You do not need to be fit first. Every class at Chicago Strength scales to your level and is coached from your very first rep. Here is exactly how a beginner gets started at River North, Logan Square or Avondale.
The single most common reason people put off their first class is thinking they need to get in shape before they walk in. You do not. Every workout we run is scaled to the person doing it. The weight on the bar, the height of the box, the number of reps, all of it flexes to meet you where you are today. A coach makes those calls with you before the workout starts, so a first-timer and a ten-year veteran can train the same session side by side and both leave having worked exactly as hard as they should. You get fit by starting. That is the whole idea.
What actually makes a beginner stick is coaching and community, and that is what Chicago Strength is built on. You are never left to figure out a movement from a whiteboard. A coach teaches it, watches you do it, and keeps you safe while you learn, class after class, alongside people who were standing exactly where you are not long ago.
Our group fitness classes need zero prior experience. It is the most popular front door for total beginners: strength and conditioning built into an hour, fully coached and scaled, no barbell prerequisites. Book your free first class and just show up.
Want the full CrossFit class? Elements is a single 60 to 90 minute private session with a coach that teaches you the core CrossFit movements and clears you to join the regular WOD. One session. Not a multi-week course. It is free with our 3-month intro special, or $99 on its own.
Pick River North, Logan Square or Avondale and reserve a spot online. First class is free for first-time clients. It takes about two minutes.
Arrive ten minutes early. Your coach learns your history and goals, then scales the workout to exactly where you are today. No test, no judgment.
One hour with the class. Afterward, a high-five and an honest chat about what a beginner path looks like from here. No hard sell.
No. Every workout scales to your level and a coach adjusts the weights and movements so your first class meets you exactly where you are. You get fit by starting, not before you start.
One session, 60 to 90 minutes, with a coach. We do not make you complete a multi-week beginner course before you can join classes. After that single session you are cleared for the regular CrossFit WOD at any of our three locations.
Yes. Elements is 1-on-1 by default, but if two of you want to start together you can share the session. Same 60 to 90 minutes, same coach, same clearance at the end.
Perfectly normal, and exactly what the Elements on-ramp and our beginner-friendly group fitness classes are for. You will be taught every movement from the ground up before you ever load real weight.
No. We coach total beginners every week, at every age and starting point. Scaling exists precisely so the workout fits you, instead of you having to fit the workout.
Your first class is free at any of our three locations. Questions first? Call 312-664-0130 and a human answers, or email [email protected].
Everyone starts somewhere
No experience needed. Book one hour at River North, Logan Square or Avondale, meet a coach, and find out how good starting actually feels.
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