Hardpressed

I like to work out a lot. But everything I had been doing was becoming kind of boring– not interesting enough to push myself out of my comfort zone and not strength focused. So I tried Hardpressed and have been completely and totally obsessed ever since. It is the only workout I do that I know I have to give all I have and then some. I’m stronger, tougher and I am even seeing muscles I didn’t know even existed. You feel like you did something great all day long. All the trainers are AWESOME, but Collin is my go-​to guy – low key, supportive and kicks your butt. Also, no attitude in this place – clients and trainers – everyone is there to get stronger, work hard and do something great for themselves.

I love Hardpressed! It definitely lives up to its name. The sessions are hard and have helped push me to a level I would have not been able to or tried to do on my own. The coaches are encouraging, experienced, knowledgeable and they don’t ever let you slack off.
If you want to be challenged and feel accomplished after just 30 minutes schedule a session at Hardpressed ASAP!

First and foremost, Hardpressed is a first-​class strength training facility. There’s a reason this is a go-​to for industry professionals. I am a petite female who was a bit intimidated at first, but I have to say, this was hands down the most efficient and effective workout I’ve ever had. I saw results immediately and not a moment went to waste. That said, their new conditioning studio is on par with the Hardpressed experience. You do in 30min what most active people won’t do in a week. It’s quick, intense, and extremely efficient. Especially if you work in the loop and have back to back days — I can’t imagine a better option to get in your workout. Your heart will thank you!

Awesome! Really found my place in the workout world here!!!
It’s addictive and the results are phenomonal thanks to the great trainers… give it a try!

Well, first and foremost, I hate lifting weights. I’ve always been a cardio queen and always turned off by strength trainers on a power trip who tell me that everything I’m doing is wrong (it’s like, come on I can’t be doing EVERYTHING wrong). When I walked into Hard Pressed for the first time this past spring, I could tell they were different. The strength coaches weren’t there to lecture me and they weren’t there to sit around and make small talk. They are there to work and and make every single minute of your 30 minutes with them count and make sure you are working the entire time. I work primarily with Max and Cam, although I’ve worked with a lot of the strength coaches and they are all awesome. Max made me love lifting — we talk about my results and he gives me so much encouragement. I learn something every time I work with him. Cam is just the best — his passion is contagious and you can tell he genuinely believes in the people he works with and wants them to be the best version of themselves.
I found a love for lifting that I would have never thought was possible and it’s elevated my fitness to the next level. This place is a staple in my fitness regimen.

After hearing all of my friends talk about how difficult Hardpressed was, I purchased a promotional new member package of 10 classes for $ 199. I thought it was a steal, but of course there was a catch, I had to use all 10 classes in 30 days. That was kind of a problem… Hardpressed is by far the most difficult workout I have ever done! I had no idea how challenging it would be and how hard it would be on my body! After just one session it would take days for me recover. I’m no wimp, but it was too hard! I emailed the front office after the second week and I asked if they could extend my package, but of course they didn’t!
The workouts are great if you’ve «lifted» before, but BRO I don’t lift!
I have trouble holding a 10 lb weight and I was surprised the trainers just throw you on the machines with 100+ weights. The trainers Amanda, Kyle, and Josh were so encouraging, but I just didn’t enjoy feeling like I was going to pass out and vomit everywhere. NO amount of «just breathe, you got this,» was going to make me enjoy my sessions. I did appreciate that the trainers don’t distract you and they move to each machine quickly. I didn’t enjoy that the previous user didn’t wipe down the machines.
In sum, Hardpressed is a great lifting workout with personal attention for a decent price. Just know they are not accommodating with the packages, the women’s locker room is gross, and the workout is not for everyone.

Just do it.
Thats really all that needs to be said. Been working out at HardPressed for about a month now and am very happy with my experience so far. Being a somewhat newcomer to serious weight training, I was understandably a little apprehensive about what to expect. I can say that from my first minute there all that went away as everyone was super friendly — knowledgable and there is no «gym» attitude as you might expect. Make no mistake, this is no easy workout. You will be coached to get the most of your body and maximize the 30 minutes. but the coaches are right there guiding you thru each rep always giving you pointers to maximize safety, etc.
Shout out to Joe B for keeping me motivated to continue.

So, I stopped going to Hard Pressed.
It was a hard decision because I really liked everyone I worked with, but there were a few things:
(1) I felt I had stagnated in terms of fitness/​results. I addressed this with my trainer (s) and they still continued with the same (or similar) exercises.
(2) From the beginning I had told my trainer (s) that I was unhappy with my core and that was something I wanted to focus on. Unfortunately, my trainers never placed emphasis on this.
(3) Heavy weights yield fast results, yes, but perhaps they may also lead to injury. I started having pain in my right hip in April. I mentioned this to my trainer and he immediately placed blame on my «increased running» routine. I tried telling him I had actually been running a lot less that year compared to the year prior, and that I was convinced it was from the heavy weight of the hip machine. I don’t think he wanted to believe it was the hip machine, so we just laid off on the exercise and slowly integrated it back in. The pain never went away, even when I stopped running. Fast-​forward a few months (after I quit hard pressed), I finally went to the hip doctor and it turns out I have a labral tear, which requires surgery. The doctor thinks it’s from the weight bearing exercise, not running. I’m not saying my injury is from Hard Pressed, but I’m feeling a little upset that I let my trainer discount the potential impact the weight training had on my hip injury, and continued training. It’s a two way street here and I take partial blame for continuing with the training too, but still.
(4) Lastly, Hard Pressed is very expensive. I get that it’s a business and prices have to increase, but it would be nice if they had a loyal customer discount. It’s hard to support a business when the prices keep increasing and you feel like your results have stagnated.
Again, the guys at Hard Pressed are really great. But I had to vote with my dollar … and my hip. I wish them luck in their future endeavors.

I’ve been working out at Hard Pressed for the last few months, and I cannot say enough positive things about the workout and the trainers who provide it. As a gay man who is way more Britney than he is, well, anything, I was a little nervous that I would not click with this group of guys (let’s get serious, they’re a group of bros), but boy was I wrong.
Let me be clear when I say this: they may be bros, but they are professionals.
The trainers at Hard Pressed are knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly, incredibly motivating. That motivation is much needed as well, because, the workout pushes to your limit with each and every visit. And where you think your limit is also changes with each and every visit.
I train almost exclusively with Cam and Joe. Each time I train with Cam, I leave feeling exhausted but proud of what I have accomplished in just 30 minutes. I remember one time I finished a workout and Cam said to me «nice work man, you just made my day.» It must have been something about the way he said it, but I knew he meant it. That was cool. He loves this stuff. It shows and it’s infectious, and it makes me want to do better. He’s worth the hype.
From what I can gather, Joe is considered a rookie among the Hard Pressed trainers, but there is nothing rookie-​like about his workouts or training style. He’s an awesome guy who always provides motivation at the exact right time (usually when I’m so over that freaking rope).
There are plenty of other trainers at Hard Pressed that I’ve never worked with, but I swear they all know my name, and they always personally greet me when I come to the facility. It’s incredible and a client service touch that definitely goes noticed.
Like I said, they may be bros, but they are professionals.

I started working out at Hard Pressed one year ago after purchasing the Gilt City deal and absolutely love it. I’ve worked out at different boutique gyms in the city, but didn’t see the results I wanted until I started working out at Hard Pressed.
The workout is an intense 30 minutes of heavy lifting. As someone that never lifted more than 5lbs weights before coming to Hard Pressed, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I soon found out that I actually liked lifting, and that heavy lifting got me the results I wanted. The long and lean arm muscles I tried to get by lifting 2−5lbs weights didn’t happen until I actually started lifting heavier weights at Hard Pressed.
I train with Kyle and Dan on a weekly basis. They do an amazing job keeping me motivated and pushing me while also making sure I don’t hurt myself. I’ve also trained with almost every coach at Hard Pressed, so I know you get a great workout with every coach. Every strength coach also takes the time to know your name, so you’re always greeted by name when you walk off the elevator.
Hard Pressed is the perfect gym for anyone looking for a great workout. You only need to take 30 minutes a couple times a week, and you’ll start to see a difference.

After moving to Chicago just over a year ago I was looking for a place to workout. I was sick of going to a big-​name, or neighborhood gym and working out with a revolving door of personal trainers that happened to get hired the day I had my session. I wanted to simply workout and be done. After seeing all the glowing reviews on Unilocal,I purchased the Gilt City package and was ready to roll.
Hard Pressed is the real deal! There aren’t any gimmicks, the trainers aren’t trying to sell you supplements and there are NO distractions. Your ego is left at the door every time. It’s all business, all the time when you’re working out. I’ve worked with various trainers throughout the years and without a doubt I have been pushed to places I never thought was possible at HP. Once the Gilt City package ended, I’ve kept on going. I’ve trained with nearly everyone, but Cam is my dude. A brother from another mother. The guy is always in a positive attitude and gets me fired up every time we train together, no matter how tired I am. He absolutely knows how far he can push me and since working out at HP, specifically with Cam, I HAVEN’T had one injury. For years, I’ve had problems with my lower back. Cam works around this and never forces me to do anything. As a result, my lower back hasn’t flared up whatsoever from a workout.
All the trainers at HP are solid. You’re greeted by name every time you come off the elevator and the overall energy of the place keeps you locked in. If you want to get stronger and meet your personal goals this place will help you get there. It’s been 10-​months since I’ve been going and I’ve never looked back.
Take the plunge…

Hard Pressed is the most effective and efficient workout around. After spending up to 9 hours per week in Barre, spinning, yoga, you-​name-​it classes for the past couple years and after years of playing sports, I thought I was in pretty good shape. A friend introduced me to Hard Pressed seven months ago — I spent 30 minutes with Cam Paulson, and I have never looked back.
Every strength coach at HP is amazing and will safely push you through an intense 30-​minute workout, motivating you with their own style to earn every rep. I have trained with almost every coach, would absolutely train with any of them anytime, and get a great workout every single session. My very first session with Cam was all the evidence I needed to cancel my other gyms and classes. Cam motivates me to safely reach my highest intensity and ensures my form remains perfect. Twice a week for 30 minutes is all it has taken me to look and feel better than ever.
If you are looking for measurable results in a short amount of time, you simply will not find anything better. Be sure to check out the Hard Pressed website for the science behind the training — you will wonder why you spend time training anywhere else.

I have been working out at Hard Pressed for almost a year now, and I have never had a better workout than the ones that I have with Cam. When I started I could barely to complete a 30 minute session, but now I am stronger than I have ever been in my life. Through careful coaching by Cam, I have developed strong form and repaired damage due to another weight training regimen.
All of the trainers at HP are friendly, and greet me by name when I walk in.
If you really want to get into shape, there is no better place than Hard Pressed!

I started going to Hard Pressed after purchasing a Gilt package last winter in preparation for my spring wedding. I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue going after the package expired but I was hooked immediately. This is the hardest strength training I have ever done and it is impossible to match the intensity working out on your own.
I have exclusively worked with Cam and he is everything you would look for in a trainer. His passion and intensity get me fired up for my workouts no matter how tired I am when I get to the gym. It is easy to see how much he loves his job and how badly he wants each client to make themselves better. He is great at pushing me to my limit but never going too far. I have never felt like I was in danger of injury while doing these workouts.
I have also gotten to know most of the other trainers there and it is a great group. They all clearly know what they are doing and there is great camaraderie among everyone. Matching that type of personal attention and dedication to the job with top of the line equipment in a super efficient 30 minute workout is as good as it gets.

It’s been almost one year for me training 2−3x per week at hard pressed. Having a packed work schedule and a fairly busy family life, I have little time to spare. I’ve never experienced such an efficient use of 30 minutes.
In one year, I’ve lost weight and increased my overall endurance. My energy and stamina have improved and I find myself motivated to eat better and sleep more so I can preform well during my workouts.
I’ve had great experiences with all the coaches at HP. Most commonly, I work out with Cam, Nik, Josh, and Chad. They are all very professional and at the same time both motivating and supportive. I’ve had minor chronic injures that they’ve all been mindful of and I’ve actually been able to work though them while still training (a first for me). I’ve been training with Cam the longest and he is especially encouraging, friendly, and always pushes me a step beyond what I think I can do.
Working out at HP has helped me learn proper weight training form and has given me an idea of what it means to do reps to muscle failure. I enjoy supplementing my training on my own but training with the guys at HP keeps me honest and always keeps me moving forward. I feel fortunate to have found this place. But be ready to work hard for 30 minutes.

I’ll start off by saying Hard Pressed is not for everyone. It’s an intense and personalized training experience which focuses on strength training and exhaustion exercises. It’s hard. If you dig the Globogym environment this isn’t the place for you. As a former competitive athlete I have a hard time in a traditional gym environment — repetitive and becomes boring quickly. Also, I’ve found group training like Crossfit to be impersonal and carries a high injury rate. For me, Hard Pressed is incredibly challenging, efficient, productive, and rewarding.
Been coming to HP 2 – 3 times a week for about 6 months now. I mix it with some running, resistance training, basketball or volleyball on the side. Never been happier as I’ve recovered so much time during the normal week and I’m making gains in strength and stamina I wasn’t achieving on my own.
I’ve worked out with several of the trainers now and they’re all pros. In fact, even the trainers I’ve never worked with have taken the time learn my name and are incredibly friendly when I’m waiting for session to start. Seems like a little thing but that’s the sort of professionalism that makes this place unlike most gyms. I pretty much train exclusively with Cam Paulson. I have a few legacy sports injuries (shoulder and hip) and Cam designs programs which help me work around them without limiting strength progression. He’s got an incredible knack for helping me push the envelop each week in a controlled environment where I’m not concerned about injury risk. Also, he keeps it fun in spite of that I haven’t been able to improve his taste in music. Ha.

No matter what I do, I cannot motivate to do strength training on my own. But as a runner with a knee injury, I knew it was critical to work into my routine. After trying a few other gyms that were so-​so, Unilocal reviews and a great intro deal brought me to Hard Pressed this fall and I haven’t regretted it once. The combination of awesome personal trainers, efficiency (30 minutes!) with results (definitely noticeable!) in a no frills, no judgment place keep me coming back again and again.
I’ve been working with Cam and Josh on a weekly basis for several months now. I appreciate that they know how to push me to my limit and beyond where I think I can go safely. I’ve made significant gains since I started working with them and as a bonus can now run more miles pain free. Though talking is kept to a minimum, the fact that Cam finds a way to make me laugh when I feel like crying doesn’t hurt either.
The transformation I’ve experienced and my glowing reviews to friends have convinced more than one friend to join HP. I recommend to everyone to try as many of the trainers as possible during the intro time — they are all excellent, but they are all different and it’s important to find what works for you. If you’re thinking about checking out Hard Pressed — don’t wait, do it!

High Reps with Heavy Weights are a recipe for an injury. That was going through my mind the last time I worked out at Hard Pressed in July. I have been unable to work out since July due to a knee injury.
I’m a big believer in Personal Trainers, have worked with trainers off and on for over 10 years. I get the best results from progressive weight training and lifting heavier weights. I came to Hard Pressed in July with prior rotator cuff and knee injuries, worked with Nik, Josh, Dan and Joe-​they were all tough but I had great workouts and they respected and worked around the injury.
The last day I worked out it was with Cam. He started the session by saying «I am going to kick your ass today.» Not my kind of language… but OK… it’s a gym. He ignored the injuries that I had. When I would state my left knee is my bad knee, he would respond «there’s no such thing». When I could not do a complete lunge, he pushed my body down into a lunge position. When he lost the count after 18 reps on the legs press and I refused to do more, his response was «OK, but I could be a dick and make you do more.» I find that kind of language vile and offensive.
I could not walk or put any weight on my knee the following week (late July);my knee has never recovered. I have not been able to work out since July. I write this review after scheduling an MRI on my knee and heading into physical therapy.
I called Cam after this occurred to discuss it and to let them know about the injury to avoid losing the remaining session I paid for — I never received a return call.
What bothers me the most is that it was so unnecessary. I wasn’t training for a marathon or contest. I was on the initial intro package.

Not really anything bad to say about this place. They have higher quality equipment than any gym I’ve been to and their prices are lower than you would normally pay for working with a personal trainer. I’ve worked with almost all of the trainers and while they have slightly different styles they have all done an excellent job.
Their website doesn’t really clarify what they do very well, so if you’re curious it’s a very high intensity weight lifting workout. They do a full body workout with extremely low rest times for 30 minutes. It’s a very efficient workout and great for those who value your time.
One thing they don’t offer is any type of training plan outside of your workout there or any type of nutrition advice. I can’t say this is a bad thing because they are up front about it, but if you are brand new to working out I would suggest using this as an added workout on top of seeking advice from other professionals. If you aren’t new to working out and looking to kick it up a notch this place is perfect.

I’ve been training at HP for coming up on 2 years now, and I’ve trained with almost everyone.
I run… a lot, and I have some bio-​mechanical issues that, when left unchecked, cause serious pain and problems. After my third bout with physical therapy I decided that it might be beneficial for me to start seeing a trainer to maintain my strength rather than relapse, go back to therapy, and pause my training for a few months (bummer!) I tried out a few trainers and never really felt like they understood my goals. I don’t care about losing those last 5 pounds, I don’t care about improving my cardio (I RUN!) and I really don’t care about what someone else thinks about my nutrition (yes I will eat that tiny candy bar that will spike my blood sugar, because I am nowhere near my calorie goal for the day and I damn well want it!)
Enter HP… These guys have a philosophy that directly aligns with my goals and really just how I operate as a person. They focus completely on the one goal that you’re there for, increasing your strength, and they do it to the absolute best of their abilities in the shortest time necessary. After 2 years I have not had a single repeat visit to physical therapy, and I’m stronger than I ever have been before (I can do multiple chin ups!!)
And on top of all that, they’re all really great guys. They’re personable but not overly chatty, they drive you as hard as you can go without hurting yourself, and they see a whole lot more potential in you than you see in yourself.
TL;DR — Go! They won’t let you down!