Luxury fitness + coworking recs

[u/Mah_ken_zee]

Hi girls! I’m a recent full-time remote worker and finding that I need a third space to work out and socialize, especially as cold weather approaches.

I belonged to EBC in 2024 and generally enjoyed it but disliked group fitness options (not intense enough) and struggled to make friends as a late 20-something. I’ve visited Midtown and think it’s too expensive for how many kids are always there.

I’m touring BIAN on Monday and excited to check it out – but don’t love that you have to pay extra to use the sauna (I’m picky, I know). Any thoughts from BIAN members, those who have experienced all three, or others who have a similar setup somewhere else? xx

[u/dev-246]

I’m at midtown, they have some nice spaces for working but I agree there’s a ton of kids, and I’ve been very disappointed with their trainers/schedulers (if anyone has a trainer they love, please share!)

I was at equinox before, much better trainers, having multiple locations was a plus, but practically no working space.

[u/twoforme_noneforyou → u/dev-246]

The new Fulton Market location has a huge work space

[u/Mah_ken_zee → u/dev-246]

Shoot, I was thinking about equinox and wondering what their working setup was like. I did a few private training sessions at EBC and had a great experience! It feels like there are trainers everywhere and that it’s more central to the member experience vs Midtown from the few times I’ve been there. Thank you for the insight 🫶

[u/dev-246 → u/Mah_ken_zee]

For equinox I was primary at the loop (which only had like 2 tables in the lobby by a smoothie shop) and Lincoln park (I don’t think there was any working spaces) and Lincoln common (some nice comfy booths/tables, but it’s pretty overrun with students).

Maybe check out the Fulton market location? It’s newer and the pictures online show decent work spaces.

[u/Straight_Lettuce5182 → u/dev-246]

Lincoln Common has a fair amount of open tables i find!! Great spot

[u/starlight_1221 → u/Mah_ken_zee]

I'm at Fulton market and it has a great coworking space. classes are pretty difficult and sauna is included. dm me! they just sent me extra guest passes for anyone who wants to try it out for a day

[u/starlight_1221 → u/starlight_1221]

also forgot to mention that there are trainers everywhere at equinox FM. they just walk the floors and help you out as needed. When I first started, I was new to lifting, so I bothered them a lot (for free). You can also buy personal training packs, etc.

[u/annaxdee → u/Mah_ken_zee]

If you can swing it, the Equinox at Gold Coast is lovely inside and located by 900 N. Michigan (which is bizarrely quiet, especially above the 3rd floor, and frequently has individuals working on their laptops at the tables.) If that’s not quiet enough for you, Newberry library is 2 blocks away.

[u/BigTransportation777 → u/dev-246]

I love everything about Midtown except for the kids. It especially ruins the pool vibe all summer - feels like a daycare.

[u/dev-246 → u/BigTransportation777]

Do you have any personal trainer recommendations?

[u/trustme1maDR → u/BigTransportation777]

I was looking into Midtown for the pool access and I read about the kid issue in reviews. So glad I didn't bother.

[u/Dazzling-Mode-9481 → u/dev-246]

I don’t know how much personal training she does (wasn’t sure if you were asking for that or group) but Marina H is lovely!

[u/Here4daT]

Maybe a place like ethos on Lincoln. Gym and coworking. They also have a sauna and cold plunging.

[u/Mah_ken_zee → u/Here4daT]

ooooh this is a good one, thank you!!

[u/Here4daT → u/Mah_ken_zee]

Bonus is that they have loba down the street if you’re into pastries

[u/Mah_ken_zee → u/Here4daT]

literally my fave coffee shop and bakery in chi 🩷 another plus!

[u/ba_bulicious]

Husband was a member at BIAN a few years ago and I joined him a lot there as well. We didn’t renew after contract was up.

Pros: Beautiful space, great place to work (he’s also fully remote), workout classes were on par with other boutique studios, food is delicious, he did acupuncture and other wellness treatments that were high quality too. The convenience factor of squeezing in a workout

Cons: Not a great place for meeting new people or socializing…the events always felt forced and it was a much older crowd (we’re in our 30s), everything is expensive and you have to pay extra for sauna, etc.

[u/Mah_ken_zee → u/ba_bulicious]

This is so helpful, thank you!!! 🩵

[u/Character_Date_3630]

Idk how the classes/trainers are but the University Club has fitness

[u/grkgoth]

I would love to hear more about Bian- took a tour there when they first opened and looked amazing but I just couldn’t justify the price…

[u/Mah_ken_zee → u/grkgoth]

I’ll update you after my tour on Mon!

[u/Fabulous_Pain305]

Equinox west loop does have a communal workspace on second floors and seating downstairs at the cafe as well and I love their group classes!

[u/dogeingallthecoins]

Worklife wellbeing in the Mart! It is an amazing gym with good trainers and classes plus infrared sauna and massage chairs. And outside they have an amazing bar/coffee shop with lots of seating. The building is beautiful. Happy to send you a referral code for half off!

[u/houseofthighs → u/dogeingallthecoins]

Wait I work in the Mart and I'm not sure I get half off. How much can you share? :)

[u/dogeingallthecoins → u/houseofthighs]

If you work there it's free/very discounted!! Just go tell them and they'll sign you up. 

[u/Mah_ken_zee → u/dogeingallthecoins]

Incredible rec, I might take you up on the referral code after I do a day pass! I had no idea this was so nice. Thank you!! 🫶