CheekyChicago

One of the biggest roadblocks with going to the gym is the fear of running into people you know. Maybe you are trying to avoid a guy who didn’t call you back, or you don’t want clients seeing you sweat or maybe you’ve gained a few pounds and don’t want the Chicago social scene to watch you sweat out your regrets.

Enter Unicus.

If East Bank Club is George Clooney and David Barton is Paul Walker then Unicus is Vin Diesel. Simple, hard, to the point, and ripped.

I was approached by the owner who had read a previous blog where I highlighted the toughest classes in the city – he wanted me to experience his private facility where celebs, athletes, and soccer moms alike come to transform themselves.

Nervously, I stepped into a fancy building on Michigan Ave. (they don’t give out location) and passed a Baskin Robbins, a Cosi, and a few places that serve alcohol (willpower!) before I met my new friend at the front desk. We then took a few secret stair cases until we reached the sprawling “lair” that consisted of several rooms regulated by temperature.

I was asked a few very important questions and then put to the test using mostly body weight. At Unicus they train the Cirque du Soleil dancers – so they don’t bat an eye when a potential client like me asks for no bulk, rather a long, lean body. They also have clients from around the globe come for retreats where they make major changes in just weeks.

While I was toning my glutes, I checked out the bridal boot camp filled with women in the space next to me. Since this gym caters to its clients, you can train 24-7 with your personal trainer or group class. This is the kind of place that issues guarantees – you will lose inches or you get your money back.

Unicus also has a nutritionist on site, so no cheating allowed. Once you’re in, the owners consider you family and will do everything in their power to help you succeed.

By the way – it’s reasonable…really reasonable. The lack of frills (steam room, juice bar, etc.) means it attracts those who are really serious about results. So if willpower alone isn’t going to get you into that bridesmaid dress, I suggest you check out Unicus.