Planet Fitness – Chicago – Washington Square

Terrible gym if you are serious about your workouts. Equipment is always broken or missing. The accessories such as the ankle straps are always missing! It is very frustrating and I will be cancelling my membership. xsport is $ 10 a month and a one time $ 100 fee so you do not have to pay the $ 40 every year which you pay at planet fitness.

I use 3 diffrent locations throughout the week being that I work out 6 days a week and live on the north west side and work in the south side and I can honestly say this gym is my favorite. Friendly staff and always very clean. The showers are always clean and the gym is never crowed.

Staff are nice but I really don’t go to this location very much but when I do it’s nothing to complain about

I have been coming to this location for over a year and it’s definitely paid of! The gym is kept in great shape, the staff is very friendly and the one time i had an issue with my debit card the manager Adrian while still on lunch came over and resolved the issue quickly and efficiently! Definitely worth the $!

My daughter and I was in search for a better Planet Fitness than the one we usually go to (Melrose Park) and we found it! I was pleasantly surprised because of the area we’re in (Cicero & North Ave). I was expecting the worst, but this Planet Fitness is the best I’ve been to so far. We were able to check out the place before we actually checked in. One of the workers asked us what was we looking for (ab machines) and we found it here. They have a lot of machines for the abs and they have a lot of machines to choose from in general. More machines than the Melrose Park location. They also play upbeat music which makes the workout more motivational. What I don’t like it’s the outside. The parking is horrible, the door is drafty so you will get cold if you’re on a machine by the door. Also, when we left, a bum asked us for change and followed us halfway to the car. Scary! That’s why I rate this place 4 stars. Nonetheless, we lost track of time and spent 3 hours in there! We had a blast. Even though it’s out of my area, I will go out of my way just to come here!

I really like Planet Fitness. No, it doesn’t have a pool or basketball court but you get what you pay for and for $ 10 a month it’s still a great place. My only gripe is in the 30 minute workout room everyone is using the equipment and not for the 30 minute workout. No one who works there keeps that under control. The same equipment in that room is the same equipment on the floor so they should use that if they are not going to do the 30 minute work out.

This location is not too bad. This is the only planet fitness we have been to. Working out was nice, i just didnt like that while we were working outs, the were busy mopping and cleaning. the fumes from the detergents were upsetting while on the machines. I do plan to return, the staff seem friendly enough and the machines are kept clean by other users.

Its cheap, its not in a great area to say the least. Their contracts are lengthy and put the customer at a great disadvantage. I still go there, I like the price and it affords me other luxuries that I wouldnt be able to afford otherwise, but I am prepared for a brawl with them if I cancel my membership… This frankly isnt the first time that I have dealt with planet fitness and though they can be hard to handle, all you have to do is cancel and block them from making further charges, if they really piss you off then get a diff card number.

Absolutely the worst corporate experience we’ve ever encountered…
On two separate occasions, we were triple-​charged (on a Saturday, when there is conveniently nothing we could do about it for 48 hours), and when we tried to rectify the situation, were informed that we «would have to speak to a manager,» who also, conveniently, not only doesn’t work weekends, he only works 9 – 5 M-​F.
We’ve both worked in retail, and as anyone who has also done so can tell you, the absence of a manager on the weekends absolutely screams incompetence.
In any event, after having to take off of work early on a Monday — TWICE — to print out bank statements and drive over to make our case to the location’s manager, the situation was finally resolved. However, after the second incident, we finally decided to cancel our membership last weekend on May 26^th, as we’re preparing to move back to Los Angeles soon anyway.
That, surprisingly, went smoothly, and to their credit, Manuel spared us the stereotypical «high-​pressure gym membership» retention spiel. We were allowed to cancel, and were told, IN WRITING, that we owed nothing.
Therefore, imagine our complete lack of surprise (given their apparent affection for predatory billing practices) when we were billed, ONCE AGAIN. Upon calling the Austin location, we spoke to Nathan, who informed us that because we hadn’t cancelled prior to the 25^th, there was absolutely nothing they could do, and that we would have to call the corporate office. When I asked Nathan for that number, he informed us that «they’re not allowed to give out that number over the phone.»
Well, isn’t that nice?
We immediately called Chase, and explained to them that at no time were we informed that we would be liable for any further charges for not having cancelled THE DAY BEFORE (the 25^th), and that we were in possession of a signed document stating clearly that we would owe nothing from that point forward. Chase immediately cancelled the charges, and gave us all the information we would need to prevent this abhorrent organization from further abuse of our credit card information.
Go ahead, Planet Fitness. Try charging us again. We dare you. We double-​dare you m*ther-f*ckers. We’ll sue you back into the Stone Age.
Love,
Robin and Eric

The gym was great getting me back in shape but it’s time to move on so I can make me some more gains. The biggest thing is them going from a ²⁴⁄₇ facility and making it a ²⁴⁄₅ club.
M-​F 12am-​9pm
S-​S 7am-​7pm
I get out of work from 7:30 to 6:30 or 7pm, plus my commute.
I’m not the type to wake up and go to the gym; I’d rather go after work, and with these hours, this isn’t going to work. Xsport here I come.

It’s a pretty decent place for a good price. As someone stated the location is in a sketchy area and therefore, wouldn’t recommend going past dark. I got the black card option which gives me the ability to go to other location’s …12÷7÷13 update: I’m done with this location. 4 months ago within 30 of my arrival some thrives stole my spare from underneath my vehicle. The shopping center has security but they are worthless, just for show. I ended up transferring to a different location in a safer area.

Clean, and Full of Hard working people.

Not cool! Not really sure why my friend thought it would be a good idea to check this place out.
I guess cause it’s cheap.
The parking lot was sketchy! Dimly lit, we started getting hit on by these dudes that just looked like pad news, and on a bunch of steroids OMG never going back there.
This Gym is for men not so much women

I just had the WORST experience at Washington Square Planet Fitness!
My spouse and I took both my aunts to work out and to convince one of them to join our gym. As we weight trained and took turns on two benches an employee was sent to tell my aunt that she cannot train us because it was against the rules. When she told him she wasn’t a trainer or even giving us direction, he said «Well, you look like you are training them!» He then said other gym members were complaining. At this point, my spouse and I interjected and said we were not breaking any rules and wanted to be left alone because the employee was creating a scene. A PF trainer poceeded to come over and say, «Why don’t you just pull 4 benches up next to eachother and then there will not be a problem?» I could NOT understand that logic and said, «we do not want to work out that way and I still don’t understant what the problem is? I also don’t understand what makes you think this is an ok way to approach a customer?!»
One if them them proceeded to tell my spouse that she «looked like a trainer in her get up». I was astonished ot the lack of professionalism. My spouse laughed and said just because she can afford appropriate work out clothes doesn’t make her a trainer and that the only wardrobe he should be concerned with was his or other employess because what she was wearing (A compression running shirt) was none of his business and that his detective skills were rusty as well because she was not a trainer. I still can’t get over how disrespectful they were and can’t help but think that we were treated this was because we were women since ALL of the men at Planet fitness are allowed to help/​spot/​direct one another without any interruptions.
At this point, everyone is staring at us and my aunt was still trying to get someone to bring us a copy of the rules we are breaking, to which we did not even get a response. I then explained that we were all using a free workout program online and while we waited for one another should be able to comment on one another’s form or pass eachother weights. I also explained that a gym should be a place where women, who don’t often weight train, should be able to help each other if they see each other with poor form and that they were trying to intimidate us, to which one of the employees responded, «Thats a weak argument». THESE IGNORANT STAFF MEMBERS ARE UNBELIEVABLE! I then told them that there’s a difference between investigating whether someone was being trained and ACCUSING someone of being trained at the gym.
I got so upset that I finally said, «we’ll were not being trained by anyone, understand the rules just fine, now can you leave us alone to finish our workout?!» And was told «If you don’t like the rules we can just cancel your membership!»
I was in shock and told him to do what he needed to do. I asked to see a rule and kept being told to look for it online. Today, Planet Fitness, the supposed «judgement free zone» showed that their staff must have missed that memo at their training because I did not feel unjudged or even safe for that matter. I already tolerated the unprofessional staff that NEVER greets members, are always on their cellphones and NOT paying attention when I do have a question because it’s affordable but I will do whatever it takes to make sure that someone is reprimanded for what happened. No matter how cheap the membership is there are laws that protect paying customers from being harrased and I am not going to allow myself or family to be humiliated at establishment with disgustingly poor customer service.

OK so this is my gym. I look this place. Definitely cheap plus you can bring a friend for free n e time u workout as long as u have the black card membership ($ 20 a month) which is great cus u also have access to free unlimited tanning, massage chair and table plus the red light therapy which is a freakin mazing lol. It helps get rid of cellulite plus tons muscles and u start seeing results after 3 sessions and it preps the body to reach max results when you work out. And for those who dont feel comfy going to that location there are other locations you can go to although I do agree its in a crappy neighborhood. But other than that its a great place and the staff is always really nice and helpful. :)

I hate writing reviews when I want to keep a place a secret. I wanted Forever Yogurt to be kept a secret, but when a place adds too much value, people come in flocks. Hopefully the neighborhood’s reputation will keep people away. I was a bit eager to write a review right when I signed up to this gym. But I wanted to give this place a fair review, so I waited a few weeks.
Leah (very petite Filipina) and Matt (white guy teacher) recommended this place to us. So the $ 10 hooked us in. Then we asked where it’s located… Response: «Austin». Austin? I only go to Austin when I go to MacArthur’s to get fried chicken. That part of Austin isn’t all that bad actually. It’s clean, thriving with sustainable businesses (except that Sketchers on Cicero & North Ave, what’s that about?)
I’ve been a member of a gym since XSport was originally Power House. I’ve been to XSport Elston, XSport Logan, Galter Life Center, Cardinal Fitness, NEIU Gym, etc. So I know a little about gyms.
Anyway, back to the gym.
1) STAFF: Though some of the staff are suspect — some attitude and mild mumbling, they are generally very nice and friendly. The young night staff especially are very nice it’s almost shocking. ***XSport Comparison: XSport Logan — a lot of eye candy, but hardly any substance. ***
2) LOCATION: Austin on North Ave is NOT that bad! And you’re in a plaza, not inside the actual neighborhood Traffic isn’t bad at all if you drive down North Ave. Not sure what business people have driving that far West, but it’s actually a really fun quick ride. I live in Wicker Park, and we’ve seen so many restaurants we want to try down North Ave. Plus we have a reason to stop by one of our favorite restaurants — Cemitas. 15−20min driving time. Parking time: 13 seconds (they have a gigantic plaza parking lot). Wendy’s for cheat day. Burger King, Pizza Hut for cheat day. Church’s Chicken for Protein loading! ***XSport Comparison: Bumper to bumper traffic to get to Logan. 25 min to drive from Wicker Park. 30 min to find parking! Though they have the advantage of better restaurants and Target, it’s just a pain to get to the gym and your adrenaline runs out after trying to find parking.
3) FACILITY: You go in and there’s so much space. Tread mills for days. Elliptical for days. Though the weights are lacking — dumbbells only go up to 60lbs? I used to warm up with 60lbs dumbbells on an incline press. I thought this was funny, but my goal isn’t to get big anymore so this gets a pass. They even have an Ab/​Stretching Room. There’s so much space. Place is spotless. People actually wipe down their equipment after use. Large screen TVs. Big fans that circulate the air. The Purple and Yellow décor sucks (Lakers reference). I have everything I need in this gym. ***XSport Comparison: XSport is nice. They have a basketball court. They have a swimming pool. Two floors. Some private rooms to stretch and take classes. But man, when that place gets packed — it’s almost counter productive when you’re trying to find a machine. I can’t think even think in there.
4) DOUCHE FACTOR: No douches here. They have a douche siren goes off if you drop your weights (THIS IS ACTUALLY SOMETHING THEY REALLY DO). If you are dropping a mere 60lb weight on the floor and grunting, then you are a douche. Girls are not even douches here. No one really craves attention here — everyone is all business. Some of the guys are beginners in lifting and fitness. Which is kind of cool. It’s cool because they are actually working out hard and correctly. I used to be a member at Cardinal Fitness, wow that place was a joke. Planet Fitness seems to have a culture of people who are not yet fit, but you can see they have a goal and are working on it. I have a cute little girlfriend and she gets a lot of looks, but not at this gym. She’s probably the cutest in the gym, but she gets no love there! I’m all for it! ***XSport Comparison: Douche galore. People throwing weights all over the floor (even 20lbers). Eye candy all over the place, but how are you suppose to focus? Everyone is supposed to look like crap if they had a really good work out. XSport for single people and socialites. Planet Fitness for people that have self motivation and want to get it done.
5) PRICE: $ 10 Holla!!! This place is so dirt cheap, so much value (you get free haircuts and massages and a trainer if you need one). This place is so dirt cheap that when my business becomes a 100+ employee company, I will gladly pay for everyone’s membership. I can smell value when I see it.
SUMMARY: I like this place. I like not knowing anyone. Some people use gyms as a social place — which is cool, but I like to get my work in and leave. I want this place to stay how it is, not overly packed with people that want to be seen. My only savior to make this happen is the reputation of the Austin Neighborhood (which I am growing to love — a lot).
Thanks Leah and Matt

I love this place is very clean and very professional. I come here every day and I have 0 complaints about this gym.

The gym isn’t in the best area. It’s open 24 hours but I honestly don’t feel too safe going any time past 10. I once came out after a workout to find that someone had thrown their soda all over my car. Why? I had just washed it, too. Other than that I haven’t had any problems, but still.
It’s a bit out of my way. almost 30 minutes by car to get there. But it’s SO cheap that I can’t say no. $ 10 a month for a ²⁴⁄₇ gym with equipment that is MORE than adequate, and air conditioned facilities? Locker room, showers, etc… the equipment is kept in decent condition and it’s never too crowded. I’ve only had to wait for a machine once. There are no classes, and the free weight section is kind of limited. this is more of a gym for the everyday, average person, not those workout freaks/​bodybuilders.
Staff is hit or miss. Some are super friendly, will greet you by name after you sign in and wish you well as you walk out. Others will sign you in while they talk on their cell phone and ignore you as you walk out. Whatever, it doesn’t bother me. I’m here to work out and usually have my headphones in anyway.
A decent gym with great hours in a sketchy area. I guess you have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.

This gym is spectacular! They offer a huge variety of machines, membership is affordable, and perks are amazing! A plus more for guys is, with the $ 20.00 membership, you get access to free, yes FREE haircuts. Perks for everyone, (with the $ 20.00/per month membership) free massage bed & chair, personal trainer (on certain days I believe) tanning and body toner! Ab center is phenominal and location is as convenient as it gets. The only con I can think of is that they don’t have a area for kids and for folks with kids, that would be a deciding factor for working out or staying home. Bottom line, COME HERE! :)

$ 20, $ 10 per month memberships your choice. Open 24hrs, what more can you ask for? I’m sold!