Insider Pages Reviews for Bally Total Fitness-Morton Grove

1 Stars: 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)

membername1 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:00:00 GMT

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.

3 Stars: not the best (by Emilia G.)

Emilia G. — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:00:00 GMT

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

4 Stars: Great Place to Workout (by Abida B.)

Abida B. — Wed, 11 May 2005 13:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: One of the First Chicago-area Ballys (by Kristina L.)

Kristina L. — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:29:00 GMT

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.

1 Stars: Dishonest staff (by atucker012)

atucker012 — Tue, 09 Mar 2004 09:00:00 GMT

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.