2026-04-26T15:54:40.905Z

CrossFit Backland is the kind of gym that exposes every lie you’ve ever told yourself about being “in pretty good shape.” The workouts are hard enough to make you question whether you’ve been training your whole life or just moving furniture occasionally and calling it fitness.I’ve been to gyms all around the world, and the coaching at Backland stands above them all. They know when to push, when to correct, and when to let you figure out that your soul has briefly left your body. The standard is high, the community is strong, and the room has a way of pulling more out of you than you planned to give.You’ll hurt. You’ll sweat through your shirt — and probably take it off, even in the dead of a Chicago winter. You may briefly reconsider your life choices. Then five minutes later you’ll be talking about when you’re coming back. That’s the magic of this place.It’s hard, it’s fun, it’s addicting, and it’s full of the kind of people who make suffering voluntarily seem like a reasonable life choice. Five stars every day of the week, six stars on Saturdays, and don’t ask about Sundays… because I’m still in bed getting ready for the next week at Backland.

2026-04-24T15:04:27.670Z

CrossFit Backland has been an awesome experience. I’ve been working out here for a few months now, and the coaches do a great job of meeting you where you’re at while still pushing you to grow. For the first time in my life, I actually enjoy working out. Highly recommend!

2026-04-19T15:35:47.750Z

I joined CrossFit Backland with zero experience with CrossFit. The amazing coaches and members helped teach me the different movements with proper form as a priority. The thing I value most, however, is the community! CrossFit Backland is a 10/10!

2026-04-18T00:13:20.183Z

I tried out a few gyms in the area and felt this one was the best. They take the workouts seriously but it’s paired with a great atmosphere, coaches, and community so I felt comfortable scaling things to appropriate challenge for me. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a CrossFit gym

2026-04-17T23:14:15.148Z

2026-04-17T15:16:10.340Z

Best gym in the western suburbs!

2026-04-17T13:04:56.114Z

Love Backland- the owners, the community, the events and competitions they put on. Our son loved the CrossFit kids class, too. It is very family- friendly, and we are able to bring our young kids while we work out which makes a huge difference for two working parents trying to get to the gym! The coaching staff is extremely knowledgeable- I have been doing CrossFit for many years and continue to learn new things from this coaching staff. Highly recommend!

2026-04-17T12:19:55.631Z

The coaching is amazing, the WODs keep me challenged, and the community is so welcoming and motivating—I love it here!

2026-04-16T01:23:46.486Z

2026-04-15T20:03:14.651Z

Amazing coaches, welcoming environment, clean gym and equipment. Great people!

2026-04-15T19:45:17.083Z

Good space, excellent coaches, and great community fostered by the owners.

2026-04-15T14:29:02.176Z

2026-04-15T14:21:47.405Z

Best coaches and owners, I absolutely love the community. I recommend this place to anyone looking for an opportunity to make new friends and become super healthy.

2026-04-15T14:10:30.650Z

Highly recommend! Owners and coaches are all very informative and super kind. Always enjoy coming to the gym. Super clean and great vibe!

2026-02-16T22:07:57.587Z

I struggled to find a gym after moving to IL from out of state - until I found CrossFit Backland. From day one, I felt right at home.The coaches are amazing, kind, and genuinely invested in your growth. They always bring incredible energy and are attentive, offering personal feedback that helps you improve, whether it's a lift or a skill.The programming is intentional and thoughtful. It offers easy ways to scale for every skill level, making each workout accessible whether you're just getting started or pushing yourself to the next level.And the community is even better - the members are friendly and warm, and the owners keep the environment fun and engaging. Since I joined last summer, they've offered a ton of events, like competitions (open to the public or in-house), holiday party/member get-togethers, and skills clinics, and are currently gearing up for the open. Their commitment to fostering more than a gym but a community is inspiring, whether you’re dropping in or looking for a new box to call home.

2026-02-07T23:09:30.731Z

Awesome gym with a killer community and smart programming. Coaches actually pay attention and help you improve every session. Big shoutout to Coach Rich M. and Jessie for the support and push when it counts.Tough workouts, great vibe, real results.Absolutely love it.

2026-02-05T03:54:43.552Z

Great gym, we have two or three closer affiliates to us but we choose to drive significantly farther for Backland. Great community, coaches, and owners!

2026-02-01T23:57:28.128Z

I’ve been doing CrossFit for 10 years and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that this is the most amazing community and CrossFit gym I’ve ever been to! I’ve made more progress in 3 years then I had in the prior 7 before. Thoughtful programing for every stage of fitness, and motivating coaches to keep you focused on hitting my your goals! Rich is truly a mastermind of programming and I truly love all of our coaches! Once you try it out you’ll never go anywhere else!

2026-01-31T18:19:22.957Z

Everyone is welcome here - young/old, experienced/new, serious about fitness/just trying to survive life. Clean and well-maintained with owners and coaches who will strive to help you meet your goals and who are always improving the experience for members.

2026-01-30T03:49:40.711Z

If you are looking to get fit, stay fit, or take your fitness to the next level, then CrossFit Backland is for you! The coaching staff is extremely knowledgeable and provides excellent programming that helps you to continually level up and reach your goals. The positive energy the coaches bring to each class has helped build a wonderful community full of kind individuals that love fitness. All in all CrossFit Backland helps me be a better version of myself, and I’d recommend it to anyone.