I've been a member on and off here since 2014. I'm definitely someone who gets super motivated, goes multiple times per week for a few months, and then an old injury acts up and puts the kibosh on that and I have to freeze my membership and then eventually cancel it. But, they're always super chill about it and it's a no-hassle situation. That stereotypical trope of it being impossible to quit a gym is fortunately not true here, which I appreciate. I was a member for maybe 6 months in 2014, then again for 3-4 months in 2016-ish, and then somehow found uncharacteristic intrinsic motivation and joined again on January 1 of 2025. Most recently, I actually went 2-3x per week for the first 6 months, and then kinda forgot that was something I was supposed to do. But I've gone once or twice a month since then at least. The gym itself has gotten a face lift in recent years, which is nice. It's not super fancy, but it doesn't need to be. I'm not going to the gym with the goal of being a social media fitness influencer who needs an aesthetic background setting for fake workout videos. Sometimes the fluorescent lights in the weightlifting area flicker, which is kind of obnoxious and migraine-inducing while bench pressing and looking up at the ceiling, but other than that I don't really have any complaints. It also has a community vibe -- the same people seem to be there every day, some of which I remember seeing back in 2014 when I first started. It's not uncommon to hear people stop to chat and catch up with each other. (But they also won't chat with you if you don't want them to. I'm more of a heads down and work person, so I'm more of a quick "hi" and mutual nod of acknowledgement when I see the same few people who are on the same schedule that I am). Everyone is super nice. The variety of equipment is nice, with several squat racks, lots of free weights, and pretty much any cable machine you might want. They also have battle ropes and a TRX in a back studio. Also plenty of the standard cardio equipment with a few specialty/fancier pieces. I do wish they would get some heavy bags (punching bags), though. I was a member of a boxing gym for a good stretch (2017 until the start of the pandemic) and do miss it. They have a variety of classes, which I don't do so I can't speak to those, but people seem to like them. Cost is reasonable, but definitely join when they do a no-initiation fee special because initiation fees are a scam and stupid. It's more expensive than a Planet Fitness but not nearly as expensive as LifeTime or other regular gyms. It's a fair price for a community vibe and at least it's not supporting a big corporate conglomerate and instead my fee is going to the park district. read more

Like a previous Yelper said, I'm a Skokie resident who began my quest for a new gym after LA Fitness took over Bally's. (They wouldn't honor my Lifetime membership!) My daughter and I are already active with other offerings of our park district, so this made sense to also go on our house account. It's close to home, decent hours, and everyone is very nice and accommodating. I love that it has members of all ages, and doesn't feel like a meat market. (That's the total vibe I got at Lifetime Fitness, which totally turned me off.) The pros for me: 1) Free towel and lock as a lot of people have mentioned 2) A variety of classes, even though the hours are hit or miss for me 3) A lot of machines, with individual TV screens, which is much better than Bally's was! 4) The kids room....even though at Bally's it was free; you can have an account or punch card there too and not have to pay every time 5) A nice track for walking or jogging And my all time favorite: A jacuzzi and sauna which look like they're barely ever used. I can definitely see solitude there, in the near future. I don't use public showers, but I can honestly say I see a cleaning lady in the locker room almost every time I'm there, which I like. The only con I'd say is the lack of a pool, but there is one at Devonshire (an outdoor one) a few minutes away, which is also part of the park district. Overall it's a very nice gym that suits my purpose, and I'm very happy there. read more

UPDATE; so now that it is approaching 2023, I thought I would update my review. Well, not much has changed in 6 yrs including the equipment. It's so old. The WiFi is poor and it is so hot in the gym. Literally heat blasting while you are running. They said because the seniors are cold. There are far more people from 17-50 working out hard than seniors. And it is a gym. Turn off the heat or crack the outside doors for fresh non-COVID air. It's nice that the locker room is nicer than it was but get new cardio equipment. read more

Okay who here doesn't like free? Because I sure as heck do, and when I started looking for a place to start training for a run I was elated to find this place so close by and ecstatic to find the indoor track FREE to use for both residents and non-residents alike. I have only used the free indoor track, so this review really can really only cover that. They have a coat rack and some lockers where you can store your things. I have never had any issues with leaving my coat or outside shoes there, but if you bring a lock you can use the lockers, just don't leave it there overnight or they will cut it off. The track itself is not bad, 11 laps to a mile and it goes around the basketball courts but on the 2nd level. It can get a bit crowded at times, but hey it's free and beats running out in the snow or rain. There are runners and walkers of all levels. To get to the track you have to go upstairs and pass one if the fitness classrooms which I have peeked into before. The music is always bumping and there seem to be a mix of younger and older in the classes. read more

Fitness First is located inside the Weber Leisure Center, and offers a fully-equipped community center health club that has treadmills, stair climbers, bikes, strength equipment, elliptical trainers, a sauna/whirlpool, and even group exercise classes (such as pilates and Zumba). They even have babysitting services, making it convenient for parents. While you can sign up for their membership (fees for in- and out-of-district), I am a fan of their indoor track that is totally free and open to the public. When you enter, you just go around and go up the stairs, pass through some of the studios, and then walk/run on the track. Just keep in mind that lockers are limited, and there are specific days in regards to the track traffic. While the track is only open during the center's normal operating hours, it's a great place to walk/run without the worry of inclement weather. There's plenty of parking in the big lot as well! +free indoor track to the public :D +plenty of parking read more

The facility itself is fine, I suppose. They have a good amount of stuff, and are chill with you doing what you want where you want with the equipment if you're respectful. The price is reasonable and straightforward - no upcharges or sales pitches. Nothing fancy, but it will get the job done for a workout. The reason I wanted to review is to pass along a little information so others are forewarned. Their billing is strange, and they are absolutely inflexible with it - they bill at the beginning of the month for the previous month, regardless of when you join. So, say you join on the last day of August. A couple of days later you will be billed for August in full. They don't really explain this when you join, so my advice is, if you want to sign up, do it at the beginning of the month. read more

No big deal. Very basic,very limited. The selectorized resistant machines are dated. Some of the pieces are almost 20 years old! I guess you can't go wrong for the price. The free weight area is ample. BUT THAT'S IT! No bells and whistles here. read more

I almost don't want to write a review because then more people will join :) I am so selfish. We moved to Skokie 2 years ago, but already had Bally's memberships. We stopped those when LA Fitness took them over and needed to find a new gym. There are some big fancy places in Skokie, but yelpers kept talking about how they were crowded and pretentious (definitely not my style). I went and took a look at Fitness First in the Skokie Leisure Center and immediately signed up. The price is great for residents and the accommodations are perfect. So here's my take: 1. I love that the aerobic machines all have tvs attached. I never experienced this with Bally's, and since I don't have cable at home - that's almost motivation to go work out. Mob Wives Chicago while I elliptical? Yes, please. 2. The exercise classes are hit or miss. When they're being taught by women in their 60s they can either be too slow or too 1980s Jane Fonda technical. I hate griping because some of them are really great, but I was used to having instructors in their 20s with bodies that I could never achieve... but that I still could aspire to. In many ways it's nice to have more normal people teaching the classes... but I think I might get a better work out from a video. It's also a little odd that to get to the classes you go through door in the gym, but you can't get back to the gym through the same door and have to go the long way around. 3. I've never been here during peak hours, but I hear it gets pretty busy (I'll find out when school is back in session). During non-peak hours everything is available. 4. The people who work here are ALL very nice. 5. I love love love love love love that they give me a key to a locker and a towel when I go to work out. No more having to remember a combo lock! Hooray! 6. They have an indoor track, but because it's a community establishment you have to share it with anyone using it and sometimes that's rough when groups aren't paying attention to lanes (runners cannot just bust through a pack) or there are other community groups together on it. Overall, I'm very pleased with this place and wouldn't change to a new place even with the minor flaws. read more

I've been coming to this place, on and off, for several years. Each station has its own tv. Elipticals and treadmills have a 30 minute limit. You can, however, get off and there's no one after you, put your name down again. 99% of classes are included in your monthly/annual fee. For a resident, the fees are $29/month for 12 months. If you choose to pay monthly, I think it's $50 for resident/non-resident. You get lockers, showers, all the regular amenities. You also get a use of a (fitness) trainer. First meeting is free. I like this place because no one goes there to show off. People go there, do their workout, and leave. Nothing is expected. You aren't pressured to buy anything, there's really nothing to buy. I'd definitely choose this place over Bally's or Lifetime. The reason for 4 stars, not 5 is because their hours They close at 10 Sunday-Thursday. And at 7 or 8 on Friday and Saturdays. I wish they stayed open..later. read more

Its a shame this place doesn't have better reviews, because its really a very nice facility. The only other gym I've ever belonged to was Lifetime and I never went as much I do now, mostly because of the people. At Fitness First, everyone pretty much keeps to themselves, machines get wiped down, and time limits are observed. People come to work out and that's pretty much it. I'm not saying you wont occasionally run into the super grunter or the ear bud blaster, but for the most part people are pretty considerate. I cant speak to the poo situation, but from where I stand, everything is kept clean and tidy. That said, there's a reason why there are chemicals in the water: to keep things as sanitary as possible. Also, the Kids First baby sitting is great. Its 3-5 bucks an hour per kid and siblings over one are discounted 50% which is a value you cant beat with a stick. I feel totally confident dropping them off, there are tons of toys and crafts to keep them busy, a nice flat screen with tons of bean bag chairs (though Ive never seen the tv on any of the times we've gone) and depending on who's there they'll take the kids to the big gym to play and run around. you write down where you're going to be, because they'll come to find you, should the occasion arise. I guess I just feel that you cant beat the value this place has to offer for the price. read more

APPALLING! I'd joined this gym because it was reasonable and had a nice hot tub (I THOUGHT) and sauna, plus its almost never crowded. The 'no frill's' decor and community sets it far apart from the glitzier/more expensive/more social Evanston gyms around. I'd had a good experience so far...............but One day last week after nearly a year of adequate membership I get to the hot tub after a yoga class to find POO, yes FLOATING POO in the hot tub. I went to the front desk and their response was this "Oh that happens. I guess I should expect it by now. We find all kinds of stuff in there"! and she laughed. I waited, expecting some sort of alert or sign to be put up or at the very least the hot tub to be drained and cleaned. Nope. She came back, stared at me and said "Well I told the cleaner person. She'll pick it out". PICK IT OUT? I am so outta there. So be warned; whatever is floating or lurking in their equipment is far from sanitary. read more

The reason I love this place is that I'm not committed enough to pick up a full gym membership at someplace like X -Sport when I know full well that I'm too busy at least several months out of the year to even consider working out anywhere other than home. So, if I have a month I know is going to be really chilled out and I want to hit the gym, this place is easily accessible (minus parking is an ass), they have a free running/walking track indoors, and a considerably cheap gym membership which you can pay for month by month and cancel anytime. They also offer exercise classes too but since I'm not versed in those I don't want to praise or downsize them. Unfortunately if you work late or you're a night owl this isn't the gym for you. They close at 10 during the week which isn't bad, but close at 8 on the weekend. If you have kids there is a babysitting center for them so you can get some work out time in. Surprisingly they even have basketball courts. From outside it doesn't look like a big area but when you explore it you may find it's a lot more advanced of a gym than you were expecting for "some park district thing". The staff is friendly, younger. As a Skokie resident you have a lower fee whether you have a yearly membership, a 6 month membership, 3 month...1 month....OR DAILY PASS for $10. If you ask me that's really awesome for the people who have hectic lives and no time, or who can't make up their minds! They also have different rates if you're a senior, a younger person, an individual or coming in as couples! Check it out. read more

Fitness First/Weber as everyone refers to it is great. Yes it's no frills. You have to keep that in mind. The fact that they give you a locker (that locks with a key) and a towel is more than some other "no frills" gyms. The staff has always been friendly to me. Biggest con: the weight area gets crowded really fast. It's pretty small, so if there's more than five people over there (I'm being generous), things can get pretty claustrophobic. In my experience, ellipticals get taken up pretty quickly and then during peak hours it may be difficult to get a treadmill. Other minor con: some of the treadmills are pretty old. They've switched some out with newer ones, but I got on one once and was pretty convinced it couldnt go faster than 8 mph. Despite these cons, the gym really doesn't get very crowded and you get what you pay for/even a little more. Not quite sure when peak morning hours are, but I try to avoid the gym from 5-7 on weeknights. I've stopped going here regularly, but I also wanted to note that the gym seemed more populated Monday through Wednesday. It would taper off Thursday and on Fridays there were very few people. On weekends it's also pretty dead. I can't speak on the hot tub/showers because I don't use them. read more

This place is pretty great for the price. It's only 50 dollars a month for resident or non-resident which is unique in the area. It has good machines, and its never been that crowded when I go - but I don't go in the early morning or just after work either. The people are nice at the desk and the jacuzzi works and seems fine. It is a fully-featured facility and though it is certainly "no frills" it's just right for someone who's not interested in being part of a scene. It reminds me a little of the McGaw Y but with a much better locker room. I kinda hate to recommend it - it's my little secret but I want it to stay up to par! read more

If this was review on just the establishment then it would be a complete 5 stars. I love the classes, equipment, locker room, and sauna. I think you get exactly what you pay. My main issue is the staff and the manager Jenny Bever. There needs to be some sort of training that should be required before she throws them into registering new people. I had an individual membership for about a month before my husband decided to join. Stopped by the front desk and ask how to switch to a couple. The girl couldn't answer my questions but gave me Ms. Bever number so I could get them answered. After speaking to her I thought everything was fine. Fast forward a couple of days. I show up late in the evening(around 8) to do the switch. The guy had no clue what he was doing. He kept asking another guy for help but he was training a new employee and was totally ignoring him. Most of the questions I had asked Ms. Bever and not told him this and gave him the answers she gave. There's was only one regarding me giving my card info again which I refused because I figured they had it from last month when I initial joined. Well today I get a rude call from Ms Bever that he and her first sentence is " Hi this is Jenny Bever and I had a message from my employee saying you spoke to me and I've never spoken to you." After reminding her of not only the day I spoke to her but what out conversation was about she apologized but not after to discredit the conversation I had with her employee the previous night. This situation could have been handled a complete different and more professional way if there was more communication between her and her staff. read more

Nice indoor track open to the public. Locker room too. Banked turns help a lot, but watch out for the walkers. They don't understand what the " No Walking" signs mean for the running lane. read more

Great facility! It is a basic workout center with no frills that other way more expensive gyms have. The staff is awesome and super nice, and it's kind of an experience where you feel like you're in a home-type environment. Easy to make friends with either staff or other people working out. Great place to go! Always clean, I've never seen "POO" in the hot tub. I've always seen a cleaning lady in the women's locker room, either in the AM or the PM...there is always one there. I love it! read more

Great service, decent machines and facilities. Indoor track, sauna, jacuzzi but no pool.

I have played table tennis at Weber every week for a year. I have the same skill set as most of the adults that play there although I'm 14 years old. I have payed the five dollar fee to get in every week. Out of the blue, you had to be 16 years of age to be allowed to play. That meant that I was no longer allowed to play. I was always the only kid to play and I was given no reason that I couldn't play besides my age. Most of the things that they offer are OK but if you are looking to play table tennis, you would much rather go to Edge Table Tennis which is about a 30 minute drive from Weber. It offers better equipment, knowledge about the game, players, and an added bonus is that they also have a shop where you can purchase table tennis gear. read more

The main problem with Fitness First is that when the Weber Center was built in the 90s, the fitness area was made WAY WAY WAY too small. Just 5 years later the facility was renovated and expanded, and is still too small to meet demand. Just because Fitness First's standards for cleanliness and amenities are far above Ballys/LA Fitness doesn't earn Fitness First 4 or 5 stars. There is no swimming pool, and there is also a constant shortage of cardio equipment during peak hours. Fitness First deals with this situation by having a sign up sheet on each piece of equipment, and imposing a strict 30 minute limit. The only way to extend the workout is to get off the equipment and sign up for another 30 minutes, or find another machine that is available. Very awkward for those who like a long workout on a single machine, without really making access to equipment any easier during peak hours. Many of the strength machines are from when Fitness First opened, and are showing their age. read more