I’ve been going to Kru for about a year and a half and will not go to another gym. I never worked out regularly but had started a couple years ago with a big box gym nearby. After a couple pretty terrible experiences with their trainers I gave up just around the time Kru was beginning a 6 week boot camp. I started that boot camp without high expectations but quickly saw results and actually learned a lot about fitness in the process. Kru’s trainers are amazing, friendly and experienced with all skill levels. The trainers and the community of people I’ve met and received support from at Kru are just a few of the reasons I go back week after week. If you are just getting started or are intimidated by the big box gyms with subpar trainers, give Kru a try! I’d give more stars if I could!
Ben V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
I’ve been going to Kru now for six years. I’m not someone that handles going to big box gyms very well– generally I wander around intimidated by the machines and people training and then I leave without doing anything. Kru is a small storefront gym that is centered around classes run by friendly people who learn your name and help you train(rhyme unintentional). In the six years I’ve gone a variety of trainers have come and gone, but each was great at their job, and ran excellent classes. If you’re someone that is always overwhelmed by a gym, I recommend swinging by.
Lauren F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
Love, love, love Kru! I have worked out with Josha since probably 2008 and she is the best! Kru is different from other gyms because it truly is a personal experience. Josha and the trainers at Kru know and care about every single client-they are fantastic at what they do and go above and beyond to help you realize your fitness goals whether they be losing weight, toning up, building muscle, or just getting in shape. My knees and back take turns bothering me and Josha will give me stretching and strengthening moves to help ease the pain. Kru offers a variety of classes every day that are included in the price of your fitness membership-just another perk. They’ve also got sparkly new cardio machines and a couple giant flat screens for when you want to get your walk/run/bike/elliptical on. Love Kru and everything about it-I have a gym right outside my front door but I still drive across town to Kru to get my workout on.
Genevieve K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
I posted this review in 2010. 5 years later — we’re still together. I love you, Kru. You’re still the one…(gym)…for me. I admit: I delayed writing this review for selfish reasons — I don’t want my fantastic neighborhood gym to get too crowded! I’m an only child, what can I say? The owner: Josha. is. awesome. Caroline M. hit the nail on the head: «she does TONS of the training herself, she’s knowledgeable, she helps you treat pain at the source, there’s nothing fake about her». She’s also really approachable and listens carefully to comments and questions. AAAND, to top it all off, for Christmas Josha gave every member a super-cute goodie bag and hand-written card. When was the last time a GYM made YOU feel SPECIAL? Srsly. Most of the classes are 30 minutes, which might seem short, but I always get a GREAT workout. I’ll often do 20 – 30 min on the elliptical before/after class. Plus many of the classes are back-to-back so you can take 1 right after the other.(I’m not there yet! These classes are no joke, people!) So there you have it, Unilocalers. I’m not keeping Kru a secret anymore. :o) If you are in need of a gym, I highly recommend mine!
Jackie K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
What makes a small club like this work is the people — and most of the trainers at Kru are very solid. The three I have worked with most closely are Sam, Jaush and Josha. They are patient, thoughtful, intuitive, knowledgeable and pay attention to form. In the year and a half I have been a member, I have taken over 200 classes and there have only been a handful of times I have been disappointed. The key is to try out as many classes and trainers as possible and see which fit your style. Kru feels homey — and part of that means it does not have all the amenities of a larger club. But, for me it offers the important piece I want in my gym experience — a solid workout where I feel encouraged to come back again and again. In addition, Josha, the owner, welcome input on what is working and what is not and tries to address it.
Katie H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
I joined Kru and have never gone to the gym so much in my life since. The trainers and management are amazing. It is clearly part of their mission that the trainers(who also teach the classes) need to learn your name and get to know you. I wonder if the owner, Josha, secretly takes pictures of you when you sign up and sends them to the other trainers with info about you… because even the ones I had never worked out with new my name!(I’m just kidding, they don’t do that but that’s how well they treat their members). The fact that your trainers also teach the classes is amazing. They know your limits, which weights you should grab, and they know how hard you need to push yourself. If you’re not feeling well or something hurts, no trainer will yell at you or make you feel bad, because they truly just want to help you do your best. Most of the classes are quite small, I’ve been one of 1⁄20 to 1⁄1 in a class, but usually there are just a handful of us. Never 40 people in a room with one trainer yelling at you from the front who doesn’t care who you are or care about what you’re doing. I also take the group fitness training sessions. They’re very similar to personal training but they’re only a half hour and with up to 2 other people. Doing one of these paired with 30 mins class means you get a great 1 hr workout and you don’t get bored. That’s right… you don’t get bored at Kru, and I «hate» the gym. Although, sadly, now that’s not true at all. I really like the gym and have started jogging to and from it, what has Kru done? As other people have stated, the place is ALWAYS clean. The bathrooms, the showers, and plenty of towels-always clean. If you ever have questions about nutrition, working out on your own, etc., the staff and owners are knowledgeable, approachable, and certified! If you are the kind of person who né
Bernie I.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
Kru is an amazing gym! The trainers are knowledgeable and friendly. They are dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals while keeping the atmosphere positive and fun! There is a great variety of classes and the equipment is all up to date and super clean. I highly recommend this gym if you want to stay motivated and increase your overall fitness level.
Meagan L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
I’ve been to quite a few gyms in my day and Kru is by far my favorite. It’s very small which at first I thought would be a problem, but it really just makes for a friendly atmosphere. Everyone from the trainers to the members are just so friendly and motivating. The classes are fantastic and have worked my muscles in ways I never thought possible. I honestly feel like I have my own personal trainer throughout every class which is something I definitely needed to get my butt in gear. Another plus is every month Josha does biometrics to check your progress. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to get serious about getting in shape.