Kate C

I'm pretty sure if Jillian Michaels met Nell S., she would definitely approve.  I just got home from Thursday night boot camp and my arms already feel more toned than they have since I was 16 and my thighs are on fire. More impressive is the fact that Nell remembers your name. In fact, it's really hard to slack on a pull-up when a really fit lady (that could beat you up) is telling you to suck in your stomach by your full name in an Australian accent.

I started out by going to Ben's Wednesday night rowing class, which was a great way to start! I don't reco starting with boot camp. If you live in the city, definitely check it out to change up your workout.

I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to come home and drink three beers after boot camp, but oh well. '- )

It definitely opens up a whole new world on the rowing machine. The neglected machine at the gym is no longer the red headed stepchild.

Laura W

I was initially intrigued by Rowfit Chicago because I thought it would be a nice alternative to the gym (although seriously -- never rowed in my life).

I was very impressed not only with the class selections (there are several options to choose from) but also the instruction.  Nell is awesome - she's extremely knowledgeable based on her experience and it translates well to her teaching style.   After one "Intro" class I felt like I could definitely hold my own.  :)

Great staff, great equipment, great workout - I HIGHLY recommend!!!

Derick L

First off let me mention that I don't enjoy weight lifting so much (my mind goes stir crazy on the bench) and prefer more active exercises such as biking, running, and now ROWING!

I couldn't be happier with Rowfit Chicago, from the first catch to release and back I was hooked!

Rowfit has an awesome small classroom feel to it, and it doesn't feel like you have everyone else in the gym trying to size you up either. The work outs range from distance pieces to sprints and more, and that is only the rowing. For $99 a month (no sign up fee! other packages available.) you get access to classes for rowing, row boot camp (rowing pieces and core exercises), cross fit, cycle training, boxing and yoga on Sunday. All of which include a pre fabricated work out and direction by the class instructors.

As for the instructors; Nell and her crew are astounding with their own work ethic which is motivation itself. They are also spot on with maintaining rigorous workouts yet still manage to know everyone and their needs. (I have a recovering knee injury and certain workouts were adjusted to lower the stress on it) Such a great handful of instructors the lot of them!

In closing,

Get fit, stay fit, ROWFIT!

Kate K

This place is seriously THE BEST. I have always been the one to walk around the gym aimlessly and count down the minutes 'til the torture was over. I don't know how they do it but they make working out FUN and I actually look forward to classes! I feel stronger and better about myself after every single class.

Mandy H

OK I am in love with this place now, Trainers and all!  Just took the Monday night boxing class and loved every second of it. I love that Matt allows you to "drop in" for class instead of having a set time for class. It is great in case you can't make it to the gym by 6pm. I didn't know what to expect with my first ever boxing class but boy, my arms were sore for 4 days after class!! Yikes! glad I can keep coming back to get my body into shape! Boot camp is also a lot of fun and really tough. Nell's rocks and it is great for all physical fitness types. Thank you Rowfit for kicking my butt!

Emmitt R

so i have been crossfitting for almost 2 years and my rowing was a weakness..i hated the rowing machine soooo much!!!.  But after a few classes I have learned quality technique, which has improved my endurance without back and calf pain which I I sometimes experience with running.  This has also helped my endurance in crossfit.

Heather G

I first heard about this place from YouSwoop about a month ago. I just wanted to try something different than my usual gym class workouts. I typically go to the same classes: one on Wednesday nights and one on Saturday mornings (the name/type of class is the same but the workout is different EVERY time)! They have a "workout of the day" that challenges you in different ways each class and keeps things from getting repetitive. I really like that it's a small studio because you get to know everyone (the instructors and classmates)! When you walk in people know your name and say hello. All the instructors I have met are very helpful, knowledgeable and always encourage you to ask questions. I definitely recommend this place.

Brittany M

Rowfit is a unpretentious, fun, challenging place to workout.  I joined because it was so close to me and I was growing tired of the usual gym workouts, and now I'm hooked.  Nell is a wonderful teacher and doesn't let you slack off, Ben is fantastic at focusing on the technical skills, and everyone that works out there is fun and friendly.  I haven't repeated a workout yet, every day is something new.  My arms are more toned than I've seen in years and my legs burn after every session.  

I was impressed in the beginning with the instructors and the equipment.  Now I'm just addicted to the workout and the results I'm seeing. I highly recommend joining Rowfit if you're tired of all the B.S. you get from other gym's in Chicago that don't treat their members like they deserve, or if you're just looking for a change of pace in your workouts.

Alex H

......I am sending this email to properly thank you for everything this summer. The amount of strength that I have gained both physically and mentally is far beyond what I thought I could achieve over the past few months (or ever, to be honest)......what an incredible team you and the other rowfit 'leaders' have fostered. I feel so lucky to have been able to train with such incredible people (and, of course, athletes), and I feel like I owe my growth this summer entirely to them....thank you for everything and so much more. I will certainly keep in touch (get psyched for some awesome pics of handstands, kipping pullups, and maybe even those treacherous ring dips).....its odd, I already miss the training.....

Ashley R

After dumping my gym two years ago I tried to keep working out on my own- running, on demand/dvd workouts, etc. They were all good...for about a week, then I'd get bored and quit. I need motivation. Rowfit was the PERFECT solution. I started going after buying their YouSwoop and was hooked. Nell, Eric and the rest of their crew are great! They are constantly motivating you without pushing you. Every day is a different workout so you're never bored. I never thought my workouts would be centered around rowing but I love it and glad that I'm no longer a slave to the elliptical.

Wendy M

I tried the boxing class for the first time last night.  Matt was a great teacher and I am (good) sore today!  It was a great change up from my normal work out routine.  And as a runner who *hates* upper body workouts....this is a great way to get that workout while still having fun!  Can't wait for my next class!!

Katie B

I just signed up for another 10 class series of Rowfit!  I've been taking the Bootcamp and it is the best class/form of exercise I have ever experienced. LOVE IT!  The instructors are great, the other group members are motivating and I can't get enough!

Chad L

Join this studio....period!!! It will change your body more than you will believe.  This place will make any high price athletic club or trendy gym look like a pretentious social scene that takes your money and could care less about your results. The Rowfit studio demands results and improvement, and you'll make a few friends while you're at it!

Rebecca P

Let me just say the 'erg' is addicting!  Whether it's an early morning endurance workout or rowing boot camp after work, I leave the studio soaked with sweat and totally invigorated.  I'm in the best shape I've been in 15 years.  Rowing is an excellent workout for the entire body and all of the experienced instructors make it interesting and fun.  You can't go wrong with  Rowfit Chicago!

Ken K