Affordable Health Clubs and Gyms for the Chicago Visitor

Going on vacation shouldn't mean you have to stop your exercise routine. If you happen to be touring the Chicago area and want to work out without a high and unnecessary membership price, read on for 5 of the best gyms.

Edgewater Athletic Club

1040 W. Granville Avenue

Open Monday-Friday 5:30am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-8pm

Recently having undergone a huge renovation, the Edgewater Athletic Club is now expanded from what it was before with a plethora of new equipment and a huge Cardio room with floor-to-ceiling windows. It remains as the home of Edgewater's only commercial indoor pool, to be enjoyed any time of the year.

For $12 a day, you can find yourself amongst a broad amount of equipment to work with, whether you're wanting to lift weights or have a cardio exercise on a treadmill or bike. With the cardio equipment, personal TVs are included.

This gym has a great, friendly atmosphere while remaining a no-hassle environment. The staff are very personable and helpful if you need it, and the building is almost never too crowded.

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Bucktown Fitness Club

2100 W. North Avenue

Open Monday-Friday 6am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 10am-7pm

This family-run business provides quality not only in environment, but in equipment and service as well. It isn't the biggest gym around, but this usually isn't too much of a problem as it hardly ever gets very crowded and there is enough equipment for everyone. An assortment of free weights, iso machines, and two Cardio rooms take up the place, with flatscreen TVs in the latter. There is also a Core Workout Area for the weight-lifters, large locker rooms with individual showers, and a luxurious sauna.

Bucktown Fitness Club offers premium service, with a friendly and helpful staff along with nice regular members. At $10 a day, it's hard to beat the value of this gym.

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USA Gym

7621 W. 100th Place
Bridgeview

Open Monday-Thursday 5am-11pm, Friday 5am-10pm, Saturday 6:30am-8pm, Sunday 6:30am-6pm

Just a basic, hardcore gym, this place is not for those looking for a date. Instead, it's for people who solely want to exercise with no hassles on a variety of workout equipment - some new, some old, but all in great condition. $10 a day lets you do this, whether you are looking to lift weights, have a cardio workout, or have use at the boxing equipment. There is also a tanning booth available. All in a simple environment that's run by a helpful, friendly staff.

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Quads Gym

3727 North Broadway

Open Monday-Friday 5:30am-10pm, Saturday 6am-8pm, Sunday 9am-8pm

Quads gym is a serious gym, for those serious in their exercise routine. You won't find anything very fancy here, and this place definitely is not reminiscent of a pickup joint. Just simple, clean workout equipment such as free weights, weight machines, cardio machines, and a lot more, all spread out across two different floors. On the third floor resides a boxing room.

The rate for a day is $11 - with the great selection of equipment (which, even in its busiest moments it's very unlikely that you'll ever have to wait your turn on anything), 6 TVs in the Cardio room, satellite radio throughout the gym, a delicious juice bar, and a very nice and helpful staff, it's hard to find a better deal than this.

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#1 Gym

3232 N. Sheffield

Open Monday-Friday 5am-9pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-3pm

If you're looking for a low-key environment with no frills (also no classes or pool, unfortunately) and just a place to work out or treat yourself to a no-hassle cardio exercise, #1 Gym is a great option. At $10 a day, you can enjoy a nice selection of high-quality equipment like free weights, weight machines, treadmills, exercise bicycles, and more.

The place doesn't get busy too often, but when it does there is still plenty of equipment for everyone. Clean locker and shower areas are also available, as well as certified personal trainers - including the owner himself, who is always happy to help out if you have any questions about anything - and overall a great environment to perform the workout of your choice.

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