A city of many neighborhoods, Chicago ranks among some of the best cities to live in the country. Each section of the city has a unique appeal. For instance, look at the upscale River North, the thriving Loop Downtown and more.
If you are new to the city, or if you are a local and you want good fitness centers, the options are many. Based on our research, below are some of the top fitness gyms where you can exercise and have fun:
- Chicago Primal Gym – the gym specializes in kettlebell training and various other forms of physical activity. They also have affordable gym membership plans.
- Equinox Gym – a spot to find various fitness resources including world-class trainers, spas and customized fitness classes
- River North Gym – located in the upscale river north, this gym provides access to state-of-the-art training and outdoor gym equipment.
24-Hour Gyms in Chicago
Next time you are in the city, or if it's now your main area of residence, you have many options where you can get a good workout. Below are the top neighborhoods to find a 24-hour gym:
- Printers Row – is a neighborhood that rates as one of the best places to live in Chicago. It has a unique urban feel, with many homes and apartments available for rentals.
- West Loop – this neighborhood is also abundant with many resources you need for your active lifestyle.
Chicago Area Gyms
If you are looking for a general location in the city that has the right resources, you have various other excellent options. Finding gyms in Chicago can relate to factors such as your schedule, fitness goals, proximity and more. We have a list of some of the locations to find Chicago area gyms and fun spots:
Downtown Chicago
More than just a dense spread of cloud high buildings, downtown Chicago also has several good gyms.
Chicago Loop
Many people refer to it as the heart of the city, and it has various spots you can have fun after getting a good workout.
Chicago Park District
It boasts of one of the largest acres of green space in the country, making it perfect for getting a rest after gym activities.
Uptown
Famous globally for its rich culture, Uptown is also an excellent place to find gyms, and spend your leisure time afterwards.
Climbing Gyms in Chicago, IL
If you like to have fun during your leisure time, you can try out a climbing gym. Remember these two distinctions when selecting the right one:
- Rock Climbing Gyms – here you engage in rock climbing activities using special gear such as harnesses, shoes and headgear. You can find these gyms in areas such as Uptown, Chicago Park and more.
- Bouldering Gyms – here you will participate in all types of ways you can move through rocky places. It offers a good workout, and check out places such as Chicago Park for such gyms.
Boxing Gyms in Chicago
The list is endless when it comes to finding the right boxing gym in Chicago, Illinois. Some of the popular ones include Unanimous Boxing Gym, Sam Colonna Boxing and more. The good thing about the high-end boxing gyms is that you will find various unique resources for your physical workouts. These include punching bags, treadmills, licensed coaches, and more. Plus, boxing is an interesting activity to add to your lifestyle.
You want to go for a gym that is closest to your place of work, and home. It makes it easy to get motivated to meet your workout goals, rather than having to drive long distances.
Meals to Enjoy After Hitting CrossFit Gyms in Chicago
If you enjoy high-intensity training, and strength condition gyms, enjoying a meal after can be great. The list of meals available in the city for you to try out are many, and you can have them customized to suit your taste preferences. Below are the top meals to enjoy after visiting a Crossfit gym IL:
- Nachos – Pile those chips high with ingredients like tomatoes, ground beef, onions, and cheese.
- KFC bean salad – it's famous for having a unique taste but still healthy enough for workout purposes. Ingredients can include cabbage, salt, sugar, carrots, cabbage and more.
Chicago Gyms with Basketball Courts
Are you still struggling with your layups, 3-point shots, or free throws? Chicago, IL, is home to some of the best gyms with basketball courts. The common examples include:
Mode Gym
It’s a large and boutique 24-hour facility that has excellent mood lighting, and state-of-the-art cardio resources. Plus, expect to find steam rooms and some of the best free weight workout resources.
Crossfit Elmhurst
Try out this gym because it has a host of various other activities aside from a large basketball court. These include Elmhurst athletics, personal training, fitness classes and more.
MMA Gyms Chicago, IL
Aside from being one of the best ways to learn Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), these gyms are also a good way to spend leisure time. If you are new in the city, visit such a gym to gain access to these unique resources for your workout:
- Treadmills – you use these to build your endurance and overall physical performance.
- Punching bags – these are important to improve your coordination and your muscle strength.
- Wrestling rings – here you get to practice your skills with other wrestlers and showcase your prowess.
UFC Gyms in Chicago
Whether it's your career or just a personal hobby, finding the right Ultra Fighting Championship (UFC) gym can be a great resource. Chicago, IL, is home to some of the best UFC gyms, where you can improve your skills and stay fit.
If you want to find the right gym in Chicago, your first best option is to use the internet. It provides you with access to the specific information you need on a particular facility. Plus, remember to check out neighborhoods such as Uptown or Chicago Park District. They are popular for having various facilities for working out.
Powerlifting Gyms
B&W Gym, Quad Gym, Rockwell Barbell, and more. You are “spoilt for choice” when it comes to the best powerlifting gyms you can find in Chicago. These gyms are perfect for building your endurance and engaging in strength training activities. Below are some of the activities you can perform in such gyms:
Weightlifting
Engaging in weightlifting is excellent for overall strength and endurance. It helps boost your power and physical performance in sports.
Press-ups and Pull-ups
These are natural techniques you can use to boost your overall strength. You will find trainers who will help you customize these workouts.
Squats
These are excellent for building the strength of your feet and engaging various other muscles that exist in your lower body.
American Ninja Gyms in Chicago
Practicing your self-defense skills can be a great way to spend time and make your life interesting in Chicago, IL. The options are many for you in this category, and it all boils down to your specific preferences. The city has many gyms of this type, and you are also likely to find a social class that meets your workout needs. The popular gyms in this category include Ultimate Ninjas, Windy City Ninjas and more.
Gymnastic Gyms
You want to work out and build you’re the performance of your muscles. The options are many for you in this category, especially when you want to find a Gymnastic Gym. These are excellent for working out your muscles and preparing for activities such as National Championships. You will learn to use various resources at such facilities. These include vaults, uneven bars, balance beams, floors and more.
Gyms by Amenities
The amenities you will find available at your local gym is important for the quality of your workouts. You have to consider these factors before settling on a specific gym, especially if you tend to go for extended gym subscription plans.
The list of workout resources you are likely to find at such gyms include:
Gyms with Pools
A swimming pool is excellent because it helps work all the muscles that exist in your body
Gyms with Kettlebells
Available in different weight categories, kettlebells are perfect for improving your flexibility and strength training
Fitness does not happen by accident, and your busy schedule should not be an excuse for failing to workout. If you are new in the city, or you just a need a good place to get a physical workout, the options are many. Plus, the city is home to various other healthy lifestyle restaurants and fun spots you can have after getting active. Find a good gym in Chicago, IL, to help boost your motivation to live healthily