Clarendon Hills Fitness Center Builds More Than Just Muscles

While in Clarendon Hills can certainly help mold, sculpt or tone one's physical body—the mind and soul are not forgotten about.

Combining personal training with muscle activation techniques (MAT) and wellness consulting is what owner/trainer Neil Hansen refers to as training the heart, brain and soul.

“It's about coaching how the mind affects the body and how action plans can effect success,” Hansen said.

Hansen studied kinesiology, biomechanics, and exercise physiology at Illinois State University and began working for a Hinsdale training facility in 1994. Since then he has earned numerous other certificates and accreditations, and in 2000 opened Fitness Werks.

“Fitness started out as a hobby of mine growing up and provided supplemental income, but the door kept opening wider and wider,” Hansen said. “I and all the trainers here are very excited about what we do.”

Hansen said at Fitness Werks, staff work with clients to not only meet physical goals, but also to find out why people are not in the shape they would they like to be in—the mental reasons that someone is gaining weight or avoiding exercise.

He also said that Fitness Werks recognizes that not everyone enjoys working out, but staff tries to tailor workouts in a way that it is not seen as all work and no play.

“Some people want to join a gym and just have someone kick their butt with exercises they hate, but that usually is not going to be successful in the long run,” Hansen said. “If you hate something, you're probably not going to keep doing it.”

Although Hansen has strong opinions on what are the most successful ways to meet health and fitness goals, clients are not required to take part in all that the gym offers.

“Some clients come in complaining of back or joint pain and we perform MAT, others want to use the equipment and some do want to take part in the whole program,” Hansen said. “Our first concern is finding out what [clients] want.”

Hansen opened Fitness Werks at its current location just 10 days after seeing the property and was enthusiastic about opening his business in the Hinsdale.

Now in its 11th year, Hansen said they will continue to help clients reach their wellness goals and said when members see the satisfaction of being where they want to be, staff share in it.

“When we get everything working together for someone it's just great to see and it's very rewarding,” he said.

Fitness Werks is open 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Many different plans are available and Hansen said a consultation with trainer is the best way to find the best program.