This budget gym trims the fat off its patrons at streamlined facilities.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Customized Fitness Programs
Easy-to-Join Membership
As one of the largest, most experienced health club chains in North America, Bally Total Fitness is committed to improving the health and quality of life for people through personalized, accessible wellness programs. Bally provides the highest quality service, facilities and products in a fun, friendly, safe and welcoming environment. With approximately 320 convenient locations, Bally is almost always close by. Plus Bally has memberships with no long-term commitment available. Want to try us out first? Download your free guest pass now!
The Scene Most Ballys stick to the basics for their design. Televisions broadcast silently above multiple rows of cardio machines; mirrored walls act as the primary decorative components. But thanks to high-energy television ads and low-impact membership premiums, this national fitness chain has steadily attracted a clientele bent on saving money while losing weight or gaining muscle.
The Workout Using fairly standard strength-training equipment and/or racks well-stocked with free weights, the best of the trainers here, who are classified at four different levels, can be as skillful as those found at costlier gyms. For group classes, signature exercise options include Spinning and Powerflex, as well as a number of patented routines inspired by Tae Kwon Do.
I was there several times- the same conditions every time. Too crowded, not the best hygiene all way around- not too many people shower before going in the pool... I love swimming- so I gave up going to this Bally.
PROS: pretty large
CONS: crowded, dirty
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I think this Bally's is a bit smaller than the normal Bally fitness centers, but it has everything for my needs. It is never too crowded, has a really friendly staff, and is always nice and cool :). They have great deals at this location for yearly membership, so working out here is a great bargain.
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Originally called the North Shore Club, this location is one of the first Bally's in the Chicago area. The old early '80s look focused on night-club like feel with flashing disco-type lighting. Rennovations since have brought a more modern look, and equipment has been kept up-to-date. Although not a luxury facility, this club has a large number of amentities, including: indoor running track, pool, whirlpool, separate spinning and aerobics studios, sauna and steam rooms, racketball courts, daycare, juice bar, personal training, massage and even a limited sports medicine clinic with chioropractic. Large free weight area keeps grunters isolated from rest of facility, a plus. Skylights make for a cheery and bright atmosphere. Parking can be challenging during peak weeknight times, plan to spend time circling the lot, which is shared with a shopping mall. Staff are friendly but can be elusive--I waited 20 minutes trying to find someone to answer a question on a Saturday afternoon and gave up.
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One member described it as a dungeon, and I agree - I rate it a 0 if this rating system doesn't work right
By membername1
TERRIBLE place, I only go there because it's cheap and close to my home. The men's locker room has had locker break-ins and thefts lately (and if I lose something it's never in the lost and found), the "down" escalator hasn't worked for several (over four if not more) months, the personal trainers harass members (either telling them how to dress for workouts like they're some kind of fashion police, giving incorrect medical advice, or selling their poor services like really bad used car salespeople), the manager literally makes fun of members and doesn't call members with complaints (they certainly can't speak to him in person because he's rarely around), in the past year the front desk would argue (very abusively) with members, the juice bar may or may not be open during posted hours (and that's the only way to get a tan - through the juice bar), in the gym the cleaners will mop or vaccuum while you're working out (literally hitting your foot with their vaccuum during your set, as if to let you know they're doing something or just that they don't want you working out, I'm not sure), and the members, alas, are generally inconsiderate about others, frequently leaving towels and plates lying about, not unloading free weight bars or free weight machines when finished with a set. The last complaint may be said about many gyms, but it's no different here, so I just throw it in the laundry list to boot.
I made the mistake of renewing my membership until 3/08. My wife let hers expire. My sister visited it once and was pretty offended when I pointed out to her what the gym calls the "catwalk" (walkway to the women's locker room, where men ogle women), and rightly so. I won't renew my membership when it expires in 2008.
Pros: It's cheaper than other gyms Cons: It's messy, dingy, in need of repair, and management and staff are extremely offensive
Posted 03/04/07
Dishonest staff
By atucker012
The staff at this Ballys blatantly lied to me so that I would agree to sign a contract. I asked about the terms when I moved and said I would not sign unless moving got me out of it, explained where I'd be moving and he said it was fine. A year later he denied lying and I was stuck in it after I moved.
Pros: Other Ballys are good, Inexpensive Cons: , Crowded
