My friend invited me to brunch at Midtown Athletic Club (they are a member). The public can't just…read morewalk in, there are gates in the lobby and I had to scan a code (and fill out my info) before entering. I visited Midtown before as a prospective member so I know that guests can only enter a limited number of times. We went upstairs past the cardio machines (they are plentiful) and the weight area to the cafe. There are tables and booths that overlook the outdoor pool area (closed for season). It wasn't a large brunch but we had some made-to-order omelets, bacon/sausage and fruit. There was also some potatoes and pastry. When I sat down to eat I received a text from Midtown about a membership. The brunch was bottomless although one omelet was enough for me. I also had two emails from Midtown when I got home, one a waiver of liability and the other a membership offer. I didn't join as a member on my previous visit and I am not going to join now. I already have a Pilates membership that includes three studios with classes from 6am-8pm. Midtown has a Pilates studio but none of the class times work for me. They also have some reformers in the middle of the cardio area reserved for private lessons. If I have a private lesson I would prefer to be in a secluded area, not in the middle for all to see. The facility has many machines, a boxing area, a cycling studio, a theatre, a spa, a cafe, courts, pool, etc and this is a great place for those who need this. There are families who spend the morning at lessons, classes, workouts, then join up in the cafe. This is great for those who are looking for this but it doesn't fit my needs right now.

If you're a dedicated tennis player and competitive, this place is for you. Otherwise, go somewhere…read moreelse.

I have been a member for about a month now and just upgraded from the lowest membership to the…read moreelite membership, so I'm definitely enjoying it. The lowest package offered allows you 4 visits a month whereas the elite package allows 8 visits a month. After a month, I realized I would see results quicker by coming twice a week. This location is very small and only has one room, but that seems to be plenty for the clientele in the area. The classes I've attended are anywhere from 5-15 people. And the classes can literally fit into anyone's schedule. There are classes 7 days a week starting as early as 5:45am all the way to 7pm. This fitness style is really geared towards non athletic to semi athletic individuals who need guidance in a workout session. If you're already a hard core exerciser, then OTF really isn't necessary for you. I enjoy it so much because the coach offers that bit of accountability that I need to keep pushing myself. I love how everyone in attendance is participating in the same thing, so it is not a gym in any sense. These are purely studios to attend a class. It's super unintimidating because every body is different and you really cannot base your stats against someone else's. Overall, this studio is clean and offers all necessities. I've experienced very friendly staff as well!

INITIAL REVIEW…read more OrangeTheory could be the urban oasis I've been looking for in the 'burbs. I've been desperate to get out of the house and start working out again. A couple of my friends actually drive upwards of an hour just to get to OrangeTheory in Evanston. So when I heard they were opening up in Bannockburn, I jumped on the chance. This site is currently in a pre-trial phase, so I get to see the bugs they're working out, etc. We early adopters get to try out the program for a couple of weeks and see what it's all about. It seems fitting they moved into the previous Sylvan location (which moved around the corner) after all of the afternoons I spent there all last year getting tutoring help for my kiddo. The idea of the program is a one-hour workout... 30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes strength training. I have to say... I am quickly reminded of just how out of shape I am. The good news is you can make the program work to your own personal level of fitness. There are "softer" men and women there as well as some serious hardbodies. Also, in the pre trial phase there doesn't seem to be any egos. You know... you go to the gym and see how much more in shape everyone is. With this program, you're really only focusing on yourself. Although, the person next to me RUNNING the whole half hour of cardio... yeah... couldn't ignore that. I, on the other hand, am a "power walker" and just fine with that. The room itself is dimly lit with huge orange orbs that give the room a cool vibe. They have a good stereo system going and seem to be picking great music so far. The headset today kept blowing on the instructor -- like I said, they're figuring out the kinks. I have a feeling when I do an official review it'll be fixed. The instructors are also new to OrangeTheory but not the kind of instructor who is just your next door neighbor who decides to go teach a class. They know what's going on but figuring out the timing of the class. Again, I don't expect these bumps to last. We are pioneering a new location after all. They are in a pretrial period through June 26 (I think) which means pretrial prices. Just a thought...

Very friendly and professional staffs! I have enrolled my 10 year old and now his dad enrolled in…read moreboxing as well. Very good boxing coach and staffs!! Will keep my family's membership for sure!

The place has p moved to old elm in highland park. Nothing fancy but some serious training and…read moreboxing if that's what your looking for.

Great variety in workouts and an awesome community! The team is super supportive and was really…read moreaccommodating of my knee issues while still pushing me to get moving quickly. Highly recommend!

From the owner: We have 50 minute group workouts that are led by certified coaches who coach you individually and…read morehelp you become the best version of yourself. Athletic based functional training is what we do and we Train For Life. Ask us about the cold towel experience ;- )

Still my go-to gym. My favorite gym of all time. Ali, the manager here is great. She is a former…read morecompetitive power lifter and provides great tips and new exercise ideas

EFT stands superior to all other sports performance gyms. The knowledge and expertise of EFT…read moreTrainers and Staff are exceptional and the best in the industry. Additional programs such as boot camp, bridge workouts, physical therapy, and massage are made available to optimize health, and physical fitness. Their attention to the overall health, wellness, strength and performance of each client is unmatched! The state-of- the-art facility is maintained in pristine condition and supported by a widespread clientele to include professional, college and high school athletes. Private training is also available! EFT is home for my family and college bound athletes! I recommend to all!

Great training facility. The services and staff here are top notch. I spend much of my time…read moretraveling to different gyms and studying fitness environments. This one takes the cake. The atmosphere is fantastic, the staff knowledgable and welcoming. If you want to get in shape, be challenged, and have fun. This is the place!

I've been a customer for several years. It's the "slow burn" method. Twice a week for 30 minutes…read moreeach... my back used to hurt and so did my shoulder. Now I am stronger and have a whole new shape! AND more muscle increases metabolism and strengthens bones. I have gone off my bone medicine because of this place. :-) The trainers here are all great. My "regular" trainer is Sharon. But I have also used JulieAnn, Michelle, and Vicky. All are great and very professional. Do yourself a favor and call for a trial appointment. It takes a while to get used to it and love this work out. So give it a chance...

From the owner: Whether it's controlled weightlifting or body weight exercises, Phoenix Fitness offers workout…read moresolutions that strengthen the body, increase your range of motion, and decrease pain in the joints and muscles. We are a personal training facility with a wealth of expertise to help impact your life in a healthy way! We offer slow method weightlifting and yoga which has tremendous results for overall health: -Increased muscle strength -Enhanced flexibility and better posture -Decreased body fat -Increase bone density -Enhanced body shape and tone -Improved cardiovascular efficiency Our trainers are all certified personal fitness instructors who believe in the power of slow method strength training. Clients with stiff or impaired joints who need extra protection when they exercise are the ones who benefit the most, but we challenge you to give us a try and tell us you don't feel like a healthier you!

I went and talked with the owner, who was nice and he was going to have couple of his trainers…read morecontact me . I wanted to know if they would have availability for an early session to train me. But no one ever got back to me. Very disappointed because the location was right by my job. Would have been perfect.

First time ever doing Crossfit and made the right choice in joining this gym. Jay reached out after…read morei put in inquiry about gym. The environment is cool and the members are welcoming! Couldn't ask for a better place to start crossfit. I love it! Great way to stay in stay and still be competitive. Definitely recommend.

My wife and I have worked out with Joyce, David and their team for about a year. We've never had…read morebetter muscle strength. We used to have a personal trainer that we worked with once a week. Under him, we worked out 6 days a week for 50 - 75 minutes. At the Exercise Coach, we do two 20 minute workouts a week. It is intensive weight training and cardio based upon each persons capabilities. We sometimes supplement with additional cardio workouts but often do not. We have gotten as much out of our two 20 minute workouts as we used to get from six 60 minute ones! We both just had our annual physicals and our heart rates are similar to athletes. Our cholesterol is good and I've stopped taking blood pressure pills as my numbers have dropped. The Exercise Coach provides a pleasant environment as well as friendly, encouraging coaches. Highly recommended!

The trainers are very knowledgeable and explain all of the machines/exercises so you really…read moreunderstand how everything works (and what you are doing to get the best results & avoid injury). Everyone is friendly & helpful... they really seem to be invested in your success!! Also, everything is SUPER clean!!