Coach Tom focuses on group strength training and is geared toward anyone wanting to increase their strength goals in a group setting that still feels customized and personal, Schneider said.<\/p>\n
The Logan Square gym is simple, with a few benches, fitness boxes for box jumps, resistance machines, free weights and ample space for group exercises. <\/p>\n
The gym is open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. by appointment. Group classes combine a sequence of exercises that target all parts of the body to increase resistance training and movement and to build healthy habits, the owner said.<\/p>\n
\u201cExercise is a universal language that everybody benefits from, and there are certainly a lot of great places that do an awesome job providing a certain niche when it comes generating a good workout atmosphere, and I just want people to come in here be comfortable being themselves,\u201d Schneider said. \u201cWe help people move better and become more functional for their everyday life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schneider hopes his group classes, led by himself and four other trainers, can increase participants\u2019 feelings of community and camaraderie while being tailored to their needs, he said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC07471-1024x642.jpeg\")
Tom Schneider opened his gym, Coach Tom, at 2000 N. Milwaukee Ave. Logan Square in October and shows off an arm exercise on Nov. 20, 2025. Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli\/Block Club Chicago<\/p>\n
Schneider has over 10 years of experience as a strength coach and has worked at various gyms as a personal trainer, so opening a location in his own neighborhood felt like a natural next step for Coach Tom.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted something that sort of replicated what I have up north, and this is pretty much the same square footage,\u201d he said. \u201cThe layouts are very similar.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Schneider knows there are many activities one can do to increase strength and resistance like biking, swimming or running \u2014 \u00a0like his 2016 cross-country bike trip from Los Angeles to D.C. that clocked 2,500 miles<\/a> \u2014 his group classes are another option for Northwest Siders.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just want to see an advancement and people living healthier lifestyle, and I think strength training offers a very unique set of abilities and important factors that go beyond what your number says on the scale,\u201d Schneider said.<\/p>\n