Gym Crawl Chicago is a compilation of gyms in the Chicago area that offer free trials, classes, or other kinds of perks. Whether you are shopping for a gym membership or just a plain old cheapskate who doesn't want to pay for a workout, Gym Crawl Chicago can help put you on the right track, no pun intended.
Know of a gym that should but isn't on here? E-mail me at [email protected] with the gym and offer details and I will gladly add it to the list.
A list of free trials and offers for cheap and/or gym-shopping Chicagoans
Offer details: 1 free week of yoga at any Corepower Yoga location for new local students.
Locations: Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Bucktown, Lincoln Square, Gold Coast, South Loop
Offer details: 1 free week gym trial for new members.
Locations: Lincoln Square, Hyde Park, Edgewater, Woodlawn, Auburn Gresham
Offer details: 1 free class.
Locations: South Loop, Wrigleyville
Link: Free Class
March 2012
I used my free class pass to attend an hour-long kickboxing class on Tuesday evening at the South Loop location.
After I received gloves and had my hands wrapped, we started off with some conditioning and warm-up exercises
- think jumping jacks, pushups, and planks in rapid succession - stuff that really got some blood moving. We
then moved to onto the Muay Thai bags, which were admittedly intimidating for a first-timer like myself, and practiced
combinations of punches, kicks, and knee-kicks. The instructor (I believe his name was Brian?)
was clearly a seasoned kickboxer and knew his stuff. He made circuits of the group, providing personalized tips
and performing demos. The workout was definitely intense - expect to be covered in sweat and probably some bruises
as you walk out, exhausted and yet oddly satisfied and relaxed.
As for the gym itself, it was small and plain. There wasn't much besides a wrestling ring, some mats, and the Muay
Thai bags section. (If you're really curious, you can take a virtual tour on their website.)
The members all seemed fit and very serious about what
they were doing - I witnessed a kettleball class and some intense mat wrestling. One thing I didn't care for was
the smell there - the mats were like sponges saturated with sweat - but I guess that's to be expected.
There are only two bathrooms. When I say no frills, I really mean NO frills!
Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely go back, but I don't recommend this class for anyone who's
not up for a pretty hefty challenge. (Side note: ladies - you are NOT going to look cute after this.)
But man - what a workout! B+
LA Fitness (also includes some former Bally locations)
Offer details: 1 free week gym trial.
Location: East Loop, Hyde Park, South Loop, River East, Lakeview
Link: Free One Week Guest Pass
Offer details: 1 free week gym trial. New members only. Must be 18 or above.
Locations: Lakeview, South Loop, Logan Square, Old Town
Link: Request a Guest Pass
