Brimming with Northwestern sorority girls and North Shore moms, the Evanston Athletic Club offers plenty of motivation to keep you going on that treadmill for another 15 minutes. Located in the heart of Evanston, this four-story athletic club is spacious, hip and chock-full of answers to your every workout need…there's even a rock climbing wall in the center of the building that extends as high as the fourth floor.

Members have access to two floors of workout and weight machines, and almost every treadmill, elliptical and stationary bike comes equipped with its own personal TV screen. Flip on "Law & Order," start pumping. The head to the full-length swimming pool, hot tub or steam rooms for post-workout bliss.

Classes: An overflowing schedule of group classes, located in three different studios, come free with membership. Find all the basics—yoga spinning and Pilates—as well as well as funkier options for the brave souls among us. Tribal African dancing, anyone?

Extras: While the price can be a bit steep, the club does offer discounts for full-time students, teachers and self-employed artists (cool, huh?). You can sign up for the short-term (daily, weekly, monthly), or make a New Year’s resolution out of it and do the whole damn year. Prices vary, depending on what you sign up for, but monthly fees usually end up around $60. Other treats around the club include massage, life and wellness coaching and personal trainers.

Centerstage Reviewer: Emily Browne