I was so sad when my yoga sculpt instructor left the gym recently, but when I learned he now trains at Train Moment in the West Loop of Chicago, I knew I wanted to try a class. Train Moment is a new fitness studio that offers group strength training combined with HIIT conditioning on the Versaclimber. The class is 50 minutes, and you divide your time among the three sections: Versaclimbers, the Rig and the Bench. Screens tell the Rig and Bench groups what their exercises are, while the coach guides the Versaclimber group.
When I walked in to the all-black building, I immediately noticed the welcome mat that reminds you to leave your ego at the door, which is necessary. The studio is simple and sleek in black and white, but plants give it life and beauty. Train Moment offers lockers next to the workout room, along with full locker rooms that are well appointed with both showers and restrooms, along with towels, shampoo/conditioner, and other toiletries. The black and white vibe continues throughout.
If you’re new, you get a demo of the Versaclimbers and rundown of the class approximately 7 minutes before class, so no worries if you’re intimidated by the machines, like I was. The instructor tells you how it works and how to adjust it.
When class began, I immediately felt the burn from the Versaclimbers. It truly does leave you breathless. We began with four sprints to 120 meters (?), and I finished with just about 20 seconds of rest before the next sprint. It was tough but awesome.
The Rig is also a bit intimating because I was sure I could not do a pullup, but there are modifications if they aren’t in your practice, such as using the bands for pulldowns or putting your knee in the band for an assisted pullup. We also used medicine balls for various exercises like squats and lunges. The bench portion was pretty straight forward. You basically move at your own pace in each section of class before switching to the next area. You visit each section (Versaclimbers, Rig and Bench) twice, so you get a well-rounded workout. You’re also encouraged to progress by pushing yourself and trying a higher weight.
The end of class is a cooldown stretching session and then you walk out the doors to be handed a chilled eucalyptus towel, which is so refreshing and nice after working up a sweat.
Drop-in pricing is $31 per class, but you get a much better deal by buying a package or membership. A 10-pack is $270, which works out to $27 a class. That is comparable with other fitness offering nowadays. I think it’s worth the price given the intensity of the workout, the amenities and the overall experience. A Level 1 membership of $99 for four classes brings it down even more. (The higher level membership you get, the less you pay per class.)
Everyone who worked the desk and the instructor, Matt Krogstad, was welcoming, encouraging and nice. I loved Matt’s playlist as well, as I did when he taught at my gym.
If you’re looking for a great workout and you live in the Chicago area, specifically near the West Loop, you’ll love Train Moment. I will be definitely be back; however, I don’t live in the area so it will be more like once or twice a month.
Have you tried Train Moment?
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Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.