Fitness
Well Being: Gym 1801 is where wellness meets fitness – Evanston RoundTable
Gym 1801, at 1801 Central St., is changing the way people approach workouts. The gym, which held a soft opening in September and is planning a grand opening in January, prioritizes community over cardio. “We expose guests to different ideas that stress mobility, recovery and holistic well-being,” said Ali Asadi, general manager and head coach.
Gym 1801 is not your typical health club. There are no treadmills or elliptical machines, and patrons aren’t walking around with headphones. Instead, the club focuses on functional exercises and relationship-based experiences.
“Wellness means different things to different people, and we want to include mental well-being in all of our programming,” said Derek DeLapp, the gym’s operations partner.
The collaborative vibe is clear from the moment you walk in. The club shares a lobby with Joe & the Juice, where members get a 15% discount. Lockers are equipped with charging docks, encouraging people to leave their phones while they’re working out.
“We focus on holistically getting people where they want to be, and that is fostered through community, support and coaching,” Asaid said. “You’re going to be interacting with another person while you’re here, whether that’s a trainer, class instructor or front of house staff.”
Gym 1801 is a passion project for owner Jim Hennessey, who wanted to create a place where he could share his love for health, fitness and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The gym encourages guests to try something new, whether that’s an Animal Flow movement class or a recovery session in the cryotherapy chamber.
“Our relationship with movement and wellness evolves as we age, and we understand everyone’s process is unique,” Asadi said. “Someone might come in only interested in yoga, but get exposed to strength training and discover a new passion. That opens their minds to enhanced ways they can sustain a healthy lifestyle.”
Brazilian jiu-Jitsu is one of the gym’s core offerings. Led by Jeff Serafin, the program caters to all shapes, sizes and ability levels. “Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that involves throws and takedowns. There’s no punching or kicking, and you use submissions like leg locks and chokes to control your opponent on the ground. Participants learn to defend themselves while controlling the level of violence,” Serafin. said.
The mental benefits of the sport are as important as the physical. “Jiu-jitsu improves strength and flexibility, but it also teaches you to be present in uncomfortable situations and gives you confidence to tackle difficult things,” Serafin said. “Clients discover that if they can take down a 200-pound opponent on the mat, they can ask their boss for a raise.”
Gym 1801 also has a number of yoga classes, from flowing sequences to restorative practices. “Our instructors come from varied yoga disciplines and bring a diverse teaching background,” Asadi said. “We cater to all levels, and offer modifications with any practice. Moving forward, we are looking to add a Hatha practice, as well as healing sessions with crystal bowls and evening sound meditation.”
The gym offers individual and small group personal training sessions that focus on functional strength training. “We meet clients where they are and tailor programs to set them up for success,” Asadi said. “Our equipment is not necessarily what you’d find in a big box gym, and is designed for the client to work under trainer guidance.”
While they do have dumbbells and barbells, the gym also has kettlebells, sandbags, battle ropes, sleds, medicine balls and endless rope machines. “The essence of strength is being able to flow smoothly with a load,” Asadi said. “We focus on moving in 3D planes and creating strength in positions that are more functional, such as bending and lifting. Mobility and mechanics are more important than number of reps.”
Those looking to take group classes can choose from Full Body + Strength & Conditioning, HIIT-Precision Boxing, Boxing + Conditioning + Full Body and other combinations.
“Our classes are strength and mobility-based, and we keep them to between 10-15 participants for a more personal experience,” Asadi said.
Gym 1801 also has a state-of-the-art protocol of services to aid in recovery. The three-step process consists of cryotherapy, infrared light therapy and a dry sauna; and can be utilized together or on their own.
The cryotherapy chamber is designed to rapidly reduce inflammation and jump-start recovery after a workout. Guests spend up to 3.5 minutes in the chamber, which averages -175 degrees F. “The cold causes the blood to constrict, which helps to reduce swelling in the muscles, decreases inflammation, and can combat arthritis,” DeLapp said. “It also boosts your mental health, as the cold air activates the vagus nerve that controls mood.”
Red light, or infrared therapy, works to accelerate cellular regeneration and further reduce inflammation. Guests stand or sit in front of the light, which averages 110 degrees F, for 10-20 minutes. “The light stimulates blood flow, builds collagen, and promotes muscle repair,” DeLapp said. “It also combats seasonal depression and other mental health issues.”
While membership is geared toward adults ages 16 and over, they do offer programs for a younger crowd. The Sloth Defense Squad, an anti-bullying program for kids, teaches patience, resilience and respect while providing self-defense skills. Their youth training program focuses on strength and performance training for young athletes in the off-season.
Overall, Gym 1801 strives to be a place where wellness meets fitness.
“Holistic health encompasses mental health, fitness, and social connection, and we tailor a program to help you achieve lasting well-being,” Asadi said.
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