if you want to work toward specific goals, desire personal attention, or need flexibility in your schedule. LEAP also offers a variety of strength-based and cardio-based group fitness classes. These classes max out at 8 participants, meaning you still get plenty of personal attention, corrections, and modifications! It's very clean and everyone works out in masks, so I feel safe training here even during the pandemic.