Galter Life Center Reviews

. Medical Fitness Center . Lots of classes for young and old. Well qualified staff.

Took a trial membership for 30 days and became full member. Maybe I might have one person ahead of me on machine, looked at other clubs and they were packed. Plenty of sanitation stations on floor for your use , Kleenex also set out , no shortage of towels for your use and , soap shampoo dispenser filled in shower stalls, water is hot in showers , sinks could have warmer water for shaving.did not smell orders in steam room or see drain worms ( use one Of them 2-3 times a week).Have occasionally noticed drain flys in pool area but not consistently ( means problem is being addressed) . I have worked in large public building with flea and bedbug issues due to clientele being dealt with and inadequate sanitation. I am well acquainted with smells and bugs. Would not go to Galter if they had issues. Yes kids and old people present, adult swim hours are posted for those who don t want to share pool with kids, machines are maintained as I see equipment being serviced. Staff is pleasant and helpful when I have dealt with them, forgot my Discount postcard when going to full membership and they gave discount to me without me going home to look for discount card. Wife is coupon person,no way would she let me join without out discount. Update Nov 21,2019 not sure what is going on can deal with cool water in hand sinks, tried two showers in men's locker room and water was tepid, tried a third shower and could get hot water , are the budget cutters adjusting temperature down , could not burn yourself as they are regulated mixing valves but you could get a hot shower, also only notice two boxes of Kleenex set out now that we are in drippy nose weather mid afternoon to evening hours, staff is helpful and pleasant and answered questions when i have interacted with them, no hard sell for programs that i experienced at another gym

Friendly and clean place with many wellness options. Frequent misses in communication and lack of awareness of HIPPA and privacy laws from a practitioner (wanting to email unencrypted summary of medical history) knocked it down a few stars for me.

This gym is poorly managed. After many complaints on the steam room not being washed and sewer gunk worms. It smells consistently.I ve decided to leave this gym.$85 a month is to much for this place. After speaking to the director Richard Cunningham he was defensive and in denial about worms and any smell.

Visiting friends in Chicago here I am addicted to lessons in the pool! On vacation but at 8:00 in the water not to miss yoga or zumba or group ride. It's very clean and the caring staff
A remake!

This is an awesome gym. Its clean, its peaceful, there isn't the pressure that other gyms have, as in its totally okay to workout and not be in full hair and makeup, and it doesn't feel like a singles bar. The majority of the staff are super friendly and helpful. You should check it out! You won't be disappointed.

Love it! Very clean great staff gym caters a lot the elderly, but have a lot for the kids too

Clean,great workout machines, and it is very big a lot of space... clean pools

Clean, not too crowded. Everyone is more focused on wellness rather than fads. There's nothing intimidating about the facility, guests or staff, everyone is very polite and helpful.

I joined Galter in January of 2017. My husband became ill and I never used it. it is now July 2018 and I realized that my bank account has been debited every month. Shame on me, I should have noticed but my husband died and my mind has been elsewhere. I called to see if they could retroactively credit my account because I am ready to move on with my life. Jennifer in guest services refused and will only credit me with 1 month. I have spent $1,520 for one month. No compassion. Nothing.

Gaulter LifeCenter is a perfect example of what makes living in Albany Park/North Park such a wonderful experience. Diverse clientele, diverse staff and a keen sense of community. The challenging array of fitness and aquatics classes--as well as lap swims--is extensive, towels and toiletries are free, equipment is up-to-date and plentiful, and the modern, sunlight-filled facility makes gym time especially pleasurable. Instructors and fellow members are always willing to lend a helping hand, and the mix of young to elderly and peak-fit to disabled patrons makes the vibe one of total acceptance, inspiration and encouragement.

Very modern. Great selection and amount if machines. Absolutely phenomenal customer service

Wonderful gym with two pools, over 100 free classes, good selection of weigh machines and above all SUPER NICE STAFF! come try it out, take a tour and relax at Galter!

Large, clean and excellent equipment without most of the fitness center antics you usually see elsewhere, then the higher price is worth it. Some customer service is lacking with the younger staff. If you're independent, don't care to be coddled, and just want to have a great work out and get out, this place is perfect.

Following physical therapy for partial knee replacement, I had 12 sessions of personal fitness training with Sue Talbot, MS, NASM, AAHFRP at Galter Life Center. As reflected by the letters after her name, Sue is highly trained and each session was focused and effective. I highly recommend Sue Talbot for post rehab exercise and personal training.

Has been a very special experience with the exception that I can't get into the west pool, but the faciity accommodates most eopel who ae disabled, seniors and children. The staff is friendly; facility has certified trainers and teachers, and an efficient maintenance crew. My favorite classes are Zumba, chair yoga and Tai Chi.

Here s the skinny on Galter . I m not in shape AT ALL. I was super intimidated by the names of the classes. VIPER- GROUP CENTERGY-GROUP POWER- R30(SPINNING)
No need to worry at all my friends! Ok, I ll be honest- my first class was spin R30. My rear end was sore & I did manage to pedal the 30 minutes and so happy I did. I ve now tried them all. They all all suitable for all ages and fitness levels. By far the R30 & Stretch class and the Group Ride & VIPER are my favorite. If you have a chance to take any class from Jesse, it s a must. Especially if you are new & out of shape. He does a great job and showing the proper ways to work out without injury as well as to workout to heal injuries. If you re looking for the perfect body meat market- go somewhere else. Regular people of all ages, shapes, sizes & all fitness levels. I never thought I d get up at 4:15am for anything!!!! Come join me.....your body deserves it & after one week I already feel a difference!

I had to quit because the adult lap swim available times were not amenable for those who had 9 to 5 jobs. Saturdays were packed with swim lessons and classes. As a whole it seems more important to Galter to have paid swim classes, lessons and Masters Swimming in the West pool than to have regular swimmers. I was not ready to get back into Masters. I miss Galter's pool and Jandra Fraire but I had no choice but to move on.

Awsomeness reviews from friends in chicago, waiting to see one here in Indianapolis and hopefully all 50 states :-)

Clean, not too crowded. Everyone is more focused on wellness rather than fads. There's nothing intimidating about the facility, guests or staff, everyone is very polite and helpful.

Very friendly staff and great work with the patients

Having worked out at gyms ranging from East Bank, LaSalle Club, Equinox to the local YMCA, I believe that Galter Life Center is a "Diamond in the Rough when it comes to workout facilities in Chicago. There simply isn't a workout facility in Chicago that compares to the breath and scope of Galter Center. Their offerings in programs, their focus on health and well-being, their professional and pleasant staff coupled with their ability to listen and adjust their programming to respond to their members needs is unparalleled. Reasonably priced, professional staff, clean, wide range of equipment without waiting for machines and a very attentive and pleasant staff all make my experience there one that keeps me going back.

If your looking for a gym to preen in, blare loud hip music or be surrounded by only upscale WASP's this is not your club. If you care about your health, embrace diversity and want a diverse, welcoming, professional club: this is it! There's a reason they were named "Best Chicago Fitness Facility" last year.
- A discriminating fan, Jody

Meditation station!! Cleanest pools/spas etc. great friendly Staff

Large space and nice equipments.
A staff in the front desk was not very helpful and unkind regarding the cancellation or hold the membership help. The cancellation policy is not flexible and not reasonable. Be careful!!
The shower rooms need to be cleaned and ventilated the urinal smell properly.
Most of users are rehabilitators, who associated with the hospitals.

Quite possibly the best gym in Chicago. Although, I do wish they had a basketball court and offered some martial arts classes (and I don't mean cardio kickboxing). I think they did once, but got rid of the program. Speaking of getting rid of things, they got rid of some equipment I wish they could've held onto (i.e. the machine for wrist/forearm exercises). Although I think they're the best, I can't give them a perfect 5 star rating because of these reasons

I like to visit this Life Center
Very clean

Pros:
-Galter is a very nice, spacious gym.
-They have a nice variety of equipment, and I never have to wait for any of it.
-They also have two (!) pools -- one is available for lap swimming most hours of the -day. Galter is technically a "medical fitness facility", which comes with some perks. --New members get a complimentary fitness evaluation and blood work, and they'll let you repeat the fitness evaluation every six months.
-Free parking!

Cons
-Galter draws an older crowd (as in elderly), and most of the classes are geared toward that demographic.
-Some of the programs they offer cost extra, and the pricing on those seem very high.

You never have to wait for the equipment, and there are classes morning and night so it's easy to find something you like at the time you need to go. Instructors are highly trained and watch carefully to make sure you're doing movements correctly. The hot tub, steam room and sauna are also a treat after a hard workout.

Great Facility

I have been a member on and off for 5 years. I have had 4 joint replacements. This is the only affordable Chicago area gym that has NuSteps and handicap accessible bike machines (sort of recumbent).
There is an elevator for folks in wheelchairs and with walkers. There are 2 pools. The East Pool is totally handicap accessible (nice and warm, too) and the West Pool is sort of accessible. There are many classes that are included with your regular membership. There are steam rooms in the ladies' and mens' changing area, hot tubs at both pools and a sauna. There is a therapy pool for PT exercises. Towels provided and very large shower facilities plus a unisex assisted shower/toilet facility. All areas are well-staffed.
To save money you can wait for a membership drive so you don't have to pay the hefty signing fee. There is a safe parking lot for members. There is a reasonably priced daycare for kiddos. If you have the unlimited membership some daycare visits are included monthly.

There are a few cons;
1. The price (a littler high) and their billing practices (inflexible). There is a reduced membership for low income application BUT it takes quite a long time to process and is very involved. It also has to be renewed or is only good for a year. I am not sure if it is renewable. On the plus side if you are in PT at Galter you can get a special membership price while in physical therapy.
2. Too many private swim lessons in East Pool during the afternoons.
3. A banked oval track which is not great to walk around. Whoever was the track designer should be ashamed of themselves. The physical therapist all hate the track and wish it could be "fixed".
4. The front desk folks are a little clueless at times, depending on the work shift.
5. The front handicap entrance has too high of thresholds for wheelchairs. I know this is true as I started out in a wheelchair.
6. The pools are shallow if you are a serious swimmer. Some might find this aggravating.

Honestly it's worth every penny of 89 dollars I spend a month on this gyms membership. It's a very clean facility and is not that crowded. People are fairly polite and I love the indoor track. It's an amazing gym with the expectation of few machines missing. Otherwise it's a great clean gym with several amenities located in a nice area.

This is a great place with friendly and helpful staff. I especially appreciate the Cardiac Rehab program they have. Phase two is supervised by competent medical staff whose goal is to get you back on your feet and into a healthy pattern of living. The people you meet there become your friends and are part of a caring community.