Lakeview is actually one great big gym in itself. With the popular lakefront biking, walking, and running trail just steps away from most residents’ homes, bike paths galore along the streets, and the most walkable sidewalks in the city, why would anyone need a gym membership? I’ll tell you why – winter and swimming pools. Sure there are some fitness fanatics out there that love nothing more than to bike or run along the blustery trail in the freezing cold during the winter months, but they are the exception, not the rule. For the rest of the neighborhood residents, the warmth of one of the many health clubs in the area is much more appealing. Oh, and the classes are spectacular too.
Not only is the best gym to join in Lakeview super warm and cozy during the winter months, but this gorgeous fitness center also has not one, but two swimming pools. Of course, I’m talking about the 47,000 square foot Lakeview Athletic Club (LVAC) located at 3212 N. Broadway. Members absolutely love the rock-climbing wall any time of the year too, but during the summer months, the place to be is the rooftop pool. You can swim until your heart’s content or lay out until you’ve achieved the perfect tan. The choice is yours. The club’s other pristine pool is located on the lower (lower) level along with a relaxing Jacuzzi and large steamroom.
While Lakeview Athletic Club has the other area clubs beat when it comes to offering multiple options for swimmers, it also seems to have more group classes and fitness programs to fit more schedules than any other gym in the area. LVAC understands that neighborhood residents come from all different backgrounds, so not everyone here works 9-5. The class schedule makes it easy for students, artists, retail professionals, food & beverage professionals, and other similar professionals to squeeze a work out in around their own unique schedules. LVAC offers group classes from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7:30 or 8:30 p.m. on most days. Group fitness classes are available all day long, without interruption, on Saturdays and Sundays.
Spinning, body pump, yoga, pilates, water workout, dance fusion, power step, turbo kick, ballet, hip-hop/funk, and kickboxing are just a few group classes offered at LVAC. These classes are included in the membership price, so members do not have to pay anything extra to participate. Other group exercise classes such as bootcamp, kettlebell challenge and themed exercise classes such as “All About Moms,” cost an additional $100-$200 per month.
For those who prefer to exercise solo, you will also find two floors filled with free weights, weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, stairclimbers, small studios where you can stretch and workout with bands, exercise balls, body bars, and more.
If you’re interested in joining LVAC, but you would like to try before you buy, you may purchase a day pass for around $25. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for complimentary passes in the mail or you might find one tucked inside of a local alternative publication. Please note that LVAC offers special rates for:
-Visual or Performing Arts
-Freelance Writers
-Social Workers
-501c3 Non-Profits
-Teachers
-Students
-Corporate Organizations with (5) or more members at any of LVAC’s sister clubs including Lincoln Park Athletic Club (LPAC), West Loop Athletic Club (WAC), Evanston Athletic Club (EAC) or Lincoln Square Athletic Club (LSAC) – coming soon.
This means, membership rates may vary from person to person and/or by type of membership (family, all club, neighborhood, corporate). Membership rates also depend on which promotion may be running at any given time. It’s best to speak with a membership advisor if you are interested in becoming a member.
Lakeview Athletic Club is located directly across the street from LA Boxing at 3212 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, 773.529.2024. Club hours are Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. www.lvaconline.com.
