Shift in the Fitness Industry Toward Functional Training

Traditionally, health clubs have been known as a “big box” …. “rent a treadmill” …. “churn and burn.” But now, the trends are changing toward smaller gyms, towards results and programming and towards a huge focus on retention. Of course, you still have your big box players- those clubs that came into the market during the recession as the low-price competitors, but what are those gyms, really? They discount the price we should put on our health, and they don’t offer the services that the higher priced gyms do. Now, that’s great for those who are self- motivated and know exactly what they need to do and how to do it. But that doesn’t help the average American, and unfortunately, it sets them up for failure. Intimidation is a big factor along with the lack of knowledge, help, and in turn, the lack of results they’ll receive.

It’s unfortunate because these low price competitors have really changed the market. Less than 20% of the US population works out. When you take those out of the 80% who make the leap of faith and try it, only to fail, they are WAY less likely to ever join a gym again. It’s sad and frustrating, especially coming from a gym (we at Women’s Workout & Wellness 🙂 who truly care about our members. We have shifted our focus to learn new ways of helping our members and giving them service. We don’t want to be a ‘big box’ anymore, and we DEFINITELY don’t want to be known as the “churn and burn” club. We want our programs, especially our group exercise classes and group functional training, to be popular among our members because we know that’s how our women will get results. Group atmospheres for women make exercise FUN! And this dynamic keeps our members coming back to maintain the health they have achieved here at W3!

As mentioned, group exercise throughout our Chicagoland locations is a huge part of what makes W3 successful and what gives the Women’s Workout World (& Wellness) name strong brand recognition, even 30+ years later! We pride ourselves on excellent group exercise programs throughout our 5 locations. We know it’s a great bridge for the beginners and a great way to ease everyone into fantastic programs. However, also as mentioned above, we have looked for ways to better service our members and give them the attention they need to get fit, healthy, and see results. They need guidance and a GREAT program, and we have found a way to do that through our group training programs. Not only is it group training; it’s also functional training. Work on core, strength and metabolic movements- many times all at the same time! Much of our equipment is what you’ll see on the Biggest Loser show, too! For those who don’t want to fully jump into the program, we offer bootcamps to get a short-term taste of what success feels like!!! (and an awesome workout!) If you are thinking about functional training, ask to set up a fitness assessment where one of our fitness professionals/trainers will go over with you, step by step, what’s involved in the program, what you can expect, and then he/she will take you through a mini-workout so you can experience that personal attention first hand!

W3 is the Top Chicago Women’s Fitness Center

Women’s Workout & Wellness/Women’s Workout World, also known as W3 or W3Body, is the top Chicago Women’s Fitness Center. Women’s Workout has been in business since 1982, so we have been practicing women’s fitness for over 30 years! W3 definitely has enough experience to know, understand and educate on how women get the best results through fitness.

We know, nutrition is KEY in achieving results. W3 is a Chicago women’s fitness center that has implemented various nutrition programs in the past and is about to bring another one back! Besides proper nutrition, though, exercise is what will help you achieve those goals, and from our experience with women’s fitness and exercise, we know what will change your body the most! STRENGTH training, especially functional strength training, is where women will see a real change in their bodies and start becoming defined, toned, and shaped.

W3 as Chicago women’s fitness center has also realized that the GROUP dynamic is a huge component for an all-women’s environment. There are a few reasons for this. First, the group dynamic allows women to workout together, whether it’s with their friends or with unfamiliar faces. They are all in it ‘together,’ working toward similar goals. Moreover, this group dynamic allows for a social aspect to be brought into women’s exercise routines. We are social creatures! Why not add this component to motivate women to come back for more. Lastly, the group dynamic is encouraging, fun, motivating and energizing. That’s why women love it and that’s why as a Chicago women’s fitness center, we know what the women in Chicago want to help them get and stay fit. We have known since 1983 and continue to deliver this consistent experience because we are a company for WOMEN, all about WOMEN, and our fitness model definitely reflects that!

For more information, please come in and try a class. We know you’ll be pleased, and if you’re one of those women who are scared, timid, unmotivated or just have never worked out before, we guarantee a transition into a program at W3 will be the best one for you. After all, we do specialize in women’s fitness! See you soon~ W3.

Chicago Bootcamps at W3

Looking for a Chicago Bootcamp? Look no further! We have bootcamps at our W3 locations on the north side of Chicago, south side, in the Loop, Tinley Park & Berwyn!

Currently, for the holidays, we are running a specific challenge bootcamp for those women looking to fit in their holiday dresses this year. This Chicago Bootcamp is called W3’s Little Black Dress Challenge! It’s open to our members but also non-members as well. If you’re looking for a flexible Chicago Bootcamp, check out this challenge… it’s all of our TEAM training which uses functional training techniques. Max of 12 women in a class with a coach. The beauty of this bootcamp is that it’s flexible. We KNOW our members and their friends are BUSY during the holidays… traveling, family parties, cooking, shopping, etc. SO we decided that we aren’t going to hold anyone to a particular time frame. You just tell us how many classes you can do between now and December 31st, and we’ll set you up on the best bootcamp for you. Remember… it’s best to get those classes done sooner rather than later. 3x/week is the ideal bootcamp because you can really start to see a change.

Chicago bootcamps are for Chicagoland women looking to get RESULTS… and that’s exactly what you’ll get at W3! 

So do you need to lose weight for that holiday dress? Tighten up that tummy? Tone your arms for a sleek sleeveless dress? No problem! Just search Chicago Bootcamps and find us. Enroll in our Little Black Dress Challenge today!