Troy Stephenson

I started training with Troy after working with a different personal trainer for several years. When he started training me, I was certain that I could do anything he threw at me. Even though I was in the greatest shape of my life, Troy easily found my weak points and began pushing me in those areas. His speed sets and vast variety of burpees really took me to a whole other level.
Troy has a great ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses, spot breakdowns in form, and make adjustments for injuries or other issues. He corrected my squat which I had been doing wrong for ages. He also is very adaptable and would alter my routine to match my energy levels without me having to say anything to him.
After training, Troy stretched me out, which I had never had done before. It turned out to be a huge benefit to my recovery time and soreness level. He’s always very respectful and personable.
I found out that Troy boxes, and so we began working in some boxing sessions around our traditional lifting. I loved it so much. He was so much fun to box with, and even though I probably looked ridiculous when I started, he never made me feel like it. He made it fun, is a great teacher and I was always pouring sweat by the end of a session.
After starting training with Troy, I recommended him to my husband, who also started training with him and had great success. Unfortunately we moved away, but had we stayed in the area, we would both still be working with Troy.

I’ve been training with Troy for over 5 years. He was not my first trainer I’ve ever had, but he is likely my last. He has been able to keep me motivated by adding variety and challenges to every workout. He was recommended to me by my sister and I have passed him on to many friends who are looking to be challenged and get fit. He won’t make it easy, but he will make it fun and make it worth your time. I’ve moved 3 times since we started training together. While I’m no longer in the same neighborhood, I have been at the same gym in order to keep him in my schedule. Highly recommended, a true professional.

I have had the pleasure of being Troy’s client now for 3 years. My first experience with Troy occurred when I was suckered into buying the personal training package at the gym. My first trainer (assigned by the gym) quit that gym after my first 2 sessons. He did manage to transfer me to another trainer, who stood me up for my first appointment… that is how I found Troy. He found me staring dumbfounded at the training desk and came to my rescue. I’ve been a loyal client of his ever since that day. Suffice it to say, I really lucked out with this guy. He knows his stuff and he’s deeply invested in his clients. It comes as no surprise that he’s usually fully booked with long time regulars for his personal training schedule. He has bent over backwards to accommodate my insane working hours and has put up me during my worst post-​call days (bless his heart for that, I can be seriously cranky). I have always disliked weight training (still do) but Troy has managed to sculpt and tone muscles I didn’t know I had. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and now I willingly re-​up my personal training packages.
In recent months, I’ve also been fortunate enough to experience Troy as a massage therapist. During his school/​training for his massage therapy license, he would invite me to the school so he could practice on me. Not an ideal setting as you’re in a room full of strangers (in separate curtained «rooms»), but I wasn’t about to turn down free massages. As soon as I had my first massage, I knew I would become a regular paying client of Troy in this aspect as well. Lucky for me, he has set up hours at the gym where I currently train. Um, hello… yes I’d love to work out with you and then get a 60 – 90 minute massage. It doesn’t get any better than that really. Now, a word of caution… this is some serious deep tissue, therapeutic sports massage I’m talking about here. Not for the faint of heart. While he manages to create zen surroundings that could easily put me to sleep, I am kept well awake by the intense pressure being applied to my chronically tight IT bands, glutes, and well basically everywhere in my lower extremities. While it’s intense and on par with labor pains (I think), it does the job. If you’ve ever had active release therapy, it’s that same kind of concept. The tension fades and I am able to continue running to my heart’s delight. I’m sure Troy can deliver a perfectly delightful relaxing Swedish massage too, so don’t hesitate to book him for any massage services you desire.
My only complaint now is that he’s too damn popular… he’s already booked out a few weeks in advance at my gym. However, he assures me that he is adding hours to accommodate more clients. He also has his own massage table and is willing to provide in home services for clients. I can’t remember what I pay for his massages as I ended up buying a package through my gym, but it wasn’t unreasonable (under $ 100 per massage I think) for Chicago prices.

I met Troy in 2009, what started out as a business relationship turned into a great friendship and him being my life coach and confidant. It took me a while to understand what a lifestyle change looked like up until I met Troy. He is one of the most honest, caring, and disciplined people I know. He genuinely cares about me and understands the struggles we go through as his clients. Working with him has made me both stronger mentally and physically. I know when I fall he is there to pick me up and guide me on the right path. He always has a client and friend in me. His services come highly recommended.