Best Gyms with Functional Training Equipment near Chicago, Illinois

I have been a member here for over ten years and I have slowly seen this place go from good to awful. First it was the demise of kids club, now it’s the limited hours and overcrowding. If you are going at peak times it’s near impossible to navigate. Since the pandemic the hours never returned to normal and the classes didn’t either. If anyone is reading this it needs to be turned back to 5am opening and stay open a couple hours later, especially on the weekends. I sent a message to someone in aquatics about an issue I was having and never even received a response which lets me know how valuable I am as a member. The only reason I am giving this an extra star instead of the one it takes to write this is for the front desk staff who are just lovely people. Jen, Jojo, Jackson, Canon and anyone else who mans the front desk is in desperate need of a well deserved raise as are the cleaning staff. Everything else about this gym makes me wish harder that the equinox hotel that was supposed be built actually came to fruition and that there were better options that were walkable. Overall: seek an alternative if possible and if this is your best option try to come at off peak times. *Cutting this down to one star that I have to give to write this review because all the above mentioned people are no longer there and the HVAC isn’t working properly.

Best thing in my day! Staff is incredible, music is always on point, the cleaning staff keep the facility pristine. Ive lived in the city my whole life. Ive been to all the gyms including lifetime 1. West loop athletic wins Gold in all category's. If you're looking for a good gym community it's the place to be. Ive been a member for several years ,so my review is a solid one.

WLAC has been an important addition to my routine. My personal trainer Zac Bernat has made all the difference with my relationship with the gym, fitness and working out making it not just positive and fun but educational and informative. I've seen huge results in my body and physical skills since working with Zac. The facility itself is always clean although I do wish there was more parking as it can be tricky at times.

Wouldn’t recommend signing a membership here. The gym itself is kind of a dump, but more importantly, the 3rd party the gym uses for payment processing is extremely shady. They’ve charged me a “decline” fee on my account twice in the past 6 months for literally no reason. To be clear, the card is not declining. In fact, the bill is still processing on the first day of the month. WAC refunded this fee the first time, and stated that if it happened again, they would refund me again and resolve the issue. Welp, turns out that was a lie. The in-house billing staff is incredibly kind, and even stated that this isn’t the first time members of this gym have had issues with bills processing accurately. If that’s the case, why are you still working with them? Your 3rd party vendor messed up, and now I am responsible? LOOOOOOOOL. Whoever is the decision-maker to keep that partnership alive is MINDLESS. Get a new job buddayyyyyy. Quick math: I would have gladly stayed a member of WAC for the next 3 years minimum. That is $3100 in revenue. Instead, now that they won’t cover a $25 fee from their sack of shit payment processing vendor, I am cancelling to go elsewhere. FFC is more expensive, but hey, at least I feel like I won’t get a fungal infection walking around their locker room. Lmao! Piss off WAC.

This place has gone downhill. The hours are weird, staff unprofessional. Management needs to retrain their staff on basic customer service skills. There’s plenty of gym options in the area, do yourself a favor skip out on this place.

Disappointed with Planet Fitness: Uncomfortable Workout Environment (Little Village) * Unbearably Hot: I recently visited Planet Fitness and was disappointed to find the gym lacking air conditioning. The thermostat reading 86 degrees made the workout uncomfortable and downright unpleasant. It is going on week 2 without a proper climate. I have contacted the management and spoke with Dylan and all he keeps saying is, it is "getting fixed" but now on week 2 I'm questioning if it really is getting fixed. * Limited Equipment: Several machines were broken and unusable, which significantly limited my workout options. A broken water fountain also added to the inconvenience. Also there are no paper towels to properly clean the equipment, which is a health violation. This is the 4th time this has happened in the past year. * Overall Impression: The inoperable equipment and lack of air conditioning made my workout experience frustrating. For the price, I expect a clean, well-maintained gym with a comfortable safe environment. Edit: as of July 9 the air-conditioning is broken AGAIN! It was finally fixed after 3 weeks of 85 degree plus temperatures inside the gym. It lasted less than a week until it was broken again. Now it is leaking all over the place and they had to turn it off. This is completely unacceptable.

Love planet fitness environment than my home.Are you searching for good quipped gym with good trainers then planet fitness should be your go tooo.Very motivational environment💗💗💗✨

This place was DISGUSTING!!! I will let the photos speak for them selves. Nah, let me tell you these photos are from the woman's shower. The hair came out from the drainage in the last shower stall. The walls and floor looked nasty! There was standing water in one of the changing rooms. And the lady attendant had enough nerves to act like she was cleaning mopping with a mop that smelled like urine. Just ridiculous! The health department should look at this place. The place was unkept, I didn't even feel comfortable and left. I will be sending this review to the district manager and corporate. They just let anyone franchise a business these day. Just sad.

Decent gym however I don't like how the employees often stand around using their cell phones while the facilities need to be cleaned, paper towels refilled, etc. The water fountain is often grimey, but why? These details are what take away from a great customer experience.

This location is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! I know if they had an inspection they wouldn't pass code. The walls of the entire gym is caked with dirt. The locker room looks like it hasn't been cleaned since they opened. I was there 2 days in a row and the same showers had the same balled up hair on the floor. The lockers WERE ALL RUSTED! Some to the point that they don't even work. And there is LOTS of dried up "stains" all over the man's locker room.

Nice equipment variety and clean. Friendly staff. They take care of everything so you come to a tidy gym. No old machines, nice bathrooms, also on holidays they do some appreciation details for the members. Super recommended!

Best gym in Pilsen!! Latina owned business and staff is exception! They always keep everything SOO clean and equipment is always up to date. Highly recommend!

I love this gym so much. The owner is constantly adding new equipment and updating things like ropes, handles etc. they have a gym shark machine for squats which you rarely see. It's never too crowded but always has a good crowd of local ppl trying to hit fitness goals. Fav. Gym in Chicago!!!

This is probably the cleanest gym I’ve ever been to. All machines and mats are regularly wiped down by Maria (staff at the gym) and members do a great job of wiping things down too. As a woman I’ve always felt completely comfortable and respected by other members. And it doesn’t get packed to the brim with people, even during busy periods like after work. Love this gym and love to see Lety around, always. Def recommend.

Went here for the first time with my friend just to try it out…. LOVE IT. Obsessed would be an understatement. Day pass was $20 and the owner Lety was super sweet and helpful. Super clean and open spaced and organized. Definitely will be coming here more often!

Planet Fitness is an excellent gym! The facilities are always clean, the staff is friendly, and the equipment is well-maintained. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned fitness enthusiast, this gym has everything you need to stay in shape. I’ve had amazing workouts here, and it’s helped me stay consistent with my fitness goals. If you’re looking for workout tips or motivation, check out my fitness page where I share my fitness journey and helpful tips for staying active. Planet Fitness makes it easy to stay on track!” @hardworkhenry

I love my usual planet fitness I got to. This one is falling apart, you can see the sign outside literally about to fall over. The biggest issue for me is the black mold and filthy intake for the air conditioner/heating system. Never again, please get the landlord to clean up!

Basically they pick and choose who can wear crocs inside and who can’t. I was approached and told I could not wear crocs, so I went to my car changed to sneakers and go back in. 10 mins later there’s a guy with crocs in there working out in the lift area as well as a girl on the treadmill with same thing.

The staff is very nice and they clean up very well , I’m just wondering why the owners of this place don’t keep up with the building leaking water everywhere?????? Also we should get newer equipment.

I came in January 2 first time here I was attended by maria great customer service very helpful and knowledgeable she helped me with buying and using a lock for the lockers she was patient to her supervisor or higher you she deserves recognition for the great service she does highly recommended this location great crew clean gym and to the owner you have great employees especially maria keep up the amazing work

While Downtown for Thanksgiving Week, I had to keep fit! All the Staff at this PF were kind, focused, and helpful. The facility was well kept and clean and has more than enough workout equipment! Great Location, right above Whole Goods!

I recently visited Planet Fitness while on a business trip, and it was perfect for staying on track with my fitness routine. The variety of equipment is impressive – everything from cardio machines to free weights and strength training machines. The fact that it's open 24 hr open made it super convenient to fit a workout into my busy schedule, no matter what time I got off work. It's also a comfortable and welcoming environment for travelers like me who need a reliable place to work out while on the go. Highly recommend!

It’s a decent gym with a great location. It’s smaller than many other PF locations I’ve been to though. I may have missed it but I wish they had a leg press machine here.

Visited Chicago for quick vacation get away. Drop by this PF location for a quick workout during my stay, I always like to get it in even on Holiday. Staff at this location is amazing they give off great energy, by far the best location you can come to while in chicago. Everyone here treats you like family, bathrooms are clean equipment is awesome. Salute the Big Homie Martese he made for sure my visit was A1..!!!!!! H-TOWN Salute Homie

All the front liners at the desk so far has been very friendly, willing to help & respectful. They’re not snob to newbies. I am very shy but the staffs were very approachable that gives me a lot of comfort to ask questions & help with the machines. Way to go!

If you are looking for a local gym with pool keep looking. It was closed a significant part of last year for staffing issues. It has been closed for the last 4 weeks for maintenance of a filtration system and announced to be opened today, December 16th. I was told this morning it is still closed and scheduled to open on December 26th, a day the SFC is closed. It’s a very unreliable fitness center.

Great facility. Tons of machines, swimming pool and sauna. Racket ball court, basketball court, ping Pong room and they have special 360 functional workout room. They have several workout dance yoga cycling rooms too. This blow away many of the chain gyms

As a UIC student, I come to the gym six times a week, and I’ve met many people here who, like me, love going to the gym. Overall, we like this gym, especially with all the recent equipment upgrades. However, I have a few suggestions to make the gym even better: 1. Increase the number of incline benches: Right now, the gym only has one incline bench, and people often have to wait a long time to use it. 2. Add more cable machines and reduce the unnecessary cardio equipment: For some reason, a few of the cable machines are always broken, and during busy times, people usually have to wait. But there are way too many cardio machines in this gym!

Has equipment and good to get a good workout but so is planet fitness. East campus gym is slightly better for advanced lifts or power lifting. As a student with limited gym options and finances this place gets the job done though. Am curious why we can’t use middle knurling powerlifting bars on squat rack. Feels unsafe with respect to bar type, thickness and bend to the bar after a certain weight. But maybe there is a good reason. Hours are good and Ira is a cool manager too.

solid gym. you can get most everything done. the hours of the gym could be better especially for people that like working out late night or super early. But overall it’s a very good gym. It’s clean, most people rack their weights, not too much chit chat going on, it’s just a good place to get work done.

Nice gym. Overly loud music most of the time- they really need to turn it down. Half the gym is exercising with headphones in and listening to their own music. The gym is blasting their own. I'd recommend wearing earplugs and headphones over your ear if you want to workout in peace 🙄 jeez. Hope they take the hint.

You will not find a gym in the Lakeview area better than Planet Fitness for the very low monthly fees. All the staff members at the Broadway location are always very professional and helpful. The gym is always very clean and busy with exciting people. It’s not a boring gym like some of the other gyms in the area.

I don't typically workout but I went here the day before Thanksgiving and it was a great experience. Very clean facility and very friendly staff. Not very crowded and their equipment was very new and efficient. Wolfie was so kind and very attentive, they definitely made my visit that much more enjoyable.

Men's locker room showers....have had issues since I became a member. I'm a black card member so luckily can use other facilities,but this is my home facility and the one I want to use. Here's the rundown on the condition,in hopes someone who cares will do something!! Men's shower on far left (furthest from disabled shower):This shower has extremely low water pressure,and for some reason never gets hot. I am unable to use this one at all due to the temperature. Middle shower: ohhhh,this one is FUN!!! It's often my Plan B,for Reasons... In the middle shower,the handle is very loose. However,the water pressure is quite good,and it gets SCALDING hot when turned all the way hot- great,right? Welllll,the position where most reasonable individuals would set the temperature,it will fall either to the left or right...causing the temperature to go back to either ice cold,or so hot that it will actually burn you!!! Very unsafe,but I manage to pull it off by keeping one arm on the handle the entire time. (Wtf??.) Disabled: this one is the only acceptable shower. The water gets hot,the handle doesn't do anything crazy...so we're cool. Until a few days ago when wall around it was allowed to fall into disrepair and became blocked off. So...kinda scared to come here because only usable shower is dangerous, what if I make a mistake while tired and end up burned? I often see older individuals using the showers, i am scared to think of what would've happened to me in middle shower if I didn't have 20-something years old reflexes...likely scalding.

Of all the PF locations that I go to, this one is beyond the most frustrating. It's busy and obviously that comes with its challenges, but I don't understand some of the choices the management at this location makes. Just recently, all the cardio machines were replaced with new machines (cool) but then they reduced the overall number without offsetting anything else. Why?? Now there's a ton of empty space in the middle of the floor, and oh by the way, all the treadmills are FULL all the time, and people are fighting over one of the THREE smith machines, which are very in-demand, and other lifting machines are constantly broken. If the changes they implemented actually made any sense and addressed the high volume of people, I'd revise my review but it seems like they're constantly going in the wrong direction. Make it make sense.

This bouldering gym is insanely fun. There are multiple levels with full workout rooms, yoga classes and locker rooms. The bouldering walls were super fun and challenging. It is in such a fun location directly across the street from Wrigley. I do not live in Chicago but I have climbed at this gym at least 3 times. I will definitely return for more!

I trained here only for about nine months, but I really appreciated the gym's size and equipment offerings. I didn't climb very much, but it's clear there are a lot of routes for people with different skill levels. I also liked how friendly the front staff were. I was a month-to-month member and it was very easy to cancel when my time came - it required request I think just two weeks or something before the end of the month/billing cycle, and I did it all online.

Easily my favorite climbing gym in the Chicago area! All Movement gyms are wonderful, however this gym is especially inclusive and friendly. The staff is always kind and helpful and I love climbing here! Note that this is a bouldering-only gym (with the standard yoga and gym rooms also), but no top roping here. The bouldering is ON POINT with two huge floors and plenty of routes to climb. And not just challenging routes. Movement Wrigley has a ton of beginner and inclusive routes for all skill levels for any body! As a fat and queer person, I feel especially welcomed here. Thank you Movement Wrigleyville!

Changing my review based on the response from the owner. With the grading system changing from what they have now (range of four in some colors). I would definitely come back to this gym. Staff is super friendly and welcoming. Huge facility and great location.

I have been a member of movement for a full year now! It has completely changed the way I feel and think about working out! The environment is so welcoming and the gym is so beautiful and fun! I no longer think of working out as something chore that I “have to do” but that I get to do. There are many things to love about movement (the exciting and ever changing climbing routes, the meet up events, the saunas…) but my absolute favorite thing is the workout classes. This fall the switched the scheduling to include 6:30 am morning classes which meant I had time to attend a class before work. I started going to Hayley’s body pump classes and am honestly addicted. I’ve never been a “regular” at a workout class before, but this one is so incredibly fun and the results are so satisfying that I try to go to every session I can! I’m so excited for 2025 and to commit to another year of 6am body pump!!

Awesome gym! They have nearly every piece of equipment you can imagine! It’s like walking in the old school bodybuilding era. The owner Sharon is a total sweetheart! The people are awesome. If you’re in Chicago, you have to check this place out!

This is a fantastic, legendary, no-frills gym! It literally has tons of real iron plates, barbells and every weightlifting apparatus you will ever need. Also, the members are more considerate and friendly than any other gym I’ve belonged to.

I love seeing a familiar face at the front check in! Locker rooms are so clean, many open lockers for use, and water stations on both floors! Multiple sets of free weights, they never seem to be missing! So many machines! Yes they have what you’re looking for, you just have to know where to look! I recommend getting a tour when signing up, I declined and am still finding new features 2 yrs into my membership. I love that I can purchase different types of memberships (daily, monthly, punch card). My quarterly schedule changes dramatically!

This gym is awesome for bodybuilding or weightlifting enthusiasts. It is a massive space, 2.5 large floors, with smaller rooms for posing, stretching, and a small but adequate boxing studio, too. There's also a wide variety of equipment to appeal to all comers regardless of their level of fitness or individual goals, as well as dozens of cardio machines. There is almost too much equipment, at least a half dozen racks of dumbells, free weights and plates of different sizes by dozens of manufacturers as well as machines, including a full set of old school original Nautilus equipment, which was really cool to workout on. A lot of it is outdated but in great condition and serviceable. The gym could possibly be a little cleaner, the layout could be a little better organized, but in my opinion it only adds to the atmosphere (the gym has a lot of history and is well known in the bodybuilding community) which is otherwise friendly and welcoming, but serious about old school bodybuilding and weightlifting.

When I enter Quads gym I notice immediately I am walking among giants. It is a very diverse gym and super friendly. I can watch an ifbb pro train an area I have wanted to improve. Multiple room and levels it's a Mecca for any serious gym rat! People ask me how I recover so fast from surgery at almost 63 yo. The answer is Quads. Photo today 3 weeks after full joint replacement.

2 stars for the location, layout, pool/hot tub and it's a decent value for the price. However, this location is in DESPERATE need of a deep clean and detailing! I'm actually shocked they didn't take care of this before the January rush. My "favorite" pink crumb (pictured) has been chilling on the leg press machine since I joined over a year ago. Lol. Lots of dirt, dust, and hair, so it's not a surprise that some of the machines stick or get damaged. Agree with past reviewers that the treadmills need leveling too. Ultimately cancelling my membership to join Planet Fitness (!) I included this feedback in my cancellation request a month ago but pink crumb lives on.

I really love this gym, but it has gone downhill. The equipment (handles, grips, bars, etc) were recently updated and its clear that the owner bought the cheapest junk on amazon they could find. The bench press pads and extremely hard and covered with slippery, cheap vinyl that will legitimately injure you. The grips on machines will often be tattered and ripped for months before they are replaced. The treadmills are poorly leveled and most of them shake side to side. Sad and poor business decisions for a somewhat upscale club that I love. On the upside, it is very clean, the employees are nice, the contracts are simple and the space is absolutely stunning.

Great gym, only knocks are for the hours. Closing at 9pm and 7pm on the weekends in annoying. Other than that, this place has everything you need in a gym machine and free-weight wise + a lap pool, sauna / steam room. November 2024 update: Insanely busy from 5:30-9am and 4-7:30pm every weekday. Literally every station and machine are in use and there are several people waiting for the most popular stuff. I have left early few times because a normal workout would take 3x as long with the amount of people there. Need to extend hours or cut off new members.

Evening hours are ridiculous. They close super early so the gym is overcrowded the whole night. Unless you're unemployed and can go during the day, it's hard to do a serious workout.

100/mo and there's no ez curl bar attachment for the cable machine lol All in all not worth the money honestly , it's okay Would be worth it at ~60/mo Also- Ceilings leaking No heat, it's cold as hell in a hoodie and your hands will stiffen (still running the fans)

I enjoy working out at this location. The staff is friendly, the environment is clean, and I’m motivated to keep up with my goals.

Is a lot hate and judging from the people they work there there are always talking about the customers, they think the customers won’t know it ,the manager doesn’t care because there are a group of her friends they started bullying so she doesn’t care, about it I’m tired of these situations I’m supposed to go to the gym to do exercise not feeling bad , I’m a loyal customer from the beginning but I’m tired of these hate I hope the owner can see this because the managers they don’t care about it . And I hope they check the cameras

This is not my home PF, but I go to it all the all time, because I work close by. The workers are always friendly to me and I swear, I have never heard them talk about customers. They have always been helpful, when I asked about how to use a certain machine. Also, I took a break and recently went back to this gym and the young lady at the desk immediately recognized me. No, she didn't exclaim it, but her smile & hello, said it all. When I am in there during lunch time, they are always cleaning. PS I work for a YMCA and still go to PF to workout, because it is way easier and way cleaner. :)

Been going here frequently for a couple of years. Staff is friendly enough and they do keep everything clean. They replace ripped fabric on machines fairly quickly. Probably the only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the annoying televisions!! They often have frozen screens for weeks on end, and very limited channels with many having the same programming on them. It seems trivial, but when on a cardio machine, you look up and get annoyed by the televisions; it's just unnecessary.

They throttle the hot water in the shower, has to be manually reset for brief hot water but and they cancelled my membership because i wouldnt allow ignorant men to try and stair me down, what should i look at the floor? Anyway karate is a sport and technically is an exercise so a K-i is talking! Wow! People are scared it seems of talking? Of a word? 🤷‍♂️

I've been a member here for a few years and I really enjoy coming here. The staff and coaches are all great, very warm and welcoming. The gym is clean, has all the equipment that you need and is never too busy. I began taking the small group classes and personal training sessions a couple years ago and I've really noticed the positive changes that comes along with that, physically and mentally, especially with Coach Bryana's expertise. She has been an amazing personal trainer! She started me off at beginners level, teaching me proper form and mechanics as well as diet and nutrition to support my workouts. Now I'm dead lifting heavier than I ever expected!

I joined the Anytime Fitness Rockwell location about a year ago. I am not a "gym person" but I was out of shape and in pain from being too sedentary during the COVID pandemic. I started going to the gym to feel physically and mentally better and get stronger. I stuck with the membership because of the welcoming, supportive community the coaches create and maintain. I love the group classes and being able to access the gym 24/7. I still struggle with chronic back pain but the coaches are always willing to provide modifications to prevent further injury and check-in on how you're doing throughout the class. 10/10 would recommend!

Absolutely horrible. Staff hasn't refilled the kleenex in weeks. People resort to using tissues for wipes. There's never enough towels either.

So far, I love this place! The coaches/trainers are knowledgeable and know exactly how to correct my form to assure maximum gain from a workout and also to prevent injury. They’re very attentive with my concerns and willing to make suggestions for improvement, like flexibility. So far, Katelyn, Ashton, & David have been amazing! Thank y’all for being patient with me! 😜😁

Great space. Nice ambiance and a very friendly staff. You can build up the calories next door and then come here to burn them off