Chances are if you’re living in the Loop, you know all the best places to grab some good food, but do you know the best places to work that dessert off? Whether you like to hit the gym hard, lift weights, box or even swim, these five work out destinations will meet all of your fitness needs and then some.
1. Women’s Workout and Wellness W3
Women’s Workout and Wellness, otherwise referred to as W3, was created in 1982 with the mission “to help women achieve their weight and fitness goals – in a friendly, supportive environment – with affordable programs that are personally designed to fit their individual needs”. Celebrating 30 years, the establishment fights obesity and offers tons of classes and personal training options. Once you become a member of the gym, you receive free group fitness classes, use of all the cardio equipment, use of all the strength training and conditioning treatment and a free fitness assessment. One of the biggest lures of this gym is the women’s only approach and encouragement. A membership costs around $22 per month and there are no annual fees. Filled with trainers and employees that love people and want to help you reach your goals, W3 is the place to work out in the Loop for women who are looking for a home gym.
2. Fitness Formula Clubs
Fitness Formula Clubs are all throughout Chicago and there is one in the South Loop. With group fitness programs, an Eat Fit Cafe, massage services, physical therapy, personal trainers, and a Kid’s Club, these gyms mean business. A truly one stop shop, the FFC in the South Loop offers fitness testing, nutritional counseling, weight management programs, and health screenings. You can get a tan in their tanning booths or check your email while sipping on a smoothie from their very own juice bar. Geared toward the entire family, you can sign up your child for the Kid’s Club for $19.95 a month or for $7 per visit. Group classes include Hatha Yoga, Spinning Classes, and Hip Hop Dance. Once you become a member, you can visit any of the Fitness Formula Clubs all over Chicago including ones with pools and climbing walls. The only setback? The price is pretty steep and isn’t publically posted anywhere.
Equinox at the Loop takes a “360 degrees approach to health and wellness and strives to see results from every angle.” Voted one of the best gyms in the United States, Equinox doesn’t just call Chicago home and you can find this gym in other larger cities such as Boston and London. Offering Studio Cycling, Yoga, Pilates, personal training, group fitness, and cardio and strength, this gym is serious about making you fit. With a ton of class and lots of bells and whistles, Equinox has valet parking and offers eco-friendly cotton towels, and eucalyptus steam rooms. For the business man or woman who needs to relax and put their health first, Equinox is a perfect option. Kid-friendly this gym isn’t and there aren’t any kids programs offered.
4. Chicago Women’s Fitness
With boot camps and group fitness classes for women only, Chicago Women’s Fitness has been featured on NBC and CBS. This gym focuses on offering “real women workouts” and is owned by Michelle Rossfield. With 23 certificates in various focuses such as Kickboxing and Boxing, she has over ten years of experience working with women and helping them achieve their fitness goals. One of the famous programs of Chicago Women’s Fitness is their boot camps which challenge women of all fitness levels. Offering amazing results such as losing an average of 3lbs per week and losing 3-12 inches, these camps are a great introduction to fitness. Group fitness classes include Boxing, Circuit Training and others. Cost depends on the length of your boot camp and what type it is.
5. Franklin Street Boxing Club
Boxing can offer a ton of health benefits and can be perfect for the non-gym type. A simple boxing gym with no gimmicks, the Franklin Street Boxing Club has one ring, a handful of bags, a small weight lifting area, two speed bags, and one double-end bag. Membership is $45 per month. Owners Jimmy and Ray are both former successful boxers and offer one on one sessions for an additional cost. Training is offered for all ages, women and men, for competitions and fitness. Laid back and welcoming, a day at Franklin Street Boxing Club feels similar to sitting down and grabbing a beer with your best friend, only you’re working out and sweating. The actual club is located at 162 Franklin Street and is one of the only boxing clubs downtown.