Why Weight Train?

Did you know that as you get older, your muscle mass naturally diminishes? Weight-lifting, also called weight training or strength training, is beneficial to a healthy lifestyle in more ways than just gaining a “buff” physique.

So why weight train? Weight training helps keep body fat at bay by replacing it with lean muscle mass, and is beneficial to both men and women by contributing to overall health and fitness.

Other benefits include:

●       Increased stamina - weight training makes you stronger, which in turn takes longer for your body to feel fatigued.

●       Stronger bones - weight training isn’t just good for your muscles. It’s good for your bones, too! Lifting weights increases bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

●       Boosted mood and sharpened focus - Like most forms of physical exercise, lifting weights increases endorphins, a natural mood-boosting chemical. Some research also suggests lifting weights helps sharpen focus and attention in adults.

●       Toned Physique - Weight-lifting keeps your body performing like a well-oiled machine, with the added perk of looking great, too!

At Five Star Fitness, we have a weight room to accommodate all experience levels. We offer two full sets of Olympic dumbbells ranging from 5 to 125 pounds. We also have squat racks and flat, incline, and decline benches for bench pressing weights all the way up to 100 pounds. We are fully equipped with all the classic weight training tools to build your better body!

If you are new to weight-lifting, rusty, or perhaps just looking for additional motivation, we also offer regular strength training classes here at Five Star Fitness. You can check our website for a schedule of upcoming classes, or see if your workout could benefit with the help of a personal trainer (new gym members qualify for one free session with a personal trainer!). Visit our website or stop on by our state-of-the-art facility located behind the Louis Joliet Mall and give your body the Five Star treatment!

The Benefits of Joining a Fitness Class

Group exercise classes are a great way to reach your personal fitness goals and have fun!  With classes ranging in type and intensity, you will gain an incredible amount of benefits from fitness classes rather than working out at home.

Exercising in a group setting is very different than working out on your own.  First and foremost, group classes are fun!  Whether you join with friends or come on your own, you will love the friendly atmosphere, upbeat music and cheers of encouragement.  When you are part of a group, you are more likely to push yourself with friendly competition and less likely to miss a workout. 

In addition to the social opportunities, you will greatly benefit from the physical exercise of a fitness class.  Having an instructor is a great way to ensure proper form, be motivated to push through the pain, and eventually see improvement.  All it takes is one hour a week and you will benefit from the social, physical, and psychological support of a group fitness class.

At Five Star Fitness, we host a variety of classes for all of your fitness needs!  With over 35 classes per week, join us Sunday through Monday.  If you think an exercise class at Five Star Fitness might be for you, take a look at some of the fitness classes we offer:

Zumba – The Latin rhythms feature interval-training sessions where easy to follow fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.

Yoga – This is a traditional Hatha-based yoga class for the mind, body, and the spirit.  Improve flexibility, increase strength and reduce stress during this hour session!  No prior experience needed, great for all levels.

Strength – Endure barbell strength workouts that target all major muscle groups.  Get toned, improve muscle strength and endurance during this class.

Kickboxing – Kickboxing moves choreographed to motivating music intermixed with strength training.  This hour session burns tons of calories, builds strength and endurance!  No previous kickboxing training is required.

Pilates – Strengthens core postural muscles, develops flexibility, teaches breath awareness and improves spinal alignment.

Cycle – This stationary class will improve your cardiovascular endurance and strengthen the lower body.

Step + – This is a choreographed step aerobics workout that serves as a great cardio boost.

Check out our class schedule or call 815-439-9900.

S.T.A.R. Personal Training

Having trouble reaching your fitness goal?  Need extra advice or motivation?  Want some pointers to get you started?  We can help!  Five Star Fitness is proud to announce the introduction of S.T.A.R. Group Training!  Our certified, experienced, professional personal trainers are now available to help you reach any goal in a group setting or an individualized program.

You will be shocked by the knowledge you will gain and the results you will see from a professional trainer.  After all, our S.T.A.R. Personal Training program stands for:

S – Steps

T – To

A – Achieving

R – Results

If you are interested in the S.T.A.R. Group Training you will be enrolled in a 12-week program in which you will meet twice a week for approximately 45 minutes.  We offer two types of classes to help you get in shape depending on your needs.  The S.T.A.R. Weight Loss class will group at least 5 like-minded individuals together with the common goal of losing weight and general nutrition guidance.  The S.T.A.R. Strength training will group 5 like-minded individuals with the common fitness goals of improving strength and flexibility.  After 24 classes, you will see, feel and love the difference of working out with a personal trainer.

Any 12-week S.T.A.R. training package, whether individualized or group, will include a complimentary 3-month membership to Five Star Fitness!  If you’re interested in setting up a free personal training session, contact Five Star Fitness at 815-439-9900 or visit our website.  At Five Star Fitness, every day is a good day to work out!

Five Star May Membership Offer

May is coming to a close, which means you only have few days to take advantage of our May membership at Five Star Fitness!  With the finest facility and our helpful staff, there’s no reason to pass up what our membership has to offer:

No Contracts:  Contracts seem to be everywhere today.  Forget six months to a year, we believe you should be able to workout under your own guidelines.  At Five Star Fitness, our month-to-month membership offers the flexibility of no contracts.  You can decide what is right for you and you are never stuck in an unfair membership that you can’t afford. 

No Fees:  Increasing gym fees are beginning to take a toll on members at big name gyms.  At Five Star Fitness, we have one affordable price for our members with no hidden costs.  There is $0 enrollment fee and $0 cancellation fee because we do not demand contracts.  Not to mention our complimentary childcare available Monday through Friday at no cost to you.

Personal Training:  When you become a member at Five Star Fitness, know that you will receive a free personal training session up to one hour.  The experience and advice you will gain from a personal trainer is the motivation you need to reach your goal.  By signing up for a May membership, you may find that our certified personal trainers are the motivation you need to reach your fitness goal.

Access to Facility:  As a member at Five Star Fitness, you will have access to our entire 35,000 square foot fitness facility.  Take advantage of our vast cardio area, free weight room, basketball court, group fitness room, studio and Olympic running track!  You will also gain access to a number of fitness classes including cycling, zumba, yoga, strength, kickboxing, step and more!

Here at Five Star Fitness, we are striving to make 2015 the best year for the health and fitness of you and your family.  We offer something for everyone at our state-of-the-art facility with highly affordable prices.  To learn more about what Five Star Fitness has to offer, visit us online at  or schedule your tour at 815-439-9900.  Where fitness is a way of life and the dedicated train!

Let’s Get Ready For Swimsuit Season!

After a very long winter, it’s finally time to soak up some sun and get your body ready for the long-awaited warmer weather.  Say goodbye to bulky winter coats and hello to swimsuits, shorts and tank tops!

Male or female, the ultimate question is… are you ready to bare your body in the upcoming weeks?  If not, don’t panic!  There’s still time to prepare your body for swimsuit season.  Follow these tips from Five Star Fitness for getting your body bikini ready:

Get Your Body Moving  

One sure-fire way to get your body bikini ready is by hitting the gym!  Joining a gym in the months leading up to swimsuit season is the ultimate way to work off excess weight.  At Five Star Fitness, our facilities include a 35,000 square foot gym featuring a cardio area, free weight room, basketball court, group fitness room, Olympic-quality running track and more!  It is the perfect place to fit in an early-morning workout without the excuses!  We also offer core strengthening and weight loss classes including cycling, pilates, step and strength, zumba, yoga, cardio kickboxing, high intensity training and belly booty blast.  After all, the key to looking great in a swimsuit is by working the stomach and butt!

Utilize a Personal Trainer

Are you having trouble reaching your fitness goals?  At Five Star Fitness, we offer individualized programs and specific techniques for each person.  Choose between both personal training and group training sessions for weight loss and strengthening.  You’ll even get a free personal training assessment AND free training session when you sign up to be a member of Five Star Fitness.

Curb Your Diet

Nobody likes going on a diet, but cutting a few calories every day can make a big difference on your results.  While you can achieve your bikini body with just exercise, you may find results easier and faster by cutting back on refined carbohydrates, processed foods, sodium and sugar.  Also, by drinking plenty of water and removing alcoholic and carbonated beverages from your diet.

Be Confident

Whether or not you achieve your dream results, be proud of the dedication to your exercise and fitness plan that your have put into your bikini body! In other words, be confident!  Stand up straight with your shoulders back and head up high, get a glowing tan for the beach, and pick out a swimming suit that accentuates your best assets.

To find out more about achieving your fitness goals with the help of Five Star Fitness, visit our website at www.fivestar-fitness.com.  Where everyday is a good day to work out!