EveFit Women's Only Gym: 'Replacement For Women's Workout World'

ORLAND PARK, IL — When Women's Workout World in Tinley Park closed, women across the area were disappointed to say goodbye. Not only did the gym provide classes and nutritional guidance to help women achieve their goals, but it was also a place for women to work out without any men around, and build relationships with other women in the area.

Although he's a man, licensed nutritionist Raj Ismail was also disappointed to see the gym close because he knew many women who said they felt most comfortable working out in a place exclusive to women. That's when Ismail had an idea to open a women's only fitness and weight loss management center in Orland Park.

EveFit, located at 16145 S. LaGrange, opened in 2018 and provides women with cardio, weightlifting and yoga classes, led by a female instructor each time. Ismail said he has never stepped foot inside the gym when a class is going on.

"It's a fun environment where women can feel safe and also step out of their comfort zone. Our windows are completely blacked out so nobody can see the inside," Ismail said. "I never actually seen a class being run. We have a very diversified base of members and it is also a great space for Muslim women to work out without their hijab."

Ismail said all staff members at the gym are certified nutritionists or trainer so members can feel confident asking questions along their fitness journey. He said they're unique not only for being a women's only gym, but for their weight plans and mentally training women to reach their goals.

"A lot of women like to run ... and running might not be the best thing for every woman, specifically those trying to lose weight," Ismail said. "It's great for cardiovascular strength and your heart, but it's not the best for your muscles, bone density and overall weight management. Weightlifting needs to be implemented to strengthen muscles as well."

Ismail said many women struggle with reaching their fitness goals due to mental barriers.

"Our approach to wellness and health is tying nutrition with mental wellness and fitness aspects. So we offer eight-week programs for women to be trained both physically and mentally," Ismail said. "We offer detox programs that tie in we look at the nutrition and the mental wellbeing of each member to work with them on-on-one to reach their overall goals."

The gym isn't just a place for women to work out, Ismail said they have sponsored many women's based organizations since opening, including the Crisis Center of South Suburbia, offering self-defense classes and donated to their center. Evefit has also sponsored a breast cancer survivor during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during a walk to end cancer event.

"We do whatever we can to try and help women feel good about themselves," Ismail said. "Our members are real women who face real challenges, and we help them overcome them in any way we can."

EveFit has unique features such as a wall of photos of members who have reached their goals and a chair for the "Eve Queen" which also comes with a reserved parking space.

"We got this chair all the way from France," Ismail said. "The queen is someone who excels inside and outside the gym. The chair is a way to make someone who accomplished a new milestone feel special."

Ismail said many members come to Evefit while pregnant and even stay throughout their pregnancy. Others come to the gym borderline diabetic, have arthritis or just want some energy.

"We don't use the word fat, and we don't care about a number on the scale," Ismail said. " We care about the overall compensation of a woman's health and confidence. And we want to help them all feel their best."

For more information about EveFit and to read success stories about members, visit their website or their Facebook page.