PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS
Corey Baker
Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals Organization & Member of Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic
"A teammate referred me to Chicago Sports Institute after my 6th season of professional baseball with the Cardinals. I can honestly say after spending my off-season training with Dave, I am more ready both physically and mentally than I have been for any previous season. Dave’s knowledge of training and nutrition changed my body in just a few months. He not only cares for my baseball career, but for my health in general. I would highly recommend Dave and his staff to anyone who is looking to improve!"
Corbin Bryant
Defensive Tackle, Buffalo Bills (Excerpted from video interview)
"Flexibility is the biggest thing for me to become a better player and I’m definitely moving a lot better on the field and in drills now… The things Dave incorporated in the workouts helped me develop into more of a complete player… My pop off the ball and my explosiveness have definitely improved in just 3 weeks of training with Dave… I would refer Dave to any of my former teammates or any other professional athletes out there that are ready to train hard and get better."
George D
Avid Athlete
"I was referred to Chicago Sports Institute by a friend. I am currently treated as needed by Dr. Jon Sebby at Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Medicine and I train two times a week with John Sandberg. I feel better today than I did 20 years ago. I am playing in paddle tournaments again – and I’m pain free. I know that I would not feel as good as I do today if it weren’t for the collaboration of the medical staff at CCSM and the trainers at CSI. John and Dr. Sebby work together to customize my training and treatment regimen and consult on progress. The combination of the staff is seamless, easy and everyone is incredibly friendly."
Matt Raimo
Actor/Model
"I knew what I needed to do to get back into shape. I knew what to eat and how to exercise. At least I thought I did. In truth… I was a mess. My body wasn’t where I wanted it to be. My mind wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I knew where I wanted to go but had no idea how to get there. Nothing that I tried on my own was helping and I was slipping further and further away from my goals.
Dave Hollinger and the Chicago Sports Institute changed all of that for me. All of their workout and meal plans are specific… to the exact rep and calorie… and not just for anyone but for YOU! We started with an evaluation that would help to examine where I was at physically and mentally. It was a great way to quickly but efficiently figure out who I was, what I could improve on and how best to get me there.
The program I started helped me to drop 12 lbs of fat while gaining muscle mass including cutting the visceral fat that I had, in HALF! This was huge for me. I was no where near how I wanted to look and now that has completely changed for me.
I can say that hands down I now have a much greater self esteem level and I am confident in how I look and how I feel. I am also able to take on other aspects of my life with greater levels of focus.
Dave and CSI have taken me from a guy who was struggling to stay on the right path of a healthy mind and body and put me back on track to where I am now making tremendous strides forward in multiple areas of my life. What a CHANGE.
I can’t say thank you enough!"
Susan T
Avid Golfer
"In six months of training with Dave (Hollinger), I dramatically reduced my body fat percentage and rediscovered a vitality and energy that I have not felt in years. In my 40’s, I worked out at various gyms or in group classes, and thought the aches and pains and general slowness I felt were inevitable parts of aging. I was so wrong. Training with Dave means training smart and efficiently, and reaching your goals. I also see Dr. Sebby (at Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Medicine) from time-to-time, and the integration of his active release techniques and Dave’s workouts is phenomenal. I’m a golfer, and my driving distances, swing speed, and other aspects of my game are vastly improved."
Tanner Creel
Goaltender, UConn Huskies
"Dave’s professionalism, intensity and knowledge in the field is second to none. He pushed me beyond limits I thought I had and brought me to the next level both mentally and physically. After working with Dave this past summer he enabled me to increase my vertical by 6 inches while gaining 13 lbs of muscle. I have trained with many skilled trainers, but Dave is bar none the best at what he does."
Bryan Pancich
NHL Referee
"Dave prepared me for my first full season working in the NHL. He was very attentive to my goals and with his professional guidance I gained 15lbs of lean body mass over 12 weeks training 4 times a week. I have never felt more confident and prepared for the rigors and physical demands of a season. During the season my training was reduced to once every 7-10 days. This allowed me to maintain my strength, body composition, and most importantly remain injury free."
Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr
Speed Skater, 2010 Winter Olympics
"For over the 2 years David personally trained me, I not only reached an elite level of strength that helped me make the 2010 Olympic team in Long Track Speedskating, but learned more about myself through his expertise and integrity that pushed me to be a better athlete and person. The overall package you get from training with David is exceptional and will make you proficient for life."
Gregg Byers
"The most professional practice you will work with anywhere. Starts with a highly selective hiring process for each and every team member they bring on board through to your in-depth initial evaluation session through to your customized and constantly re-calibrated training program. CSI develops a holistic plan for you that isn’t meant to be an overnight fix – it’s a comprehensive solution. Their level of commitment and professionalism never ceases – they live and breath it each and every day and it’s consistent from trainer to trainer. My son and I began our sessions together this past Spring, each with very different objectives. Not only do they always work to accommodate our hectic schedules, it's really amazing to see first hand how they approach each client’s individual needs and circumstances and aren't ever trying to promote a one size fits all approach. At CSI they’re all about the long-term and developing the right solution for you. If you’re serious about your training and commitment, this team will give you everything you need to get there."
COACH SPOTLIGHT
Alex Sutrinaitis
"I decided to start training at CSI after multiple years of listening to two of my immediate family members rave about the overall quality of this facility. At the time, my daily workout regimen was limited to long distance running on a treadmill. I was a total beginner and hesitant to add weights into the picture. The progress I’ve made as a result of training with Alex this past year has completely surpassed any expectations that I had for meeting my original goal to simply improve my overall strength. The physical stress and imbalances that used to follow me outside of the gym and into simple everyday activities no longer exist after starting at CSI. The entire team holds an advanced understanding of what is necessary to improve and maintain the quality of your health, not only through training, but through lifestyle choices outside of exercise such as sleep and nutrition. This knowledge in combination with the level of detail that each coach considers when tailoring client programs is what sets CSI apart when it comes to results. Whether you’re an advanced athlete or new to the training, this is the best place to be to achieve your goal."
Sophia James
"I initially started training at Chicago Sports Institute to help with back and knee issues and to get into better shape. I had never worked out with a trainer before and really didn’t know what to expect. I was unaware of the detail, thoughtfulness, education and support behind the workout itself. There is an entire team at CSI helping each step of the way. I find it extremely helpful that all points of better health are addressed, be it nutrition, sleep, stress, workouts, etc. The atmosphere is professional, supportive and focused. My trainer, Alex, has shown great dedication in helping me reach my full potential. His support and guidance, whether it be getting through that day’s workout, or educating me on specifics of the training and the impact it will have on my body, has been incredible. I now have the strength to do things I couldn’t dream of doing before. My minor pains were addressed and now gone, and my performance in and out of CSI has improved tremendously. Without a doubt, I can say I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel better physically and have a much better grasp on my nutritional needs. My lifestyle has been enhanced on so many levels through the help of Chicago Sports Institute. I would absolutely recommend CSI for anyone looking to take the first move toward overall better health."
Brooke Allen
JOHN SANDBERG
"I started training with John Sandberg my junior year in high school, and I have never looked back since. My baseball coach referred me because at 6’2 and 150 pounds, it was obvious I had room for improvement. In just one short year, my senior year of high school, I put on 50 pounds of lean muscle, improved my flexibility, and increased my cardiovascular strength to be competitive at the division I level. In addition to strength training, John has rehabbed me from two major injuries (a spinal L5 fracture and Tommy John surgery). His dedication to his craft is second to none, and his commitment to his client is evident through the elaborate workout routines, nutritional support, and overall fitness advice. John provided a platform to compete and battle the rigors of a division I athlete. The confidence of knowing my body was at a competitive advantage to achieve success led to further skill development and increased performance ability. John has been a constant in my athletic career, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would not be where I am today in baseball if it weren’t for John."
Max Allen
Georgetown University Baseball
"Training with John has helped me a lot through my hockey career. I started training with him several years ago and the results on and off the ice has been tremendous. Being able to have played in the NAHL and USHL, I’ve learned a lot about how important strength is. This year, playing at UCONN, I feel great about my body’s strength and I’m excited to see the results. Before going to John, I had never Olympic lifted anything or knew how many lifts there actually were. John taught me everything I know about lifting and how it relates to my body in a hockey sense. I feel so much more explosive, stronger, and even more confident when I’m on the ice because of his training style. It’s really helped me in my development and I couldn’t thank him enough."
Max Kalter
University of Connecticut Hockey
"I love looking back and remembering where I started off and where I have come. I started off 6’7” 165 pounds before I began working with John and now I am 6’ 9” 230 pounds. John helped me gain muscle while adding several inches to my vertical jump. I have used my strength and conditioning to help make me the best player I could be. I played 2 years with the USA boy’s youth Olympic team. I had gone on after that to play at Pepperdine University and start all four years. John has helped me bring my game to the next level as I recently had a chance to play with the Serbian national team, following which I signed a pro contract with Cannes (French Pro A Volleyball). It’s been amazing to see my progression in the sports of volleyball and I thank John for those gains."
Nik Antonijevic
AS Cannes Volleyball
"I started working with John 7 years ago when I was a scrawny high schooler with college and professional hockey aspirations. I did not, however, have the strength to compete at the higher levels. I knew that working on the ice was one thing, but I needed an extra edge to take my game further. After working with John for one year, my success at the AAA midget major level increased drastically and I was offered a spot in an elite junior hockey league. Since then we have continued to work together and my college dreams have been realized and now I am working towards making my professional dreams come true as well. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without the help and knowledge of John."
Rob Linsmayer
Les Rapaces de Gap, France
"I first started training with John for the purpose of continuing to heal a back injury. John not only helped me recover, but he pushed me to become the strongest version of myself. During my first workout with John, he asked me what goal I wanted to accomplish with my training, to which I replied, “Get my back to 100%.” I have John to thank for helping me come back from the worst injury of my athletic career and for preparing me to be a trainee at the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC. John’s individualized workout programs, extensive knowledge, and enthusiastic dedication ensured steady progress and made for a productive and inspiring environment in which to train. Regardless of if I asked for a 6am or a 4:30pm workout, John was always there, engaged and committed to training me."
Sophie Allen
Joffrey Ballet School
"My name is Janet Chapman and I’ve been training with John Sandberg for over 3 years now. I decided to work with him because of the great results my husband and son had from training with John. My training goals were to get stronger, have more energy, and to drop weight.My goals have been exceeded. I have gained a lot of strength and energy, I have lost over 15 pounds, my nutrition has improved, I sleep much better, and I think much more clearly. In summary, I’m a happier and more energetic person. John is so knowledgeable and precise regarding every exercise and he knows exactly how far to push me so that I get the best results. He is expert in how the body works and the workouts have reduced the frequency, severity, and length of running and tennis related injuries. John is also very competent regarding nutrition, and has put me on a healthy eating program and supplement regimen that has allowed me to lose weight while increasing my energy level. I am very satisfied with the results and I have referred friends to John. I look forward to continued training with John."
Janet Chapman
"I have been training with John for almost 3 years upon the recommendation of a friend because I developed a bone density issue and was given 1 year to improve my bone density. I needed weight bearing training. Thanks to John, my bone density improved significantly in 1 year and I did not need to go on medication. Even my doctor was amazed at the improvement. This is a huge development. Besides strength training, John also helps me with balance by working on my core. This is very important to me. Also, I never enjoyed training before and did little exercise other than walking. Because of my experience with John, I look forward to training. John customizes my workouts to my needs. He knows exactly how hard to push me to do my best and gives me confidence and makes me want to succeed. I am beyond satisfied with the results. If not for John, I would be on medication that I don’t want to take. Not only would I recommend John, I did recommend John! And I would recommend him again!”
Debbie Grodsky
MICHAEL SORRENTINO
"Mike creates workouts that cater to individual needs. For example, I had a pulled hamstring that he worked around while designing my workout plans. That being said, even with a pulled hamstring, he helped me increase my leg strength immensely. Also, being an ex-D1 athlete himself, Mike understands the importance of every session and helped me get the most out of every lift. He never let me slack. I am definitely satisfied with the results after each session. Everything mike puts on the workout sheet is there for a purpose and he catered each workout to my specific needs at the time: whether it was taking tension off my hamstring by strengthening the complimentary muscles, helping me prevent concussions, decreasing muscle fatigue, etc. The workouts Mike puts me together are tough, and sometimes I feel bad for myself midway through, but I always walk out of the gym knowing I got better. In the offseason going into my freshman year of college, Mike helped me put on 30 pounds, while decreasing my body fat index. I ended my senior football season at 179, and at the peak of my offseason I was 209. At the same time, I was able to rehab a hamstring issue that had been nagging me for months prior to training at Chicago Sports Institute, and completed my first college season with no hamstring problems."
Spencer Cotten
"I’ve been training at CSI for a little over 3 months. I made the decision to train with CSI because I felt my current training had become stale and unproductive. I wanted to be pushed/coached to improve all around athletically and physically. Working with CSI has help me refocus on the nutrion aspect of my lifestyle. I’ve appreciated putting some structure around my meals and training. I am thrilled with the results. There is, obviously, the improvement in physical appearance, but perhaps more importantly, I feel like my mental game is improved, as is my strength, and my energy levels are consistently higher. I would certainly recommend CSI to anyone willing to put in some effort and trust the process. The results are undeniable, and I feel really confident that people of any background could get positive results."
Helen Lesser
JAMES ALVARADO
"My name is Mike Tauchman and I am an outfielder for the Colorado Rockies. This was my first off season training at Chicago Sports Institute. Having done the same off season program for the past four off-seasons, I wanted to seek out a program that focused on improving mobility as well as increasing lean muscle mass. Throughout the 10 week program, we made significant gains in lean muscle mass and mobility, as well as correcting imbalances in my body. The thing I enjoyed most about the training program was that it was individualized to my body, as well as my sport. James also helped me implement a nutrition program designed to decrease body fat. The end result is that I feel stronger, faster and healthier than previous off seasons. James and the trainers at Chicago Sports Institute are extremely knowledgeable and I would recommend them to any athletes looking to take their bodies to the next level."
Mike Tauchman
Colorado Rockies
"A friend and former teammate both recommended CSI and James to me to train with in my first professional offseason. CSI is a first class gym full of trainers and people who genuinely care about the people who come in everyday. James is a very knowledgeable, gifted trainer who I enjoyed working out with several times a week. Now leaving for my first spring training, I can honestly say that I am mentally and physically stronger, I know more about proper nutrition as well as my body. I could not feel more prepared for my season and I have James and CSI to thank for that. I highly recommend Chicago Sports Institute and will definitely be back next year!"
Jack Yalowitz
"Over the past 8 weeks, CSI's extremely intense training program has prepared me for my upcoming season better than I could ever imagine. I feel stronger, faster, and more confident than ever before."
Cole Okmin
"I can't say enough positive things about this place! CSI is a dream-come-true for functional sports medicine, injury rehab/recovery, expert athletic training, and overall physical fitness. Under one roof, I have been able to: 1) address chronic and severe hip pain and limited foot and ankle mobility with chiropractic medicine (Dr. Josh Akins/Chicago Chiropractic and Sports Medicine), 2) focus my nutritional goals and eating habits with the fat loss program (Mike Sorrentino gives it to you straight—which cuts through the denial, rationalization, and excuses that keep us all stuck and provides practical and real strategies to meet your goals), and 3) transform my body into a stronger, more fit vessel than I have ever had. I brought the commitment and they brought the plan. Their experts collaborated to create custom fitness plans for my specific injury rehab and fitness goals. In the past, fear of exacerbating my injuries and pain kept me from consistent exercise. At CSI, I felt confident that I could give it my all and not worry about further injury. Their integrated plan was smart and has given me the results I wanted. We've strengthened the parts of my body that were contributing to my pain, cleaned up my eating, and I've shed over 25 pounds of fat in 4 months. I feel great, have amazing energy and mental clarity and I'm set to move into my 50's with confidence instead of resignation. I've saved the best for last. My performance coach (Brandon Yang) meets me with the same focus and determination I bring to my sessions. He's professional, attentive, encouraging and just smart. I show up, give 100% to the plan he creates, and I see results. It's so rewarding—even if I'm the sweatiest girl in the room! I'm grateful to all of the staff Dave, Josh, Mike, and especially Brandon who is in the trenches with me every session. The work and encouragement I have at CSI fuels and supports the work I do at home with my daily sports chiropractic therapy exercises, walking, and food choices. All of it works in concert to bring about real and sustainable changes for the future I am living into. I'm just so grateful! I wish I had known about you years ago!"
Heidi Grathouse