Gyms in the Loop (sales, lease, credit)

[Costa Rica Chica]

They are opening an L.A. Fitness really close to my office and I am considering joining as I have no time to go to the gym before or after work. I might be able to pop in a few times a week during my lunch break. Does anyone else here do this at other gyms? I was just curious how crowded downtown gyms are during lunch time - is it insanity? Are there usually classes scheduled for people who can make it to the gym during lunch breaks?

Thanks!

[ajolotl]

I can vouch for East Bank Club being reasonably populated at lunch time. I also used to go to Holmes Place in River east -- it was totally dead in the day, though I understand they've started marketing to NWU students. I haven't been to any others, though.

I hate all of the gyms with the membership management salespeople. Advantage of East Bank Club is you just pay a non-negotiated monthly fee (though you have to plop down $500 to join).

Originally Posted by Costa Rica Chica

They are opening an L.A. Fitness really close to my office and I am considering joining as I have no time to go to the gym before or after work. I might be able to pop in a few times a week during my lunch break. Does anyone else here do this at other gyms? I was just curious how crowded downtown gyms are during lunch time - is it insanity? Are there usually classes scheduled for people who can make it to the gym during lunch breaks?

Thanks!

[long101]

I go to FFC and it gets pretty damn busy during lunch times. I would say gyms in the loop are just as busy during lunch hours then other places are at 530ish. I can take my lunch whenever I like so if I go its usually after 1pm.

[chitownwarrior]

Try Lakeshore Athletic Club.

[Costa Rica Chica]

L.A. Fitness is opening right by my office, and there's also one near where I live so I could use both. The membership is month by month which I like, plus they have babysitting which is a must for me. I am just worried it will be so full at lunch that working out will be impossible, especially since I don't think there are any other gyms in the northeast Loop.

[long101]

Im sure they have temp passes or whatever. Just go check it out during lunch

[Costa Rica Chica]

It's not open yet. I think I'll do that when it opens, though, sometime in the fall. Good idea.

[manchesterUnited]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

I hate all of the gyms with the membership management salespeople. Advantage of East Bank Club is you just pay a non-negotiated monthly fee (though you have to plop down $500 to join).

As long as they keep convincing people to pay $500 to just sign up, sales people aren't going anywhere. That's even more than the move-in fee for the lease I just signed at Aqua. And I get that credited back after I pay my first month's rent.

[ajolotl]

At least they laid out the fees clearly and without and nonsense talk from salespeople. I just asked "what does it cost?" and the woman showed me fee structure on a piece of paper. The total price is worth it for me. Maybe it's not for someone else. They definitely didn't try to convince me of anything, though, just told me the price.

I went to L.A. Fitness and I had to see a sales associate and hear a bunch of crap before I was given a customized price. I don't have any patience for that.

Originally Posted by manchesterUnited

As long as they keep convincing people to pay $500 to just sign up, sales people aren't going anywhere. That's even more than the move-in fee for the lease I just signed at Aqua. And I get that credited back after I pay my first month's rent.

[manchesterUnited]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

At least they laid out the fees clearly and without and nonsense talk from salespeople. I just asked "what does it cost?" and the woman showed me fee structure on a piece of paper. The total price is worth it for me. Maybe it's not for someone else. They definitely didn't try to convince me of anything, though, just told me the price.

I went to L.A. Fitness and I had to see a sales associate and hear a bunch of crap before I was given a customized price. I don't have any patience for that.

Yeah, I've dealt with sales people at places like Lakeshore Athletic Club and it's really annoying trying to deal with them. I felt like I was negotiating for a car price or something. I just go to the Y though.

What makes this place worth $500 down, and I'm guessing a sizable monthly fee as well?