Lea Young

Marissa caranna

Believe it or not, but my fitness journey began back in the summer of 2020 with a bottle of cheap red wine and a rewatch of the classic 2003 cinematic masterpiece “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.” As I witnessed Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz somersaulting effortlessly over a 10’ tall ring of literal fire I thought to myself, “Honestly, I too would really like to vault over very tall fire by the time I turn 30, just because. What if I just like....ridiculously buff and fit? Wouldn’t that be wild?!” And thus, a novice athlete was born.

I’d never been a “fitness person” before; exercise seemed boring and running left me red and sweaty. Gym class was hard and sports were even harder. You’d sooner find me in orchestra class than on a practice field, and I’d carried those habits into adulthood. I’d never admit it at the time, but back then I was constantly tired, sluggish, and inflexible—two flights of stairs would feel like a marathon. Fitness seemed “scary” and I knew I couldn’t hold myself accountable to do it alone, so started googling gyms (I was very determined to become the fourth Angel).

I was terrified and had no idea what to expect during my very first class. Imagine my surprise when Blair and the rest of the gym goers immediately welcomed me cheerily, as if I were a familiar face who had worked out with them for months. I miserably huffed and puffed my way through my first class, and on my way home, I realized something weird—I actually felt....GOOD! My heart was pumping! My brain and my senses were alive, even after 9 hours hunched over my desk! My body felt limber and electric! It was the best I’d felt in years, and immediately signed up for the next class. I haven’t looked back.

I could tell you about the weight I’ve lost, the many sizes I’ve dropped. I could tell you about the way I’m not afraid to have my picture taken anymore. Those are all amazing, yes. Instead, I want to tell you about how I feel. Each day, I show up to the gym and humble myself; I surrender my body to the workout and to my willpower. I’ve learned discipline by making peace and space for the temporary physical discomfort of challenge, because it means that change and growth are happening. I’ve learned balance by listening to my body—honoring when it’s telling me I can push, and when it says I need to take a break. I recognized the swell of pride with each new personal record; every added rep or weight brings the satisfaction of accomplishment. I’ve experienced community from the incredible coaches and clients who share everything from life tips, to funny childhood stories, to the best affordable squat-proof leggings. When I pulled my chin above the pull-up bar for the first time in my life, I honestly could have cried!

In the beginning, I came to Rock Solid Health seeking superficial change. What I found along the way was this: the most shocking change of all happened inside of my spirit. After years of doctor’s notes, skipped practices, and excuses (so, so many excuses), Rock Solid has helped me finally find the true joy in exercise—that moving my body is infinitely more than something you just do to change the way you look. It changes your heart, too.

Full disclosure: I’m still waiting on my recruiting call from Charlie, but sometimes when I need an extra push I’ll visualize that ring of fire in front of me. Thanks to the Rock Solid community, I know I could gracefully clear it with the best of them.

meghan lynch

I am a creature of habit and routine and when I started working from home full-time last year, I rather quickly lost my work-out routine.  Needing a new fitness family, closer to home, I rather fortuitously stumbled upon Rock Solid's Instagram. 

Knowing that I needed a flexible and consistent schedule for (small) group training, I was drawn to Rock Solid and was impressed with the six-week program that quickly got me back into the routine I had lost.

I started small by consistently joining three group classes a week, then added a fourth and now regularly attend five group classes a week.  I love the diversity of programming and the progression in strength I've been able to build.  Not only are the trainers knowledgeable and patient, I am always motivated to keep progressing.  The overall environment, trainers and other members are welcoming and not at all intimidating for all fitness levels. 

My goals when joining Rock Solid where to bring consistently back with my training, lose weight and build muscle.  I have been able to achieve all these goals and most importantly, have fun doing it.  I personally don't want my training to feel like a chore, I genuinely look forward to attending classes at Rock Solid, it's a highlight of my day both physically and mentally.

My advice to anyone looking to join this amazing community and fit family - start small and build the habit, recognize the importance of self-care.  I plan out my fitness schedule at least a week in advance by signing up for classes to hold myself accountable but also block my calendar so I know I'll show up.  As a wise marketing slogan once said, Just Do It!  (I can attest that you won't regret it!)

Ashley lambirth

"Before I started at Rock solid I hadn’t worked out in a year and my diet wasn’t as healthy as I would’ve wanted it to be."

Honestly there isn't anything that I would want to change about the gym. It fits in perfectly with my schedule because there are many class options; mornings afternoon, evening and even virtual classes. I like how the classes are versatile: strength training, yoga and kickboxing so you don’t get bored.

I feel like I’ve achieved so much with Rock Sold Health. I’m lifting heavier. I feel much stronger & confident about my body, and I look way more fit. I can actually see abs starting to form!

Kelsey Copenhaver

My fitness journey started after I graduated college when I found a love for strength training. I worked out consistently for 3 years with a personal trainer, pushing myself to build strength and lose weight; however, I was on such a restrictive diet and intense workout program, it was ultimately not maintainable. I lost track of my goals and started back into an unhealthy lifestyle, putting me back to square one. At this point I was living in Ohio and decided to move to Chicago. With the change in scenery it was also time to make a lifestyle change. I knew I had to get back in the swing of things and was looking for strength focused class and stumbled upon Rock Solid. It looked like everything I was looking for; small class size, strength-based, and classes 3x a week with additional classes for yoga, boxing, conditioning, etc.

My first class was in September 2019, and I remember feeling very nervous before I went. I hadn’t worked out in so long. I was not confident in my abilities and didn’t know what fitness level everyone would be. I was scared I was going to feel behind or intimated by the other class members. However, that quickly changed when I got to the class. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly! They made me feel like I have been going there for years. And now I have been going to Rock Solid for almost 2 years. Blair and the Rock Solid team have taught me so much during that time. I have learned so much about mobility, consistency, and pushing myself father than I thought possible. Humble brag on doing my first unassisted pull up; something I never would have thought I would be able to do!  Since I started, I have lost 25lbs. However, this time around my fitness journey it isn’t only about the weight loss. It is what I have gained from the process; from the confidence I have built to the fit family I am a now part of and the knowledge I have gained to continue a healthy lifestyle. For anyone thinking about joining, I can attest this is one of the best decisions I have made!

Christine palkovic

Kaci Doman

Before I started at Rock Solid, I had the most inconsistent fitness routine. When I was a teenager, I lost about 20 pounds by working out regularly and eating well. As I got older and into college, somehow I put on a couple pounds.... Before I knew it, I hadn't weighed myself in years, and when I finally did, I was over 50 pounds heavier than what had previously been my heaviest weight. I knew that weight wasn't everything, but I felt myself getting exhausted by simply climbing a flight of stairs. Something absolutely had to change.

Chelsea lange

Being an athlete has been a major part of my self identity for as long as I can remember. Whether it was competitive athletics in high school, to recreational work out regimens in college, I was an active person at a young age.

It wasn't until I moved to Chicago, where the professional grind of finding my career put my fitness on the back burner, made me realize how intertwined being active had such a strong correlation with my personal happiness.

In late 2015 I made it my mission to invest in myself, both my body and my overall mental health, to find a gym that fit me. Teamed up with a couple of friends at work, we dove into Class Pass, bouncing around from gym to gym. It was exciting at first, but I realized a sense of consistency would be nice, and when I came to Rock Solid for the first time, I knew this was the type of consistency I was looking for. Blair pushed me to be better, to challenge myself, and I quickly found a love for the community at Rock Solid Health. I've built genuine friendships over the years and even found myself house hunting near the gym in order to be close to my second home.

Joining Rock Solid Health is one of the best decisions I've made, I love my fit fam. 

Samantha kramer

I started at Rock Solid Health in February of 2019. My work life was busy, and my personal life was challenging. I grew up in athletics and spent time in and out of gyms and yoga studios most of my adult life, but I was missing consistency. Rock Solid appeared on my radar, as I live in the neighborhood, and I finally decided to check it out.

After a baseline assessment and discussion of health goals, I signed up for 3 months of personal training. During this time I made huge shifts in my health and lifestyle. Not only did I begin to get physically stronger, but the consistency and the support of my newly gained gym community helped me to better my mental health. My mindset changed from "I really don't want to go to the gym," to "I'll feel better if I go," to "I want to go."

After getting my body back in shape, I joined as a group class member and have been going to 2-5 classes a week ever since. From strength training and building muscle, to cardio park nights and early morning yoga stretches, Rock Solid has had options for every one of my physical goals. But what has stood out the most to me about this gym is the community members support of one another. The members are inclusive, inviting, and willing to support each other in their physical and personal goals. There is a holistic approach to this gym that makes it, it's staff, and it's members feel like their whole health is a priority. 

cloe fan

My main source of exercise is Muay Thai. Through Muay Thai, I discovered a love for fitness but not necessarily health. While training, I would have good and bad days. I more often than not felt too tired and sore to train at 100% or would lose steam quickly during training sessions. 

When I joined Rock Solid, I was looking to supplement my Muay Thai with some strength building but soon found a whole new approach to achieving my fitness goals.  After a month-long check-in challenge and some 1:1 sessions with Blair, I discovered I was not balancing my workouts with proper diet or recovery. 

Any trainer can push you to lift heavier, run longer or do more push-ups but the reason I have stayed at Rock Solid is because they take a holistic approach and have fostered a sense of community that allows me to focus on balance in my overall health.

A year later, I have noticed improvements in my physical strength and have learned how to healthily meet my body composition goals, all while developing a new outlook on what fitness and health are to me. It is no longer about the number on the scale and how it correlates to what I see in the mirror (though muscle definition has helped a lot!) but how I feel. 

heather zomayah

I played sports throughout high school and worked out intermittently after, but never consistently. Being a part of the Rock Solid family offered accountability which helped me with the consistency needed to build strength and muscle. I am more flexible, agile, and strong because of Rock Solid and can’t imagine where I would be without this community!