Fitness Formula Clubs East Lakeview

Elite '08

11

73

Matt G.

Chicago, IL

Wow, I will have to stand up strong against the current compilation of reviews...

I'm not impressed and here's why: OVERPRICED! They have above average work out equipment arranged poorly. The weight machines are tossed about on two different floors as if a blind man did it (no offense to the vision impaired)
I went here for 2 weeks (for free...I would never pay for it) because someone gave me a guest pass. It gets overcrowded in a hurry and they still harass me to join because I was going there on a guest pass over a year ago!

Way cheaper options at more convenient locations, I'd go elsewhere if I were you

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

6

20

Matt H.

Chicago, IL

This is the nicest (and the priciest) gym I've ever been a member of.  It's a bit overcrowded at peak times but I always manage to get through my workout without too much waiting.

For me the the best thing about this place is the ActivTrax program which automatically generates workouts for you.  I'm getting much better results from this than I was just bumbling around on my own, and in about half the time.  It also gets you off the high-traffic equipment.  If you have the multi-club membership, ask them for the login so you can print off a sheet for one of the other locations.

My friends have said good things about the personal trainers but they were much too pricey for me.  Why bother when ActivTrax and the classes are free?  My only real criticism is that they never seem to have any spare trainers available for questions, they are always busy with clients.

To finish on a positive, I emailed a question to their webmaster at 7pm and got a reply within minutes, how's that for dilligence! (But seriously, go home mate).

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

29

ashley n.

Chicago, IL

As an "off peak" gym-goer.. I can say that I have little to complain about with regards to FFC. I never usually have an issue with the crowds, and I joined partially due to the fact that they're open 24 hours during the week (I'm what some would call an insomniac at times).

Positives:
-24 hours during the week
-Two separate floors/rooms to work out on the machines (I prefer the upstairs one)
-GREAT steam room and pool
-Super clean locker rooms
-Never-ending supply of gym towels
-All the cardio equipment have televisions so there's not a whole lot of nosy people (they're all consumed in their show that they're watching)
-Great location
-Classes are included in the price of membership

Negatives:
-Some of the staff already hasn't been very nice to me (mainly the night staff)
-I feel like it could be a little less expensive
-If you go during peak hours, you'll be disappointed

So, overall, a great gym! I'd recommend it to anyone.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

19

Jillian R.

Chicago, IL

There's nothing not to like about this FFC location. From helpful trainers and staff to the great and non-intimidating classes, it's a great place to work out.

Granted, I usually go later in the evening, but even when I've been there during weekend mornings or right after work, the place is never tooo crowded and there are always ample treadmills/ellipticals. The TV monitor attached to each machine is a definite motivation factor. Who doesn't like watching Project Runway while you work out?!

The classes are great, too. I love that you can pick and choose without having to stick to one schedule. Let's face it, people are busy and sometimes you can't commit to a certain class for eight weeks or whatever. I haven't mustered up the courage to go to Spinning yet, but I absolutely love the Pilates classes. My only complaint is that I wish Pilates were offered every day. If you're a beginner, Maria S offers great modifications and really helps give you a basic introduction.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

9

37

Julia T.

Chicago, IL

This gym is the best thing in the area.  Like Mia M noted, it is very easy to get to from downtown after work via any of the express buses (135, 145, 146) that stop at Waveland.  The #36 bus is equally close and the Halsted bus (I forget the number) is nearby as well.  As long as the CTA Doomsday does not happen, the club is easy to get to on public transportation.  It's also a short walk for me.  

The staff has always been super friendly.  I have done a couple of personal training sessions in the years I have belonged there and have been impressed by the knowledge of the trainers.  I have taken something away from each of those and, even though I am not a regular user of the personal training (money I can't spend right now), they treat me like a continued customer.  

I had yet another knee surgery in October of 2006 and the manager (Logan Shaver, I believe) was very gracious about suspending my membership.  I just got a note from my doc and they did not debit my account for the three months I was rehabbing and unable to work out.  I had enoug to worry about at that time and it was nice to have that taken care of so easily.

The club is always clean.  When there are problems (there was a hot water issue for awhile in the locker room showers), they address it quickly.  They just opened a new pilates studio and finally started group classes for pilates which I am really excited about.  I have never been a group class person, but I can get on board with pilates.

I love the Life Fitness elliptical machines and never have to wait for one.  I occasionally have to wait for machines near the free weights but most club members are pretty gracious.  There are plenty of machines with a lot of variety and they have a system that will make up work outs for you and, when you come into the club, you can open a folder and there will be your suggested workout.  It's a free service which I have never used but I know that it has some hard core devotees.

The club sends out emails letting members know about changes and I like that - it's the best way to reach me personally since I hate the phone.  They also send out emails with notes about nutrition and things like that.

I have only one complaint - I hate the way the water from the water fountains tastes.  I go through 40 - 60 ounces of water in the two hours I spend there several times each week and I just deal with it.  It's not a big deal but a minor annoyance.

All in all, this gym is solid.  The staff know their stuff and are always pleasant.  The equipment is good and I never have to wait.  The club rooms and locker rooms are clean.   It has all of the stuff that I need!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

19

Marek L.

Chicago, IL

This club started out good, but any advantage has slipped away as they have been very good at attracting new members. Now it's a mob scene pretty much all the time - no parking, wait for machines, wait for shower. And they don't seem to have added more staff to clean up after the crowds, so you can imagine how that goes. I joined FFC as an antidote to Bally's, but at this point I can't see much difference... except for that monthly charge to my bank account! Ouch. Once again I join a gym, once again I feel like I got took. When will I learn?

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

32

153

Kim J.

Chicago, IL

I originally joined FFC with the intention of working out at the Union Station facility.  However, I've recently found myself spending more and more time at this facility.  

It's a nice facility - the locker rooms are really clean, there are clean towels everywhere, and the equipment is pretty well maintained.  I've never had to wait for a machine, but I've never gone from 5-7pm (I usually don't go until 7:30 or so).  There's a pool and a whirlpool, which is nice to relax in after a tough workout.  And there's free parking!

My favorite part of this gym is the little gym on the second floor.  It only has a few machines, so you can work out in a bit more of a private setting.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

6

14

Mia M.

Chicago, IL

I have joined the gyms where you pay for classes in addition to the monthly membership.  I have done the gyms that are cheap and classes are free but the gym is nasty.  FFC East Lakeview rocks!  Let me list the reasons why I love this place.

1.  Location, I get off at the Waveland stop on the Lakeshore bus route walk to the end of the block get my workout in and head home done for the night.  How can you not love it?!?!  Even if the #36 bus isn't coming I can walk home in less than 15 minutes, awesome!

2.  Staff, they are friendly and helpful.  I have asked trainers to help me with equipment no problem at all.  I have lost the key to my locker, front desk took care of it asap, they are just great!

3.  Equipment, new and updated and due to member requests they keep some of the old school equipment, (i.e. retro StairMaster) because it makes the members happy.  All the cardio machines have the tv screens on them as well as ceiling mounted television.  So whether you want to watch what everyone else is watching or make your own selection you are set.  The pool has just been renovated too, can't go wrong there!

4.  Locker rooms are clean and kept well stocked.  You aren't wandering around looking for towels and disgusted because they haven't been cleaned for the week yet.  

5.  The classes are taught by helpful instructors and if you are consistent you will see results!  I have done Yoga, Pilates, Abs, FitFlex and MSC, they are all great!  

My only complaint is they should just have open membership for their Halsted location as well.  Right now they charge an extra $5 per month if you want dual membership.  Granted $5 is not alot, so paying it is not a problem, but how is that extra $5 benefiting them, just let it go guys!  I had to revise the review because in the past couple of months the showers and pool have not been looking too pretty.  Overall you can't go wrong with the FFC locations!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

47

121

Yujin Y.

Chicago, IL

When I first moved to Chicago, I also looked into half a dozen gyms. After Equinox, Fitness Formula(former Multiplex) is probably the second most upscale one in the Chicago area. But Equinox doesn't have as many locations, and it is pretty darn expensive to get a membership there.  This particular location just started opening 24 HOURS ON WEEKDAYS (only). And they just put an individual LCD for each cardio machine, which is awesome. Although this location is literally half a block from my place, I kept going to Xsport on Ashland or the FF Union Station location because of the hours(Xsport is 24/7/365) or better facilities(FF-Unions Station already had LCDs). Now I have no reason not to go to this location. This one doesn't have courts or climbing walls, which is why I can't give it five stars. However, they keep the gym and the locker rooms really clean. I also love the fact that they have hairspray, facial lotion, body lotion, shower gel, conditioner, shampoo, plenty of hair dryers, and mouthwash available, so you don't have to carry all that with you  when you need them.
---------------------------------------
Update: Few people have emailed me to find out how much their membership is, so I am putting up this update. I know it all depends on whom you talk to, but (as far as I know) approximately 350ish to join the gym and 80-110 monthly depending on which location and whether you want s multi-club pass or not.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

16

1227

a w.

Chicago, IL

This place is probably one of the most upscale health clubs in all of Chicago. The entire facility is really well-kept and all of the equipment is new.  They have so much to offer - from day care services to a full serivce salon.  It's pretty expensive to be a member at this club, but it sure is super luxurious.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

154

276

Julia W.

Saint Louis, MO

I love this place.  Or loved, I guess, since I moved and transferred my membership to the Halsted location.  I can't speak too much about the main floor machines since I'm more of a group exercise kind of gal, but from what I could tell no one ever had to wait for their equipment.  

Here's why the Lakeview Multiplex gets a whopping 5 stars:  the group exercise classes were AWESOME, especially Carolyn Schram's spinning class.  That lady is fantastic and she whipped my ass into the best shape it's ever been in.  Really, it looked good. ;)  The abs class was dope, muscle conditioning, pilates and yoga were great--even the step aerobics class was fun, even though I kept doing my moves backwards dyslexia-style.  On days when I couldn't make a class or felt so energized I wanted to work out even more (what IS that strange phenomenon??), I used the 2nd floor smaller workout room.  It's got a few machines and free weights, there were usually only 3 other people in there so I never had to wait for my turn and I didn't have to worry about being a sweaty, purple-faced girl in front of totally sculpted Adonises (Adoni?).  The Halsted Multiplex is alright, but I'm thinking of switching back to Lakeview because I loved it so much more.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review