Kareem Team Fitness

Kareem at Kareem Team Fitness is easily the best personal trainer in all of Chicago. He stays focused on his client for the entire hour, never getting bored or watching the clock waiting for the session to be over. He pays attention to your form for the entire hour, and he makes you work harder because if that. He knows how to motivate you: if you need someone to talk gently and positively to you, if you need someone barking at you, if you need someone yelling motivational/​inspirational things at you — whatever it is that you’re needing — Kareem can figure it out and give it to you so you can get through the workout at your very best.
If you’re looking for someone to help you get results fast, this is who you want to hire. I’ve been training with him for almost one year. I liked that most of his clients are women, and I like his mottos: «where strong women come to get stronger» and «nothing changes if nothing changes.» I also liked that he is well-​educated in personal training so he’s not just some meat-​head who likes working out. He is a scholar of how the body works. He gives you a nutritional plan as well, and he will monitor your food diary however works best for you (old school pen & paper; online; via an app like my fitness pal).
He is always professional and focused on you, and he will inspire you to work harder than you thought you ever could. That’s why I highly recommend him to anyone looking to hire the best personal trainer out there. If you don’t want to get stuck with someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, go to Kareem. He is worth every penny.

Best & most efficient workout in Chicago! Lived in Chicago for a few years now and can not think of any classes offered in the city that even come close in intensity or fun (either through big company gyms or smaller studios). I have certainly looked around.
I initially signed up for the Zumba but ended up liking all the classes. I saw results the first week I attended.
Everyone is extremely nice and encouraging so it’s great for all fitness levels (beginners to advanced).

I was actually surprised to see that this place had 5 stars and this leads me to believe that my experience here may not be the norm. I had purchased a deal for a package of 5 classes. The first class I went to was a spinning class. I like group classes because I have a very stressful job and I use working out as a stress release and group classes allow me to be pushed but not at the level of a one on one session. The owner teaches the class. When I signed in it was really weird, I didnt know you were supposed to bring a separate set of shoes and was yelled at for that when I tried to walk to the bathroom. I also didn’t get a friendly vibe at all. He seemed really chummy with some over gym goers but I was kind of left standing like what are we doing… I followed the mass of people into a separate room where we had to wheel out the bikes. Again, no directions given. Now, its spinning, its riding a bike, its not that hard. I felt like through the entire class he was picking on me and telling me I was doing it wrong etc. which is fine in a small dose but I came here to work out and release some stress, not get more frustrated with some guy calling me out for having my thumb too far up etc. the entire class. I absolutely hate instructors that critique constantly when you are generally trying to have a good workout and you arent in danger of injuring yourself. That pissed me off. The next class I went to was a kettlebell class. Same thing, he called me out the whole class period (I get it, I’m new) but like I said above, I came here to work out in a group setting and do not need to be screamed at by an unfriendly guy the whole time I’m here. I am not out of shape and am not in danger of injuring myself. I hate this type of constant hands on instruction, which other people may enjoy. I took a yoga class there with another instructor and it was OK but everyone shows up 20min before the next class so it ruins the end of your yoga class. Overall, the few classes I took there left a very sour taste in my mouth. I would not recommend it and will never be going back. I think the other reviewer who gave a poor score had a similar experience to mine.

As a recent newcomer to the gym, I am really impressed at how positive and welcoming it is. Not only are the classes tough in the right way, there is a great sense of people there to work out, get fit and to help you do so too. Kareem is really great at motivating you to really push yourself to try hard. The group classes are a fun way to get your work out in and never be bored! Classes w/​Nancy and Jessica’s classes are great and I am planning to try out Dancetensity with Mary Monica too
Bonus — Farmer Tom’s CSA delivers here too so you can also get your organic veggies at the same time!
definitely worth it.

Hands down the best gym I have ever been to, and I have tried MANY gyms. I’ve been at KTF for almost 2 years now. I originally went just for the Dancetensity classes (similar to Zumba but way more fun and intense; MaryMonica is amazing!) and had always been too intimidated to try any other types of classes, especially anything with weights. The environment at KTF was so awesome, though, that I felt completely comfortable trying out TaeBo, Spinning, and the other strength-​based classes– Kettlebells, KWOD and Pump n Play, which I now LOVE! I started seeing results pretty quickly just going to the variety of classes, but then I started personal training with Kareem. He is the BEST motivator and coach around. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes a huge effort to understand what will work best for you. I’ve lost about 30 pounds and 12% body fat, going from a size ⁸⁄₁₀ to a 2/​4, and have maintained my progress. More importantly, I have actually found a workout régime that I love and makes me feel great. Every bit of my success has been because of Kareem and KTF.
Other perks:
–Easy, free street parking
–Clean facilities and towels
–Welcoming, friendly atmosphere, especially Nancy at the front desk!
–No meatheads, no girls taking selfies on the treadmill, actually no treadmills at all! People are actually there to work out.
–KTF CrossFit across the street if that’s your thing

I have been a member of KTF for about two years. This is the kind of place where classes are taught as a group. I happen to like this a lot.
At first I was hesitant because I am not an athlete. I liked the occasional yoga class, and jog around the neighborhood. So I tried the class that seemed less intimidating at the time. I tried a Spinning class. Then I was sore for three days. I guess I wanted to continue, so I started to add Kettle bell basics (my legs were sore), Pump and Play (I was really sore), Yoga (I am sore, but stronger) and the occasional Saturday KWOD (Kareem’s Workout of the Day), which happens to be one of the best things on Grand Ave. on Saturday mornings.
The vibe is friendly and welcoming, many of the regulars are certified Dancetensity, Spinning, and Taebo instructors, and it helps that Kareem is a fitness expert, and has been an Olympic coach.
Try it, and bring a pair of gym shoes to change to when you workout.

Sadly, I have had to cancel my membership due to my travel schedule and I must admit it felt like breaking up with a boyfriend. This place totally motivated me and has proved to me that I DO actually like group classes. I can’t wait until I am able to get back to KTF.

Dancetencity (zumba). If you have not tried MaryMonica’s Dancetensity, you are really missing out, everyone that takes this class burns about 1000 but she is not there any longer

I left a positive review for Kareem Team Fitness a while back, but I want to add a few things regarding their new yoga studio which is now a part of KTF. I was one of those people who underestimate yoga by thinking it is a class for relaxation and some stretching. That changed for me once I came to Lauren’s yoga at KTF. Now I realize that it is one of the hardest workouts for me. All my muscles get so sore for up to 4 days after the class as if I was doing a boot camp for 3 hours. Now I see my body changing and getting more toned and flexible. It is a hard work-​out for sure, but it is worth it!!! I love yoga instructors Lauren on Wednesdays and Bridget on Thursdays. They bring lots of personality and fun into the class making you feel very comfortable. When I used to go to Sport (I quit after joining KTF) Lauren was teaching yoga there as well, but I was intimidated to go to her class despite of all great reviews because her classes were always packed. So you can imagine how happy I was to find out that now I have a chance to practice yoga with her in a nice small class at KTF. She challenges you, but at the same time she is very caring and considering of your abilities. I’m loving yoga now and recommend everybody to make it a part of your workout routine.

I first started doing Kareem’s workout when he was at Xsport about 3 ½ yrs ago. However when he left to open up his own studio, I didn’t think twice and cancelled my Xsport membership to join his gym. He pushes you to your limit even when you think you’ve reached it, you’ll dig deeper and find a new level that you didn’t know you had in you. I definitely recommend his taebo classes. There fun, energetic, and one hell of a workout, I usually burn 5 – 600 calories. However all his classes are great! Ive also taken PT sessions with him and there no joke! If you want to get an awesome workout in, with a great instructor, who will get in your face and not let you do anything half-​ass, then I definitely recommend this place. As an added bonus, parking is easy!

I finally used my expired living social credit yesterday and went to Kareem’s Workout of the Day class with my friend and it was awesome!!!
The class was an intense jammed pack work out and still only 1 hour. Short summary– warm up, ²⁰⁄₃₀ min circuit of kettle bells, push ups, ab/​triceps/​leg exercises, and a jolt of high intense cardio– cycle and tae bo/​kickboxing!
Today as I am writing the review I am sore in all the right places!
Thanks for the nice workout Kareem!

I’ve found the workouts at Kareem’s to be the most challenging and effective I’ve ever encountered. He teaches most of the classes himself and does a great job of bringing out the best in everyone, pushing people to become better and better. He’s more than an instructor, he’s a coach. I feel very lucky to be able to learn from him and look forward to each visit.

Absolutely hated every minute I was here.
I bought a livingsocial deal for some fitness classes here. I thought I’d try out the yoga but when I got there they said the yoga teacher quit so we were doing some interpretive dance class. Whoever the teacher was I don’t think she has ever taught before because she didn’t know what she was doing and made us roll and lie on the floor for 10 minutes. It was ridiculous!
Then after the class I met the owner –HE IS AN AWFUL MAN! He was completely rude to me and another new guy while we filled out the necessary paperwork. He wasn’t helpful in answering our questions, talked down to us, and made nasty comments like we were bothering him by even being there. Maybe because he’s the owner he thinks he can talk to people like that but I left and never went back to redeem any of my classes.

The DanceTensity (a fabulous class more intense than Zumba) classes are amazing. Kareem frequently joins in and the energy and motivation can’t be beat. I look forward to the classes and appreciate the friendliness of everyone in the class. Lots of parking on Grand Ave. Classes are affordable.

HOLY COW! I’m not one to write reviews, but after my first class tonight I just had to let everyone else know what they’re missing. Kareem’s classes are no joke, I went in tonight thinking I may stay for part of the second class just incase I didn’t feel like I got a good enough workout. Fast foward 20 minutes into the first class & I was looking at the clock not sure how I was going to last the whole hour. Turns out I did, just barely & walking slightly differently on my way out the door (tomorrow I’m sure I’m going to be veryyy productive!) Everyone is very friendly and Kareem is there motivating you the entire way. These 15 lbs are going to fall off if I continue to go to his classes. Such a great find, going to try to drag my butt there tomorrow because this is going to produce results that I’m excited to see. Thanks Kareem!

Wow! That’s all I can say about this wonderful fitness facility. After feeling very unmotivated going to the gym and doing the same machines and ultimately giving it up, I wanted to find a fitness center that focused on group classes. After researching a couple different places, I am beyond happy with Kareem Team Fitness. First off, the instructor, staff, and even fellow members were so welcoming. The area is loft-​like and the music is pumping from the moment you open the door. The instructor went out of his way to greet me and made sure I was following along during the class. Now, you will feel the burn! I am as out of shape as they come and even though there isn’t an inch of my body that isn’t sore, I cannot wait to go back.

I’m not someone who enjoys working out… at all. However, Kareem totally changed that. He’s personable, energetic, and gets to know his clients personally, so he can push each to their limit. My favorite class is his kickboxing class, which has great music, energy, and makes me smile each time. Kareem has totally changed my attitude about working out, and teaching me how to enjoy it. Not to mention, I’m impressed at the results.
I highly recommend Kareem Team Fitness. It’s a hidden gem on Grand Avenue!

Within Kareem’s classes, I found a leader who pushes people to their physical limits and challenges them in positive ways, guaranteeing great fitness classes and a strong following of students. His take-​charge attitude allows him to lead extremely large classes, while his charisma lets him connect with each member on an individual level. Devotees swear by his classes because as some have told me, «With him, I see results.» He is an expert and stays relevant in the field by studying and teaching innovative formats, such as Tabata, bootcamp, and Kettle Bells.
In his classes, he asks participants to give themselves over to the exercise, to pledge their mental and physical strength to the session. With his help, I have learned that my body can exceed any of the expectations I previously had and that if I devote myself to training and growing, I can accomplish what were once unimaginable goals. In June, I completed a 100 mile bike ride and credit him for helping me find the mentality it takes to finish a ride of that extreme. IF YOU WANT RESULTS, CHECK OUT KTF!

This is the best studio that I have been to in Chicago! Kareem pushes you to your limits and is extremely knowledgeable about all things relating to health and fitness. There is a plethora of class offerings so you can go multiple times a week and not get bored. He plays great music and makes working out entertaining! Highly recommend this studio to anyone who is a fitness enthusiast. A breath of fresh air when compared to places like X– Sport or other corporate gyms.

This is a hidden gem in Ukranian Village if you want results in your work out, if your ready to take it to the next level, this is where you want to be!!! You will work your butt off and sweat your butt off! Great place to work out!!!