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Welcome to Activation Fitness

Activation Fitness is a private innovative personal training studio located in Glenview since 2009. Our mission is to effectively improve every client’s function and strength by utilizing techniques based on science and applying them to individuals based on their specific needs. Are you a trainer looking for a studio where you can be challenged in a positive welcoming environment? Or if you are a potential client looking to exercise for life and longevity, keeping yourself “in the game”, contact us today!

– Founder and Facilities Director

Personal Training & Nutritional Counseling

Muscle Activation Techniques™

Empowering Clients With Disabilities

Small Group Classes

Studio Pictures

Golf MATchanics

Move Better, Play Better

Maximize the Time and Money You Invest in Your Health.

Our Extraordinary Team

At Activation Fitness, our personal trainers utilize resistance, cardiovascular, and range of motion exercises to help improve overall endurance, strength, stability and flexibility.

Steve Dam

Owner, MAT Certified Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Resistance Training Specialist BA Athletic Training, MSed Sport Management

Steve effectively guide clients to achieve their fitness goals based on his 25+ years experience in the fitness field.

Gina Narducci

Certified Personal Trainer, MAT Jumpstart Certified

As a Personal Trainer and Muscle Activation Technique jumpstart trainer, Gina creates personalized programs to improve wellness for teens to older adults.

Rob Paszkowski

MAT Certified Specialist, ACE Medical Exercise Specialist, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, BA in Kinesiology

Rob specializes in clients with pre and post-rehabilitation exercise needs, recovery from joint replacement, and many other physical limitations. He customizes workout for clients of all ability levels.

Mary Nimrod

IFPA Certified Personal Trainer IFPA Senior Fitness Specialist MAT Jumpstart

Mary's 30+year career spans corporate wellness, hospital vascular labs, group and individual training, featuring the latest exercises and medical advancements.

Brad Boelkens

Certified Personal Trainer, MAT Certified Specialist, BA Exercise and Sport

Brad works as a certified personal trainer for hundreds of clients ranging from 14 – 90 years of age with varying degrees of physical abilities and goals.

Shawn True

Personal Trainer, Resistance Training Specialist (RTSm), MS

Shawn specializes in strategic personal training. He has 20+ years personal training experience working with clients that have specific physical challenges to high level athletes.

Austin Hansen

NASM Certified Personal Trainer, CES, PES

Austin is knowledgeable beyond his years. He is highly motivated to learn. He utilizes the knowledge he gains to help his clients reach their health and strength goals safely and efficiently. He has a contagious positive energy that his clients appreciate.

Cyndi Burman

MAT Master Level Specialist , MATRx, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Cyndi’s passion for working with the human muscular system arises from the benefits she experienced in her own body when she first received Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT™) as a client.

My personal training experience at Activation Fitness has been exceptional. The gym just doubled in size and has a great range of equipment. My trainer, Mary, is most knowledgeable and experienced in motivating her clients to reach their highest fitness potential. I highly recommend them!

Gary Eisenstein

“I recovered fully and I am running again without any pain, something doctors told me that I would most likely have to let go of [after 2 hip fracture surgeries]. ” — Annie Mullen

Annie Mullen

“Steve Dam and Activation Fitness have helped my son and daughter prepare for college basketball, relieved my wife’s chronic sciatica and improved my strength and mobility after a long NBA career.”

Bill Cartwright

3X NBA Champion — Chicago Bulls

“MAT is a unique method of improving muscle contraction. It can help people stay active and strong. I recommend Activation Fitness for MAT and personal training. My husband and I have benefited from their work as well.”

Amy Jo Ptaszek, MD

Foot and Ankle Division Chief, Northshore Hospitals Senior Clinician Educator, Pritzker School of Medicine

“The greatest investment you can make is in your body. The opportunity to extend your career is huge.There were weeks my arm was dead, and [MAT] was instrumental in rebooting my body.”

Peyton Manning

Superbowl Quarterback

Check out some more of our clients’ success stories in their own words…

5.0

review us on

Ronald Tye

2 weeks ago

In an attempt to regain my previous fitness levels that were lost for over 18 months due to a personal commitment. I contacted Activation Fitness in Glenview, Il and met with their personal trainer. This individual has two academic degrees Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science which focus on personal fitness. In addition, he has advanced education as a Certified Strength and Condition Specialist, Resistance Training Specialist and Muscle Activation Techniques. I have never worked with a Personal Trainer with such an exceptional skill set having over 30 years in training individuals on personal fitness. If you looking for strength conditioning, exercise mechanics, joint function and custom programing for yourself Activation Fitness will help you reach your fitness goals. In just 3 weeks I achieved substantial improvement in my fitness and conditioning. My success was based on my Personal Trainer tracking my workouts through progressive monitoring. I never had a Personal Trainer monitoring my workouts this detailed or meticulous. My trainer knows the subject matter well and has built instant trust through accuracy and confidence.

Camp Kaywood

1 month ago

I have been training with Rob at ACTIVATION FITNESS for two years and do not plan on quitting anytime soon. The atmosphere at Activation is very relaxed & with very personalized training sessions. I have MS and want to keep my muscles strong and flexible and also to work on my balance. I train with Rob twice a week and he gives me functional exercises to work on at home the other days of the week. Rob is very motivating and very knowledgeable in exercise science. The workouts are controlled & focus on isolating specific muscle groups to gain strength & flexibility. I've significantly increased my overall muscle strength & have maintained my bone density. I would recommend Activation Fitness to anyone starting or continuing on their health journey.

Bonnie Shin

1 month ago

Highly recommend Activation Fitness! If you’re looking for a great gym in Glenview with top-notch personal training, this is the spot. Gina is an exceptional personal trainer who tailors every session to build real strength and proper form safely. Truly a fantastic experience!

Melinda Boutsikakis

3 months ago

I started working with a personal trainer at Activation Fitness Gym. I was specifically looking to build back the muscle I’ve lost as I’ve aged. Have I gained muscle, yes, but what I really appreciate is the attention to my form. I’ve worked with trainers before but this is the first time I’ve learned how weak I am 😂. I’ve learned I can lift more weight with bad form and a lot less with good form BUT no injuries and visible muscle growth are happening. I’m looking forward to starting the small group classes while I continue strength training.

Carole Studenroth

3 months ago

Steve is helping me build strength while increasing my mobility and overall fitness. His approach is thoughtful, personalized, and focused on long-term results. I’m grateful I found Activation Fitness. I cannot wait to keep on improving and getting stronger. 100% the best fitness gym and workout.

Mark Freeman

5 months ago

I’ve been rehabbing from back surgery for quite some time with limited success. A friend referred me to activation fitness where muscle activation technique is used. Between the MAT and personal training I’ve made significantly more progress in reducing pain and gaining strength in 5 weeks than the previous 14 months @ PT and other trainers. I highly recommend Activation Fitness my results have been significant, the equipment is very diverse, highly maintained and clean. Only wish I found this place sooner.

Tina P

7 months ago

We are very grateful to Steve, the owner of Activation Fitness in Glenview, for recommending trainer Rob. After my husband’s stroke, it was very important for us to find a personal trainer who truly understands recovery and muscle activation. Rob has been amazing to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable and really takes the time to understand what my husband’s body needs. His personal training approach focuses on building strength, improving movement, and working safely at the gym. You can tell he truly cares about his clients and their progress. We’re very thankful to have found Activation Fitness and highly recommend Rob to anyone looking for a trainer who understands rehabilitation, strength building, and recovery.

B Giazzon

8 months ago

I was looking for a gym or personal trainer that would work on proper technique during exercise to regain strength and ROM for increasing right neck, shoulder and arm/hip pain that appeared out of the blue. A NUCCA chiropractor recommended Activation Fitness. After reviewing their website, I was intrigued by MAT (Muscle Activation Technique) and made an appointment. I was evaluated by Steve the next day with a follow-up a few days later. With already some improvement noted after the first visit, I wanted to continue. Steve's schedule did not work with mine, so he offered several options that would. Cyndi, a Level lll MAT practitioner, has been working with me ever since. Cyndi is patient, personable and really wants to understand what is going on. MAT has been the bulk of my slow recovery time at the gym, in addition to adding exercises using machines, bands and body mechanics, but I'm making progress. Activation Fitness is just another tool in my health restoration toolbox and I'm glad such a place and people exist.

Welcome to Activation Fitness

Maximize the Time and Money You Invest in Your Health.

Our Extraordinary Team

At Activation Fitness, our personal trainers utilize resistance, cardiovascular, and range of motion exercises to help improve overall endurance, strength, stability and flexibility.

Steve Dam

Gina Narducci

Rob Paszkowski

Mary Nimrod

Brad Boelkens

Shawn True

Austin Hansen

Cyndi Burman

Gary Eisenstein

“I recovered fully and I am running again without any pain, something doctors told me that I would most likely have to let go of [after 2 hip fracture surgeries]. ” — Annie Mullen

Annie Mullen

Bill Cartwright

Amy Jo Ptaszek, MD

Peyton Manning

Check out some more of our clients’ success stories in their own words…

Contact:

steve@activationfitness.com

(847) 730-5531

Address:

1940 Lehigh Avenue Suite F

Glenview, IL 60026

Open Hours:

M-F: 6am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 7am-4pm

Call for Appointment