FIT Boutique

NOTE: A few things have been updated in this review to reflect the new Lake Cook Road location.

I hate every minute I'm there, but I love how I feel a couple days later.

F.I.T. Boutique is an appointment-based personal training studio that also offers yoga and boot camp classes. Someone is always there during weekday business hours, but sessions and classes are also scheduled for mornings, evenings and weekends.

This is not the place to go if you're looking for 20 minutes on a treadmill and a steam. It looks nice on the inside, but if juice bars are your thing, this probably isn't the workout for you. A couple pieces of cardio equipment for you to warm up with while you wait for your start time and then everything else is geared toward training. Music is largely dependent upon who last handled the iPod. With luck, that's 80's Hard Rock, but occasionally someone will fire up something better geared toward cardio rather than strength training.

There's no shower for general use, but they do have hand towels if you need to do some light freshening up after a workout. The bathrooms are large, so you can practice your Julie Andrews Sound of Music twirling inside without fear of injury.

When you come in, the owner will work with you to identify your goals and determine a good fit for a trainer. They have a good roster of trainers on staff: most are employees, but a couple are independent. I've worked with Nick (an independent) for seven years and I curse his name every day after a workout - that's actually a good thing.

With the exception of when classes are in session, I don't think I've ever seen more than four clients training at a time, so there's very little conflict over equipment - especially now that they've added more in the new location.

Pricing is a little better than the chains AND you're getting a full hour instead of a 50-minute hour like the major chains. They usually have an introductory offer of X classes for $Y. IIRC, it's 8 sessions for $99. I don't know what they charge beyond the intro period, but if you've found a trainer that works for you, then it'll be worth it.

They also have a nutritionist who offices there. I haven't availed myself of her services because I'm sure she'll tell me that chocolate cake is not a solid breakfast choice and I don't need that kind of negativity in my life. But, if you need that kind of help, it's available. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Best trainers! Spacious but intimate environment, so you can stay focused on what you’re there to do without distractions. With the guidance from my trainer, I achieved my weight loss goal and am now working on building more muscle! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

FIT Boutique offer quality, knowledge, personnel training.  There are plenty of personnel trainer in the NorthShore area maybe a little too many.  But I have to say George Xi with his experience and knowledge offers a cutting edge for any goals that you want to reach.  He is very attentive to his clients needs and goals.  I highly recommend you try their facility first before anywhere else. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I purchased the eight session package at F.I.T. Boutique and had my final session two days ago. I must say I'm very pleased that I gave personal training a try. My Personal Fitness Trainer, Tristan was sensational. He was really patient with me and listened closely to my goals and physical concerns. Tristan was not a drill sergeant but he found just the right way to motivate me and get the best out of me. He introduced me to many exercises I was not familiar with and explained concisely what benefits each exercise would provide. Tristan was extremely accommodating when it came to scheduling appointments and very understanding when I had to postpone on one occasion. Above all he is very knowledgeable and highly professional. The facility is kept clean and the equipment is in good shape. Jim , the owner and the other trainers were very friendly and professional. I would recommend F.I.T. Boutique to anyone that wants to improve their overall physical fitness. More...

Reviewed on Yelp