Stronghands Gym & Personal Training

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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!

After a few years away from the gym and covid pounds i wanted to find a personal training gym to kick off a new program. Strong hands and Diego are awesome. Diego’s positive energy is so inviting and the space and community he has created is great. The gym is never overly crowded and has great energy. I work with Will as a trainer and love him. highly recommend!

My fiancee and I started here a bit over a month ago, and there's legitimately not a person at this gym who isn't incredibly cool and not full of energy. I gained a lot of weight over covid and became pretty weak, and the trainers have been very helpful in working with me where I'm at now, both in strength/conditioning and in diet.The place is very accepting, I would suggest it for anyone who feels anxious about their weight/strength and wants to improve themselves.As a bonus, we came in looking for pure strength/conditioning, and we've just picked up boxing - the staff here is amazing at working with absolute beginners.Big thanks to Diego and team!