Looking to add some movement to your life? Well, look no further, because we’ve compiled Evanston’s top gyms and fitness centers so you can compare them all in one place.
9ROUND
9Round is a kickboxing-themed fitness center that offers 30-minute walk-in sessions rather than scheduled classes. Just show up and a trainer will walk you through the nine training stations, which include punching bags, heavy bags, and more traditional circuit training equipment like weights and medicine balls. Your heart rate will be monitored to make sure you stay in the optimal fat-burning zone. Sessions never include sparring, only hitting and kicking the bags.
BLINK FITNESS
Blink Fitness is a spacious, brightly-painted gym with a welcoming atmosphere. The friendly staff members are referred to as “mood lifters,” and they make a point of being motivating. Work out at your own pace on their state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment if you’re a self-starter or try a session with one of their personal trainers if you’re ready to take your gym routine up a notch.
CHICAGO NORTHSHORE KINETICS
Chicago Northshore Kinetics has workouts that establish and strengthen mind-body awareness. Tailored to each person, their workouts are safe for those with joint issues. Utilizing Pilates and Gyrotonic methodologies, their workouts increase strength, stamina, and mobility. Both group classes and individual training sessions are available. The non-judgmental facility is a perfect place to start for those with little workout experience.
CLUB PILATES
Club Pilates’ experienced instructors guide students through challenging workouts with ease. They have a wide variety of Pilates-based classes, from traditional mat Pilates to Reformer Pilates, and classes that incorporate cardio or functional interval training. Teen classes are also available.
CYCLEBAR
Cyclebar offers invigorating spin classes to upbeat playlists. The all-level classes are sure to get your heart pumping. Cyclebar trainers provide the perfect balance of challenge and support, motivating you to do your best. Personal performance tracking and stats boards are provided for those who thrive with a bit of competition.
D21 FIT STUDIO
D21 Fit Studio is a personal training studio space with a fun, non-judgmental atmosphere. The knowledgeable trainers cater to each client’s individual needs and goals. Fitness plans include personal training sessions as well as nutritional guidance. The focus at D21 is sustainable lifestyle changes that clients can realistically stick to, and an overall improvement in health.
ETOWN FITNESS CLUB
Etown Fitness Club is a family owned and operated club that makes working out fun. They offer a well-rounded fitness program that includes working out as well as a nutritional plan. Their group classes are appropriate for all levels, from brand new to fitness fanatics. The club also offers CrossFit and youth classes. Please note, group classes are only open to those who have had an initial personal training session.
EVANSTON ATHLETIC CLUB
Evanston Athletic Club is a health club with full amenities, including a kids club. Work out solo in their weights or cardio area, or try a group class or session with a personal trainer. A climbing wall, pool, and volleyball court provide options for adding some fun into your workout routine. Reward your hard work with some time in their sauna or steam room, or book a massage. The inviting atmosphere will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
F45 TRAINING
The ‘F’ in F45’s name stands for ‘functional,’ as their training program focuses on everyday, functional movements. The ‘45’ references the duration of the class, meaning you get an effective workout in less than an hour. Trainers demo all moves at the beginning of class, then clients go through a circuit of HIIT stations. Classes focus on resistance exercises, cardio, or a combination of both. The staff at F45 work hard to build a sense of community.
THE FITNESS MATRIX
The Fitness Matrix strives to make working out an enjoyable experience. Trainers here shape workouts to your personal preferences and goals, and are knowledgeable about corrective movements to correct imbalances. In addition to private training, they offer sports conditioning and small group classes. They also offer martial arts classes for kids and adults.
HIP CIRCLE EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Hip Circle Empowerment Center is a non-profit that seeks to inspire confidence and joy. The welcoming staff provide encouragement without judgement, making this a perfect spot for those not used to group workouts. They offer group fitness, belly dance, and Zumba in small group classes.
HOUR OF CHANGE FITNESS
Hour of Change is a Christian fitness center run by biblical principles. Accordingly, they are welcoming to members of various needs and socio-economic situations. The workouts at Hour of Change combine physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Circuit training classes and one-on-one training are available.
LA FITNESS
LA Fitness is a well-known chain with locations all over the US and Canada. With a large number of cardio machines, it’s easy to find a free one, even during peak hours. Their weight machines and free weight area are equally well-stocked, minimizing wait times. Try a group class or session with one of their personal trainers, or make use of their pool. They also offer a Kids Club, where your children will be supervised so you can focus on your workout.
MCGAW YMCA
The YMCA is a full service recreation center that strives to foster a sense of community. The facility has a fitness studio with traditional gym equipment such as cardio machines and free weights. Group exercise classes and sessions with personal trainers are also available. For those looking for more free-form exercise, the location has a full-sized gymnasium with basketball courts, racquetball courts, a track and pool. There are even classes for kids, making it a place the whole family can enjoy.
MAIN EVENT BOXING AND FITNESS
Main Event Boxing and Fitness is, as the name suggests, a boxing gym. Open to all levels, they have a boxing ring for sparring, as well as personal training, HIIT classes, Muay Thai, cross training areas, and stretching classes. Everyone is welcome, but expect to get an intense workout in.
NORTHSHORE PILATES
Northshore Pilates has a calming environment where overall wellbeing is the most important thing. Classes are appropriate for all levels, fostering a ‘start where you are’ approach. In order to teach and/or correct technique, as well as evaluate new members’ starting points, new students are required to attend a private session before joining classes.
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
Orangetheory Fitness is a chain fitness center with locations all over the world. Their one hour circuit training classes provide a full body workout that will get your heart pumping. Using monitors to make sure your pulse rate stays in the optimum fat-burning zone, instructors guide clients through HIIT workouts that change daily.
PLANET FITNESS
Planet Fitness fosters a welcoming and respectful atmosphere, with the philosophy that everyone should be able to feel comfortable going to a gym. The no-frills chain offers plenty of cardio and weight machines and a large free weight area. They offer personal training as well as a circuit area for those looking for efficiency in a workout. Premium members can access the gym’s tanning booths and HydroMassage.
PURE BARRE
Pure Barre is a studio offering ballet-inspired workout classes. The workouts are low impact and high intensity, providing a full body workout. The classes consist mainly of small movements, but don’t underestimate them – you’ll be working muscles you didn’t even know you had. Focus on improving strength and flexibility, or try a cardio barre class.
SHARP EDGE CROSSFIT
Sharp Edge CrossFit is a spacious CrossFit gym with indoor/outdoor workouts and garage-style doors to let fresh air in. The judgement-free environment is perfect for those just starting out on their fitness journey. In addition to typical CrossFit classes and personal training, they offer foundation classes to allow newbies to learn the ropes. There are even youth classes available.
SPENGA
SPENGA’s classes combine 20 minutes each of spin, high intensity strength training, and yoga. This unique approach allows clients to work on cardio, strength and flexibility in a one-hour workout, making it an efficient choice for those with busy schedules. The woman owned business fosters a kind and supportive atmosphere. A kid’s room is even available during certain classes, so it’s perfect for a busy parent.
STUDIO FORTE FITNESS
Studio Forte Fitness is a boutique fitness studio that focuses on the mind/body connection. Programs are created and adjusted as needed to suit your personality, goals, and schedule. Workouts utilize Pilates Reformers, interval strength training, and mind/body exercises. Sessions are 55 minutes each, by appointment only.
TITLE BOXING CLUB
TITLE offers boxing and kickboxing classes for all levels. If you’re new, the instructors will show you the ropes, making this an ideal place for newbies. If you’re still intimidated, don’t worry – the classes don’t involve sparring, only heavy bags. The 45 minute go-at-your-own-pace classes are excellent for getting out of your head.
WINDY CITY FITNESS CLUB
Windy City Fitness Club designs workouts around your needs. Their experienced fitness coaches offer 45-minute personal training sessions, or you can try one of their 30-minute fitness boot camp classes.