Teresa H.

After joining The Club at the end of March 2022, I made the decision to work with a personal trainer because other methods of working out and getting in shape both in mind and body, were not working for me. Before that I went to a different gym for a while and ended up having to leave for medical reasons. Going back and starting over proved to be difficult (mentally) for me.

My husband and I even bought a Total Gym, thinking we had "everything we needed" in one piece of apparatus AND at home would work. Not so much. I worked out with videos but found it way too easy to quit. All it took was sitting down on the couch for a minute and somehow the channel changed. Hmmm.

"My body and my mind have been transformed. I am stronger and more confident in my ability to stay in shape moving forward."

It was then that I decided to join The Club and have a personal trainer to keep me in check. Lee Wisniewski, my trainer, was highly recommended by my friend from The Club. I have been working with Lee since April 2022. Lee has taught me about how the body's muscles work and how different machines target those different muscles.

Just as important, I have learned how to use each of these machines correctly. Not using machines as they were intended can cause injury. Not having been one to do anything cardio, I have learned how very important it is. I am used to it now and realize I can go much further that I thought possible.

The Club is close to home, which is a plus. I have set times with Lee and beyond that, I can go anytime I want with their convenient hours. The staff are great, always smiling, and positive, which is something that is a must (in my opinion).

Omar N.

I joined The Club in January of 2022, but I started to come regularly in February of 2022.

What intrigued me the most about The Club was the HIIT Club and all the group fitness classes that are offered. I regularly attend Boxing, Zumba and HIIT classes.

The TRX, ropes and tire are very good in the new functional HIIT fitness space.

"I’ve met some fun, cool people in my short time here."

I love that we have 3 full size basketball courts and an indoor track.

The location of The Club is great…right off I90. I love all the amenities. The Club is a great gym to be a part of.

Rachel M.

I joined in 2007, back when The Club was called PSSWC. I was only 5 years old then, so I didn’t have a choice as my parents dropped me off at the Kids’ Club while they worked out. It wasn’t long before I was rock climbing along with learning how to swim in the pool and how to shoot a basketball in the gym.

Over the years, I came to understand why my parents chose The Club and have remained loyal for 15 years. The Club is conveniently close, extremely clean, has a wide variety of machines and amenities, and has a friendly culture among the staff and other members. Since I now have the freedom to choose where to work out on my own, I have chosen to stay at The Club, especially because the staff care about their members and consistently work to enhance our experiences.

“When I walk into The Club, I know it will be a positive experience - from the smiling faces at the front desk greeting me on my way in and wishing me a good day on my way out (seriously, every time)!”

I love the new functional HIIT fitness space! As a collegiate-level soccer player, I've found this area has everything I need (and more). The ambience makes a very comfortable workout experience that makes me feel right at home.

My favorite part about being a member is the combination of experiences and memories made throughout the years while growing as an athlete and person. When I'm on break for the holidays or summer, I look forward to coming to The Club because it has become a second home for me and a great place to work out and be around nice, like-minded people.

EJ M.

I've been working out at The Club since high school (around 2019).

I chose The Club because of the comfortable and competitive environment. Whether as a beginner or a seasoned lifter, The Club is so welcoming and fun. The Club also has a ton of amenities that not many other gyms have, like fitness rooms, the pool, rock wall and multiple basketball courts.

The new HIIT fitness space is incredible and has everything a beginner and experienced lifter could really need. It is consistently clean and has an amazing aesthetic that you can't help but admire.

"My favorite part about being a member of The Club is the people."

The Club is a great place to meet new people and friends. I've met a lot of good friends that I always talk to and lift with.

I find myself constantly having a great time coming in everyday!

Ed R.

My wife (Paula) and I joined The Club (PSSWC back in the day) in October 2001 when we had just moved to West Hoffman Estates.  The facility has and continues to provide our family with a great experience – the staff who greet you when you first arrive, the class instructors, variety of equipment and activity space, the workout classes, and member amenities.  What is also positive is The Club continues to evolve.  What has also been rewarding are the friendships that we have formed with other members. 

Since joining, The Club has been central to my physical fitness journey.

For many years, I studied the Korean martial arts called Tae Kwon Do. I would come to The Club to practice the many aspects of the art and complement my training with regular workouts.  Eventually, I earned my Third-Degree Black Belt and became an instructor.

In the winter of 2020, I developed blood clots in one of my legs (deep vein thrombosis) and that condition resulted in the clots travelling to my lungs (pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition).  Luckily, these conditions were detected early and resolved.  Coming to The Club for light workouts on the treadmill and weight machines helped with my recovery.

Today, you will find me at the HIIT, strength, and kickboxing classes on a regular basis.  The Club continues to be an integral part of my day.

Maria E.

I started my journey exactly one year ago, May of 2021.

After having my first child and being quarantine for over a year I ended  gaining 50 lbs.  I was so mortified!

Luckily, my husband motivated and encouraged me to help lose the weight, since he too gained daddy weight. 😏

Many, many moons ago my husband and I were members of The Club and really liked the variety of machines, equipment, cleanliness, and open late.

But, here it's when it all changed...One day while on the treadmill I happened  to stumble into Sarah's boxing class and I got hooked! That was the kind of work I needed to help me lose the weight. Shortly after I joined not just the boxing class, but also spin and HIIT.

I now attend the gym 4/5 days a week and enjoy every min of it. I've lost about 30 pounds, but still have 20 more pounds to go. Thank you to all the amazing instructors that have motivated to get me this far, just need to keep moving FORWARD!!!

Bill N.

I joined the Club back in 2005. The reason I joined was the variety of equipment, neighbor influence, and proximity to home. I chose to leave the Buehler YMCA given that my kids had outgrown the environment more suited for the YMCA experience. We (wife) were looking for a club that was more geared to adult programs and at that time Prairie Stone was, and still is, the choice.

The changes made to "The Club" have permitted me the opportunity to pursue a more well rounded fitness experience. I can participate in yoga, HIIT, and resistance training regularly and not get bored with too much repetition. Additionally I have met people that are enthusiastic and professional with their guidance in the various classes.

The club is very clean, the machines are well maintained, and the club's location is quite convenient. I expect that as membership grows and people in general return to The Club, additional classes will find their way onto the schedule. Lastly I find those that run the club are very approachable and do listen to members' concerns. It's a terrific facility, well run, and a great value.

As for my workout journey I truly began to take advantage of all the club had to offer upon the reopening of the newly designed facility. For several years I had generally dabbled with resistance training and spent time on ellipticals. I have been a fan of the yoga offering here since I joined in 2005. Once the Club redesign took place I began to pursue a better variety. I try to consistently go to Yoga 2-3 times per week, attend HIIT classes 2 times per week and commit to resistance training 2 times per week. This keeps things fresh and permits me the chance to meet numerous members. 

Victoria J.

I got my first job here in 2012 at the end of high school. I decided to make use of the gym after my shifts since I was already there. I had been in athletics growing up, but started by running and then signed up for my first 5k. I took group fitness classes which introduced me and gave me a routine. Once I started working as a nurse over 4 years ago, my schedule made it harder to attend classes, so I was doing more on my own. I would find workouts on social media to do. 

About 3 years ago is when I really switched to a bodybuilding style training and started writing my own programming to follow. Just focusing on lifting weights more with proper mechanics and not excessive cardio. Now I’m always lifting all the heavy weights and absolutely loving getting stronger and watching my physique continually progress. The Club has been an integral part of my entire fitness journey thus far and it’s awesome to continue to be a member.

It is in a great location, and it’s absolutely worth the value of the membership compared to other places. I’ve been to other gyms that were extremely over crowded that you couldn’t even get a squat rack or are so dirty that you feel gross being there. 

I LOVE the new area. Since I mostly use the weights and barbells, it’s been amazing having so much more equipment and space to use. It really does have everything I need and use for my lifts. My favorite part about being a member here is just how nice the atmosphere is. It really feels like a second home here. 

Michael L.

I joined The Club around 2002 when I was doing an internship while I was in college, then went back to school for a couple more years & rejoined in 2006 to use the pool. 

Growing up I had a lot of inflammatory issues and was told I had arthritis when I was a teenager. At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and was told the best way to feel better and reduce inflammation levels was to exercise almost every day if I could. I took that to heart and began to figure out what worked for me. I do strength training M/W/F and swim laps with an underwater parachute and resistance paddles on T/Th. Plus heated yoga on weekends. 

Since I was exercising so much when I first started I thought I should have a goal! My first races were a Warrior Dash, a Spartan Race, & a Zombie Run. They were always awesome & humbling experiences that definitely piqued my interests & ignited a passion for endurance challenges. Since then I have done 25 competitive races in the midwest, ran 190 miles of obstacle course terrain, & currently place in the top 23% on the Athlinks Rank chart. 

I choose The Club because of the nice layout, constant up keep of equipment, & friendly environment throughout the facility. I absolutely enjoy the functional fitness space. It also offers the most for a good workout/life balance in my day to day being close to my work and home. 

Judi S.

I have worked out off and on for a number of years. At various times I did Jazzercise, Curves and had a membership at my previous park district. When I retired I decided to join a gym and signed up with a personal trainer. It happened to be someone who used to work (here) at The Club at Prairie Stone. My husband and I moved to Hoffman Estates in 2016 and we joined Prairie Stone right away, based on that recommendation. She said it was best place around and I wouldn’t regret it. She was absolutely right!

We took yoga classes and each got started with a personal trainer. We went 4 or 5 times each week. Since then, my husband’s neurological condition has progressed to a point where he can’t really exercise anymore, so he no longer comes. I have been working with Sharon (Personal Trainer) for over 2 years now. She has developed a plan for me which keeps me moving and challenges me at the same time. We’ve worked on strength quite a bit. I am my husband’s caregiver and have to do a lot of transfers. Thanks to Sharon, I impress lots of medical types with  my ability to move him around!

The new functional fitness area is very nice. I like the extra space and the fact that there are dedicated spaces for various activities.

My favorite part of being a member at The Club is the people. There is always a cheery greeting and encouragement along the way from both staff and other members.

Andrew A.

I joined The Club about 6 years ago, in about 2015. 

I was a member of another fitness club in Elgin before but I noticed right away at The Club, that they are more personable and seem to care much more than the previous oblivious staff. 

At the time that I became a member, I was around 25 pounds heavier than I am now, plus I was also type 2 diabetic. 

The true transformation began when I began working with one of The Club’s Personal Trainers, Lee. He is very inspirational as well as knowledgeable. I have worked with him for a year at this point and my diabetes is so under control and I am off most of the meds. I owe my health and transformation to Lee and to The Club at Prairie Stone. 

The atmosphere and thoughtfulness of the staff and Lee’s training methods are what I like best about The Club at Prairie Stone. 

The new fitness space is amazing and has absolutely everything I need. 

The amenities are state-of-the-art and it isn’t a fitness club driven by profit, but the caring and well being of their members.

Olga H.

I started at The Club at Prairie Stone in 2004 when we moved to the Streamwood area. I decided to join The Club over other fitness centers because of its location and I was also impressed with it when I visited to check it out. Currently I take HIIT classes twice a week, plus Pilates, Forever Fit and Yoga. 

The new functional fitness (HIIT) space is very comfortable and has lots of room to maintain distances.  It has all the equipment we need for the different workout activities we do.

My favorite part about being a member of The Club is just the whole team at Prairie Stone are very friendly and make it pleasant.  I enjoy being there.  I feel like I can ask for help and the team is willing to give it. I have been there so long because I feel comfortable.  

It’s practically a new facility with the new improvements. The additional equipment and space have really been a plus.  The schedule of classes has made it convenient for everybody. 

I am very grateful that during the beginning of the Covid pandemic they were
able to give us programs over the internet with virtual classes to keep
us going with a variety of different activities.  The way things have
been run since then have been safe and comfortable to use. 

Dave P.

I joined way back in 2006 when I first moved into the area. I remember taking a tour and being impressed with Prairie Stone’s modern and ample amenities. I used the track, some light weights, and “stair climber” machines. 

Jump to March of 2020, I was here on the last day before  Prairie Stone had to shut down due to the Covid virus! So, like many others, I worked from home. My office was 10 ft from the fridge. So I put on a “Covid 20” to my already chubby frame, and I felt very lethargic and low energy. One day an ad popped up on my laptop, saying it had a great way to lose weight and get in shape. It consisted of a traditional low calorie diet with lots of vegetables and stuff like that. So, I established the diet and lost most of my Covid 20! But the other part of the program was “HIIT Training” I would have to do by myself. 

Once The Club reopened, I was back and walking down the hallway when I noticed the HIIT training classes posted on the bulletin board. So I decided to try a class, I was totally gassed after that first class! The classes got easier as time went on, and I totally enjoy them now. I average about 3 classes per week, and the weight loss has been great, 30 additional pounds of weight loss. I haven’t been in this kind of shape since my late twenties.

The HIIT facilities are incredible, and the equipment is top notch. The people I work out with are fun to be around, and the instructors excellent as well. I look forward to my workouts.

Francesca S.

I joined The Club in 2019 at age 17, I had recently stopped cross country and was studying for my SAT’s and ACT’s. That led to me gaining weight, which then led to me having pseudo tumor cerebri and I almost went blind. That was the huge push for me to need to start a weekly workout routine. 

When I began at The Club I hated exercise and only went once a week... now I’m going four times a week and I love exercise more than I ever thought I would! Group Fitness classes at The Club have quite honestly changed my life and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the instructors at The Club, especially Sarah Koeckritz! 

This past school year was my freshman year in college at Loyola, but due to Covid it was all remote. Although I wasn’t able to go as often during the school year, I was glad that I got another year of being able to go to Sarah’s classes, going at least 1-2 times a week, as well as taking long exercise walks. 

The MyZone belt really pushed me as well, working better than most sport watches and it helps me to make sure I reach my goal. I truly believe I get a better workout when I have it on because I know when I have to push myself to get my heart rate up more. 

There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am for everyone at the club for helping me transform into a better, happier, and healthier person! 

Cameron K.

I joined The Club in 2018 at age 16. I currently attend Elgin Community College, having begun my freshman year in the fall of 2020 in the middle of the pandemic. 

Everyday for 6 months during Covid I was running 10 miles and lifting 2-3 hours at The Club. I saw daily improvements physically and mentally, making working out and going to school easy. It basically helped make and keep me positive and productive while attending school. 

Whenever I felt stressed from school (which was often) I would run an extra 3 miles at home on my treadmill in the dark with no music playing to challenge myself mentally.

The new functional fitness space at The Club is amazing! I love the sled and the power racks, it feels like a college lifting space. I would go to the gym after boxing everyday and it was nice to lift and then go in the steam room. It made me feel refreshed after a hard lifting day. 

I chose to join The Club because it had everything I wanted to use and it was close to home. I would never get access to a member pool, steam room, 3 basketball courts, a huge locker room, and a place to hit the heavy bag at another gym near me. 

The amenities here are my favorite part about being a member.

Cindy P.

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. It really became a struggle when I started to have arthritis in both of my knees, making it difficult to walk and stand.  I was on my feet all day at work and was exhausted. 

In 2018 I decided to have knee replacement surgery on one knee and was frustrated at how difficult recovery was for me. I also wanted to wait as long as I could to have the other knee replaced. This was finally the wake up call that I needed and I decided to join Weight Watchers... for the 10th time!! This time something “clicked” and I was determined to not only lose the weight, but to become stronger and healthier.  

At the time, I decided to join the YMCA in my neighborhood and hired a Personal Trainer, as I had no idea where to start. I was paired with Lee (who also trained at The Club at Prairie Stone as well) who motivated and encouraged me... I actually started to enjoy it!  As the weight
came off (75 lbs so far) and I became stronger, I realized that this is how I want to live.  

When COVID hit, Lee continued to keep me motivated. He had always talked so positively about The Club that when the gyms reopened I decided to try it, joining in September 2020. I really enjoy coming to this gym and I have gained the confidence to try out different classes like HIIT and Yoga.

I know people always say, “If I could do it, anyone can”...   but I can attest to this!

Ray M.

In 2015, I started doing the monthly Hoffman Walks with the Hoffman Estates Park District. My doctor had ordered me to do something to get moving. It was on some of these walks that I first entered The Club at Prairie Stone.

I began walking in a few 5K events. At a 5K in August 2017, my goal was to complete the 5K in under an hour... I ended up completing it in an hour at 2 minutes. Later in 2017, I broke the one hour barrier.  Also in 2017, I had added a 7 mile bike ride to my weekly routine.

In March 2018, my doctor ordered me to join a fitness class.  Any class, anywhere. I joined a Total Fitness class, at the Hoffman Estates Park District Willow Recreation Center. Members of that class introduced me to the Zumba and Pound classes there!

In the Fall of 2018, to replace outdoor summer bike riding,  I joined The Club at Prairie Stone for their indoor bikes and group fitness classes. Other members introduced me to the doing more classes. 

In 2019 I completed a 5K in under 39 minutes, as well as having completed my first 10K. When the shutdown occurred due to COVID, I was preparing for my second 10K, with a 1:20 goal. I switched gears and continued doing Zumba, ran in the local park, biked in the Forest Preserve, and used The Club virtual fitness classes.  

I currently frequent the track, preparing for when 5/10K runs return, as well as attending Spin, HIIT, Zumba, Swimming and Pilates!

Your Story:

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