i.d. gym

Absolutely awful because of the personal trainer that works at this location. I would never suggest this location or working with these personal trainers. All they see is money At one point I told him I can’t keep paying for sessions he suggested I buy him whatever he wants on my credit card and we call it «gifts» I hope this scumbag sees the review.

I use this gym through Classpass and usually attend classes about two times a month.
In my opinion it’s not the cleanest gym, the locker room is a little weathered and the mats/​weights could use some replacing. I have taken the insanity, sculpt, abs and yoga class. The insanity was my favorite of the four, the instructor was engaging and I was sore the next day. Sculpt and abs were okay, the abs class didn’t run the full time and wasn’t very challenging. The yoga class didn’t bring me to that zen place because the instructor kept forgetting which side we were on and the flow seemed off.
I would actually consider knocking another star off but I can’t for three reasons., I keep signing up for classes (even though it’s usually when I’ve hit my class max at other studios), the insanity class was great and it’s really close to my house.

Reminded me of a highschool gym of a rival school that wasn’t as good as yours. NEVER take the Cardio Zumba class unless you just want to watch the instructor dance for 40 min and tell you to go to more classes to learn the moves. Sure practice will make you better at anything, but this chick didn’t instruct at all, she just started moving around. I’ve taken zumba, I’ve taken dance classes, I will never take her class again and not that interested in the gym either. One star for the hot front desk guy though :)

i.d. gym is just down the street from my old apartment, and much larger inside than I expected. It looks to have pretty much all the equipment you’d need, but the locker rooms felt like the swim locker rooms of my high school. Also, they didn’t have blow dryers (suuuuuch a diva), so just something to know if you plan on showering after a class.
I was first to show up for the 6:15am Fat Shred class, so Jen, the instructor, gave me the runaround while the regulars trickled in. The class consisted of 11 stations, most of relatively standard exercises, but I was surprised to see TRX pull-​ups as a station. We did each station for 45 seconds and then switched, taking a 2 minute break at the end of each circuit and then repeating the whole circuit 3 times total. I’d never done anything TRX-​related, so I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed the TRX pull-​ups. Jen was also a stickler for form, so I really appreciated her corrections. She did a good job of making the rounds during each circuit, ensuring that we were all using proper form. Overall, I enjoyed the class and got a good workout, but it was a little hard to really push myself hard for every single set, since we completed the stations individually. i.d. gym has a ton of other classes, (I’m really intrigued by the Caveman Workout!) so I’ll definitely return to try some of their other options.

I have been frustrated with my recent experience at id gym, however Brent was great!, in resolving my issues.

I didn’t realize that I.D. stands for «insanely dirty.» I have class pass and decided to check out a bootcamp class here today. The mat’s are black and used to be blue, the walls have dirt all over them, the equipment is old, and my hands were black from doing one push up because the floors were so gross. All of the towels were dirty (they were once white but mine had spots of yellow and pink on it) and there was no soap or paper towels in the bathroom.
The class was alright but not very motivating. There were only three of us. I would not recommend this gym to anyone unless you can go for free. If you do decide to go, bring hand sanitizer!

Pros about this gym: easily accessible by public transportation, clean, no one really tries to force packages or anything on you. The monitors at the front are friendly and remember a face.
Cons: Space is really limited. Crossfit, personal training, and fitness classes takes over about 90% of the facility, There is one small blocked off free weight area upstairs with some old machines in the upstairs, but that’s not practical for more than three people at a time. The gym is especially packed between 4pm-​9pm, so that if you want to lift independently or use anything besides a cardio machine, you are screwed. I work long hours, and I really disliked waiting until 8:30−9pm to get a workout in because there just was no space.
Two: I tried fly yoga one morning. I have the coordination and grace of an elephant and was not doing well on the silks. The female instructor leading the class (solo) was extremely rude. After the class, noticing my obvious frustration, she made the snippy remark, «Try the class again, or NOT», and started laughing. Yeah, that really threw me off wanting to try any fly yoga.
Bottom line: If you want to do Crossfit, Yoga, or Kettle Bells at a normal time, this gym would work well. If you want actual access to equipment at a decent hour, this place may not be the primo option.

I purchased a package of fly yoga classes for my boyfriend’s birthday and I also brought him to a class to try it out. We really enjoyed the experience and the instructor, Brent, was great. He had a calming voice and led a wonderful class, explaining each movement and offering suggestions for alternative poses for those who were new to the experience.
Their online system was very user-​friendly and made it quite easy to purchase the package of classes and reserve spots in the class. The space itself was clean and very organized and staff were friendly, great place!

I love this gym. The classes are creative and engaging, the trainers are friendly and informed, and I never had to wait to use equipment, even during peak hours.
I was a member here for more than a year, and started out going twice per week. By the time I left the gym, I was going between five and six times a week. I would still be there if I didn’t have to train for a rock-​climbing trip at the end of this summer.
Even though I didn’t take any personal training sessions, I developed friendly relationships with many of the trainers at the gym, and found them to be kind and helpful. They never interfered with my workout, but made it known that they’d be happy to give me pointers if I ever needed them. It only took a month or two for this place to feel like my home, and I really miss it.
The classes here are creative and fun. I originally started to take the parkour class (which is, sadly, no longer available), but also took Spinning, Kettlebells, The Caveman Workout, and Tabata Circuit. I enjoyed every class, and always felt that the class leaders were encouraging me, rather than commanding me, to do my best.
Crossfit is really big at this gym. While I only participate in traditional strength training, the Crossfit instructors were always nice to me and respectful of my space when we were sharing the same room. They also have a lengthy training process to make sure their students are ready for the intense workouts that can come with Crossfit, and take great care to help their students avoid injury. Whenever I hear complaints about Crossfit in the fitness community, I point to this gym as an example of a group that does it right.
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So, if you’re looking for a gym with lots of options at a great price, I.D. Gym is for you. It’s not fancy, but it always had what I needed to complete my training without me having to worry about it being too crowded. Best of all, the staff was great, and I always felt cared for. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Form follows function at this gym. As others have mentioned this is a relatively bare bones gym with a significant focus on classes and personal training vs. pools, saunas, weight machines etc. Although, having said that they have a fair amount of cardio machines– mostly treadmills, but also elliptical and stair climber.
There’s a good variety of instructors here and they are all very positive and knowledgeable. While I haven’t taken the fly yoga classes I’ve taken the vinyasa yoga classes taught by Brent and AJ. Brent– who also teaches spinning– is fantastic. He has a lot of enthusiasm in spinning and in yoga he is challenging while also taking the time to carefully remind his students that yoga isn’t a competition and that we should all listen to our own limitations. This can be difficult for me!
AJ, on the other hand, is funny and irreverent– which is something I’ve never experienced in a yoga instructor, but I have come to welcome. Every correction he gently makes to your pose is felt instantly, and I always leave feeling completely wrung out but very happy.
As a whole, everyone who works here is knowledgeable and genuine and takes the time to get to know you, and this attitude in particular keeps me coming back.
On a side note they do have a parking lot which can fill up during class times (especially in the evening) but metered parking is never an issue on this stretch of Lincoln.

This is the best gym to go to. Brent is great. I love taking his spinning classes.

My mom and I came here for the Fly Yoga class (aka Ariel Yoga). It was my first time at the gym, but she has been several times.
The gym itself is in an adorable town that is perfect for people in their 20’s-30’s– there is plenty of fun to get into. The gym seemed rather full with plenty of people getting their workout on which is a great sign. The yoga studio for fly was upstairs. I was so impressed that they had two full studios and two locker rooms up there! It was huge!
The fly studio was rather large and suited about 15 people I would say. Our teacher was FABULOUS, she was professional, calm and inspiring. I loved her because she kept a solid flow throughout the class and although a few sillly moments broke out, we still had a very spiritual experience. The only downside in my opinion was the actual slings that we did the class in were STINKY! Like legit smelled like somebody’s dirty armpit. I realize, however, that it may not be realistic to wash them after every class because they have to be re-​hung up and inspected for safety. Just be warned that you may end up with a very smelly sling. You’ll survive.
Loved the class, LOVED the gym. Would totally go back again. And will. Namaste!

Most people there know my name. Brent is awesome and really nice. I’ve been doing Crossfit there for a month, and Justin, John, and Scott are good, reliable, and friendly trainers. Everyone else in the classes are friendly too. It feels like a family. Justin actually cares about making sure you get a good workout, and I appreciate that immensely.
It’s very clean and not too busy. Most people there seem to enjoy working out and don’t look like they are being tortured. I’ve also been to a spinning class by Brent which was good too. Looking forward to try other classes there. Very recommended!

I’m only rating the ‘fly yoga’.
This was such a great class! Katia and Brent were both clear in their instruction and ensured proper form when executing the movements. I commend the studio for providing TWO instructors for this class. One lead while the other made sure to provide ‘how-​tos’ and provided hands-​on corrections. When flinging yourself through the air or doing a handless head stand… it’s super important to feel you’re not alone.
Class size was perfect (not too many people) and we all had a blast. I cannot wait to come back for another class.

I joined i.d. gym roughly a month ago and have been hitting 2 or 3 classes a week. I would go more often, but I definitely don’t live nearby. The convenience of the location off the Diversey Brown Line stop and the Diversey bus is what makes it easier for me to pop in after work.
As people have mentioned, it’s your bare bones gym. No fancy shmancy pools or saunas. The locker room is pretty tiny, but it serves its purpose. The instructors I’ve had all seem really nice, personal and approachable. Class sizes are decent.
I took my very first ever yoga class with Brent about 6 years ago and am ever so pleased that he’s teaching at this gym. Fly Yoga just about rocks my socks off. Dancer’s Body is a creeper (not creepy), in that you start out with small movements with seriously small weights, and all of a sudden, after moving your arms for 10 minutes, those 1 pounders feel like you’re benchpressing a linebacker. Make no bones about it, it’s challenging. Somehow, the class is so much fun, despite the pain, that you can’t help but come back.
AJ’s yoga class is great. He’s got a really fun personality and injects his humor into the practice, which makes it slightly irreverent and fun. He’s also got a fantastic grasp on anatomy, so if you describe low back pain, he’s actually got a knowledgeable solution to remedy that.
All in all, I love that there’s a wide variety of different types of people at the gym and that it feels very non-​judgmental.

I joined i.d. gym as part of CrossFit Lincoln Park membership. Justin, John and Matt are great, btw, but that is a separate review.
George is great at the front desk. I don’t know the name of the other fellow, but he is friendly as well. There is usually a welcoming commitee at the front desk to offer a friendly hello.
Brent is the personality of the gym. I have taken Yoga Basics and Fly Yoga, but I know he also teached Spin. He is always a fixture at the gym. Marron’s Yoga on Monday is challenging but scalable for all levels.
i joined for CrossFit but also take advantage of the rest of the facility. Clean, friendly and convenient; the trifecta!

My boyfriend and I have been members for a little over a month. We have been beyond pleased with our selection of choosing this gym. We frequent the spin classes and fly yoga… both of which are amazing.
All said, this gym has great energy and the instructors are top notch! I would hands down recommend this gym over any of the bigger chains in chicago.

What happens when a klutzy claustrophobic takes a fly yoga class? She breaks her toe in the first 5 minutes of class.*
I picked up a YouSwoop for ID Gym good for 8 classes or day passes mainly because it was close to home and offered a good variety of classes. I’m glad I did because I probably wouldn’t have discovered this diamond in the rough otherwise. Unfortunately, I only got to use half of my class package before it expired. This was totally my fault, they gave me plenty of time to use it (maybe 90 days), life just got in the way.
ID strives for functional over fancy. You won’t find a lot of state of the art equipment, fancy locker rooms or extra amenities here, but if you’re just looking for a place to get your sweat on with a nice, knowledgeable staff — this is it. The gym is a short walk from the Diversey Brown line stop and after work there aren’t people bum rushing the door like LPAC, which is nice.
The first class I took was Fly Yoga, a vinyasa-​style yoga class which uses hammocks, and despite breaking my toe attempting to get into the hammock, it was great. What I loved about the hammock was that with its support I could get into many of the balancing poses that trouble me and not have to worry about falling over and taking out the rest of the class like a bunch of dominoes. What I didn’t like about the hammock was that it made poses like downward dog, ones that usually don’t give me trouble, uncomfortable from the pressure the hammock put on my abdomen or other areas. I also found the smell of Febreze on the fabric a bit overwhelming when completely inside it. This class is very unique and definitely had me working up a sweat, it’s something I’d try again.
Originally, I had planned to take a few CrossFit classes as well, but frankly was very intimidated. When I arrived for my first one, I only saw a bunch of ripped dudes pumping some serious iron in the weight room before class. When it got close to the start of the session and nary a female was in sight, my palms started sweating and I asked to switch into Body Sculpt with Lillian. Maybe I would’ve been fine, but I really enjoyed Lillian’s class and came back several times for it. It’s a combination of light cardio, weights, resistance bands and the BOSU ball. I walked home after the first class thinking it was a cake walk, the next morning my body told a much different story.
I remain a commitment-​phobe as far as gyms go, but this one is definitely one I’d consider returning to. In addition to regular memberships, they offer month-​to-​month, personal training, and day pass/​class card options.
* My incident had nothing to do with the equipment or instructions I received, just my ability to hurt myself in pretty much any conceivable scenario.

I bought a groupon to ID gym, and I am in LOVE with it !!
Small clean gym with super nice front desk staff thats never crowded has AMAZING class options and a free parking lot in their adjoining lot !!
The instructors are all very hands on and with smaller classes sizes it is not only easier to get one on one attention but also avoids the awkward situations when your crammed in a class like sardines and are forced to be way too close to the yogi in front of you for downward dog. ekkk.
I’ve been wanting to take a Fly yoga class for years now and finally got my chance to take it with Brent, there was another instructor Amy who also helped out, 5 students and 2 teachers now that’s a good ratio !! Fly yoga is a– ah– mazing, I was totally frightened when before we even started the instructors were talking about doing inverted poses, but they were very patient and took the time to make sure everyone was able to do the pose. Every student gets their own hammock or silk which hangs from the ceiling, you start out and jump up in it, lay down, and tuck yourself in hanging like a cocoon… talk about relaxing !
I’ve also taken the Monday night Body Sculpt with Lillian, she is very motivating, and they class has lots of variation that keep you interested.
The only thing I am not in love with at ID gym is their locker room, yes its clean, yes it has 2 shower stalls, but there just isn’t a lot of room to change if you come right after work… I know I am really stretching to find something wrong with this place !! Check it out !

I head to ID Gym every Wednesday from 6 – 7 pm and I tell you, Dear Unilocalers, this joint is NEVER busy. If a small, independent gym with machines that are always open appeals to you, this is your gym. If a big, booming, crowded, designer spandex-​clad gym with all the bells and whistles like sauna, whirlpools and the like are your cup of tea, you may want to look elsewhere.
While I’m not a member of ID Gym, I frequent it because my personal trainer works out of this gym.
If you’re interested in personal training, I highly recommend setting up an appointment with my trainer, Rob Miller. The man has literally been kicking my ass for the past year and I’ve got the 80 pounds lost to prove it. Rob specializes in kettlebell training. For those not in the know, kettlebells are iron balls with a handle on top of varying weights that you use to do things like squats, lounges, presses, snatches, get-​ups, cleans and swings. It’s a fun way to get an entire body workout, not to mention efficient because it’s both cardiovascular AND toning wrapped into one, intense hour. Will your ass be sore? Yes. Will it get smaller, tighter and higher in the process? Also, yes.
But back to the gym. It’s clean. The guys that work at the gym are very cordial and actually remember me every week. I like that… it holds me accountable. I could see myself becoming a member when my membership and my regular gym runs out. It’s small, intimate and has up-​to-​date machines.
Win.