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Know No Limits
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Gyms, Trainers [Edit]
6125 N Clark St(between Glenlake Ave & Hood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60660
Neighborhood: Edgewater
(773) 262-9229
100% off initiation fees
No initiation fees and no contracts! Enjoy a full-service gym for just $2.33 day (or $2.08 with our household membership). Give us a try.
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 5:30 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
About This Business:
GH Personal Trainers change lives in only two personal training sessions per week. We integrate fitness, food, and the best of behavior changes science… read more »
22 reviews for Know No Limits
22 reviews in English
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Review from Kay D.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2012
I've been a member for almost a year now, and I have nothing to say but good things about KNL. It's clean as can be, all the equipment works and is well maintained, and the staff is incredibly friendly. I don't think I've ever had to wait for a machine. I've also tried two of their classes (zumba, yoga), and I like them a lot. I've never been a very dedicated exerciser, but since joining, I've been going regularly 4 to 5 times per week. They just make it so pleasant--it's easy to become a regular.
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Review from Danielle T.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2011
I walk 2 blocks and then I'm here. Super clean. Super Friendly. Excellent machines. Great Overhead Music- No matter who is behid the desk.
I love the classes that they provide. I always see the attendants wiping down machines and doing laundry.aka..the sweat towels.
The locker rooms are spic and span. And the showers look like a treat.
I've been a member for a few months. Then took a break. considered other gyms, and nothing compares. It's home already. And I love my gym!
i LOVE getting my SWEAT on. -
Review from Paul W.
Manhattan, NY
12/28/2008
I just wrote a review for another gym, which got me thinking about my first experience with gyms. That was Know No Limits.
Hang on, my first experience EVER with a gym was at World Gym on Montrose and Sheridan. I walked in, went up to the wiry little goblin in the front, said hello and told her I was thinking about joining a gym. She looked me up and down, and cracked witheringly, 'Yeah, you really should.'
So I was working out at Know No Limits and feeling great. After only 2 months, any reservations I'd had about joining a gym were long gone and I was actually feeling fit. Karla, the owner of KNL was often present in the tiny space on Lincoln and Addison, and she literally knew all her customers by name. She was always welcoming, always encouraging. Imagine that, welcoming and encouraging. In a gym! What the hell was that woman on? And can more people get on that, please! All her employees at the time were truly excellent people and it wouldn't surprise me if the current ones are, too.
When Karla moved her business to another little space up on Clark and Winona, I followed willingly. At the time, I was living in Avondale which made it quite a haul to get there, but it seemed a worthwhile compromise. And so it was. The equipment was still somewhat limited due to space constraints. There were always a fair number of people working out, yet it never felt crowded. The premises were always immaculate. Most important of all, it was never a scene.
I began getting my haircuts from Jack and Mary at Klassy Kuts next door, and falafel from Taste of Lebanon around the way. It was a very nice setup, overall! Then I got rid of my car and was finally forced to consider other options. Sadly, there really was no easy way to get from Avondale to Andersonville without a car.
To date, I haven't found another gym I've liked as much as KNL. If all gyms were run like this place, I think people would spend more time working out and less thinking up excuses not to. I think Karla Shelton really got it right with this place. Top marks, without a moment's hesitation. -
Review from Tammy C.
10/8/2008
I love working out because it de-stresses me and makes me feel refreshed after the hot sweating and then even hotter shower in addition to the guilt-free dinner that usually in breaky style, be it cereal with extra milk, or French Toast.
Visiting here and am glad there's a gym that you can pay per use. Though it's $15 per use, if you plan on using it numerous times, you can get a pack of 10 for $85.
The machines are quite close to each other and at first it felt like it's a showroom more than a gym. Fortunately it's quite empty.
The equipment is quite new, ellipticals,treadmills, nautilus machines and the fancy TV bike machine that you can choose a track to ride on which makes it more interesting.
Water cooler is also not just a fountain but an actual filter. I actually saw them mopping the treadmill after someone left with some sweat on it!
Definitely gearing towards a smaller group with good personal service. -
Review from Rob K.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2007
You know why I like working out here? Because it's clean, well kept, and not trying to be something it's not. It doesn't have a juice bar or a water fixture or a DJ spinning juke tracks while you work out. People go there for exercise, and that's that.
The qualities I need in a gym are as follows:
1. An elliptical
2. Weights (stop laughing)
3. To be left alone while I'm working out
Know No Limits achieves all of these quite nicely. -
Review from Kim H.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2009
KNL is the Trader Joe's of gyms-- there's a lot of variety to keep you from getting bored, yet it's small enough to be manageable with a friendly atmosphere.
I joined back in March after their move to my 'hood (Take that, Andersonville!), which makes it super-easy to get there.
It looks small from the outside but there are several different
areas: cardio machines (elliptical, treadmills, bikes*, etc.),
resistance machines, free weights, personal training, and
the studio, the last two of which are open to all if they're not
in use at the time.
I've never had to wait for any equipment, and often use the PT
and studio for TRX, kettlebell, and ab work.
All classes are included; while the Cardio Boxing and Boot Camp classes are particuarly tough, Will is a tough, fair, and patient teacher who's quick to both correct your form if it's off, and praise you for a job well-done.
The staff here is friendly, and always greet me by name when I come in, and even when I call. They're also readily available if you have a question or need help. (Too-busy-texting-Ballys employees, I'm looking at you!)
Overall, a nice gym at a nice price.
* -- The bikes are set up like video games, like Pole Positon
with pedals instead of a steering wheel. There's also a
chase game where you run over dragons that's super-fun. -
Review from Douglas O.
Atlanta, GA
11/1/2007
Coming from So California, I searched high and low for a place to work out. This place is great because it's small, rarely crowded, and gets the job done. The staff is awesome, and remembers people by name and makes it easy to sign up for classes.
Clean Place
Good Equipment
Good Customer Service
Reasonably Priced
Cap on Membership -
Review from Genevieve K.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2009
I agree: The gym itself is nice and the classes are great and yada yada yada. None of that matters when you're trying to cancel your membership.
I hate to gripe, but THIS EXACT SAME THING happened to my friend 3 months ago . . . now it happened to me:
My last bill should've been November 4th. Today I got an email from their listserv entitled "Dear Members". Thinking this odd, I checked my bank statement . . . they billed me December 4th. . . as in . . they did not cancel my membership when they said they would. At least they kept me on their listserv too!!! I might never have thought to check up on them!!
They did refund my money but mandated that I come to the gym in person to pick up my refund check. sigh.
Anyway, 2 stars for correcting their mistake, but hopefully they'll solve the mysterious reason why this KEEPS HAPPENING. -
Review from Zena V.
Austin, TX
3/19/2009
I have been going to Know No Limits in their new location for almost a month now...and I couldn't be more impressed! Here are some of the reasons you should love/join/support Know No Limits:
1. The new location is beautiful and big inside! There is plenty of room to do your exercises, stretch or do a little dance if you want! The bathrooms have fancy granite counter tops, new cherry wood "lockers" and fancy tile showers. I prefer the showerheads at the gym to the one I have at home!
2. The staff are super friendly people! They made an effort to learn my name and are always there to anwer questions.
3. This is a great gym for people who haven't worked out in a while and might feel weird about it. I do not have the "fresh from the gym" body, so I was worried about feeling strange and having people stare at me. This is TOTALLY not the case. People of all shapes and sizes are here and everyone is totally nice to everyone else. This is the first gym I have ever joined that makes me feel confident and motivated...and I am never worried about what people are thinking about me!
4. The classes are free. That is RIGHT!
5. There is parking if you need to drive!
6. It is down the street from where I work! -
Review from Nannette P.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2008
It's not your typical state of the art, over-crowded, meat market type of gym. This place is focused on being a smaller neighborhood type place where you can get flexibility in your ability to do month to month membership plans that you can cancel at any time (not a 12 moth contract), personal contact with each guest (yes, they know your name when you come in), good equipment that you can actually figure out, and I've even been roped into an Ab workout or two (which are free classes on Tuesday and Thursdays). The facility is clean, is never too crowded, has flexible hours, and did I mention the friendliest staff ever?! It's the best way to work out, where you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door and that it's not breaking the bank f you become lazy and slack off for a month!
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Review from betsy s.
Cook, IL
8/26/2009
Ok - I am not a gym person at all, but I feel totally comfortable at KNL. I train with Karla the owner who is excellent - she REALLY knows her stuff and offers great advice and can tell when I am not exactly in the right position. The new space makes it all the better since it's bigger, very cool and there is a dedicated training area separate from the workout area. It's not a "work out in a bikini gym" which makes this middle aged gal so happy. It is just the real thing - not some marketing hype or social club. And there's a huge parking lot in the back so it's easy to park.
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Review from Samuel A.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really liked this gym, and the only reason I left was because I had to move. It's small, but the people are very friendly and the equipment and facilities are in great condition. It has most of what you'd need. It's a little expensive, but with no contract, it's impossible to beat. Definitely recommended.
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Review from David M.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2009
Eighteen months and 40 pounds ago, I joined KNL. I'd been shopping around for a new gym, after a several-year lapse in exercising, and while I'd been a member of Cheetah Gym in the past (I live in Andersonville), I just couldn't beat the fact that KNL was literally five doors down from me. No excuses, right?
Besides the convenience, I quickly found out that KNL was exactly the type of gym I was looking for. Sure, Cheetah is lovely, too (all those exposed beams and hardwood floors), and even when I'm at my most out-of-shape I've never been particularly worried about whether or not I was working out at a so-called meat-market gym. (I generally go to a gym to do a work out, not to ogle the other patrons -- no harm in it, it's just that I've already fallen off a moving treadmill once, so I'll save my ogling for safer places, like the beach!)
The staff at KNL was fantastic, friendly and helpful, never hesitating to answer any questions and regularly offering unsolicited -- but thoughtful -- advice on how to do a particular exercise more effectively, making sure I was using a piece of equipment safely or correctly, etc. They knew my name, I learned theirs, and the space and equipment made me feel like Goldilocks: everything was just right.
Then, last spring, Karla made the announcement that they were moving further up Clark Street, north of Peterson. Since convenience was so important to me (that "no excuses" thing I mentioned earlier), I thought about switching back to Cheetah, but decided that since KNL had been so good to me, I oughta be good to KNL, and have a bit of loyalty.
I couldn't be happier that I stuck with them. The new space has all of the same great qualities that have always made KNL a great place to work out, and then some: more classes (free to members), more equipment, bigger, cleaner locker rooms, more space, and even free parking. I tend to work out during weekdays, when I almost never have any competition for a particular machine or piece of equipment, but even when I've gone on weekends or evenings, I haven't had a problem.
The membership is a nice mix of people: all ages, backgrounds, orientations, levels of fitness. (A lot like Andersonville when I first moved there 15 years ago.)
Paraphrasing what someone said below, being a member at KNL feels a bit like moving to a gentrifying neighborhood: Karla and her team deserve all the business they can get, but now that I've got my "piece of the pie" I hate to share it with others! (But I'll get over it.) -
Review from Caitlin S.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2010
This place is awesome. Ridiculously clean, friendly staff, good members - awesome machines. Seriously, I love it here. Just put my membership on hold cuz I'm going on vacation for awhile, and they had no problems. Awesome.
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Review from e. m.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2009
I have been going to this gym for just over a year and it is great. I really like that I can buy a set number of visits; no contract, no monthly fee. I buy just what I use and I can use them for classes or to use the gym. My favorite piece of equipment is the exercise bike with the video routes, great invention.
I recently started the body cycling class (spinning) and love it. It is as intense as I choose to make it. If I am having an off day, I just go at my own pace. If I want to push it, I can. Great option for a work out at any level, even beginner like me. I really enjoy the music selections from the instructors. -
Review from Maria S.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2009
It's hard to say I "love" a gym, but my feelings for KNL are pretty close. The classes are included with membership, and everyone should check out circuit training on Tuesdays and Thursdays--I can actually do push-ups now! Plus Karla, the owner, is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.
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Review from Dawn M.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2010
The new location is bigger, brighter and super sparkly. The locker rooms are like the bathrooms in 5-star hotel rooms. Very clean. Smokey glass doors on the shower (Ooo).... fancy tile... soap, shampoo, and conditioner are just a few of the amenities included. Also included: towels, LOTION (!), and even ear cleaners. Rock! You'll need all of it after working up a sweat. I'm particularly fond of the Sunday 90-minute spin classes. Good clean fun.
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Review from Thomas W.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2009
I have to chime in here (which I usually don't) to brian t's comment. Brian are you talking about the same gym everybody else is? Pretentious? Know No Limits owner (Karla) and staff are FAR from pretentious. They are the most down to earth people you can meet. And I'm not saying that because they are all my friends either. My wife and I didn't know any of them until we started going regularly. Now they all know our names and say hi when we walk in the door. This gym actually feels like a neighborhood gym and not a corporate entity like the gym's brian t is referring to where you have a beefcake guy standing outside looking at his muscles holding up a sign that says FREE MEMBERSHIP NOW and tries to sell you his personal training and then you get stuck with a 5 year contract when you sign up for a membership. If I wanted a corporate gym I would have joined one. Know No Limits has no contracts, you can pay month to month or even pay daily if you just want to pop in once in awhile.
Karla (the owner) is far from pretentious as well. In fact, we felt welcome the very first circuit training class (included with membership along with a ton of other great classes) we did with her even though we had no clue how to do most of the excercises she made us do. She explains how to do them and how to do them right so you are working all the right muscles. Even though we were new to the class she spent time with us and we didn't feel like we were inconvienancing her or the class in any way. We go every week to her class now and we both feel stronger then ever. Karla is super nice and not pretentious AT ALL. She is the best!
Overall I would say if you want a neighborhood gym, that is not over crowded, has a cap on memberships so it DOESN'T get over crowded, has a super friendly staff and owner that knows your name and says hello when you walk in, has awesome weekly classes that are included in the membership, is clean and sanitary, has FREE parking, has great work out equipment, and is not PRETENTIOUS AT ALL....join this gym....
If you want a super corporate IN YOUR FACE gym like brian t is talking about then join one of the other big name gym's. I'm sure he is standing outside holding up his sign trying to get people to join right now :) -
Review from Arch S.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2009
This gym has everything I need and want, and some things I didn't even know I wanted. Two rowing machines; these days it's been hard to find a gym with one rowing machine. Boxing bags, and a great assortment of free weights, machines, and other fitness gizmos. The men's locker room is a little small but immaculately clean. I'm more likely to catch some strange fungus from my shower at home than KNL's showers. And they supply lockers with locks so you don't have to tote around your own lock then worry about forgetting your lock's combination number. Sorry, I can't speak to the cleanliness of the women's locker room; state and local law prohibits me from entering the room. Another great thing about the gym is it is never crowded. One day I was the only person there bysides the attendant. I am a bit worried that my good review may attract crowds, but I think a good gym like KNL should be shared. Oh, one last thing, I have encountered three different staff members and they all were great, and friendly. When I signed up for a 10 visit pass to check the place out, I was given my first visit free. That's a 10 visit pass that goes to 11. This place also has a great irony factor. The space was a former funeral palour and now it is a gym where you can improve your health and live longer. It doesn't get any better.
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Review from Kate W.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2009
The new space for Know-No-Limits is incredible, and definitely worth checking out. There is a parking lot out back and ample street and neighborhood parking. The new spot keeps the same warmth and charm of the other (smaller) location with the exposed brick walls, tile floor, and chalkboard, and continues to offer big-gym amenities like fresh towels, toiletries, lockers, and large, clean showers and restrooms.
There are several things that set this gym apart from others in the neighborhood. The staff is warm and welcoming, and always calls me by name when I walk in the door. They are attentive to your needs and sometimes when I'm on the treadmill or bike they will check-in to ask if I need anything. The free-weights and cardio equipment are great and there are lots of new items since the gym has moved. One of my favorites are the EXPRESSO FITNESS bikes. It takes a few rides to get accustomed to them, and I have to admit that I didn't appreciate them at first, but it's almost like riding a bike in a video game. You create a user profile and the computer remembers your last ride. You can then compete against yourself and/or against a pacer (which you control). I have never enjoyed sitting on a stationary bike, but these bikes make the time fly. The group classes are great too. I became a "spin-junkie" for a while (I should really get back to it), and they have new TRX, core , and yoga classes. All of the classes are included with your membership, there are no up-front fees, and you can renew your membership from month to month.
If you go to the gym at the same time each week, or if you take any of the classes, you end-up meeting wonderful people and it has the feel of a community center or neighborhood bar. I like the fact that I am supporting an independent business in my neighborhood. -
Review from tina k.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/10/2009
i was reluctant to make the move up to edgewater, but the new facility is beautiful, there's so much more space now, and all of the classes are free, which is great, because now i'll actually try them.
so, while the location isn't as convenient, the new perks have kept me around.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2008
this gym is great! i never worked out consistanly in my life until i became a member here. i really… Read more »
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Review from Anum A.
Morton Grove, IL
11/25/2005
This is a small fitness center. It has all the basic equipment but now swimming pool or basketball or track area. If you don't have a membership card, then you can get a temporary one, but it is probably best to get one because the cost is low.
