This place is huge, personable, family-friendly, a...

This place is huge, personable, family-friendly, and other things that I find lot of corporate-owned gyms often lack. I've reached all of my fitness goals, really enjoy the group exercise classes, and the trainers are most helpful.

PROS

-- Trainers. They have a lot of trainers to choose from, based on your fitness assessment and goals. I've worked with trainer Tim Andel who put together some great workouts for me, that has helped me a lot with losing weight and looking more cut. Definitely ask for him and I think you'll be impressed!

-- Group classes. They have a wide variety for all exercise levels and activities. I've done the spinning class a lot, and some total body workouts. The groups are well attended, but never feel too crowded. And they even include pilates and yoga!

-- Excellent Customer service: Everyone was very helpful to me, especiall the Member Services Associate (Ask for Liz Sass, she's great!).



-- Classy Interior Design: This place has great architecture and scenic view. The building has wall-high windows, allowing for lots of natural light. The furniture throughout the building is very comfortable, and gives it a quality feel much better than what you'd find at other municipal fitness centers nearby.

-- Tons of Equipment: There's a large amount of weight machines and free weights, and a ton of cardio. The equipment is modern enough to plug in your headphones to get a number of TV stations (including music videos), and easily portable for your own music player.

-- Good selection of Classes: Some fitness classes are included for all members - not a giant amount of classes, but certainly enough for those looking to work out in a group. There are many specialty classes in the regular gym facilities, pool, and special workout rooms as well.

-- Flexible Hours: Good hours 7 days a week. (Not 24/7, but realistic for people with early and late work schedules.

-- Reasonable Fees: You aren't locked into an annual membership, so you can do month-to-month.

-- Free Trial: They are very generous with the guest passes, and even gave me several for my girlfriend, and one I could give to another friend. That's typically a good sign that they have a lot of faith that people's experience will be so good that they'll give it serious consideration for signing up. (Contrast that to the Wheeling Fitness Center, where they offer no free trial pass - and I'm a resident there!)

-- Lots of Parking: Lots and lots of free parking!

-- Minor Traffic: I drive about 5.2 miles from Wheeling, and find it a smooth and easy drive to the place - never any serious traffic congestion yet.

-- Cleanliness: The entire place was very clean and well-kept.

-- Follow up - very nice and courteous. (Wheeling did absolutely nothing with me - no email, nothing. That makes no sense since they had me fill out a form requesting my email!)

CONS

-- High fees for non-residents: Monthly fee is $80 minimum if you're not a resident of Buffalo Grove. (I live in Wheeling which is the town to the East.) But honestly, paying $80/month is actually a great value you're committed to going, which I definitely am.

OVERALL

Municipal fitness centers biggest challenge is their higher price to places like Bally's, X-Sport, Fitness19, and other chain fitness centers. The corporate chains can cut costs and offer lower rates than most municipal gyms can, which can make it hard to compete. However this place does have a good feel of community, great equipment, great atmosphere, and excellent customer service. Very importantly, it makes you feel inspired to exercise, and to enjoy just being in the facility.