Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Canzolino.
Nelle Lawrence and AJ Canzolino started their career in the fitness industry over 10 years ago. When Nelle and AJ came together in 2012 to form Urban Athlete, they believed there was a better way to improve the client’s experience based on a few basic foundations; keep it personal, innovative, and relatable.
From the onset, they focused on building a Small Group Fitness program to keep their members engaged by providing a sustainable and evolving platform with proven results. In addition to Small Group classes, the gym provided Personal Training and Semi-Private Training programs with some of the most talented trainers in the city.
Since that time, the gym has outgrown its original location and has already expanded their current facility. With over 7,500 square feet of space, the current facility runs over 74 Small Group classes a week; all of which are run by certified personal trainers. The small size provides members with greater personal attention to ensure proper form and a better workout.
Members have a wide variety of choices at Urban Athlete. With indoor cycling, water rowers, interval workouts, and yoga just to name just a few; members can pick classes they feel are interesting, engaging, and exciting. For example, Urban Athlete’s latest class feature enables members to monitor their heart rates ensure they are maximizing every workout.
Urban Athlete understands that proper nutrition is equally important in helping individuals reach their fitness goals. Included in the programs is nutritional counseling alongside weekly recipes available to members. By way of class and one-on-one sessions, Urban Athlete trainers support a wide variety of member needs and goals.
Another essential element of Urban Athlete is a sense of community—that they are more than just a gym. Members work together to support each other and the neighborhood. Urban Athlete facilitates monthly social and charity events help with the community atmosphere.
The team is not stopping with their Chicago locations. They have plans to open a second location this summer.
Has it been a smooth road?
We were very lucky and had a great opening year. However, in year 2 we realized that we were running out of a room to support our member’s needs. We immediately began working on the construction of our new facility, which after our first 6 months of business, required an expansion. The current 7,500 square facility hosts 74 classes under our small group fitness program, personal training, semi-private training, and open gym. We never thought our gym community would grow so fast.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Urban Athlete specializes in small group classes (Team Training), Personal Training, and Semi-Private Training.
Urban Athlete offers a sustainable solution for real physical change you can see and feel. Our memberships aim to build a lifestyle framework that is maintainable and effective.
Our programs are designed to enhance the functionality of everyday life. Utilizing multiple planes of motion and various workout methods, we focus on building stronger, healthier physiques. Beyond the physical benefits, the Urban Athlete mindset will help you to create tangible changes for a happier, healthier, and more energized lifestyle.
Our most popular program, Small Group Training, allows members to choose from various class formats while working in small groups to reach their fitness goals. Most of the classes are formatted as a combination of strength and cardio. Our goal is to ensure that clients have enough variety in their workout to keep them motivated and energized. We incorporate water rowing, cycling, TRX, ropes, sled simulators, and more into our workouts. Certified personal trainers guide the group through the workout ensuring proper form to maximize results.
We do not overlook the importance of good nutrition as a part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Our Clean Eating Challenge is about eating well in a sustainable matter. We do not believe in diets, cleanses, or any changes to an individual’s lifestyle that are not sustainable. Chicago is a great city with some great places to eat, so we want there to be a healthy balance between experiencing all our city offers along with a healthy lifestyle. It is the motto we live by: “Live Urban. Be Fit.”
We are extremely proud to have such a talented team of trainers that have a passion for helping individuals. Whether your preference is personal training, semi-private training, or small group training classes, you can be assured that the Urban Athlete team will create a challenging program that will motivate you through your fitness journey.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a diverse city that welcomes small neighborhood businesses. By understanding the neighborhoods’ needs and cultures, small businesses can succeed. Urban Athlete works hard to embrace each community it serves. For example, Urban Athlete displays local artists, supports area charities, and partners with other local small businesses. We are currently developing plans to expand to our next community.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Team Training and Open Gym – $29 per week
- Semi-Private Training, including unlimited Team Training and Open Gym $53 per week
- Personal Training,including unlimited Team Training and Open Gym $79 per week
- Open Gym – $75 per month
Contact Info:
- Address: 4710 N Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL, 60640
- Website: urbanathlete.com
- Phone: 773-334-2201
- Email: info@urbanathlete.com
- Instagram: @urbanathlete
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanAthleteFitness/
- Twitter: @urbanathletegym
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/urban-athlete-chicago-4
Image Credit:
Michelle Ryan Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
