Fitness Formula Clubs West Loop

Joined for one week, as a lifelong swimmer and surfer from California I ended up feeling severe anxiety exercising indoors. I was led to believe outdoor pool was swimmable, but it’s actually kitty pool size. I did three visits before I decided I couldn’t come back. No refund, they charged me an extra month, and where super rude on top everything. Stay away from this shit show.

When I joined this gym over a year ago, I thought it was a smart decision. Since then, it has become obscenely overcrowded, especially in the last six months or so. To the point where I question if they are past capacity as a matter of fire code, much less for convenience. It’s one thing to have to wait to get on a machine. It’s another issue altogether when walking from one machine to the next is like going through an obstacle course of people doing different exercises. I do the same workout every week. The average time when I joined was 1 hour. It is now two because of all the added time it takes to be able to use any of the equipment. It got so bad that recently I had to wait around 10 – 15 minutes just to check-​in at the front desk because there was about a 30 person line that literally went outside.
One of the more upsetting issues is the fact that the gym’s trainers have members do plyometric workouts right in the middle of all the aisles. You can’t walk 10 feet in any direction without having to dodge 3 or 4 different individuals working out. If the gym wants to do those type of workout routines, it should have a designated area for it (which it does with one of the studios, but doesn’t use for some reason). There is an entire patio that is never used which could be remodeled for this purpose. Instead, they have people running obstacle courses in the middle of everybody else’s weightlifting area.
The locker room has the same issues. Have fun waiting 10 minutes for a locker to open, and then again when you sandwich between two sweaty individuals to get dressed.
There is an Equinox directly across the street from my office. Although I’d prefer to remain at FFC, I’m willing to pay the $ 50/​month for the added convenience and extra time and will be joining immediately.

I did a free trial at FFC West Loop location some time ago.
What I liked:
*great facilities and well stacked bathrooms with all you may need after a workout.
*great location
*nice pool area
At the time I chose not to join because the sign up/​membership fee was too high. I decided to go with WAC where I got NO membership fee deal and same month to month price and agreement as FFC for comparable facilities.
Recently I got a job in the area of West Loop and decided to contact FFC to ask if they would be willing to match the deal I got at WAC. I do not want to pay a membership fee, especially that I will use the gym only for a quick morning shower after a bike ride to work on most days. Unfortunately they are not flexible in that matter. I will look for another gym in the area.

OK gym, but the insanely bright lights in your face and blaring music are a pointless distraction. Why have TVs on equipment if you can’t hear anything over the music? I thought the 1980s were over.

Holding steady at 4-​stars. Its always clean, very clean. As compared to other clubs in the city, none of them compare to the level of staff service as this place. I unfortunately go at the peak time of the day and its PACKED. I need to amend my schedule, but for now it is what it is.
Only complaints:
The indoor pool is so tragically shallow I fear that they built it for leprechauns.
I wish there was more space in the free weight area. I appreciate all the dumbbells. But it gets cramped in that area when the place is hopping.

Enjoy the club while you are a member… good luck getting out…
Lets see… use the site search to find cancellation policy — nothing on membership cancellation…
Try calling multiple times and was always routed to a voicemail box…
Go online online to get an email address, and they route you to their contact us form —
Of course when you submit a request to cancel, you get no acknowledgement that they received it…
You wait…
Finally get an answer 4 days later… that if I cancel mid January, I need to pay through the end of March.
I asked to cancel, and they still get me for another 71 days of membership fees.

Be aware this gym is seriously overcrowded Mo-​Fri. I just sign up a few days ago and I’m already looking for a new gym. They charge me $ 393 for sign up and will not refund anything even if you cancel after 4 days.

#FFC West Loop is so kid un-​friendly!
Every time we bring Massi to swim they have to make so much fuss and actually follow us around. so weird!
. I was in the Yoga area stretching while Natalia was getting a massage. and the «manager» comes to yell at me that we cannot be there. The yoga studio was empty mind you not. But, we can actually be in the pool or leave Massi at their day care. Zero Logic right. ?
I’m so fed up with them, and even though I’m a «premier member» the treatment is horrid.
If you have kids avoid FFC.
We need a new gym — pronto. Suggestions please!
rant complete, happy holidays.
** After I left their office for the pool — because I was tired of arguing over with three people the validity /​impossibility of their policies.
A girl who was in the room, but not the manager, came to harass Natalia and spoil her massage. The nerve!

If you like smelling chicken getting cooked while you workout, then you might enjoy this place.
They charge a yearly fee, every November, and don’t tell you about it when you sign up.
Locker rooms are crowded, if not dangerous.
One of the cleaning personnel was incredibly rude.
Some of the trainers are very annoying.
Very high turnover of staff.
I can’t wait to find a new gym.
The only nice thing about the place is the members who are friendly.

My wife and I really like this gym. Quality and cleanliness of everything was always top notch. There was a bit of a mixed bag when it came to the personal trainers but Brian DiBenedetto was great for me to work with. he was willing to work around literally any schedule I came up with since I travel a lot for work. Only complaint about this gym is the same I would have about any gym, it just gets crazy busy after 5 PM. Other great thing about this place was that there is a Protein Bar inside and a rooftop pool that is almost like belonging to a country club when you use it on the weekends, full bar service!
Our membership dues would creep up a little bit over the years but honestly it didn’t bother us because we thought the price was a pretty great deal to begin with considering all the amenities you get with this place.

I live at presidential towers so I signed up for this gym. Although it’s way more expensive than other gyms such as xsport, you get a residential discount if you live in the building. There’s an outdoor pool which totally sold me. The facility is always clean, they have the chilled towels, bar by the pool, the front desk is always super friendly. It gets busy during 12−1pm from the lunch hour business people, and from about 5−7pm busy again. Luckily I have weird work hours so I don’t have to go when it’s busiest! There is also an indoor pool and sauna.

DO NOT JOIN THIS GYM IF YOU WANT TO USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR FAMILY TIME!!! These people are a joke. We got our membership as a way of teaching our kids about physical fitness and to enjoy family time with them in the pool. However, they are NOT family friendly and cater only to those who obviously are stay at home parents, otherwise how would they expect anyone to abide by their insanely slim window where children are allowed in the pool area, during hours where the majority of parents are working… not to mention the fact that when I asked their pool hours, I was told by faculty that it was all day on the weekends, yet when I showed up with my kids they indicated that no, it is adults only. Thanks for completely ruining a nice day with my family over your bullsh! t lack of communication.

I’ve been a member at the FFC West Loop for almost 3 years and it is a GREAT gym! All the equipment/​cardio machines are in excellent condition and the facility is always super clean. The staff are extremely friendly and very accommodating. In regards to classes, I’ve only taken Yoga and the instructors are very good — definitely arrive to class a few minutes early as they can be pretty crowded. The only reason for a 4 star review vs. a 5 is that it can be VERY crowded in the weight areas if you go at peak times (5pm — 7pm on Mon — Thurs), which is typical at any gym.

This is a really nice gym in the West Loop and I do come here very often to do my cardio workout. It’s sometimes very busy and not much open equipment but if you wait a while you’ll get something. I just come here to do my cardio and then I’m out.

There is a problem with the Steam Room. The guys at night close it from 12 am till 4:00 am! this gym has no sauna and when you shut down for 4 long hours the only steam available, you r certainly compromising the 24 hours service you want to provide!

This gym is great. I have been coming here for the past year and it is one of the best gyms I’ve been to. The same can be said about their SPA: I have used their SPA services twice, the first time was perfect but the second time I had a little unfortunate incident with one of their staff members that I complained about and the manager (Steve) immediately apologized and offered a complimentary massage which was literally AMAZING! So I decided to update my review and give them a well-​deserved 5 stars rating. If you are exhausted after a long week of work, ask for a 60 mins Relaxation Massage with Kasia: her hands are magical!

Never use this club again. I was an member in FFC. I called them to cancel my membership last Dec. I thought I successfully canceled membership because my English is not good.
I found two letter in my junk mail box one week ago. They failed to charge me because my card number was changed. So in the e-​mail they said I need to pay 178 USD. I sent one e-​mail to FFC to explain this situation. However nobody reply me. Therefore I go to FFC to explain this, but the manager said I must pay the 178 or I will paying more money. I payed it at 1-​31-​2015, because I think It’s my fault to misunderstood in the phone. I think this thing is over. But today FFC charged me an 59 again. I go to FFC again to ask why. They said I need to cancel my membership before 15^th, otherwise I need to pay the another 59.
I just want to know I did not go to the club since last Dec. why FFC keep email me, instead of calling me to tell me my card can not be charge. I think we both do something wrong, but I will pay this along.

Deceptive business practices to the extreme, bordering on bait and switch — they promise one rate but upon your year anniversary, they charge you almost double as a onetime rate increase — effectively making your membership cost ~10% more for the year. Scummy, to say the least. Moreover, calling the club gained no help — one can’t even cancel over the phone.
This sort of thing is EXACTLY why gyms get a bad name.
Note: now it has been *months* since this review and the reply shown and not once did anyone reach out as the club’s reply promised. I don’t really care because it’s clear they don’t care — I just find it all kind of sad.

This is a great gym in the West Loop. The club is always clean and their equipment is in very good shape. They also have a great pool for the summer time.
Unfortunately, because it’s a nice gym in a great location this gym is always slammed with people if you try to go after work. I hate coming here between 5:30 — 6:30pm and having to wait for a machine or bench; but other than that it’s a great gym.

2 ½ years since my last review, so time for an update.
Of all the locations included in FFC’s basic membership, this is the best one. Great floor space, lots of natural light, friendly staff, and great facilities overall.
The indoor pool is very pleasant, and unlike other locations (particularly Oak Park) is not crowded with children or geriatric exercise groups. The outdoor pool is wonderful, especially in the summertime. The deck gets a bit crowded during the warmer months, but you can avoid the crowds if you time it right. I love the Play bar by the outdoor pool. The outdoor patio in general is a great destination even if you don’t work out.
Excellent trainers at this location. Great Pilates program. Excellent spin room.
My only complaint about this location is very minor: The Protein Bar is over-​priced and not very good. I wish FFC would lease this space to a different food service. (Oak Park has the awesome Fresh Healthy Café.)
I’m glad to be a member of this gym. In my opinion it’s far and away the best fitness value in the West Loop.