Crunch

this location is now closed!

OK, Brent’s gone. They killed a ton of the yoga and now they’re closing and I can’t get out of my contract, which is to be assumed by Fitness Formula Club. Yeah, I don’t think so.

Heads up, this gym is closing soon. Just got the letter from corporate. Chapter 11 has been filed.

I love Crunch. The classes are amazing, the instructors work your @$$ off, and I actually do leave feeling euphoric. The facilities are so nice and there are lots of perks — face and bath towels, and in the ladies’ room there are tons of lockers, showers, a sauna, hair dryers, mouthwash, lotion, cotton swabs, tissues, a scale, vanity mirrors… it’s pretty sweet.
The staff are also great. The first time I went to the gym I didn’t bring a lock, and one of the managers loaned me his. Everyone there has been so helpful and friendly. I don’t get why there are any bad reviews. Am I going to a Crunch on Mars… No. Yep — I’m going to the one on Grand.
I recommend you check it out. I signed up for a month-​to-​month membership that is perfect for my non-​committal ways. I dragged my feet to my first class, and now I actually look FORWARD to going. Go, go, and feel wonderful!

This gym is cheap for a reason. They have the weights and cardio stuff you are looking for, but maintenance is non-​existent. Most AV equipment does not work, which means you will not be able to listen to the TVs while working out.
There are not a lot of redeeming features at this gym, and I’ve been taking close notes and sending in unanswered feedback cards for a year now. The only good feature is the nice desk people in the front.

Disgusting. This gym is gross and dirty. It’s not stocked with basics; face towels, paper towels, tissues, etc. The staff is half cuties and half d-​bags. Yikes. And the cleaning staff are all fat, wtf?!? Some might think that is motivatation, but I just think it is ironic and off-​putting.
The only good thing about this gym is the crazy pole-​dancing class and anti-​gravity yoga (sooo much fun! but you need to sign up, as it’s usually fuuulllll.)
I’d rather go to Equinox on Mich. Ave.

The location is great for me, only a few blocks away. I personally have no problem with the atmosphere or placement of the gym, as it is not very different from other gyms I have been to. It can get extremely crowded, but I haven’t had any problems finding empty machines, but really only enjoy going when it is nearly empty. So far I have only gone to the pole dancing class, but I love it, and need to try some other classes. For me, it’s a little pricey, normally $ 69 a month, but I signed up when they were having a promotion and got a permanent $ 49 rate. Overall, I’ve been pretty satisfied with this Crunch.

I like Crunch, in general. This is one of my least favorite locations. Unlike most of its other locations, It’s always packed. They don’t have enough lockers to accommodate their evening rushes. That is REALLY annoying considering it’s a big, downtown location. And this feels more like a cookie cutter gym as opposed to other Crunches which tend to have their own personality.
I preferred the Marina City location. I don’t know why they closed that one and kept this one open.

They refunded my money for the month that I shouldn’t have paid for.

I like gyms where people go to work out, not to glam up or check out the meat-​market. I like a gym where I can show up looking my worst and not feel insecure. That’s why I love Crunch. It’s a very «get your gym on» then get on with your life gym. One thing that bugged me was there was one slider machine I loved and when they brought in new equipment they totally got rid of that machine I liked. It made me change my routine but I will forever miss that machine. Oh well, life goes on. And even though they are known for the awesome classes, when they schedule them together on busy nights, both rooms for free weights and sit-​ups are taken by the classes which means in order for me to tighten the tummy I have to find some random space on the floor that is usually totally inconvenient for those trying to walk around me. But overall, a definite «home away from home».

I kinda heart my downtown crunch. North and Sheffield is nicer and shiny-​er but this one is just sooo damn convenient.
I was originally put off by the downstairs/​no windows location– but for me, its actually kinda nice because it helps me focus on my work out! You have to be flexible — I go during lunch and sometimes all the machines are taken, but I started going at 1 instead of Noon and now I have no problem. One of the reasons so many treadmills are taken during lunch hour is the awesome «tread and shed» class… which is the only one I’ve taken at this location. I’ve observed some other classes and they all look pretty tough.
my only real complaint is that the toilets are really really really low… like elementary school low… what gives crunch?
The staff at this location is WAY better than the North and Sheffield. I see their sales staff in action (like i said i’m easily distracted) and they are professional and not pushy. The trainers always seem to be having fun with their clients and I often see them training each other– sharing moves and whatnot. The front desk staff are also super nice.
Unlike the other reviews I’ve never had a problem finding a locker or getting into the shower– but I also try to go during an off time. And while I wouldn’t give up all the amenities of North and Sheffield to go here full time, I’m happy this Crunch is around during the week.

I’m reasonably infatuated with the North Ave. location, but I have a more difficult time pretending that I enjoy working out on Grand. Like a glutton for punishment, I keep coming back. After all, it conveniently falls square in the path of my work to home commute.
As others have mentioned, ’tis nothing more than a grimy little basement. Still, they have my favorite ellipticals (Precor) and the classes? You can see me keeling over afterwards if you want a good chuckle (read: the instructors WILL kick your ass).
Apparently every chick that has worked out here once in the past 6 months has branded a locker her own with a lock. Making it very difficult to get a locker. That’s my biggest gripe. Too bad Crunch doesn’t think much of enforcing their «we’ll cut off all locks every night» stipulation.
If you need gym clothes, this location does have the best selection of «75% off» gear. And the price for a city-​wide membership doesn’t break the bank ($ 79).

I have been a member of Crunch for two years and am basically pretty happy with my membership. I have a membership to all locations, but this is the one I got to most. The personal trainers are awesome (especially Emily), and I love the spin and tread & shed classes. The only negatives are the lack of lockers (I think membership has picked up or something bc I can hardly get one after 5:30), and the fact that you have to sign up for evening spin classes. I haven’t had any problem getting into a spin class with the sign-​in system, but it stresses me out since I’m really neurotic. Anyway, I think it’s a great value, it’s clean, the employees are nice, and the classes are amazing.

I reluctantly joined this gym because I heard rumors of shitty facilities and pretentious gym goers. I have to say, I have found quite the opposite. I enjoy my membership. Granted, I don’t enjoy the basement atmosphere, but it makes me motivated to work hard while I’m there and then peace out. I don’t go there during peak hours due to my job, so I am not sure how that works, but when I am there, the place is nearly empty. It’s kinda nice.
What makes this place stand out:
1. The trainers. They have gone out of their way to get to know me and help with my workout routines. I don’t have a personal trainer, but I am constantly receiving feedback from them. They’re awesome, and they know their shit. I received 3 free personal training sessions upon membership. Great incentive, and no pressure to continue with the service. Bonus points: I was doing an exercise incorrectly the other day, and a trainer who was on his way out stopped to help me. He worked with me for about 20 minutes. I used to work at a gym; this characteristic is hard to find.
2. The price: $ 69 per month for one gym access or $ 80 for all gym access. Very reasonable. I cannot afford to spend the $ 120 that other gyms are asking for. I am sure they are nicer, but this definitely gets the job done. And it’s way better than Bally’s (eck!).
3. The classes are awesome and are included with membership. This was the real reason I joined crunch. The spin class always kicks my ass, and I’ve been spinning for 6 years.
Things that could be improved:
— More lockers
— Remote plug ins on the machines, so you can listen to the television. Sometimes I am there during a big game… or American Idol, and I want to watch it damnit!
— Cleanser spray bottles to wipe off the machines after working out. They get grimey.
Overall, I am content… and a little buffer.

The only crunches you could get me to do here is some face crunching for who ever thinks this place is good.
I was here over the weekend and I am not impressed at all. Any facility that you never get to see the light of day is painful to frequent and the warehouse/​industrial feel is overused and does not spell nice. Sure the equipment is alright and stuff, but not worth it…

oh crunch. you dirty little basement gym, you!
you use to let me take as many towels as i wanted. they were in the locker room. then they restricted them to being at the front desk. and then, THEN, they restricted them to being BEHIND the front desk and you have to ask for one. i pay to workout at a gym, not a ‘Y’ so gimme my damn towels!
it’s a little dreary in the crunch basement, the machines are pretty old (although they had a sign up for about 6 months that said «new machines are coming» well, they never came — maybe they accidentally «fell off a truck» in NJ on the way), the locker rooms are dirty (there are some spots in that locker room that have never been touched! which could only mean foot fungus everywhere and hair just chillin) — i would NEVER take a shower there and it’s not a place where you’re going to meet a hot guy (they’re probably all at Equinox & EBC).
…but for a cheap gym, downtown, close to work and home and with great classes offered every day of the week… it does it’s job. now that i beat the sh*t out of crunch, it’s time to give it some compliments —
— GREAT classes: spinning, yoga, IRON MAT PILATES, powerball,
chisel (sometimes: pole dancing and boot camp with a real Sarg)
— friendly staff, always willing to help
(i guess 2 compliments, is all i’ve got)
it’s a hard and dirty gym, a place you want to get in and get out. the 3-​stars are for the classes, probably the best and most diverse in the city.

Great Gym! I have had a corporate membership to all of the Crunch locations in Chicago for a few yrs and this is my pick of the litter. While it may be the runt of the bunch in terms of size, it gives you everything you need & more.
This is surely a locale based on fitness, not fashion (unlike some others). The people here are friendly but come to workout and not to hold social hr. The machines are pretty new and kept in good condition. While it is jamming during peak hrs there is never too long of a wait to proceed w/​your routine.
Like the other Crunch gyms… there are an array of classes offered, free towel service & the locker rooms are filled with most of the products you would need in a pinch.

Joined this Crunch about 2 years ago
(Used to be called gorilla sports?)
Not as large or shiny as North Ave, but staff is nice, plenty of machines, lots of towels in locker room.
Great classes and hours:
I love the Absolution class.
Hours of Operation Monday — Thursday 5:30am — 10:00pm
Friday 830am — 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:00am — 6:30pm
Best part-It’s across from Nordstrom.
What better way to treat yourself for that work out than a giftie from the happiest place on earth.
Yes, that’s my philosophy when it comes to exercise.