Body Tech Total Fitness has its Roots in Lincoln-Way Area

Steve Tomczak, the owner of Body Tech Total Fitness, knows the fitness scene inside and out. Having just celebrated the grand reopening of the facility, which just added a 4,000-square-foot Cross Fit training facility, he shared the company's history as well as his own.

All total Body Tech is a 25,000-square-foot work out center that aims to perpetuate a whole health philosophy toward fitness. It's something he learned as a child. It's practically in his DNA.

Tomczak's history in fitness is tied to football

Tomczak's father, Ron, was the football coach for Lincoln-Way East High School from 2000-2006, and for 46 years previous he taught and coached football at Thorton Fractional North in Calumet City. His brother, Mike, is a former quarterback for the Chicago Bears who played in the NFL for 16 years.

Sports and exercise were part of the routine growing up, he said. Back in the mid-'70s, when the idea of fitness was coming of age, his parents discovered Nautilus and opened a fitness center in Orland Park. The Tomczak kids grew up around treadmills, barbells and a healthy body-building philosophy.

It's been 10 years since Steve opened his doors to Body Tech. It started out at 11,000 square feet and grew to meet the constantly growing and evolving demand for fitness. Including a mezzanine for treadmills, the facility features four separate weight rooms and a large open space for exercise bikes and a variety of treadmills and similar equipment.

"I think people are surprised at the size and service that we have to offer. We're able to get a lot under our roof."

The variety of equipment and the options are one of the main reasons that Tomczak draws clients from the surrounding communities of New Lenox, Tinley Park and Orland Park. People are willing to drive to reach a facility that really accommodates their needs. 

Fitness is a family activity 

In keeping with his idea that fitness is for the whole family, Body Tech is unlike most centers. It's not just equipment and weights. There's lounge area for people to gather and relax, tables to eat at, a smoothie bar and a refrigerator packed with juice and water. The center is equipped with Wi-Fi and the treadmills feature built-in televisions.

And acting intentionally on the family atmosphere, Steve included a childcare area that's staffed with babysitters during the day. "The mom's can view the kids while they work out. There are cameras for that."

A nutritionist is on staff as well, he said, to help with the overall sense of healthy living.

The 42-year-old owner arrives long before the sun rises. "I get here at 4:20 (in the morning), and there's people waiting to get in." Body Tech is opened from 4:30 a.m. till 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

"There's always three or four personal trainers on the floor;" all total there are a dozen personal trainers on board.

The Cross Fit program is the newest, and it's run by eight certified trainers. He describes this specialized training methodology as a "highly-intense" program that attracts a good deal of police, fire and military personnel. The program is meant to keep the body prepared to handle any situation.

To serve the variety of needs for the public, there are 40 different classes, such as yoga-pilates, kickboxing, strength building and strength building. He's particularly proud of the senior citizens class that focuses on agility and strength building.

 At Body Tech, "trainers teach customers how to use the equipment. It's not just a quick review."

Body Tech works with each individual to achieve the results they're looking for.