★ 3

The people are friendly and the fitness floor is clean; however, the West pool is very cloudy. I keep thinking they need to adjust the chemicals . Perhaps, they need to enforce the “shower before swimming” rule so that people don’t bring their body oils and perfumes mixing into the pool.

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★ 2

Joined this gym a week ago and already having a bad experience. This review is being made on Tuesday, November 4 at 9:29PM. I noticed the dark skinned heavy set woman at the front desk reception area on the left side as soon as you enter the gymnasium was saying goodbye and hi to every white member but ignored me when I said hi and when I said goodbye. She lacks professionalism. Yet the person in front of me got a goodbye and the person behind me also got a goodbye. I noticed everyone else got a goodbye or have a good one except me and what a coincidence that I was only Latino. Seems bizarre for her to be racist. Didn’t pay $75 joining fee and a month in advance to be treated differently. I am always polite and expect the same. Other than the rude woman at the front desk from tonight (Tuesday, November 4th) the gym is okay. The pool is not deep enough and the free weights could use more benches (only has one flare bench). The treadmills are decent but there are a few that skip. Hours could also be better on the weekends. Atleast till 9:30 everyday would be solid. Only reason I joined is because I live three blocks from here and the gym is not crowded like LA Fitness. Not bad but definitely not great

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★ 1

Dr. Jane was a great swim coach I would’ve stayed with the adult swim if it was just her she seemed patient and genuinely cared. Linda Mueller however was passive aggressive and very much impatient. She didn’t care to make students comfortable to learn. She didn’t seem to understand why I wasn’t getting instruction as fast as the other students and just kept hounding me with corrections instead of giving me some space to think about it. If that’s normal or not, I didn’t care and didn’t want to subject myself to that sort of learning environment. Might work for other adults in galter but certainly didn’t work with me.

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★ 4

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★ 1

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★ 5

Por casualidad me ha tocado ir a rehabilitation a este Centro y de verdad e una maravilla.
Unos rehabilitadores fantasticos y muy profesionales gracias especiales a Hether.
Las intalaciones son 5 estrellas.

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★ 5

The Pool classes are excellent, the exercise equipment is awesome! And with great teachers, counselors & a wonderful team of employees making a better day for all. Thank you 😊

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★ 5

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★ 5

The only certified medical fitness center in Chicago, a little bit out of the way now that I live in Lincoln Park this club is amazing if you have time to go everyday -I do now. Huge, considering that it has no tennis court) it has top notch equipments, two pools, hotubs with strong jets, not just bubbles that just vaporized the chemicals in the pools that you breath. I don't do classes. The regular individual membership accessible to anybody is very competitive (no tennis, no picket ball..) and with a doctor's recommendation you may just pay as low as $30 only, limited to two years. The facility is superb, huge, and you don't feel stuck at all with seniors with medical conditions walking in their shoes in the swimming pools like at CAC.

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★ 3

I like this place but feel extremely conflicted about it as well. The website / booking system is archaic, wonky, and error-prone. The fact that I have to call to book a massage but even then they can’t guarantee the time I’m booking is open, is quite frankly ridiculous. You do need to fix the hot water, the sewer flies, and you really really need to get a new booking system. I am very close to giving up on this place which is unfortunate since they do have great amenities too.

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★ 5

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★ 4

I quit because the adult lap swim available times were not amenable for those who had 9 to 5 jobs. Saturdays were packed with swim lessons and classes. As a whole it seems more important to Galter to have paid swim classes, lessons and Masters Swimming in the West pool than to have regular swimmers. I was not ready to get back into Masters. I miss Galter's pool and Jandra Fraire but I had no choice but to move on.

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★ 5

Accurately described as a "life center". Excellent for mental health as well.

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★ 2

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★ 5

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★ 2

The place needs work immediately!
Staff is nice and welcoming, but organizations lacks.
I was a member twice at this place, and it’s getting worse gradually. Starting from bathrooms and showers that have sewer flies everywhere and hot water is not controlled properly. Namely, at the moment gets cold and then quickly becomes unbelievably hot, without manually interacting with shower faucet.
Moreover, the staff and managers will take your reserved pool lane, without notice, for somebody who payed for swimming class.
I’ve decided not to pull up with these things anymore, for this is not worth even a dime out of my pocket, nonetheless $150 I am paying monthly now.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I've been a member for years. Plenty of equipment, good hours of operation, and they make an effort to be part of the community.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 1

The most boring fitness classes. I enjoy the water aerobics, but nothing ever changes- it’s always samey-samey. The dance fitness classes are boring and repetitive- I didn’t know dancing could be so boring. I wish there was a gym in this area with excellent water fitness and dance fitness.

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★ 2

My experience is there are phones everywhere and staff doesn't really care.

Want to change in the locker room? Recording devices.

Want to use a piece of equipment? Somebody has been sitting on it for 5 or 10 minutes staring at their phone

The worst is they allow people to record themselves. The gym says they allow people to record their "form". As far as I'm concerned, that is code for Tik Tok. I told them I don't want to be in a video, they said don't walk in front of the camera.

They are not inclusive. They make an effort to celebrate gay pride month but nothing else.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Andrew did a great job on my back and neck pain , very professional . Thanks

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★ 5

I’ve been going to GLC for my prenatal massages. I’ve had 2 with Matthew and he’s absolutely amazing! I’ve been to other places for prenatal massages but by far he has been the best! I highly recommend him!

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★ 5

Matthew is a massage therapist there and he is just absolutely amazing. I was just telling him he should be an instructor for other massage therapists because he is that good

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★ 1

This place is dirty and old. Pools look clean but equipment is old and dated with rips and tears and screens broken, lots of cranky rude old people feeling very entitled. Not enough equipment to the point of having to wait on everyone. Only come here if you’re looking for a pool.

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★ 5

I'm in treatment for medical reasons. I get acupuncture once a week. I have a trainer, and I use the gym facilities as well. I am so appreciative for my acupuncturist, Oleg. He really knows what he is doing, and he listens to me and tries to address each of my needs/symptoms.
The gym has a great vibe. The equipment works. It is always clean & the staff are very friendly. I love my trainer, Karen. She's got a great knack for knowing what I need for that day's workout. She always encourages and helps me to move & strengthen my body. I'm in better health because of the opportunity to go to Galter.
I just can't say enough good things about Galter.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Thank you Fernando and Team Galter Life Center Rehab and Physical Therapy Services! It’s been a beautiful and fun summer post surgical repairs. I wasn’t certain if I was going to miss summer fun and family after my hamstring injury. I am so very grateful for my personalized strengthening and stretching program @galterlifecenter @swedishhospital ❤️❤️❤️

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★ 5

Great gym! This is the only gym I know of in the city with an indoor warm therapy pool, lap pool, sauna, steam-room, and whirlpool. Reasonably priced membership. Very clean and friendly atmosphere!!

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★ 1

I was asked by my oncologist to join their fundamental fitness class but they only have two times, neither of which are accessible to working 9-5 people. They clearly are catering only to those who can pay $89 a month without a job. That’s not me or anyone I know. Swedish is not up to NorthShore standards in the patient care arena. I hope they learn from their new management and start to actually care about human beings.

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★ 3

Friendly and clean place with many wellness options. Frequent misses in communication and lack of awareness of HIPAA and privacy laws from a practitioner (wanting to email unencrypted summary of medical history) knocked it down a few stars for me.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I visited several years ago when I first moved here and fell IN LOVE! It’s so exciting and when I get there I have a great experience. Front door staff could be more positive and engaged but I don’t know their stories so I won’t be a troll. All I know is I am anxiously awaiting the kids portion to open up to get my membership back!! I call once a week probably to inquire lol I truly hope it opens soon and safely so I can start dropping my kiddos off and enjoy my workouts and relaxation!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

My fave gym, super clean love it

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★ 5

nice gym

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Took a trial membership for 30 days and became full member. Maybe I might have one person ahead of me on machine, looked at other clubs and they were packed. Plenty of sanitation stations on floor for your use , Kleenex also set out , no shortage of towels for your use and , soap shampoo dispenser filled in shower stalls, water is hot in showers , sinks could have warmer water for shaving.did not smell orders in steam room or see drain worms ( use one Of them 2-3 times a week).Have occasionally noticed drain flys in pool area but not consistently ( means problem is being addressed) . I have worked in large public building with flea and bedbug issues due to clientele being dealt with and inadequate sanitation. I am well acquainted with smells and bugs. Would not go to Galter if they had issues. Yes kids and old people present, adult swim hours are posted for those who don’t want to share pool with kids, machines are maintained as I see equipment being serviced. Staff is pleasant and helpful when I have dealt with them, forgot my Discount postcard when going to full membership and they gave discount to me without me going home to look for discount card. Wife is coupon person,no way would she let me join without out discount. Update Nov 21,2019 not sure what is going on can deal with cool water in hand sinks, tried two showers in men's locker room and water was tepid, tried a third shower and could get hot water , are the budget cutters adjusting temperature down , could not burn yourself as they are regulated mixing valves but you could get a hot shower, also only notice two boxes of Kleenex set out now that we are in drippy nose weather mid afternoon to evening hours, staff is helpful and pleasant and answered questions when i have interacted with them, no hard sell for programs that i experienced at another gym,
update August 2021 returned to Galter this spring as we we got shots , policy now is wear masks in building ,locker room , but not when using equipment , in pool or showers. place is not crowded even in morning, yes we old people are still the ones kicking the bucket but if i don't ride the stationary bike regularly cholesterol is going to kill me, staff wears masks.
hand sanitizer dispensers on first floor and on dispensers that hold have cloth rags and spray bottles for cleaning equipment

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★ 4

The facility and staff are amazing very welcoming and helpful. I rated 4 star because when it comes to membership department there is only a person in which they can never be reached via phone or email and would rarely get back and it’s sad. Only way to get assistance you would have to go in person and thankfully the courtesy desk staff always are on top of their game and solve the situation they are amazing.

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★ 5

I recently had to cancel my membership because it was only convenient for me to get to after work and my office in that neighborhood has closed. :( SO sad about having to leave, this gym is amazing.

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★ 1

we took a membership for one month, it's just awful, there is not a single place to go in for sports normally. they only have one yoga room and this is also not free, and the pool is always occupied. I do not recommend this place, when to finish this month I will not come again

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I go there for my left shoulder. There is a person who takes your temperature and asks the standard COVID 19 questions. My P.T. is really nice and respectful.

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★ 5

Great place to work out: personal training is exceptional.

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★ 5

Galter life center has always been and will always be amazing. When it first opened, irespected it immensely for the cardiac rehab work they did for my grandpa after his heart attack and surgery. As an adult i came back out of shape and no one here judged and everyone is helpful to get me trained to work to the best of my ability. Even before the pandemic they had the highest cleaning standard's I've ever seen at a gym and especially so now. I love Galter!!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Very clean.

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★ 5

Very friendly staff and great work with the patients

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great Facility

I have been a member on and off for 5 years. I have had 4 joint replacements. This is the only affordable Chicago area gym that has NuSteps and handicap accessible bike machines (sort of recumbent).
There is an elevator for folks in wheelchairs and with walkers. There are 2 pools. The East Pool is totally handicap accessible (nice and warm, too) and the West Pool is sort of accessible. There are many classes that are included with your regular membership. There are steam rooms in the ladies' and mens' changing area, hot tubs at both pools and a sauna. There is a therapy pool for PT exercises. Towels provided and very large shower facilities plus a unisex assisted shower/toilet facility. All areas are well-staffed.
To save money you can wait for a membership drive so you don't have to pay the hefty signing fee. There is a safe parking lot for members. There is a reasonably priced daycare for kiddos. If you have the unlimited membership some daycare visits are included monthly.

There are a few cons;
1. The price (a littler high) and their billing practices (inflexible). There is a reduced membership for low income application BUT it takes quite a long time to process and is very involved. It also has to be renewed or is only good for a year. I am not sure if it is renewable. On the plus side if you are in PT at Galter you can get a special membership price while in physical therapy.
2. Too many private swim lessons in East Pool during the afternoons.
3. A banked oval track which is not great to walk around. Whoever was the track designer should be ashamed of themselves. The physical therapist all hate the track and wish it could be "fixed".
4. The front desk folks are a little clueless at times, depending on the work shift.
5. The front handicap entrance has too high of thresholds for wheelchairs. I know this is true as I started out in a wheelchair.
6. The pools are shallow if you are a serious swimmer. Some might find this aggravating.

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★ 5

nice and clean

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★ 5

This is a great place with friendly and helpful staff. I especially appreciate the Cardiac Rehab program they have. Phase two is supervised by competent medical staff whose goal is to get you back on your feet and into a healthy pattern of living. The people you meet there become your friends and are part of a caring community.

Source: Google

★ 1

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★ 1

This gym is poorly managed. After many complaints on the steam room not being washed and sewer gunk worms. It smells consistently.I’ve decided to leave this gym.$85 a month is to much for this place. After speaking to the director Richard Cunningham he was defensive and in denial about worms and any smell.

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★ 5

En visite chez des amis à Chicago me voici devenue addict aux lecons dans la piscine! En vacances mais à 8h00 dans l'eau pour ne pas rater le yoga ou la zumba ou le group ride. C'est tres propre et le personnel bienveillant
A refaire!🇫🇷👧

Source: Google

★ 5

Here’s the “skinny” on Galter 😁. I’m not in shape AT ALL. I was super intimidated by the names of the classes. VIPER- GROUP CENTERGY-GROUP POWER- R30(SPINNING)
No need to worry at all my friends! Ok, I’ll be honest- my first class was spin R30. My rear end was sore & I did manage to pedal the 30 minutes and so happy I did. I’ve now tried them all. They all all suitable for all ages and fitness levels. By far the R30 & Stretch class and the Group Ride & VIPER are my favorite. If you have a chance to take any class from Jesse, it’s a must. Especially if you are new & out of shape. He does a great job and showing the proper ways to work out without injury as well as to workout to heal injuries. If you’re looking for the perfect body meat market- go somewhere else. Regular people of all ages, shapes, sizes & all fitness levels. I never thought I’d get up at 4:15am for anything!!!! Come join me.....your body deserves it & after one week I already feel a difference!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Gaulter LifeCenter is a perfect example of what makes living in Albany Park/North Park such a wonderful experience. Diverse clientele, diverse staff and a keen sense of community. The challenging array of fitness and aquatics classes--as well as lap swims--is extensive, towels and toiletries are free, equipment is up-to-date and plentiful, and the modern, sunlight-filled facility makes gym time especially pleasurable. Instructors and fellow members are always willing to lend a helping hand, and the mix of young to elderly and peak-fit to disabled patrons makes the vibe one of total acceptance, inspiration and encouragement.

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★ 5

Following physical therapy for partial knee replacement, I had 12 sessions of personal fitness training with Sue Talbot, MS, NASM, AAHFRP at Galter Life Center. As reflected by the letters after her name, Sue is highly trained and each session was focused and effective. I highly recommend Sue Talbot for post rehab exercise and personal training.

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★ 5

Clean,great workout machines, and it is very big a lot of space... clean pools

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Meditation station!! Cleanest pools/spas etc. great friendly Staff

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★ 2

Large space and nice equipments.
A staff in the front desk was not very helpful and unkind regarding the cancellation or hold the membership help. The cancellation policy is not flexible and not reasonable. Be careful!!
The shower rooms need to be cleaned and ventilated the urinal smell properly.
Most of users are rehabilitators, who associated with the hospitals.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Very modern. Great selection and amount if machines. Absolutely phenomenal customer service

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 5

Clean, not too crowded. Everyone is more focused on wellness rather than fads. There's nothing intimidating about the facility, guests or staff, everyone is very polite and helpful.

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★ 5

The Pilates instructors are the best in Chicago!

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★ 4

Honestly it's worth every penny of 89 dollars I spend a month on this gyms membership. It's a very clean facility and is not that crowded. People are fairly polite and I love the indoor track. It's an amazing gym with the expectation of few machines missing. Otherwise it's a great clean gym with several amenities located in a nice area.

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★ 5

Has been a very special experience with the exception that I can't get into the west pool, but the faciity accommodates most eopel who ae disabled, seniors and children. The staff is friendly; facility has certified trainers and teachers, and an efficient maintenance crew. My favorite classes are Zumba, chair yoga and Tai Chi.

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★ 5

Excellent Staff for my physical therapy

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★ 1

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Love it! Very clean great staff gym caters a lot the elderly, but have a lot for the kids too

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★ 5

Awsomeness reviews from friends in chicago, waiting to see one here in Indianapolis and hopefully all 50 states :-)

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★ 4

Quite possibly the best gym in Chicago. Although, I do wish they had a basketball court and offered some martial arts classes (and I don't mean cardio kickboxing). I think they did once, but got rid of the program. Speaking of getting rid of things, they got rid of some equipment I wish they could've held onto (i.e. the machine for wrist/forearm exercises). Although I think they're the best, I can't give them a perfect 5 star rating because of these reasons

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★ 5

You never have to wait for the equipment, and there are classes morning and night so it's easy to find something you like at the time you need to go. Instructors are highly trained and watch carefully to make sure you're doing movements correctly. The hot tub, steam room and sauna are also a treat after a hard workout.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Read the other reviews. I agree.

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★ 4

2 swim pools, $20 guest pass.

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★ 5

This is an awesome gym. Its clean, its peaceful, there isn't the pressure that other gyms have, as in its totally okay to workout and not be in full hair and makeup, and it doesn't feel like a singles bar. The majority of the staff are super friendly and helpful. You should check it out! You won't be disappointed.

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★ 5

Large, clean and excellent equipment without most of the fitness center antics you usually see elsewhere, then the higher price is worth it. Some customer service is lacking with the younger staff. If you're independent, don't care to be coddled, and just want to have a great work out and get out, this place is perfect.

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★ 4

Pros:
-Galter is a very nice, spacious gym.
-They have a nice variety of equipment, and I never have to wait for any of it.
-They also have two (!) pools -- one is available for lap swimming most hours of the -day. Galter is technically a "medical fitness facility", which comes with some perks. --New members get a complimentary fitness evaluation and blood work, and they'll let you repeat the fitness evaluation every six months.
-Free parking!

Cons
-Galter draws an older crowd (as in elderly), and most of the classes are geared toward that demographic.
-Some of the programs they offer cost extra, and the pricing on those seem very high.

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★ 5

Wonderful gym with two pools, over 100 free classes, good selection of weigh machines and above all SUPER NICE STAFF! come try it out, take a tour and relax at Galter!

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★ 5

. Medical Fitness Center . Lots of classes for young and old. Well qualified staff.

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★ 5

Having worked out at gyms ranging from East Bank, LaSalle Club, Equinox to the local YMCA, I believe that Galter Life Center is a "Diamond in the Rough when it comes to workout facilities in Chicago. There simply isn't a workout facility in Chicago that compares to the breath and scope of Galter Center. Their offerings in programs, their focus on health and well-being, their professional and pleasant staff coupled with their ability to listen and adjust their programming to respond to their members needs is unparalleled. Reasonably priced, professional staff, clean, wide range of equipment without waiting for machines and a very attentive and pleasant staff all make my experience there one that keeps me going back.

If your looking for a gym to preen in, blare loud hip music or be surrounded by only upscale WASP's this is not your club. If you care about your health, embrace diversity and want a diverse, welcoming, professional club: this is it! There's a reason they were named "Best Chicago Fitness Facility" last year.
- A discriminating fan, Jody

Source: Google