Old Irving Park Fitness

I'm not a huge guy looking to get ripped, nor am I rich. I'm just trying to make it so that, as I settle into middle age, I keep my mobility and maybe offset some of the inertia caused by working from home. The gym is clean, the staff is helpful, the location is great and the price is affordable. The parking is wonderful, and the hours are good. Not sure what else you're looking for in a gym, but this more than works for me.

I’ve been here once as a tour, and I was immediately sold. It’s not crowded, it’s very clean, and has great machines etc. I just canceled my other gym membership, and will be going here in the future!

I've been pretty happy with Retro Fitness, I signed up about few months ago and the process was quick and easy. I pay $35/month for the package including childcare but there's one for $20/month. I start out my session on one of the hydromassage chairs (the first time I tried it I wasn't impressed with the pressure-which was on the highest setting--10-- but every time after has been much more powerful and a great experience). There are tons of free cardio machines and I've never had to wait to go on the stairmaster even though there are only two. The childcare was my favorite part at the beginning, but now I wish they would just take the tv out. I feel like my daughter often watches TV instead of playing and I think not having a tv would encourage the kids to play more. They have cute little exercise equipment that the kids can use as well as a coloring table, play mats, and other toys and chairs. The equipment is all very new (it's all red and yellow so kind of an eyesore, but you get used to it). The locker rooms are very nice and always clean. There's a cardio cinema, but several of the machines squeak so I avoid it. Parking is also much easier than most places in Chicago. The main con is that the childcare doesn't overlap with any classes which is a bummer. Once they get more kids coming, they said they would increase the hours (I didn't believe them at first but they did add childcare to the weekend since a few other kids started coming, so they seem trustworthy). There doesn't seem to be any good mat to do core work, so I just use the individual mats in the cardio classroom, but it's not ideal. Also, the kettle bells and other fun equipment is off limits except for the personal trainers and their clients. I totally understand (I used to be a personal trainer, and I know how annoying it can be to have people on your equipment when you need it) but wish we could use them when no one else is. I prefer more functional workouts, and am somewhat limited without that equipment. None of these are a big deal though, I'm just spoiled coming from a great gym in California.

This gym is close to home, clean (never a smell), and I LOVE their protein shakes and the price point of the shakes are reasonable! Not overpriced like some gyms. The staff is also friendly and professional. 5 star gym for sure! There should be more gyms like this.

Great gym with very great equipment to workout with . Has everything you need to get a great workout in . No frills gym with great amenities. Would recommend to anyone to come and join !