Shred415

About six months ago my friend asked me to try Shred. I was terrified and left the class drenched and shaking; I got my ass kicked. From then on I was hooked. I became a member and got into the best shape of my life. I wasn’t a runner but now I can run and actually enjoy it. Blah blah I’m sure they get these reviews all the time but it’s absolutely true. This studio will get you into shape if you are committed.
What pushed me to write this review was when I attended Tracy Roemer’s class a couple of weekends ago. I think it was the first nice Chicago weekend of the year — mid 70s and sunny. The class wasn’t full because of this. For those who don’t know of Tracy, she’s the co-​founder and owner of Shred415. This was only my second class with her, as her classes are almost always full and hard to get into. Tracy is a firecracker. She literally has so much energy that you can’t help but push harder and giggle a little while doing so. She kept us for 75 minutes and told us she knows these classes are expensive and wanted us to get our money’s worth. I absolutely did and have. At the end of the exhausting but fun 75-​minute workout she took time to stretch with us.
I think the success of a business is related to the passion of its owners. Tracy’s energy makes this place one of Chicago’s best fitness studios. I’ve also had great experiences with all other trainers at Shred. Try it!

I love the workout, but it’s impossible to get into morning classes now. I wish they had more locations or some kind of solution. I want to keep going there, but I can’t because I can never get into classes any more. Very disappointing.

Time to drink the Kool-​Aid!
I won’t lie — I’ve been on ClassPass since March and have avoided Shred415 like the plague. I am so meh at cardio that I didn’t want to pay to have that thrown in my face, ya know? Anyways, I really had nothing to worry about, since the lights are so dark no one was gonna be able to see I was running a full mile or two per hour behind the rest of the class, or that I cramped up during the second treadmill interval and maxed out at 5.5 miles per hour. Derp.
Anyways, the format is simple — four 15 minute intervals, alternating between the treadmill and a stepper/​workout bench that has a bunch of weights stashed under it. Oh, and don’t forget the TRX straps hanging from the ceiling. Anyways, people will murder you to get on the treadmill first, so if you’re not in combat mode you might have to settle on weights first, especially in a full class. Anyways, on the treadmill you’ll be clearly led through some intense intervals. I took Cole’s class and I was never lost and was easily able to follow the incline and speed changes. On the weights and TRX it was nothing too fancy — just solid curls, rows, push-​ups, and burpees. You know, the tried and true stuff that’ll kick your ass and give you results. The best is all the weights are right there under the bench, so no need to stress about grabbing the right weights for your workout before class. Perfect for me, because my brain was already filled with thoughts of am I gonna die, will I be able to walk after this, etc. Anyways, as you can tell I survived, and did actually return for a second class, so ya, this Kool-​Aid tastes damn good!

This place has very quickly become my favorite place in Chicago. Legit, one of the toughest workouts you will have the pleasure of suffering through. You will alternate between running on the treadmill and floor exercises. Not a single class will be even close to the same. You will most definitely sweat buckets. Each of the instructors are world class.
The prime time classes are usually wait listed but the off time classes are open and you can generally walk in and get your sweat on. Great to have that option.
Do it. Dont hesitate. You too will be hooked. Great spot!!!

One of the best workouts I’ve had in a long time! Sean put us to work and the class went by very quickly as it was broken up into 15 minute intervals. The first 15 mins my group worked with weights and on the floor then we switched to the treadmills, etc. The music and energy in the studio is very motivating! I attended a class on a Sunday and was still sore days later. Shred is definitely worth a try for a high-​intensity workout!

I’m a runner and had never tried a treadmill class with interval training before Shred. The classes are absolutely amazing and really push you to work hard and beat your goals. I’ve been to three different instructors on the Saturday & Sunday classes, and all of them have been amazing. I get an amazing workout after the classes at Shred and always look forward to coming back. I’m even more impressed that two women started the company out of Lincoln Park. Would highly recommend!

Shred415 is by far my favorite workout class. The perfect combination of cardio and strength training. The intervals are so short so you are able to consistently push yourself and get the best calorie burn.

Shred 415 is hands down the best workout I have ever taken. As corny as it sounds it is so much more than a workout. You leave there inspired, ready for anything and of course dripping in sweat! The results I have seen and the overall change in me has been amazing. The instructors and the owners Bonnie and Tracy take care of their clients. If you want to change your workouts and honestly your life sign-​up now! Cannot give them enough stars! So proud to consider myself a shredder :)

Just took Jazmina’s class! Wow she really pushed me! Can’t wait to take it again! Thanks! I needed it!

If it were just about the workout, I would give this place 4 or 5 stars because it is a fun way to spend an hour. Unfortunately it’s not just about the workout. SCHEDULING IS A NIGHTMARE! I am so frustrated by how difficult it is to get into a class, and by several reviews here it looks like many other people are as well. There is absolutely no chance of getting into a class in the morning or evening (weekend mornings are even worse) unless you book months (I’m guessing) in advance.. . I began clicking on classes weeks out just to see if they were booked and sure enough, every single class I clicked on was booked. It is a joke.
It is unfortunate that Shred is really not doing anything about this. .. I see reviews on Unilocal dated back to 2013 that describe this same exact problem. I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to justify paying good money for these classes when a) I can’t ever work out at a time I want to and b) the company has clearly not done anything to rectify this problem for years. Hey Shred, how about you set a limit to the number of classes one person can book at a time? Or like another reviewer said, open up classes only one week in advance? And how about you stop scamming people into buying unlimited Gilt City passes for one month when they are going to fit in 1 class (if they are lucky) during that month? This place has so much potential to continue to grow — I really hope the powers that be start taking some of this feedback seriously.

I first visited this gym when I had ClassPass. I fell in love immediately. Great workouts and the 15-​minute intervals make the time go by so fast. Even the treadmill didn’t seem all that bad when you are only running full speed in such short bursts. Running still sucks and I still hate it, but the trainers give you no choice but to keep going. The reason I am giving only 3 stars is because I just purchased their Gilt City offer for 1 month of unlimited classes and I had a hell of a time trying to get into classes. I ended up spending over an hour picking a schedule for the whole month because, otherwise, I’ll only work out like 5 times there. This is seriously disappointing. I’m left with working out at really inconvenient times. If you’re looking into the Gilt City offer, don’t buy it if you expect to workout in the morning before work or after work. You won’t get into any classes. I don’t have a typical Mon-​Fri schedule so at least I can work out on my days off (as annoying as the available times may be). But before work? Forget about it.

I have classpass, so I’ve gone to my fair share of studios. Shred415 is definitely my favorite. It’s an amazing, high-​energy work out. I love Brittanie Chin’s class. She has such a great spirit! She is very motivational, but makes the class about your own journey. She is hilarious and the only fitness instructor that I’ve ever heard yell «a six pack is overrated!» during class. Highly recommend!

What a great and fun workout! I went here when I was visiting a friend in town, so unfortunately I won’t be able to go back, but I’m definitely inspired to check out similar workouts near me! We had Sean, and he keep the intensity at a good rate. I love the 4 sets of 15 set up bc it’s much easier to motivate yourself and push harder when you know you get to switch in 15 mins. I would recommend starting with the treadmill though bc I liked ending with the strength training instead. Might just be a personal preference though :)
Only downside is that it is on the spendy side, but you definitely get a great workout and if you have to pay a little extra to actually make yourself do it, then oh well!

A lot of fitness classes nowadays are way too pricey but this place is totally worth it! I haven’t found a class that gives you a better workout. I always leave feeling really good about myself.

WARNING: only go to Shred415 if you don’t mind having your personal belongings stolen and have their management do nothing to help.
Their Old Town location has no lockers, so all winter long people would trudge through the snow and have to leave their boots outside in the lobby, myself included. Never thought that much of it, until my $ 150 boots were stolen while I was in class one night.
After being repeatedly lied to by their manager and other staff, they finally sent an email to the people in the classes that night… Two weeks later.
I sent a tweet to @Shred415 about my frustration, and in return they blocked me.
If you’re going to dish out $ 25 for a class, stick to more nationally known chains like Flywheel that actually provide lockers and care about their clients.

Before I moved away in mid-​2014, I was going to Shred415 at least 3x a week despite the price tag because IT WORKED. It’s the perfect blend of cardio and strength training. You spend half the time on the treadmill (interal training) and half the time on the floor doing high intensity strength training. The greatest benefit of this class is if you can’t find the motivation to run (or just plain hate it like me), this is your solution because you have NO CHOICE. Shred made me stronger and faster in a just a few months. I could actually run without wanting to cry.
Trainers are all top-​notch, professional, nice. Music was always pumping loud and great. Workouts were never the same. Machines and facilities were clean. Staff was friendly and accomodating.
I wish Austin had a Shred-​type class! I’m always joking that Shred415 is one of the things I miss the MOST about Chicago! Besides the winters (not). Open a studio in Austin and I will be there!!!

This studio was okay. It’s pretty much a bare-​bones Barry’s but had some redeeming qualities
I did like…
— that there are assorted weights under the benches. this is really convenient for adjusting mid-​exercise and saves time not having to retrieve/​re-​rack
— the class I attended was 6 sets for about 10 min each; it allowed me to push myself further and really burn out during the running portion, esp with the clock countdown letting me know exactly how much time was left in each session
— generally, a good workout, that could easily be modified for each person’s fitness level
I didn’t like…
— machines felt older and
— not enough lockers; I got there about 10 minutes before class and there was no more availability. they did have cubbies in the actual exercise room
— lack of amenities. (i think i’ve probably been spoiled by the other places i’ve been going)
overall i would return if i lived in chicago, esp since it’s on classpass

If you want to take your workouts to the next level, you MUST try Shred! After being a dedicated member at Equinox for 7 years and paying a lot of money to go there, I decided it was time for a change.
Best decision ever. I had no idea I would find just as good of a workout (if not better). It’s high intensity interval training but I love how it incorporates a treadmill into it. I was warmly welcomed by the front desk and my instructor was so thorough and sweet. So glad I made the choice to go here. Also, I had no problem getting into a class, but I also didn’t go during peak hours. The music they play is awesome too!

I have a love/​hate relationship with Shred415.
LOVE — it is a kick a$$ workout that will make you drip with sweat and gasp for breath like you never have before. I literally waddle the 3 blocks from the studio to the red line after class. I have always hated treadmills but the structure of the classes (15÷10÷5 mintue intervals) makes the time pass quickly. Special shout out to Kate and Jasmine, my two favorite teachers!
HATE — it is too damn expensive and the classes at prime times (5:30pm/6:45pm) are super hard to get in to unless you sign up months in advance.

I’m yet to find THE best workout in the city, and Shred415 is a very close runner-​up.
The class is super pumped, with great music, fast-​paced variation, and motivational guidance. The hopping between treadmill and floor makes your heart racing through out the 60-​min class. The hills and intervals on the treadmill improve my running pace at the end of three intro classes, unsurprisingly.
The reason for one star off — I’m still not totally sold by the concept since all the combination can be achieved in a regular gym if you truly push yourself, such as incline and sprinting. The value? Probably some instructor kicking your butt?
All in all, great option if you tend to cut yourself some slack working out. If you are a disciplined workoutholic, you know where to find your route.