It's not warm and inviting. It's not luxurious or trendy. But it's no-frills fitness at its finest. Results-driven chain Ballys means business, and if you want to get in shape, it's hard not to here. The emphasis on personal training is perfect for customizing a workout to meet your needs and goals. While the personal training packages are not included in basic membership, they include both exercise and nutritional guidance. In fact, the trainer measures your unique metabolism to determine how many calories you need to consume and expend to meet your health goals; metabolic rates are monitored throughout the training process to assess progress and adjust your workout.
The Equipment: If you're ready to go for it on your own, cardio machines are stacked row after row and resistance equipment comes in pairs; waiting around for your turn is no longer an excuse to slack -- just get on and go. As incentive to finish your workout, an immense, coed whirlpool awaits -- we're talking nearly pool-sized tub. Or, order a smoothie from the juice bar as a reward. Need more motivation? Before-and-after photos of members who have slimmed down or bulked up adorn a bulletin board -- take a lesson from them, meeting your goals looks (and feels) good.
The Classes: Bally's Century City location offers extensive martial arts training, so challenge yourself to learn the sport and move up belt colors. All ages can take classes here, from grade school on up. Program is separate from membership fees. Unlike most clubs, Spinning isn't just one-size-fits-all. Classes range from beginner to extended version, which lasts for two hours and is geared toward people who are training for a race. The main aerobics studio, like Century City itself, is so massive it's hard to imagine running out of elbow room when cardio kickboxing or bouncing on your BOSU. Class offerings cover the classics, but the cutting-edge fitness, like belly dancing and strip tease, are also available and often come with an additional fee.
The Extras: You'll need to bring your own lock or pay a dollar if you want to store your stuff in a locker; like most gyms there are no overnight locks. The indoor track has no lane markings and isn't much to look at, but there aren't many in Chicago and they can be a welcome change from pounding a treadmill all winter. Most are long term, but there are a plethora of membership packages to choose from, including ones with all-access to all the city's Ballys and ones with special personal training allotments. The staff will work with you to find a package that will best meet your long-term goals.
There is a chiropractor and massage therapy on the premise, but it's not included in the price of membership (although it is covered by some insurance). Several of the personal trainers are qualified to perform the massage therapy, so you can use on of your sessions toward that.
There's a caged-off pro shop that offers a plethora of supplements to help you build up muscles, including Bally's own line of nutritional products. You can also pick up your multivitamins, Atkins bars and Gatorade here. Manufacturers often ask Bally's to try out new flavors or products to see how they fly with members, so count on discovering new products.
Reviewed By: Lauren Ziel
