Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Will and Christine O’Hagan.
Leah and Christine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
All three partners came from big box gyms and primarily one-on-one training. We decided we wanted to make training more accessible and scalable. We wanted to be able to offer quality training that worked around our client’s schedules at a more affordable price. We also hoped to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere where the training model is sustainable (for both the trainers and the clients) in an industry where the burnout rate is so high. We didn’t want to stick to a one-size-fits-all style of training. Each person has unique goals and abilities so we wanted to incorporate mobility, strength, and cardio into individualized programs. So we broke off and opened Spindle where we had the freedom to create our idea of what future of training could be!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have been lucky and had a pretty smooth transition. The hardest thing for us was just getting new people to walk through the door. Once we get them in, they tend to stick around!
Please tell us about Spindle Fitness.
We aren’t your average gym. Here are our 4 pillars that explain the Spindle Experience:
Personalization: Each Spindle program is customized to every individual and can be accessed on the Spindle app. As a member, you’re working on a plan that’s tailored to you: your strengths, struggles, what you want to work on, any injuries you might have — even down to coaching and communication styles that work best to motivate you.
Coaching: Spindle provides expert coaching. No matter when you do your training, there will always be an expert nearby to teach you how to setup, move through the exercise, and offer information behind why your trainer chose what they chose for you. They also provide guidance, support, and encouragement — or leave you alone if you’re having a bad day and just need to do some battle rope slams.
Community: The Spindle community was something that developed completely unintentionally. But the environment that this style of training creates helps people to stay motivated, keep coming back, and progressing. While there is a great deal of autonomy because everyone is doing their own program at their own pace, there also is a community of other people doing it alongside you — on the mat beside you, even. There’s a real sense of belonging at Spindle but, at the same time, everyone’s training their own way.
Flexibility: You can come train whenever you want and wherever you want. Rather than adhering to a trainer’s strict schedule, you can fit Spindle into your life when it’s most convenient.
We are proud that we can provide high-quality training at a fraction of the price of traditional personal training. We are also very proud of our community of awesome Spindlers where everyone is encouraging and supportive. Our members actually want to be here and enjoy their training and the people around them.
What sets us apart: Unlike most boutique gyms, Spindle has the systems to tailor to each member’s specific needs as opposed to a class or group. Our trainers are real people, we encourage and meet you where you’re at. No drill sergeants or shaming here, our goal is to make you comfortable from day 1.
Pricing:
- $199 – $235 per month for 12 personalized training programs and unlimited access to Spindle
- $729 – $999 per month for private traditional personal training (new member special available)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1153 W Diversey Pkwy (Spindle Lincoln Park)
- 409 W Huron, 3rd floor (Spindle River North)
- Website: https://spindlefitness.com
- Phone: (312) 283-5849
- Email: info@spindlefitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spindlefit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spindlefitness/
- Twitter: @spindlefit
- Yelp: Lincoln Park: https://www.yelp.com/biz/spindle-fitness-chicago
River North: https://www.yelp.com/biz/spindle-fitness-chicago-3
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.
