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43 reviews for Cheetah Gym
As a testament to Cheetah Gym, for the first time ever (and I've belonged to a lot of different gyms) I renewed my membership for another year. As a former LPAC member, I expect a lot from my gym, and Cheetah delivers on most fronts.
There are a large variety of cardio machines, which I love - Several different kinds of ellipticals and treadmills as well as your standard stationary bike collection. It's hard to get bored with the selection of equipment they have here. I don't lift weights, but they seem to have a large amount of both free weights and machines. On top of the do-it-yourself equipment, they have a wide variety of classes throughout the day to fit anyone's schedule and interests. Finally, the locker rooms here are great! The sauna is my favorite aspect, but they also have a steam room. Plus, the space is super clean and the showers are almost spa like.
My only complaint falls with the layout. I'd prefer having all the cardio on one floor with weights on another, but they have everything mixed together. I always feel like I'm in the way of some guy working on his delts whenever I step off my treadmill and try to get to the door. It does get really hot in there too, especially during peak hours, but that's understandable. At least they have adjustable fans above most of the cardio equipment.
Finally, the pricing: They frequently have promotions going, so make sure to take advantage of that. With several other gym options in the neighborhood, I had no problem haggling them down to a price I felt comfortable with. Really, in the end, their pricing is fair for the quality services and amenities they're offering and you'll get way more for your money than at a bally's or x-sport. If you live near by, I would definitely recommend joining Cheetah Gym.
A step above a standard, no-nonsense gym at an appropriate price level. For anyone who complains about the ammenities, please go to Equinox. And then complain about the price there.
Everyone who works here is super nice, I can always get a treadmill and the cool washclothes are HEAVEN after a workout!
I give Cheetah only 3 stars, yet I just renewed my contract.
It's walking distance from my home, it's in the old Real World house, and I can always find an elliptical or treadmill available. It's a pretty basic gym: no fancy locker room (although it is always clean, stocked with toiletries, and they have a great steam room & sauna), no pool, no basketball court, no running track. They do have all your necessary gym equipment and offer a wide array of group exercise classes. You can always find a decent deal on membership fees if you ask and if you aren't within walking distance, there is a small parking lot nearby.
I do wish there were more amenities, but whateva, it serves it's purpose.
I've been going to Cheetah for about three months now. I was really nervous to join a gym but everyone who works there has been super laid back and friendly and I feel totally comfortable no matter what. The price is reasonable, parking is a great option and I've never waited for a machine. I think one of my favorite things is that they aren't constantly trying to jam pack tons of new members in by standing outside the gym giving the hard sell to anyone who walks by. Yeah XSport, I'm talking about you.
Thanks for being clean and chill Cheetah!
If I could give this place negative stars, I would. I joined this dump, even after they bait and switched me on the price - then straight up lied to me and told me they never offered the deal I was told about when I toured the place.
The men's locker room is tiny and the showers are disgusting. What's the point of having nice tile if it's NEVER clean??? Showering here makes me want to take a shower.
Also, this place has more threatening signs than I've ever seen. Everywhere you look there are signs "Do Not Touch", "No coats or heavy bags allowed," "Do not remove batteries," and the best is "Obey the rules, and don't get the boot." You know what? I steal the batteries and throw them away.
But, saving the worst for last... the customer service. These people act like they are doing me a favor letting me work out there. They are rude and hostile, and if I didn't have a payment setup on auto-pay I would quit.
Now I'm just gonna be bitter.
Cheetah has been under new management for the past year-ish, and the improvements are really showing. New equipment, new classes, and the sweetest staff. I'm still really glad that I switched back.
And another rave about my trainer, Amanda. I've lost 15 pounds since I went back to training with her and feel so much better. I'm doing things I never thought I could because she makes it ok to try - I'm never afraid to give something a shot because I know that if it doesn't go exactly well (see: falling off a chin up machine, almost falling off a treadmill while running backwards) she won't judge me. My one hour with her a week has boosted my other workouts durning the week because I can hear her saying "you can do anything for another 30 seconds" and it is so, so true.
I've heard stories of other trainers relying on the scale and fat calibers and fear to get people into shape, and while that may work for some people, it isn't my style. The energy and enthusiasm I get from her have done more for me than fear and numbers ever have. I can't wait to see what we accomplish in 2009!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/18/2008
I was a member of Cheetah before the owner freak out/shut down thing. I switched to Crunch, and… Read more »
Finally a gym that isn't compelled to blast rap music to convey a false sense political correctness. The toilets are in a completely separate part of the locker room, sealed by a opaque glass door. Genius! They play music at a level in which you can listen to your own earbuds/headphones without causing permanent ear damage. The place is spotless and they offer a towel service.
My biggest gripe is all the clutter. Too many flat benches, machines, and other obstacles make it hard to find floor space. With so little floor space, the ladies are forced to stretch and do ab work under the only squat rack.
The morning crowd is all business, work out and get out. If you go in the afternoon you'll pretty much have the gym to yourself. The gym is so packed after 5pm there is no point in going. The after 5pm crowd seems to be a bunch of socialites, lounging on the equipment, talking, walking one mph on the tread mill while flapping their lips on a cell phone. If you're looking for a place to work out after work, keep looking.
my two criteria for a gym are good yoga classes and an ample amount of treadmills. in joining cheetah, i checked the box on both of those two fronts and then some.
i really love elizabeth d's hatha yoga class on tuesday and thursday morning (if i could write a review specifically about this class i would). it's always a little rough getting up for a 6:30 am class, but i feel great whenever i leave (not to mention a little sore the following day!).
the facilities are clean for the most part and the machines are seemingly new and well-maintained.
the bonuses are that cheetah has a sauna, steam room, personal training, and i believe a treatment room if you want to get a massage.
as anyone who's every joined a gym or contemplated it knows, one of the biggest hassles is the joining process with the 'deals' and haggling. fortunately with cheetah, their rates are fixed (you can see them all online) and there are no sales people. what a concept!!
I was a member at Cheetah for a year and just recently switched my membership to crunch.
One star gets knocked off for the locker rooms. they are sooo tiny albeit clean. They didnt have any lockers to rent when I joined which is a major pain in the ass for anyone who needs to get ready there in the morning. Plus other gyms in the same price point offer hair dryers and at least some toiletries beyond q tips.
The other star is taken away for the lay out...I know they are trying to fit as much equipment as possible in the gym to accommodate everyone, but it is just way too crowded and makes me kinda clusterphobic...I'm already not into touching a bunch of equipment that a bunch of gross sweaty hipsters have been sweating over all day-- but when you are at cheetah you feel like everyone is on top of eachother...which just makes it worse. Especially if you want to stretch out or do mat exercises...there just isnt much room.
I should say that all the classes I took were great but nothing you cant get at another gym.
No one has ever made fun of me at this fine, fine (slightly cramped) temple to fitness, not even that time i got the Muscle Milk with the defective lid and was standing outside in a wifebeater looking like i wasn't strong enough to open a twist-cap.
I mean, i would have been talking some shit, you know?
The only problem i can see with Cheetah is the extra skinny guy (like, Ethiopian skinny) with the half-sleeve who's always wearing American Apparel extra-small PE shorts with the high cut legs where you can sort of see his little balls when he's on various machines and it's just ... weird, you know? That guy pisses me off.
Otherwise it's like a four floor mansion of HEALTH and CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE and YOGA and other things women approaching thirty get really into. It does tend to get a little crowded right before 9am and after 5pm, when the rat racers pile in to jog and crunch and adjust their iPod arm holsters and whatnot, but that's any gym. All in all, i really like this place. I even like the small army of Mexican folks who are constantly, incessantly WIPING everything every three seconds. One of them wiped me once on accident. I thought it was cute.
It's got almost everything you could ask for in a gym, and it's about five minutes from my house (or twelve seconds off the Blue Line stop), and there's free coffee in the morning.
Go Cheetah go.
Well Ive been a member for about two years, maybe a bit more. First I was at Edgewater and it was great, the classes there were smaller and I enjoyed that. Then I moved to Wicker Park and switched my membership to the cheetah here. I like it okay, but the classes are bigger and sometimes there isn't enough space to do what we have to do in the class, and sometimes I have to wait in line to wait. I hate waiting in line or sitting outside the room with a bunch of girls itching to cut in front of anyone. I like this place because they have yoga and I really like Erica there.
I also tried the total body training thing three sessions with a trainer and he was good but blew me off for a week and I decided not to even do the last session.
I pretty much hate Cheetah and I am tied to it for a year. Let me count the ways.....
1. You have to deposit $1 to use a towel (I jog to the gym so I usually don't have a spare dollar bill floating around so I have to drip dry)
2. They are too cheap to have membership cards so they put a sticker on the back of your license. (I can't count the number of times I left my license in my gym bag and got turned away at the bars or had to pass on wine at dinner)
3. The locker rooms are tiny and pretty gross. (The showers have uneven floors and therefore you step in a cold, stagnant puddle of water when you step into the shower.)
4. The people at the front desk are evil. It's like a race to see who can give the dirty look first with them.
5. The spinning room is dangerously crammed with way too many bikes.
6. Melanie the spinning instructor is a joke... was that really supposed to be a workout?
7. It's just too damn crowded.
8. Did I mention that it's not cheap?
I agree with Jenny. I go to this gym. I know what I am doing and dig the yoga.
The staff leaves much to be desired. I expected more for 70 bones a month.
HIRE NICE PEOPLE who smile. I can't deal with the half-dead girl in the morning. It is already hard enough to wake my butt up at 530 am. It would be great if she could say "good morning" or have a good workout. Anything to let me feel like my money is going to a human.
I joined when it first opened up, when memberships were more reasonable. Then they jacked up the rates about 25%. I asked the sales department if they could lock me in at the same lower rate I had been paying the previous year and they said no. I said fine, I'm going elsewhere. After my agreement ended, they started taking money out of my account at the new higher rate, despite having done everything correctly to terminate my agreement (you have to send it in writing-30 days in advance). When I put a stop on the card, they reported me to a credit agency. The woman I had to deal with during this whole debacle was such a MEGA BITCH. I seriously had to call her every other day to check on them.
I hope Cheetah burns to the ground.
I recently joined Cheetah and am very pleased with my decision. It is close to home so I can just walk to work out...how convenient is that!? It can get busy during peak hours, but if you have the luxury of hitting it at non-peak times, you'd be much better off. This is when their classes are, however, so you'd miss out on that. Speaking of, the membership fees include all classes...a great deal in itself. I have been only to Yoga and Pilates and both are well taught and never too crowded. But there are many more to chose from. The staff has been friendly and helpful and the place is well kept ( I always see cleaning personnel there).
The locker room is small, but since I don't use it often it is not a problem. I wish they'd add more classes during the day. They also have internet that's included with membership, and if you need to do laundry, bring it in..washers and dryers are maybe 1.50 a load, I think. Overall I am very happy with the place.
I've been a member here for about half a year, and I really enjoy it. I like the overall somewhat laid back feeling of the place. It has nice colors and lighting, is clean, and the people there aren't bad at all. Yes, it is crowded during peak hours, esp. with the New Years Resolution crowd, and that sucks, but I've never had to wait too long for a machine, and you just have to make sure and get there on time for classes. What sucks is the parking lot -- boot nazis run it and the layout of it is retarded! On top of that, lots of people like to take up more than one spot!
I also find the bathrooms to be clean and always equipped with refreshing cucumber or lemon water. Another cool thing is the psychedelic steam room -- it has a revolving LED light to zone out on as the steam turns from red to green to blue...
I've found the staff to actually be pretty nice! They always say hi and bye and smile. I've never had any rude experiences with them at all! When we signed up we even talked them down (no membership fee).
Also, how big of a deal is it to check in a dollar for a towel? Just put a dollar with your gym stuff.
It is a tad expensive but I think that's to be expected, and I feel really comfortable here.
I've been a member here for years, make it in three to four times a week, and have been generally happy with the place. When I fist joined I went in the evening, just like everyone else, and agree it can be a bit of a nightmare at peak times since the space is limited. However, after changing my schedule so I could go in the morning, I've never had a problem getting a machine and rarely feel cramped in the locker room.
I've had mixed experiences with the staff. Folks that have been there a long time are always really nice, but new hires seem to run the gamut of super friendly to "okay, I GUESS I'll check you in" attitude. But hey, I go there to work out, not chat with the staff, right?
I did have one debit card problem. When my card was stolen I had a new one issued, but it didn't get to me before Cheetah tried to deduct my monthly memebership and were denied. I called them up and gave them the new number, but they still charged my an overdraft fee, which, after years of never being late on a payment, did sort of irk me. So the lesson is: Make sure you stay in contact with them on banking issues, because they won't try and contact you.
Overall though, I like the place and don't see myself switching gyms ... until they open the Logan Square location later this year and I can work out even closer to home.
If i could give it a half star i would. Joined this craphole which has become known as Cheater Gym (for taking people's money, not for their clientele) among my friends. I signed a one year contract which should have expired this week, and when I went in to make sure my contract would end when it was supposed to, the contentious little bitch at the front desk insisted on hitting me for an extra month's billing despite the fact that I haven't set foot in their mildew infested sweat box in several months other than to fork over cash to them to "fulfil" my contract.
The locker room is literally unusable it is so filthy there's actually mildew on the shower curtains and standing water in the showers. The machines are often in disrepair, noisy, clunky, squeaky and lack maintenance, and we won't even get into the lack of customer service or attitude of most of the people that work there including the aforementioned General Manager (little girl with a big title) not to mention the little episode last fall where they closed the day after pre-billing everyone's accounts.
I've joined David Barton and it's amazing and basically the same price... it is everything a gym should be and Cheetah people could learn a lot from them, but, they're muscle heads and apparently learning and customer service aren't their strong suits.
GOOD RIDDANCE!
On paper, there is nothing fun about going to the gym. It chews up all sorts of time; people around you are totally sweat-tastic and stanky; and all the other gymgoers there are slimmer and stronger than you and have the spandex unitards to prove it.
Oh, but how I have come to love the Cheetah in Wicker Park! It's staffed wonderfully with all sorts of nice people, the classes are truly topnotch (specifically the Pilates and yoga series), and the machines are well-edited and easy to decipher.
The gym members are a vaired lot well-scrubed yuppies, tattooed cool kids, headcore muscleheads, and local yokels. Everyone seems supercool about sharing machines during peak hours, and the gym is almost always empty on weekends and during the late evening on weekdays. There is nary a whiff of meat market shenanigans, and I definitely see people of all body types and builds doing their thang.
The auxillary staff is also topnotch, with excellent massage therapists and personal trainers. Another great option is to sign up for universal membership, so if you're a neighborhood-hopper like me, there is no excuse for not squeezing in a workout. Trust me, I've pretty much thought up every excuse possible.
My only complaint is the ladies lockerroom is pretty cramped, but overall it is kept spotlessly clean, the showers are great, and the steam and sauna are awesome post-workout treats. So whatever.
If I have to "Just do it", then the place for doing it is at the Cheetah.
I'm going to tell you right off the bat that I loathe going to the gym. Working out is NOT my idea of fun. That being said, I joined Cheetah soon after moving to Chicago during one of their membership specials. I thought the classes were great and the times were convenient. The Forrest yoga was fantastic! However, the staff was never quite as helpful as they claimed they'd be during their sales pitch. For those who are used to gym equipment and working out, that probably won't be a big deal but if you're slightly intimidated by the equipment and rules, it can be very overwhelming.
After my year at the gym the membership price went down to normal and I didn't go enough to make $70/month worth it. The juice bar was a nice convenien edition though . . .
I'm on my second membership at cheetah. The first time, i didnt really go.
The space is conservative- but we live in the CITY, i think its pretty much expected. The space was the old Real World Chicago house, the gym is 3 stories, with a basement (locker rooms and steam rooms).
I mainly do the Yoga classes- and i will occasionally jog or use the machines upstairs, and when i do it is a bit of trouble having to look for machines ( especially after January). But overall i think it's a great gym-
I pay $59.00 a month, with no sign in fee, you just have to talk to them and they will work with you on their rates. I will agree with everyone else on their accounting practices. My boyfriend stands to owe them close to $300.00 because they didn't let me know his account was in default. But when he called to talk to them about it, they were very friendly.
I am very happy that Cheetah has reopened. We weren't looking forward to finding a new full service gym. The Wicker Park location is super convenient - we can walk to it. However, we liked our Andersonville Cheetah better but had to switch when we moved. The staff in Andersonville was friendlier and the place was cleaner. Now, with the new management, there is a whole new attitude! The Wicker Park employees seem happy and I'm glad to see that some of the Andersonville people are now at the Wicker Park location. The $1 towel thing has been dropped and it seemed much cleaner yesterday when I went to work out.
I have not experienced it being that packed. I work out generally at night. My husband says it is really busy in the morning. It is often very busy at night or on the weekends but there is enough equipment that I can do something else until the machine I want opens up. It has nice locker rooms that always seem clean.
Binita trained in Pilates at my old Pilates place, Body Endeavors. Her classes are great.
I like Cheetah. Keep in mind I go during the day, using sometime between 9 and 1 so I can't speak to overcrowding, etc. and I walk there so I don't have the parking issues either.
Good points: Machines that work and are kept clean. Fans you can direct to blow right on you and tvs on all the machines. The staff always greets me nicely. People bring in magazines to share (I do too). Cold water in the locker room and cold towels for a wipe down. Good hours.
Bad points: They need membership cards, I hate having to remember my drivers license. Also, someone there needs to watch a weather report for the day and turn the AC down many hours ahead to cool that place off. On super hot days with all those windows by the time they try to adjust it you're already screwed.
Overall, Cheetah's a pretty good gym.
Probably should get 3 1/2, but 4 is a bit much.
Pluses: Gym is convenient for most WP/Bucktown residents, has parking, modern equipment, decent facilities. Price is about right.
Minuses: Gym has the worst layout of any club ever. Period. It looks like they let Pigpen do the layout. Shits all jammed in every nook and cranny with no semblance of order whatsoever.
I've been going to Cheetah for the last 4 yrs and enjoy it overall. I do mostly weight training and cardio and it provides most of what I need.
It definitely caters more to the yoga/cardio set though, IMO.
Steam room and Sauna make a nice combo after the workout too.
Cheetah gyms are back open, the Andersonville & Bucktown gyms as of Sunday, 9/9/07, and the Edgewater gym will open on Wednesday.
And no more towel deposit!
I just joined today. For the location (near blue line), ambience (funky), and cleanliness (squeeky shiney) I don't think I could complain. Your membership INCLUDES sauna, steam room, equipment (most have TVs), CLASSES (which is quite the deal), and internet cafe. I will be paying $59 a month. If you are an artist or student think of it this way: it's 2 dollars a day. And it gives you quite a lot so that you have variety in your workout.
i was with cheetah when the whole place closed down, and thought that would be the end of things. i started whoring myself out to other gyms, hoping someone would have me. little did i know i'd be falling right back in love with my old flame.
it's a great gym...even during busy hours, it's not that busy. the machines are nice, and when something breaks it's always fixed the next day. they keep things clean and working, and the members are all very respectful and pretty much keep to themselves. even if it looks a little cramped upon first walkthrough, it's really not. they pack a lot of nice features into a small-ish, vertical space.
steam room = awesome.
parking = free and awesome - you just have to ask for a permit for each month.
nice staff = they even hooked me up with a lower-rate membership when i asked about their current specials.
worth the price...i'm paying about $55 a month, and i think that's a darn good deal for a pretty nice gym.
I came from Bally's which is dump. Cheaper yes, but a dump. I don't like it when oversized instructors teach classes. Cheetah is near my house so that's a huge plus. Yes, they have a parking lot which is nice if you're there when it's not the busy time of the day. Yes they have the"boot natzi's" but I welcome them. Why should other people be able to take up a Cheetah parking space if they are going to eat at Feast? I must say that the parking lot is goofy. Why again can't you enter from Damen? Makes no sence. But whatever. Read the signage and you wont' get booted for parking in a "Non-Cheetah" spot. I was never much of a class-goer until I started going to Cheetah. Holy HOT BOD! Love it. Tami and Lisa are the best teachers ever. They really make you work. Unfornately the one on thursday nights can't count to the beat of the music. And she screams everything she says. Very annoying, but not much you can do about that. People comment on the issue of Cheetah being crowded. Yes, it's crowded at 6p. What gym isn't? Go at another time maybe? It's not always like that. I do think that Cheetah may have to put a cap on their memberships soon because sometimes I wonder, how much more crowded can it get? Then I go back on sunday afternoons. I've rarely had a problem getting on a machine. It's nice that they have machines that work (unlike Bally's) and a huge plus that they have individual tv's. (unlike Bally's). I have never seen them out of order. I don't usually have a problem w/the locker rooms. The lemon and cucumber H20 is a nice touch when it is filled. Also the cool towels are nice, again when there are some there. I don't like paying as much as I do to work out, but I do like this place. I also want to comment on the front desk staff. If I'm paying $69/month, you damn well better make acknowledgement of my being there. I don't expect a red carpet rolled out, but say hello and smile for god's sakes. Not everyone is like this, just one girl impeticular. She seems like she's too good to look at you or god forbid crack a smile or say hello. She only glances your way to take your dollar for a towel and for you to tell her what size towel you need. btw. she does all of this w/out saying a word. Listen sister, I help keep you employeed.
I must add that Paul has the best workout music ever. I feel like I get a good workout just b-cause of the music alone. And he is hilarious to boot! BTW, does anyone ever clean the mats used in the classes? Gross. All in all, I like Cheetah. I hope they expand. Last but not least the ABSOLUTELY MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT CHEETAH........
For the love of god, PLEASE get something else besides my driver's lic. to check in with. How many more times must I forget my lic. in my gym bag? Was at Sam's buying liquor and had to go ALL THE WAY BACK HOME in traffic to get my driv. lic after it being in my gym bag from Cheetah. My driv. lic. belongs in my wallet, not in my coat pocket. You mean to tell me that the $828 I pay a year can't award me with a "check in key chain feature" like Jewel? Or how bout a nice "credit card" type thing like Bally's? Almost want to take away a star just for that annoyance alone.
I love Cheetah Gym. It has an upscale feel but it is very down to earth. The spin and yoga classes that come with your membership makes the cost worthwhile. The gym is also very involved with reaching out to the community and donates a lot to good causes. The gym is pretty tight with equipment , but if you have to wait to use a piece of equipment, you don't have to wait long like at some gyms. There is not a lot of room to stretch but they are remodeling, so I am hopeful. All in all I've made a lot of nice friends there. I also like that Cheetah Gym approaches fitness as a lifestyle and understands how it fits into the larger scheme of things of day-to-day living. I'm really impressed by Cheetah. I've been a member for over 6 years and the atmosphere and service they provide has helped make positive and dramatic changes in my life for the better.
It's a good gym located right off the Blue Line in Wicker Park. There aren't many other options off the blue line ... Bucktown Fitness would be the only other option. There is a lot of equipment here in a small amount of space. This building was just not really cut out to be a gym. They have equipment in little crevices and tiny rooms.
A lot of the equipment is very close together. They have one squat rack and one Smith machine. It would be nice to have at least two squat racks. There is good dedicated stretching room downstairs by the locker rooms. Also, it wasn't too crowded.
The place is clean and the equipment is good. The locker rooms are decent. The towels are full size and wrap all the way around my waist. Not like this is a huge feat (I have a 31 waist), but try wrapping one of those FFC towels around yourself and you'll see what I mean.
Also, there is a very good reason that traditional shower heads are not directly above your head facing straight down. They get points for creativity here, but this is really not functional at all.
The price is around $800 for a year or $60 per month. That is a decent price, but not compelling.
I am very happy with Cheetah. It's clean ( a big plus for me!), staff is very friendly ( also a big plus!) and I absolutely love the classes they offer. I am obsessed with the Cardio Kickboxing class. It kicks ass!! It's 2 blocks away from my house, so it makes it convenient for me at all hours of the day. It's nice to be working it out and seeing hot guys sweating. Yum. I also like doing the elliptical or the bikes in the front and staring outside on North ave because there is always something going on!
My personal experience here was pretty good after a little over a year and a half of membership, but I did have a few issues:
1. For what membership costs, replacing the towels a little more frequently would be nice. Many times I wound up with a hard (fabric softener evidently NOT part of the equation), fraying object that was a towel two or three years ago.
2. The Japanese jacuzzi that was "being installed" when I was thinking of joining in January '05 never materialized.
3. The locker room was vastly undersized if you go during the evening hours, especially early in the year when they're busiest. Other times it was fine, but no one wants to have it be that crowded in the locker room of all places.
4. The most serious issue: when my girlfriend changed bank accounts and got a new debit card, instead of notifying her that there were problems with the electronic transfer of funds, they reported her to a collection agency and revoked her account. There was absolutely no effort made on their part to contact her. She was so upset about it that she considered it a blessing that they revoked her account, since she didn't want any part of setting foot in there again.
Like I said, personally, I had a pretty good experience there, but those things tainted it for me. A friend I brought there described it as "a combination of a night club and a gym" because of the dance music being pumped through the speakers. This never really bothered me, but I can see the point. I never had any problems with rude staff members, as some of the other people had mentioned. Yes, the equipment is pretty cramped, but overall I thought they made pretty good use of the space they have. I didn't take any classes so I can't comment on those. Classes are at no additional charge, which is nice.
I've been a member for a few years now. I know it's normally not cheap, but I got a pretty good deal and it's cheap for a gym that not the Y. They have good equipment, and I think it's pretty clean. The $1 deposit for the towels is very annoying. It's better to go before or after the 5 pm after work rush, but that's with any gym.
Oh, its like going to a little boutique, filled with gym equipment! Claustrophobia is the price of convenience for residents of bucktown not wanting to walk more than a few blocks. This isn't a bad place -- decent service, new equipment, and the tvs to ease the pain of working out. It is just very compact. Figure out if that is a compromise you want to make.
I really feel that this gym is overrated. I came here on a guest pass with a friend who is an avid patron of this place. The locker room area is so small you are smooshed together and feel claustrophobic. Maybe this is a subliminal message to make you feel like you should lose more weight. They do have some cool weight machines and tvs at the cardio machines that you will have to wait forever to use because there is a line of people. Also since the gym is so compact everything is so close to one another. And finally I did not see anybody wipe down their equipment after using it and no worker cleaning it off either. I think I will stick to the ymca, it may not have a steam room or fancy chilled water with a hint of lemon, but at least I can work out in peace.
close to the blue line and available parking make this gym convenient. although, i do believe their parking lot is shared with the neighboring bank so there are specific hours when you can park there. but there are plenty of parking on the side streets near by.
i like how clean this gym is but i'm not a fan of all the damn stairs. it's kinda hard to walk down or up the stairs after a long cardio session on the treadmill of stair master. your legs feel all jiggly and you're out of breath. other than that, it's a great gym.
they provide you with shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and body lotion in the shower. a major plus when you don't want to lug your toiletries around. there's even a sauna but it's kind of a pain in the butt to use. you have to set the timer on it and let it warm up before you use it.
another plus is that they have cold drinking water on every floor. oh, and did i mention they have cold towels? fresh!
i usually go during odd hours so i never had to wait for a treadmill or elliptical but i've noticed that it does get a bit busy in the evening time.
oh, and the classes are great but only during the day. i can imagine the classes being full in the evening.
For value/cleanliness/convenience, this place probably get close to 5 stars.
However, it is so small and cramped and gets very busy, stuffy in there between 5-8. If you can go other times, it's the perfect gym but not everyone has that luxury.
Took off another star for classes. There is not too much variety and there are not that many classes after 6:30 (except Yoga if that's what you're into). I've been meaning to try a spin class but the times never seem to work out. They had a cool thread train class on the treadmill but that's pretty much gone from the schedule as well.
Locker rooms are nice and clean but again so small that I haven't found it convenient to shower/get ready there.
Overall, if convenience and value is your #1 priority, it's hard to beat. If you're looking for innovative new classes at flexible hours and roomy work-out rooms, this is not for you.
An abrupt close- and they just took out this months membership fees! Hmmmm.
I love my gym. I love coming here in the morning and getting my day started. This place is so clean, and it's very laid back. I never feel insecure about my little buddah belly (that will go away with all my cardio, damnit!) or that anyone is staring at me. The equipment is well kept, the staff is really friendly, and I'm considering getting a personal trainer, just so I can learn a little more about some of the machines. And I'm totally into the classes they offer (can't wait for the abs one...watch out buddah belly!!). After searching around, I thought the price was okay for all they offer (I'd love it if it were less, but my health and state of well being are more important). This is some of the best money I have ever spent.
in the words of Rupaul: Girl, you better work.
my gym of many years, LAC downtown closed for reasons unknown to me. since i'm no longer reporting to the loop, i decided to try a gym in the hood.
AND I COMPLETELY FORGOT WHAT IT'S LIKE WORKING OUT WITH HAWT GUYS!
okay, there's the gay portion of the review. BUTT seriously, i forgot. it's very inspiring. i went from the only one in the under 30 category at LAC to ...well, to being cheetah's new old fart with a saggy ole' booty.
i keep telling myself, "if i just push a little harder on this lever, i'll look just like THAT guy!" "...just ONE more set of abs and i can go get a new shirt!" so far, it works.
my last gym was all old men, which at the time was perfect. i was in a committed relationship and wanted to hide from the realities of gay men at the gym. so i worked out with the pasty-faced big-bellied middle-aged brokers at Lakeshore. the monthly fees were reduced through my company so it was worth it (90 per month). but honestly, this place is so much better (60-something per month). younger people working out around you really helps. tons of treadmills, rowing machine, orbiters, weight machines w/ tan leather (cheetah skin, no doubt).
a good variety of people work out here, mostly younger. the steam room has a rainbow light (just sayin'...) and music, so that's a huge upgrade from the creepy one at LAC. the staff is pleasant w/ an edge. i'm fine with that, it's a manual job and they're all looking to do other things most likely. they kindly dole out the warm towels. and regardless of their ability to stay open for business (i joined two days before the doors were padlocked), i like this place. i mean, it WAS the home of real world chicago, righeet?
and for the time being, i'll continue to restrain myself from the yelp duty of locker room site photos.
