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78 reviews for Xsport Fitness
I like my gym and I love my trainer (yay Belle!)! I've been a member since September and have been very happy. Why, you may ask, did I only give it 4 stars? I don't like the fact that they are constantly announcing things over the loudspeaker. This is not Kmart's blue light specials. Now I do have to agree with some fellow Yelpers comments about the front desk staff. They are not always the friendliest. But on the other hand the personal training staff is excellent; very attentive and willing to work with you (Jeremy is the best!).
I really like all of the upgrades they've made. You have to admit, for what we pay monthly, it's a good effing gym.
Anyway, I recommend this place fo' sho' if you are looking for a good, no nonsense, economical gym.
Again, YAY BELLE! : )
I was a member from 2005 to 2006. It might have been a while but I would like to share my experience and hope it can be useful to some. Specially management. The gym was close to my job, so it was great to go workout before or after work. It had a lot of equipment, free parking and free towel service.
Now to the bad part. It was ALWAYS freaking crowded after work hours. I mean, I understand people like to get out of work and go get a sweat and work out but I mean peoples (like 7+) at a time were waiting for cardio machines on most days. People were on top of each while working and all the popular equipment (ie, bench press) was almost never available.
So I was there one morning, before work. I saw a few signs on lockers that said locks on lockers left overnight will be cut and items removed. I was well I'm glad that's not me!! After a good 45 min to an hour work out I go back into the locker and changed only to realize that my lock is no longer there and neither is my stuff!! I go and ask the front desk and they said it must have been removed because I left my stuff there overnight. But I told him I just got there!! So I go ID my from this massive pile of bags filled with personal items. I find my stuff and I once again ask them why they took my stuff out and cut my freaking lock!! He once again said I must have left my stuff there overnight. So I ask him for at least a new lock!! Since they have cut mine off!! He took my key pass and scan it and said it does not have any record of me coming in today!! Like what!?? I was here, I'm in my workout clothes, I have no ID on me but in the bag I picked up, and heck I had to grab the key pass from the bag with my personals on it.... so how was I able to sneak in there!? He had no response and wouldn't even look me in the eye. What a loser! I had to get back to work since I was now late, so I said forget it.... the very next time I went I asked to cancel my membership and this guy just handed me a card and said contact them, we don't do that here!!
They are happy to sign people up but after that, you are on your own. Hope they have changed some policies or hired more professional employees, but from the look of some of the reviews here, it does not look like it....
Xport is going downhill fast. I understand the economy and the need to upsell current members to personal training sessions or lean on them to give up names of friends that may want to be members of Xport. (Who gives their friend's name up to a gym that will call relentlessly?) But ENOUGH already.
Everyday I step in the gym there is someone standing by a table trying to lure me over to inform me of a few more of their services. Fliers are taped to the cardio machines (sometimes three at a time) promoting "Fitness Day" or "Fitness for Friends Day" or "We like to print small fliers on brightly colored paper so we made a day for it Day". It's absurd.
I've been a member for 3 years and I'm sick of being solicited each and every time I enter this place. I'm considering looking for a new gym. I'll reserve my 1 star review for when I try to get out of my contract--I'm sure that'll be a treat.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/28/2009
I'm still fairly pleased with the gym but the new Precor treadmills are garbage. It takes a moment… Read more »
My review is for the tanning services at Xsport. I bought 1,000 points during a sale where they doubled them for free. What they didn't tell me was that came with an expiration date of one year. So I went tanning today and was told that if I didn't use 432 points in 10 days I would LOSE them. Oh but wait, if I bought 100 more points today, that would extend the expiration date for all my points. Seriously?
I asked if I had signed something to agree with the expiration date fine print when I bought my package and they said no. My salesperson should've told me when I paid. Right!
For the price, the beds don't give you much color (maybe they don't replace the bulbs often enough?) and they only have one of the best beds so there's always a wait.
Done in 10 days and definitely not going back.
PS Yelp - don't think I didn't notice all the poor reviews are buried pages in here. Cut the crap.
Great Club! I recommend it. I go off hours and don't fight any crowds. Towel service is a bonus.
Xsport gets 4 stars for their great classes, especially Monday's 5:30 Muscle Max. It's pretty annoying, however, when you're minding your business, working out on a machine, and a worker comes over and tries to sweet talk you into buying a heart rate monitor. Super annoying! Other than that, I like this gym... and the price is right!
I think it's a pretty great gym for the price - the only thing that I can't *stand* about Xsport is the way they hassle you about personal training, spa services, tanning, etc. I made the mistake of accepting my "free personal training session," during which I was continually pressured to buy several more months of sessions. Even after I told him I *literally* have no income, as a student - the pressure continued. I also had a trainer back in Michigan that I was very loyal to, and I felt like this trainer was more interested in pushing his workout/nutrition plan on me, instead of hearing me say that I was content with my current program and was just interested in a few new things to integrate into my existing workout.
That being said - love that they validate parking, have computers, I can always get an open treadmill if I'm in before 6 pm, good selection of weights and machines, locker room is clean and attractive, I've enjoyed their tanning in the past (though I'm giving it up b/c I'm afraid of cancer)...and I've taken the Muscle Max and 30-minute ab class, and I loved them both. My muscles burn for days after M.M. The evening classes are my favorite - they are crowded, but I like that better than being one of like 4 people in a class. I went to a weekday class during the day once, and it was just me and a bunch of old ladies, so if you're young I'd suggest taking evening classes or weekend classes so you might fit in a little better. Oh, and thumbs up to the personal TVs on every treadmill/eliptical. I can run for miles and miles - never bored with E!, Vh1, Food Network....I'm in heaven.
Once you get past the initial harassment to purchase more training and services, they eventually leave you alone and it's a really nice gym.
I have to say that I get a good laugh whenever I walk in here and they are flaunting the "Voted best gym in chicago". Uhmm...by whom? It's ok...The paint in the bottom of the pool is peeling, they have mold growing on the sides of the pool and the locker rooms are filthy. Sounds like a fun place to work out...oh, and the towels are horrible. Though, they just replaced them with the newer sandpaper towels.
It is not all bad however, LOL. They just updated all the machines, so that is nice. I never have a problem waiting or anything like that.... So, if I were the GM and they had a suggestion box, I would say to literally clean up your act you dirty little bitches...hahahaha
I like this XSport 1000 times more than the Lakeview location. It's just better. I do laugh at the reviews below, certain people are like me and comment on why others think it's weird the gym is busy at 5. Really? I hate to mention it again, but I would like to find a gym anywhere (not just Chicago) that isn't busy between 5 and 7. Jeez, people...
Lots of classes, it's cheap, there's a pool (which I've never used, so I can't comment on it), rock climbing, lots of machines. They only have five stairsteppers, which sucks, because even during non-peak hours I often find all five being used. There are the usual douche/meat head/a holes working out there regularly, but that's a gym for ya.
The staff annoys me. They are everywhere. There is so many of them, just around. And they are all very "personaltrainingish" if that makes any sense. They people behind the desk annoy me, they aren't very friendly. The customer service is lacking, here. Self absorbed people. Bu do I care? Only enough to mention it in my review, I guess. It's my gym. It's a block away, it's cheap, and it offers everything I need. I would recommend it to anyone.
And sometimes it does smell. I don't know about the men's locker room, but I think just in general, it does smell like a gym sometimes. As it should.
And watch out for Todd the Douche. He is tall, always wears a baseball hat and Under Armour shirt. He stretched on the stairs and will repeatedly hit on you. Very creepy, but also amusing.
Yes yes, all the machines have been upgraded. Whoopee! I'm so glad my money is going to new machines (although nothing was wrong with the previous ones) instead of hiring some better employees.
The new equipment is nice but they have added a lot more machines and not enough room. I can't imagine how it is when it's crowded. I go late at night to avoid the rush. The employees at night don't seem to care. It's good and yet bad.
I see the ignorant teens come in there and steal the drinks, food, and products right from under the employee's noses. They let whoever they want in, even if they are not a member. Most of the time, the employees aren't even working. They are working out right next to me.
One time, there were 3 people working behind the counter and I was trying to buy bottled water. One girl was helping a different customer on tanning or whatever and the other two were just standing around talking to each other. Finally, the girl who was helping the other guy was like 'sorry, 1.50' Thanks.
But we aren't there to talk to the employees, we are there to work out. And on that aspect, I love the gym. Lots to choose from, lots to do. I LOVE the hot tub, steam room, and sauna. The pool is nice but I hate how it is salt water now. Its disgusting. You can't even swim normally without consuming over salted water.
Go back to chlorine!
ALL cardio machines have been upgraded! AND have nicer TVs on them now!
The group classes alone are worth the membership fee.
Women's locker room showers now have... shower caddies!
.. but the men's locker room is STILL nicer. wth??!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/30/2008
The Good
-They offer a variety of classes
-I like the showers here. They're spacious, good water… Read more »
After over a year of going to this gym, I finally feel qualified and compelled to write a review for the place. Xsport does a nice job being what it is: a cheap, no frills, well rounded gym. It's not like East Bank Club, or even somewhere you might spend $100 a month on a membership. It's $40 a month, get-your-sweat-on, get in-get out, kind of place.
I will comment on two things: 1) the classes and 2) the facilities.
1) I have become devout class attendee. The boot camp/spinning classes are real a** kickers, just make sure you sign up about 20 minutes before spin class starts so you get a bike. I am obsessed with their yoga classes. Sure, there are usually a lot of people in the room and the mats are probably [really] dirty, but almost all the teachers are wonderful, and after doing about 3 classes a week for a couple months, I feel like a different person!!! A few of the great teachers (I know I'm forgetting some here) are Laura, Niccola, Brantley, Laila and Kirsten.
2) The facilities they have make them stand out. Try finding an affordable gym with a basketball court. I know I struggled. The pool is clean and if you go in the mornings, there's no problem getting your very own lane to swim laps. Cons: the locker rooms are cramped, the weights area is always full of intimidating muscley guys, and there will be a wait for a treadmill at 5:45pm. But I can live with those things.
Overall: Good gym, skip/avoid the "complimentary personal training session" unless you feel you'd like to invest in a trainer long term. Eventually they'll stop calling you to schedule it!
I must update my old review, as since then, XSport Pipers Alley has made HUGE improvements, and I have to give credit where credit is due. While the gym is still crowded during peak hours, they have improved their facility so much to accomodate it.
For one, they started air conditioning the place--generously. This is always desireable, if you're in a hot, sweaty gym.
They have also since replaced all their old cardio equipment--about 200-300 machines!!! New ellipticals, new treadmills, new stairclimbers...they even have these virtual cycling class bikes!! A much-needed update.
So, I change my review. I'd definitely recommend joining XSport Pipers Alley. They've totally overhauled the facility, and the price can't be beat! Love it!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2008
I've been a member at XSport for 2 years, probably only because it's open 24 hours and is… Read more »
I have been a member of Xsport for 7 months. I like to mix it up- I frequent the Lakeview gym, the Logan Square gym about once a week, and the Old Town gym on North and Wells about once a week. I go for the classes, which are awesome. sometimes busy but always have enough room to have a great workout and leave rocked!
I dont know about the sweaty balls in the men's locker rooms but the females' locker room def has no strange smells such as that. i dont utilize all Xsport has to offer such as the protein shake bar, tanning, pool, rock climbing and personal training but i do love that they're all offered and, quite frankly, if members don't like the gym, then go somewhere else so we are less crowded working out after work!
Instructors and reception area staff have always been friendly and helpful, And i love checkin out the hotties while my sweaty hair is matted to my head- i have been thinking about this idea too... l feel Xsport should seriously consider this: offering a dating service! There are so many beautiful people that work out there, we all live in the same area, and we have similar interests- Brilliant! Xsport, let me know when this happens, i;ll be waiting!
I been a member here for over 2 years and I like this place, sure it has its flaws, stinky locker rooms, loud crappy music, grunting muscle head idiots and freaking PACKED on most weekdays from 5-8pm, but its still 24 hrs, relatively cheap for the area, $1 an hour childcare, the people who do the childcare are really nice by the way, my daughter loves coming here, and free parking in old town for 2hrs ANYTIME, even when your not working out as long as you scan your card and get it validated in front. that part is sweet. I also enjoy the hot milfs and trophy wives who are there every day from 9am-1pm. Then dudes locker room is kinda gross, but cmon dude, its a locker room. Also the music is too damn loud, my Ipod us cranked the highest level and i can still hear their crappy music through the loud speakers.
My main complaint is that the toilet area ALWAYS smells like balls, like gross sweaty balls. I have never been in the toilet area and thought to myself, "Wow, it sure does not smell like balls in here."
anyway in conclusion, good for the parking and milf watching bad for the ball stench and LOUD ASS MUSIC! SHIT TURN THAT SHIT DOWN! NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR THAT WACK ASS TRANCE MUSIC!
The absolute only reason I did not join this gym was because of the guy who gave me the tour - Dustin.
He was so obnoxious and immature. He kept asking me personal questions about myself, asking questions about people I knew and kept pushing me to buy a package. This was all after told him I am a very private person and just wanted to try the free week membership to start. I already had it in my head that I was going to sign up, but this guy blew it. He was so pissed that I didn't buy a package immediately that he was completely rude to me after I refused to sign up. He wouldn't even look at me and walked away. After I left he called me and told me I should go to another gym! How immature!!!
This guy has no tact whatsoever. Who hired him? He even announced what street I live on to a room full of men who were working out!
What's funny is that I was 100% going to join the gym before I even walked in the door. I just wanted to try the free week trial just in case.
Oh, he lied to me too. He told me that if I started with the free week trial, I couldn't get the discount that they had that month. After talking to someone else, I found out that wasn't true.
There was no way after dealing with this idiot that I was going to let him make money off of me. I joined a different gym instead. It costs a bit more, but at least I'm dealing with mature adults and feel good about being there every time I walk in the front door.
It's Globo Gym ala Dodgeball... but it's got going for it: 24hrs, decent pricing.
For what I pay here I am satisfied. It's usually clean, it's spacious, and it has everything I need. Also the lockerooms are pretty nice.
I avoid coming on weekdays from 3-9. It's a mad house at those times. If you can't avoid that--- I hope you don't mind crowds!
All in all i'm pleased with my gym. I just wish it was closer...
If the gym has heavy weights and a pool, I don't really need much more. Xsport has these things, plus a rock climbing wall, a jacuzzi and classes.
You'll scroll down and see that the gym gets busy after 5 and on weekends. These people are morons for being unaware they've got free time when everyone else does. Go off-peak and you'll have a plethora of machines to choose from. Even when it's busy there are always going to be more machines than people. They're well equipped.
The staff is nice, the equipment is modern and maintained, and the prices are dirty cheap. They gym costs about ten bucks a week, which is a steal as far as I'm concerned.
Now for the negative. One of my fellow reviewers said it smelled like sweaty balls in the locker rooms and now that's all I can think of when I'm in there. It's true, the changing facilities need to be powerwashed, but let me tell you a little about my experience in the steam room today.
I took a step into a tepid puddle upon entering the steam room. Aside from to obvious heat of the room was a heavy understench of mildew. I took a seat in another puddle and began to adjust to the new environment. At first I thought the burning in my lungs was due to the relative heat of the room, but after a few minutes I found I couldn't take it anymore. I got out, took a shower and headed home.
Three hours later, I felt I was still exhaling the mildew smell. I was really beginning to worry that a mildew colony had taken up residence in my lungs. Nasty.
That said, you should join Xsport because they're convenient, cheap and well equipped. Just stick to the sauna.
What the hell people?!?! This place is dope as hell! You got one guy complaining about how he can't swim and somehow thats their fault and you got another person complaining how its too packed, here's a hint, don't go between 5-7 pm during the week that's when everyone goes. If you've ever gone to gym before thats what its like everywhere.
This place has got the best facilities in a fitness center i've ever seen. And for that price?!? its only 49 a month, although the sign-up fee is like 200, (which is a little absurd), but i plan on being a member for a long time so it'll all even out i guess. Seriously though this place is clean and sleek with hotties everywhere, including myself, not a hottie but a above-averagey. Just go before 5 or after 7 and you'll find a machine no problem.
A solid 3 star review for now: some goods and some bads. The main reasons I signed up for it is because it's very close to my apt, and it's open 24/7/365.
It's a bright, large, clean place that will impress you during the tour. A decent sized updated locker room, pool, and tanning salon are among the amenities. A nice touch are the TV's built-in to all the cardio machines.
However, I should know the negatives too. During peak hours (5-8pm), you'll find lines to use machines, and be lucky if you get a locker. They're constantly "out" of clean towels, and if you ask someone at the counter you'll most likely get an "What? Uhhh... do you need a protein or vitamin supplement? Let me show you them over here. C'mon."
If you're wondering about joining, DO NOT go in until you're ready to sign up. The sales people are ruthless and intense, bypassing manners in hopes to pressure you into becoming a member. They need to get off the 'roids.
I think 3 stars is pretty fair. If they did the little things properly, they could very easily move up to 5. Here is the good:
Never super crowded and you don't have to wait for equipment. Good basketball games and the pool is rarely crowded. Spin class is pretty good and the staff is generally friendly. I see a lot of "meat head" talk on posts...you are going to get those jokers at every gym, plain and simple. I have been going to gyms for 15 years and you always have them.
Now, the bad:
Basketball are falling apart and the towels are like SANDPAPER!
Showers are not always in working order nor is the bathing suit dryer, kind of a pain in the ass to put a soaking suit back into your gym bag. One of my biggest complaints is the lack of straps for the bikes. I am an avid cyclist and cannot ride those bikes without straps. I know most people hate them...this place NEVER has them...and when I ask, they tell me members take them? Huh? Do they take them as a token to remember the great workout? I think the members take them off, then the staff get rid of them. People don't steal pedal straps, wait...is there is big black market for them?
The gym is open 24 hours, so that is great. I think you get what you pay for...it ain't the cheapest and it ain't the most expensive.
The classes are great - especially Kickbox with Jonta and Spin with Amy, JJ or Jacob. The front desk staff are morons and never know whats going on with the club. They tell you to call corporate for the easiest of issues - "is there a sub today for a class." What gym wouldnt know that the hour before the class starts. The lights are on but no one is home. If it werent for the classes I would give this place 2 stars. Also, only half of the channels come in clearly on the tvs.
For the price I think this place is great. I don't use the trainers and I am not a high maintenance gym member. The place is clean and I find the equipment and free weights in good order and people seem to be fairly considerate. I took a star away for the funky parking structure. The spaces are way too small and I believe my car has been dinged there twice. Arrgghhh That's what I get for trying to have a nice car in the city.
A friend tried to cancel with their 30 day cancellation policy. They have pulled out every reasoning in the book for why he can't cancel. He has sent letters, emails, and made half a dozen calls only to have them change their story everytime on why he can't cancel.
Once your original pre-paid period is up, they just start billing your credit card monthly, and it's darn near impossible to get them to stop when you want them to.
These guys are shady. Stay away!
I never made it past the heavy-handed sales pitch. All I wanted was a rate sheet so I could weigh my options, but the guy wouldn't shut up and insisted on taking me on a tour of the facilities. Then he basically tried to tell me that if I didn't sign a contract right there on the spot, I was going to regret it for the rest of my life.
That's about when I walked out. Still don't regret it.
(I should just do a complete re-write, but it's important to me that I remember always just how hood-winked I was by X-sport.)
My first impression: Open 24 hours, the classes are part of the membership, there is free parking in the garage up to 2 hours, there is a personal training program I need, there is a new location opening up by us in Logan Square, there is child care, and the facilities are extensive enough to offer everything we want to take advantage of.
The shower and spa facilities look really nice.
Everyone was helpful and seemed happy to be working there. They could have just been hopped up on protein shakes.
EDIT 12/30/07: Never, ever get personal training here on any basis but "pay as you go." I was told I could cancel the contract any time, but that is not the case. Be prepared to close a bank account before being able to stop their auto-deduct payments. When my trainer quit, I was unable to reach anyone for the longest time to get a new one and guess what? My sessions expired. I had to call corporate to get them reinstated. Then the next time I went in, ten sessions were mysteriously gone. All in all I am still a fan of the gym, but would recommend against the personal training and would recommend off-peak hours.
*Please note I am happy with both of the trainers I have had and do not recommend against them, just against any kind of contractual obligation with this "family-run" gym.
EDIT 4/14/08: I have still been unable to cancel my "cancel anytime membership." This is getting ridiculous.
Also, the showers smell like a bad perm. Very nasty.
I have been a member for more than 1.5 years. In June 2006, I got my wallet stolen from my locked locker (the lock was twisted open) and XSport had me fill out a report and told me there was nothing they could do.
Because of the theft and the MAJOR problems it caused (stole 200+ cash, my bus card with 75+, cc's, debt card -3k, and ids) I did not go back until today.
Of all the things in the world, I bought a new heavy duty lock and returned again to my locker to have my cash and cc's stolen, AGAIN!!!!. Obviously, the staff is stealing and of course XSport will not do anything about it.
Thanks to YELP, I can do something about it. I am talking to the operations manager tomorrow as the manager I talked to today did not have a clue (didnt even say they were sorry for the troubles caused).
TIP: Do not take a wallet or any money to any gym - you can be a victim - more than once! If you have to, put your wallet in the wallet lockers outside the locker room. They have undercover cops that walk around as much as possible.
UPDATE: Operations Manager, did not apologize and sent me to the customer service. Will call tomorrow.
UPDATE2: They finally apologized and gave me a membership fee credit for 6 months. They did the right thing and once it got to the right person, it was taken care of appropriately.
I'd actually give it a 3.5 if it were possible, but it's Christmas so I'll be generous and round up. :-)
Ok, first the complaints: although it's not filthy, the place could be cleaner. The pool has some weird salty concoction in it, on top of chlorine, so when I start swimming the taste of the water is like licking a sweaty armpit. (For the record, I have never actually done that - I just have a good imagination and it's the best simile I could think of).
It's also god-awful crowded right after work, so if you want a treadmill you better get there super early in the morning or much later in the evening. The personal trainers are really pushy when it comes to selling you training packages so if you're even going to ask them, you should probably be almost certain you want to sign up.
Now the upsides - fabulous location at Piper's Alley in Old Town (North and Wells) but even better than that, they are open 24/7/365! I was able to go to a spin class and a yoga class today (Christmas). They have a plethora of things this place offers - tons of group exercise classes, climbing wall, pool/hot tub/sauna/steam room, just about every kind of machine you'd want or need, friendly staff, internet cafe, juice bar (mostly protein shakes) and did I mention that they are open 24/7/365?
They also have an attached full-service spa/salon (service for which is not included in regular membership, of course). For what I pay (well under half of what my friend pays for Equinox), I definitely feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Oh, for those of you with wheels - they offer two-hour free parking at the garage next door.
I enjoy working out at this Xsport, if do only to the fact that the staff is pleasant, friendly and there is free 2hrs parking(which is just enough time to workout, shower and grab some water).
The facilites are more than adequate, the women's locker room is always, ALWAYS clean, there is a pool and a hot tub(co-ed). There is also a day-care center, for $1hr so that parents can workout and have child care as well as view their children from a tv station on the cardio machines.
My only problem is that they are SOOOOOOO busy on weekday nights......you will have to spend time waiting for a machine. Plus their juice bar/refreshment center is slightly lacking.
I've been a loyal customer for 3.5 years. The managers I've dealt with have been complete jerks. The one I recently had to deal with wanted to cheat me out of 3 months of membership that I was told was added. He told me he had no power to fix the problem, and that I would have to mail (not email) a certified (!) letter to corporate. He told me to look up the address online. Wow. Why even have a general manager if they are powerless to help on basic membership problems?
They use a "hard sell" technique for everything (training, memberships, and products), and it's super annoying. I don't want anything! Just leave in peace!
There is a piece of equipment that has been broken for at least 5 months. It's a piece of equipment that i would be using regularly.
Unfortunately, x-sport has the only gym location that makes sense for me right now. Otherwise I'd be out. 24 hours is nice.
Pros:
Open 24/7, including XMas
Lots of equipment and classes
Good gym for the money
One of the few gyms around with a pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna
Validated indoor parking
Cons:
Lately it has been PACKED and you can't get a machine to save your life
Equipment is FREQUENTLY broken or in suboptimal order - repairs are rare, even after NUMEROUS complaints
70% of cardio TVs have problems and never get fixed
Sleazy staff - particularly Tony (the manager)
Only 1 water fountain, which has low pressure
Womens weights are always missing
Terrible billing/customer service department -- I suspended my membership for several months because of travel, but they "forgot" to input it into the system; so they charged me for all those months and refused to provide credit!
I think this place is overrated. The only nice thing about it is it's open 24-hours. You've got your regular coed gym. Okay equipment. Regular classes with regular instructors. I did go to this pilates class... and the instructor must've noticed how I was new to place, but never came up to me to assist me. I never went back to that class.
The main reason I HATE this place is because of the service I got from the management. I enrolled for that personal training thing. I was told about the program, but one of the guys there didn't tell me the specifics - like a certain number of sessions has to be done in a month. In short, MIS-informed consent was taken from me. Another thing was I had my account frozen, spoke with this girl over the phone, she said nothing would be taken from my account starting that lady, later to find out a week later that another payment was made. I called again, spoke with the same girl... and she just said - "Oh, I'm sorry, but even if you froze it before the next payment date, it had to be processed and it was too late..." Wow, what an explanation. I sent a written letter to the main office a month and a half ago, but up to this day, never got a reply. How professional eh?
My thoughts after nearly 3 years of x-sport fun :-)
Pros: The cost is fairly reasonable compared to the cost of other gym memberships around town. You can sign up for a yearly contract or go month to month. Almost all of the cardio machines (bikes, treadmills, steppers, ellipticals, rowing machines) have their own individual tvs so you can watch what *you* want to watch, not just what is on the big screens. There is also a pool and rock climbing wall (neither of which I have used-but they look fun!). They keep everything pretty clean and they have gotten much better about having fresh towels out.
Cons: It is VERY busy and CROWDED from about 4-7PM, especially at this time of year. As someone else mentioned, they definitely oversell memberships. They are not very good about making lines for the machines, so you usually have to wait quite awhile and when one does open up, there are usually at least 2 people running toward the same machine. And they are pretty slow on fixing the broken machines...they often have "out of order" signs on them for days at a time. There are no limits to the number of people per class, so often the classes are VERY full and packed.
Overall, a fair deal I suppose considering the membership rates.
I've been a member for a couple of years and for the most part everything is as good as it's always been. The facilities are still well maintained and the locker room/showers are clean - this is something I cannot say about any Bally's after being a member there since '92.
Some of the ammenities included a climbing wall, resistance pool, steam room, lots of classes, a separate LCD TV for almost every exercise machine, and it's open 24/7 for night owls. XSport has set a new standard for gyms.
This is a great gym. They have every possible weight machine you could ever use. The basketball court in the middle of the gym is really nice for a gym in Chicago and there are constantly games going on. If you like to ball, Xsport is money.
They also easily have over 100 cardio machines - treadmills, bikes, xtrainers, stairmasters.
The people who go to this gym tend to be the meathead types. Lots of guys who look like they are roided up and girls wearing sports bras showing off their bodies. Not everyone is like that, but there is definitely a good percentage of that type.
One other bit of info - this place gets really packed from about 5-7pm. I would definitely recommend trying to avoid these times, as you will probably wait for just about everything.
Pros-
Lots of equipment
Good prices
Free parking (only for 2 hours)
24/ 7/ 365
Juice Bar
Cons-
CROWDED. There's not enough space and they keep the front area so cluttered with all the stuff they keep trying to hawk. If you are trying to lift weights, you can't move your arms without bumping into people. They need to stop adding new members until they build more space. Can't wait til my membership is up. Other XSport locations may not be as bad as Piper's Alley.
B-BALL COURT. Not a full size court and always has a long wait, just to shoot around.
Only one water fountain.
this review is for the "spa" (strong emphasis on the quotes)...
not that i expected any more than 1 * service (from a mediocre gym). the ONLY reason why i came in was i was suckered into a good deal (so i thought) - when signing up for a membership, you could pre-pay for spa services for a discounted price. naively, i purchased a 60 minute massage and cashed it in recently for a much needed loosening up my muscles after running a marathon.
if you don't want a relaxing massage but instead want to hear that you are dehydrated and sleep-deprived and that you could benefit from a yoga class this is the place to go. or, you can also hear how terrible "all the other" turbo kick teachers are (without a cue).
i was biting my tongue, not relaxing!
It's a great gym! They have a spa (which I haven't used yet) as well as many great features that you can read about in the other reviews.
I love this gym except their personal trainers. They are way over-priced.
It's an Xsport. So you get the hassling sales and invasive staff. But the facilities are nice. And the price is right. it is a trade off.
