Squad training is scaling up.
What’s happening: The Athletic Clubs will open two locations in Chicago this summer while rebranding to Club Athletic as it expands community-first fitness nationwide.
All together. Splitting members into squads, Club Athletic trainers lead fixed groups of ~20 exercisers through 55-minute strength & conditioning workouts twice per week.
Building accountability and camaraderie, squads stick around for post-class socializing and join a group WhatsApp. Inspiring performance, its annual AC Games puts their training to the test. Going hybrid, it hosts weekly run club and smaller groups for advanced athletes.
Right vibe. Touting its influence beyond the gym, founder Dane McCarthy sees social fitness as a salve — enhancing performance and sense of belonging.
Believing “everyone needs a squad,” its rebrand sets the stage for rapid expansion. Counting seven locations across NYC, it’ll hit Chicago’s Fulton Market and Old Town this July. Next up, three more NYC locations, Washington DC, and additional cities in 2027.
Punchline: For today’s wellness-seekers, fitness is life — and Club Athletic accounts for both, delivering high-performance training with a social sphere baked in.
