Summer is in full swing, so there are many seasonal pastimes to embrace before those not-so-endless days are a distant memory. From al fresco dining on the patio to scoring a cool vintage find at a local flea market, there are plenty of ways to fill up your calendar over the next few months. But considering you'll also be spending substantial time sporting a bathing suit, sundress, or pair of shorts, you can't neglect your workouts either. So, to help you stay on track financially and health-wise, we sourced four Chicago gyms that are guaranteed to keep you in shape without draining your summer vacation fund.
1. Fitness 19
Photo Courtesy of Fitness 19
If you’re looking for a health club that has a prime location and won’t cost you more than a dress shirt per month, Fitness 19 is the place to go. For $29 per month, you can take advantage of their state-of-the-art facility that includes cardio equipment, circuit training, free weights, and personal training.
Location: Fitness 19, 2834 North Broadway Street, 773-868-1919.
Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Mon.–Fri.; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sat.–Sun.
Why we love it: Wallet-friendly add-on special for $19 per person, kids room, convenient location.
2. Cheetah Gym
Nestled in the middle of Bucktown (with two additional locations in Andersonville and Edgewater), Cheetah gym offers prime cardio equipment such as Nordic Track, Arc Trainers, and LifeFitness treadmills. A full array of amenities also sets the bar pretty high—complimentary towel service, body wash and lotion, and free coffee until 10:00 a.m. With rates as low as $59 a month for a year if you pay upfront ($69 a month otherwise), everyone can afford a daily sweat session.
Photo Courtesy of Red Eye Chicago
4 Budget-friendly Gyms That Don't Disappoint
Location: Cheetah Gym, 1934 West North Avenue, 773-394-5900.
Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Mon.–Thurs.; 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fri.; 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sat.–Sun.
Why we love it: Sauna/steam room (a.k.a complimentary detox sessions), bootcamp and cardio kick-boxing classes, and free coffee to mentally kick-start your day.
3.) Conviction Fitness Chicago
Equipment, weights, personal training, and group fitness seem to be the norm among gyms these days, but what if you had all those amenities and martial arts classes combined? Family owned and operated since 2010, Conviction Fitness Chicago offers you nothing short of options. Rates start at $49 a month, with additional discounts based on the length of commitment (family and group incentives, too!).
Photo Courtesy of Conviction Fitness
4 Budget-friendly Gyms That Don't Disappoint
Location: Conviction Fitness, 4430 North Western Avenue, 773-267-2170.
Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sat.; 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sun.
Why we love it: Myriad classes, family membership discount, fully-equipped gym, and a variety of membership packages.
4. XSport Fitness
Three blocks west of Michigan Avenue on 8th Street (as well as multiple locations around the city), XSport is the go-to fitness center for those living and working in the South Loop. Location aside (a five-minute walk from the Roosevelt Red Line), this one-stop shop offers everything from a state-of-the-art gym to personal training sessions that will make your Sunday brunch a distant memory. Even better, it's only $608 for two years, or $39 a month, providing the first and last months are paid upfront.
Photo Courtesy of TimeOut
4 Budget-friendly Gyms That Don't Disappoint
Location: XSport Fitness, 819 South State Street, 312-294-0500.
Hours: 24-hours
Why we love it: Open 24 hours, free parking for two hours, kids room, easy access to CTA.