Strictly Fit

So far, so good.
I just started last week and am very pleased with the Barry-​n-​Buddy team (trainer and resident canine fitness cheerleader).
The studio is in a great location (Lincoln Ave and Irving Park Rd). It’s light, sunny, airy, and retro all rolled into one.
My goals are:
flexibility
weight loss
endurance
fat loss
I will update my thoughts after my training regimen is over. For the record, this is the first time in my life that I have hired a PT.

Barry is GREAT. I was pretty out of shape when I started training with him as a result of some surgery and general couch potato-​ness. I tried working out on my own, but as we all know, keeping yourself motivated and consistent is hard. I’d never been to a one-​on-​one trainer before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I definitely DID expect, however, that I better see results if I was going to drop the money. And I can tell you that I have not been disapointed! Barry totally works with where you are, which for me was pretty schlubby and flubby, and he has NEVER made me feel bad for it. He has been patiently and positively getting me to get leaner and stronger and more fit! I’ve dropped at least one dress size, probably more, and I’m amazed at how I’ve progressed in the workouts. My body has firmed and changed noticeably. I’m doing all sorts of things I didn’t know I could, and I love it. He mixes it up every time, it’s never the same thing. He’s got great energy and is always up for a good laugh, and Buddy the pug is always there to accompany the workout with some snoring. ha! Just one thing, it’s not your slick, super modern gym experience if you’re used to that. It’s a converted apartment loft with exposed brick and hardwood floors. It’s spacious and comfortable, and he’s got every piece of equipment needed for a very effective experience. Barry also helps me with diet and nutrition and is always encouraging me to progress and keep it up. He knows his stuff! It’s an intense workout, he really pushes you, but due to his method, I’ve never felt a lot of soreness or pain, which has surprised me. I’m sore, sure, but a «good» sore, and not all the time. I feel ready for the summer and can’t wait to buy a new wardrobe!

Strictly Fit is a personal fitness studio and Barry is terrific! I’ve been coming here regularly now for 5 years for one-​on-​one comprehensive training geared to my body type. Now in my 50s, I truly appreciate the knowledge and attention offered by a committed professional like Barry.

If you want one on one personal training in North Center this is a great place to train.
Barry really knows his stuff –and don’t think your cardio or weight training is up to snuff and challenge him to a cardio-​off or whatever because he will surprise you. Go get in shape before another summer rolls around!

I started working with Barry at Strictly Fit several years ago when I finally decided to get off my duff and start taking better care of myself. He had come highly recommended by a coworker as being someone who would kick my butt into gear as well as also being a genuinely nice guy, so I gave him a call and we talked briefly to schedule a consultation appointment. I’ve never been a «workin out» kind of guy, so frankly it was a pretty big deal for me when I walked in his door for the first time and asked him if he «could work with someone like me». He assured me that he could and welcomed me into his studio where he explained his philosophy towards fitness and asked me about what I was hoping to achieve. Barry was very thoughtful in his approach to creating a fitness program based on my personal goals and tailored to my abilities at the time.
After starting our regular routine, I was amazed at how quickly I began to see changes in myself, excess weight replaced by new muscle. Even more surprising to me was the effect those changes had on my confidence and the way I carried myself, it is definitely something I wish I had started a long time ago. My main goal has always been to have physical fitness be a consistent part of my life and to that end I still work with Barry regularly today. You’d think that after so long it would get boring, but somehow it really hasn’t. While he does have his tried and true favorites, he always mixes things up and strives to come up with new and inventive routines to keep our sessions fresh. Also, as mentioned by another reviewer, he occasionally brings his dog Buddy to the studio. Buddy is awesome.

Barry is a genius! After watching The Biggest Loser and seeing Jillian, I was not that jazzed about getting a personal trainer. After being referred to him by a friend, I can’t imagine not doing it sooner! He is fantastic about listening to what your goals are and tailoring a program to fit your needs. I travel for work, so he has taught me everything I need to know to work out in a gym or a crappy fitness center at a hotel, and get an excellent work out in! And with the addition of Buddy (the adorable black pug he brings with), it makes working out even better! Call him NOW! You won’t regret it!

Oh man. I just got back from a session at Strictly Fit and I am wiped out. Barry is terrific, he really tries to figure out where you’re at and where you want to go in terms of your fitness, and is constantly changing up the routines to adapt to your strength and endurance, and to keep you from getting bored. Barry’s a great guy, he offers a lot of help and support in terms of lifestyle and nutrition; he really takes his work seriously, trying to offer the best value that he can and make sure you get the most out of every minute of your session. He keeps me moving and motivated with a firm but gentle style that makes me look forward to our sessions, no matter how brutal I know they’re going to be.
OK, to be honest, the real reason I keep going back is to play with Buddy, the black pug who is the studio mascot. He’s totally cool and adorable and hardly smells like dog. And if you aren’t giving it all you’ve got, he just stares at you sadly, like he knows you’re just coasting and rather than be upset, he just pities you. Well, actually it’s just that «PLAY WITH ME» stare, but I choose to interpret it my way as a motivational aid.