Chicago has a variety of fitness options for families. Purchasing a family membership at a fitness club may be the best and most convenient way for your entire family to work out together. Depending on your budget, spare time, location and workout goals, fitness clubs and facilities in Chicago range from superior and distinct with full amenities to affordable community-based centers. Although the facilities listed below offer family memberships, some do not allow children under 14, so make sure to ask ahead of time.
First-Class Fitness Clubs
An option for families who are willing to pay high membership fees and want top-notch facilities, equipment and leisure options is Chicago's East Bank Club. The club is a 450,000-square-foot sports, fitness and dining hot spot in the city's River North neighborhood. Initiation fees run as high as $700. According to the club's membership services team, as of Summer 2010, children under five were complimentary, children ages five to 12 were $15 per month with a couple's membership, and children 13 and older were $25 per month with a couple's membership.
Aside from typical workout facilities, its features include an indoor running track; tennis, racquetball and squash courts; a family pool; basketball courts; and an indoor golf driving range. Other amenities include a spa, dry cleaners, a children's activity center, restaurants and a massive sundeck for relaxing or socializing.
YMCAs
For a less-expensive, no frills option, several of Chicagoland's YMCAs offer family memberships. For example, the Irving Park YMCA, one of the largest branches in Chicago, has a family initiation fee and a family membership monthly fee with no contract. Its facility features a kids and party room, an indoor pool, and a racquetball court. It also has free family-night activities and classes.
Patient Care Services
Some city fitness centers are affiliated with hospitals and clinics. For example, the fitness centers of Resurrection Health Care offer community members a family membership rate for up to three children. Most of them have a low initiation fee. Galter LifeCenter, a medical fitness center affiliated with Swedish Covenant Hospital on the city's far North Side, has a family membership plan for children 14 and older. Its facilities include two pools, an indoor track and weekly classes.
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations allow Chicago residents at any income level an opportunity to incorporate fitness into their lives. Lawndale Christian Health Center is a primary health care service for the neighboring communities. It offers family membership plans, with youth classes offered at the same times as some adult classes. There is no fee to join; just a monthly membership fee.
Franchise Clubs
While most franchise clubs usually are for adults only, some Chicago branches offer family memberships. Snap Fitness, for example, a fitness club in the city's Portage Park neighborhood, has a family membership plan with a low initiation fee and a monthly membership for up to four people. Other family members can be added for $10 each. Bally Fitness, located in several Chicago locations, often has specials to add a family member for a low price, but the member must be at least 16 years old.
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