LA Fitness

I recently canceled my membership here. The experience was painless; I brought in a written letter explaining that I was canceling, and the staff was accommodating and gave me a written confirmation of my cancelation.
However, 2 days after my final official day at the gym, I received another sales call from a personal trainer; if there’s one thing I hate, it’s when a business you already participate with calls you to try to sell you more products. For that reason, I unfortunately can’t leave a good review for this particular location. Again, the gym is typically clean and has plenty of machines, but the sales staff just really makes me cringe. The price was right for me at $ 30/​month, but if I had it to do over again, I probably would have canceled my membership early and mentioned to the staff that they need to be less aggressive in their sales tactics because it makes me dislike the business.

Since my complaint to headquarters, my workouts have gone uninterrupted, and for that I’m grateful.

I regularly go to this gym. The location is great and the price is very affordable. The machines are brand new. I attend the kickboxing and bootcamp classes. I wish they offered more pilates classes and less zumba classes. Lastly, the gym locker room is very clean and maintained.

It is a small gym and the membership is cheap. Make sure to get everything they tell you in writing and do not make any side deals with the staff, as the staff will try to do. Warned by friends about this before joining.
I was working out and a sales rep came up to me. First mistake, I agreed to hear his pitch about a personal trainer. I told him I wanted a woman trainer. Pitch all sounded good, then the price came out. Forget it! Went from a free training session to 360.00 a month. As I was talking to this sales rep the Manager came in to work (the Manager that wears the high heels and sunglasses that walks around the gym) she came up behind the sales rep and started pointing at the computer to the other sales rep as if to say look what he is doing. If that wasn’t enough to make a person want to run get the hell out of there. My work out was cut short, and I left the gym. Needless to say, I am getting endless texts from a trainer named Darnell, about coming in for training, emails, and calls. Last time I checked, Darnell is a mans name. Beware, and if a rep tries to talk to you run.

Steamworks is just a few miles down the road, folks! A cruising gym for dirty old men…

I saw all the negative reviews at this place and against better judgement /​because I was low on time /​because I’ve had success at chains such as 24h Fitness before, I signed up anyway. Oops.
Here are the pros: if you don’t go at a peak time, there are a variety of machines and cardio equipment. There are enough weights and usually it’s pretty clean. That earns it an easy 3 stars.
Easy ways to push a 3-​star to a 4-​star or 5-​star? Competent and friendly staff — which this place simply doesn’t have.
When I signed up, it became clear that there are no actual guidelines for pricing. I was asked to pay something like $ 120 initiation fee and $ 80/​month or something. I flat-​out said no, I wouldn’t pay any initiation fee and $ 80/​month was too much. I was able to negotiate down to something like $ 70/​month but it felt so weasely, they were trying to get me to commit to 6 or 9 months or whatever, when I had been clear I was looking for a month-​to-​month package. Once we had finally come to terms, the guy signing me up told me something like: «okay, we have another option here that’s going to save you more money. If you pay another $ 100 today, we won’t tax you, we don’t tax your membership.» I pointed out that would not save me any money at all, and asked him if he had mixed it up, that he meant he would take $ 100 OFF my membership today? He seemed visibly confused, and kept insisting that if I paid this arbitrary $ 100 that I would save money in the long run. I refused and he was so downtrodden. Poor guy. I think this must have been money that went straight into his pocket? Or something? I probably should have just backed out at this point but I desperately needed a gym.
I was contacted multiple times about my free session with a personal trainer, and we finally found a time that I could make. I got about 20 minutes of basic tips, from a VERY enthusiastic and friendly older guy named Marty. Marty was a total gem and I’m a sucker for people being friendly, he’s the only thing keeping this from being a 1-​star review. After this very short session (which was not terribly helpful, but encouraging), he brought me down to haggle prices, which I wasn’t ready for. I told him straight up I didn’t have my wallet and couldn’t commit to anything today anyway. He ended up bringing over a manager to give me reduced rates, etc. Used classic techniques like «the prices are always rising! Sign up today!» garbage. I was pretty clear multiple times that while I am interested in having a personal trainer, $ 360/​month for 3 sessions a week was too much for me at the moment. The manager got visibly angry and started pressuring me really hard before acting disappointed. It was one of the weirdest, creepiest sales vibes I’ve ever gotten.
I won’t renew my membership past my second month unless things change around completely by then, but this gym will suffice as a place to lift and run a few nights a week until then. Hoping to not have to interact with staff much during this time :/

I go here because its close to home and they have machines that I can use.
My annoyance for this place have grown so much that I don’t want to talk to any of their reps.
I signed up about a month ago. They ask me if I want to schedule a personal trainer for a free first session. Sure, why not. I scheduled it to be at 7 pm. I go in and they tell me my appointment was 6 pm (When I received a Voicemail to confirm its at 7 pm) I’m like okay, They asked if I want to reschedule, sure. I rescheduled same time different day. I go in and they said my appointment at 7:30. WTF. I have the text to confirm that it was 7 pm.
I’m not understanding if they are having issues telling time or using their schedule. If they are not going to respect my time why should I bother. I have 2 different people calling me, even though I told them I’m already scheduled with someone but doesn’t matter because it always at the wrong time. Regardless, I don’t want the free session to save the hassle of talking to them.

Do not use this location. I’m certain that the overall corporate structure of LA Fitness is good, but this Edgewater location is questionable, mainly because of… the staff. (and the gym itself is really sub-par…and disarmingly small).
When I came in for membership, I was completely ignored. I wasn’t sure who to ask for help, everyone pretended like I wasn’t there. Finally, the extremely confused front desk worker sent me to the desks in the back. I was instructed to sit at this salesman’s desk who wouldn’t look at me in the eyes, and just typed on his computer. Finally, after awkwardly sitting and waiting (without any friendly introductions for over five minutes) he turned to me and turned on his charm. He told me he really needed this sale, because a friend and co-​worker was in the hospital and he had to make a certain amount of money– today. Stereotypical pressure sell with use of silence as intimidation. I expressed my need for a personal trainer and he began to push me extremely hard, telling me he needed the commission and literally held up his hands in a begging position and asked me to pay the larger upfront amount, and smaller monthly payments. I was so taken aback, I felt unsafe to walk away. In retrospect, I should of bolted.
As I reluctantly agreed, he began the paperwork. He spelled my name wrong, like completely my first and last, I don’t know if he was able to spell… or if he was listening– and my ID was in front of him. When I asked him about the major typo, he looked annoyed and told me it didn’t matter and he didn’t feel like redoing the paperwork. Knowing he would make more money, he manically brought over the trainer coordinator who talked himself up as an up and coming trainer who takes clients on the side even though he’s not certified. He engaged in some verbal negotiating with me, promising I could leave my business cards at the membership desk, freebie sessions, and the hookup with an awesome trainer– if I committed to a premium upfront cost for six months of sessions.
I’ll admit, I was swayed. It was a bad financial decision for me… I ended up making some bad choices, but I felt pressured, judged and awkwardly… flirted with. It was strange. As soon as the contracts were signed and the credit card swiped, these guys totally disengaged and couldn’t of pushed me out faster. They went from overly friendly to cold and distant in one second. In shock I walked home. I know sales is not personal, it’s about the money. But class and good taste is usually part of the equation at most reputable businesses.
I went to the gym a handful of times. I felt really uncomfortable there, probably my own issues, but the vibe is really low… there is an emphasis on DIY, no one looks or talks to each other. I kept my spirits up and came in for my first personal training session. I met with the trainer who was really nice, super validating of my ability and a good guy. But as I left the first session feeling accomplished, the trainer coordinator saw me and looked confused. After a patronizing high five, he demanded why I was working with the trainer I was with. I said, «because this is the guy you scheduled me with and recommended?» He was like, «No man! This isn’t the guy, you are seeing the wrong one! This guy isn’t any good, trust me. You want the other guy.» Conveniently, both trainers had the same name… and the archaic LA Fitness website only shows last name initials… I felt so embarrassed.
Dissuaded, I went home and came back for another training session. Hoping for some resolution, I kept coming back. Only, the trainer coordinator completely ignored me and denied we ever made any agreements (my fault for not getting it in writing) and the sales guy never so much looked at me or even acknowledged my presence even when he worked out next to me. I feel like gyms need community and connection… at this LA Fitness I felt like a number, unimportant and ignored.
I discontinued my contract and took a financial hit by buying out 50% of my contract. I do not recommend this location unless the management changes and they hire some actual professionals.

Two stars for being cheap and having decent equipment. Could be a lot better if someone would actually manage the place. The cleaning staff seems to spend more time on their phones than they do cleaning. The other day all five sinks were out of soap and the paper towel dispenser was empty. The whole locker room is pretty grimy overall. A sign on the wall says the place has a general manager. It’s time for her to do some managing.

It’s an LA Fitness… so, there’s that. But, in all honesty, it’s an OK location. There are usually holes on the floor because some of the brahs are usually dropping weights that are too heavy for them to lift. You get the general person texting on a bench, or taking pictures… c’mon dude.
This location could use some better cleaning, and the service is rather terrible as no one greets you properly. The yoga here was pretty good, especially on weekends. I mean, for the price, this place is pretty good. I used to live a block away, so, it did it’s job. BTW, quitting the gym can be a hassle, and I hear that they do a lot of shady business with their contracts so be careful. And once you quit they won’t stop emailing you. Just be careful.

This _​could_​be a fine, smallish local gym. LA Fitness has done a good job of renovating an existing building (actually an old Studebaker showroom) in a prime location, judging by the number of members.
But the number of members is a problem. The gym is horribly oversubscribed and can’t accommodate the weekday evening workout crowd. The men’s locker room doesn’t have enough lockers for peak hours and doesn’t have enough bench space even for the lockers it does have.
Maintenance is a serious problem, bordering on a health hazard, as it has consistently been at other LA Fitness locations. The men’s locker room is frequently littered with discarded paper towels, plastic bags, empty water bottles, and other debris. The toilets (only 2!) in the locker room are often out of paper. The showers are not cleaned frequently enough, so that there is visible mold on the walls, shower curtains are torn, towel hooks are missing, there are soggy paper towels and worse on the shower floors, etc.

On the positive side, it’s very clean, they do a great job maintaining the equipment, and the staff is always pleasant.
On the negative side, the locker room is way too small — you’re practically shoulder to shoulder (or closer) as the lockers are half-​sized and there’s really no room to maneuver. Not nearly enough bench space, or just space in general. Same really on the gym floor, everything is too close, too tight. Basic problem — the space just isn’t big enough.

Tried this location out for a week when they first opened last year but held off on joining until a year later when I discovered Blue Cross offers a membership for $ 25 a month (and only $ 25 sign-​up fee too). It was spotless last year when it first opened but I was expecting some wear and tear at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to find the locker rooms are still really clean and nice. The machines are great and the staff have all been really friendly. Haven’t had any problems with members either. I haven’t noticed the place crowded at all. Then again, I’m smart enough not to go at peak times. Haven’t tried any of the classes yet but but spied on yoga and it looks popular and worthwhile.

I figured L’d try this LA Fitness as it is next to the Whole Foods. The mens locker room on a Sunday am was absolutely disgusting. The floors were unswept and unmopped. In front of my locker was a pen spilling ink, there was toilet paper around, and the shower area was filled with towels and rags. LIke with the other LA Fitness in Chicago, there are lots of sales guys at desks on a weekend am BUT NO CLEANING STAFF. And the locker interiors hadn’t been cleaned in weeks as mine had dust, papers, etc. Just gross.
LA fitness always has plenty of good machines so that part is fine. I love they have Freemotion machines.
The cardio area is way overheated, as others have noted.
There was a verbal spat in the weight area between a meathead and a woman. As others have noted, this seems to be a serious lunkhead gym.
I won’t go back to this one as it is dirtier than Ravenswood and the heat for me is unbearable. A shame as I like going to that Whole Foods next door.
It is beyond me why LA Fitness makes no effort to clean its gyms in Chicago. Do you really make that much more having guys sitting at their sales desks? They are never all out with customers so why not have them earn their slave wages by cleaning the locker room floor. Really, it’s disgusting.

Added to my earlier review — there is a new problem: several, predominantly African American men, late 30’s to early 40’s have taken possession of the free weight area, refusing to let people work in, or when queried as to how many sets they have left (common gym etiquette) have reacted in a snarly manner, or in one instance tried to physically intimidate a friend of mine, including verbal abuse. Management has been alerted. Only time will tell. With the existing already overcrowded conditions, this makes matters even worse. This is becoming far too prevalent, (I have heard loud complaints from other members) and in addition to the often bad attitude by some of the other members makes this a place to avoid

They are very accommodating when they want your money. Huge headache to cancel membership. The link above shows that this is the company business model. My credit card company was happy to block additional charges.

This company is TERRIBLE to say the least.
Everyone is so happy around sign-​up but if you ever decide to cancel your membership, god help you.
I was moving downtown in a few months where I would have my own facility in my building so I signed on with LA Fitness knowing that I would cancel within a few months.
I called to cancel only to have the employee laugh at me and say that I have to cancel in person. I then spent an hour traveling to the location to cancel, only to find that the «manager of operations» was on vacation and wouldn’t be available to cancel memberships. You’re telling me there’s only one person in the WHOLE place that is able to cancel memberships? Of course, there was no shortage when signing up. Membership services is equally as stupid. Not to mention I’m still having meatheads call me weekly asking to set up personal training sessions.
Long story short, I’m still paying on my membership 3 months later. Save your money and stay the heck away from this company.

Jesus Christ himself could not turn the Edgewater LA Fitness around. It is actually so impressive how incompetently this gym is run that I’m beginning believe they go out of their way to mess things up, maybe to test their members’ resolve/​anger management skills.
I made the dire, dire mistake of signing up for a personal training package back in November 2014, because I am easily sold and because I am serious about getting into shape and wanted to compliment all the dancing I do with some guided weights work. I was skeptical upon signing due to the notorious rep of LA Fitnesses, but decided to risk it. HA HA HA. Listen to your gut, Unilocal,that’s the moral of this story.
The first trainer I had, Joshua K., did a fairly decent job of making me feel like I worked hard, but he sprinkled that fun visit with weird, vague sexual harassment and demands that I teach him Spanish so he could «go to South America and pick up chicks.» So that was the opposite of cute.
The second trainer I had, Todd M., was a pretty stereotypical meathead who regularly made me feel like crap about myself and my fitness levels, and was working me way harder than was healthy. I get lifting to fail, but if your client can’t lift the damn bar once and you proceed to tell her she’s not working hard enough, then I dunno, maybe considering lightening the load slightly. He also solicited me for free products from my place of employment at the time (Rosetta Stone), in return for «free sessions.» Because I’m totally gonna use my employee discount to revisit whatever circle of hell spawned this guy. So nah.
And then there was a legit drought of personal trainers at this location. Joshua K., somehow, managed to get promoted to «Master Trainer,» meaning had I felt masochistic enough to want to revisit training with him, I would have had to pay an additional fee on top of the one I was already paying. Which I didn’t. It doesn’t matter because that option has disappeared anyway, since LA Fitness changes its personal training rotation more often than it changes its underwear, which by the way, isn’t gonna do you any favors if you’re «looking for results» and can’t find someone who can work with you for a longer duration than three weeks.
So now, due largely to the fact that for the past however many months there have apparently been *no* personal trainers at LA FItness Edgewater, at least according to the app, I have accumulated 21 sessions (4 accumulating every month for a contract that ends in November). I could go 3x a week all summer and turn myself hot if I wanted to, and that was the plan beginning today, when I finally made an appointment with Alan D., who was apparently working 5x a week. I rolled on up to LA Fitness this morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed at 730am like the eternal optimist that I am, to find out that the genius Training Manager, Marcus, forgot to clear bro’s schedule for the entire month, meaning that yes, I showed up to LA Fitness at 730am to get burned by my trainer who isn’t gonna be there at all. Sure, there is another trainer still, but he only works 3x a week during times I can’t go.
I’m actually not sure why it’s so difficult to find people to «train,» since I learned today, via a poster in the gym, that absolutely anyone can be a personal trainer at LA Fitness, provided they drop $ 700 on a 16 hour weekend course. 16 hours qualifies someone to become a personal trainer about as much as me marathoning Grey’s Anatomy qualifies me to become a physician, so I dunno. At any rate my contract specifies that services are guaranteed at my club of enrollment, so I’m taking this one up the ladder and hopefully my ire will produce some results. LA Fitness Edgewater, I am coming for you! Meanwhile, Chicago, do yourself a favor and pay for Halas Gym at Loyola up the street instead. At least there you get a rock wall.

This LA Fitness location has the most unprofessional staff I’ve ever encountered at a gym. The manager and the sales representatives screw around together in front of paying customers, like myself, and cannot answer simple questions over the phone. Instead, they force you to come into the gym to have an unnecessary conversation while they insult you.
If you have access to a car or are willing to take the L somewhere else to a better gym in Chicago, I highly recommend that you do so. It’s crowded at all times of the day, so good luck trying to get the cardio equipment you want to use!

This gym is a an embarrassment. I am a member because I live close and it’s convenient. I did the complimentary fitness assessment upon joining and Marcus Robinson did his best high-​pressure sales to get me to sign up for a trainer. Now that I have been using it, I have lost my job and come under financial hardships, and Marcus has simply told me «tough luck.» I am now trapped in a year contract I didn’t know I had signed up for, accruing personal training sessions I don’t need/​want/​or use, and I am now paying over $ 100 a month for a gym I was just trying to use recreationally.
If I knew I was going to be paying that much, I would have signed up at Cheetah, or Equinox, or Lakeview Athetic Club. Gyms that I’m sure understand customer service, loyalty, and take pride in their businesses.
Guess where I’m going to be in 1 year when my contract is up? NOT LA Fitness…