Galter LifeCenter

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. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great atmosphere, pools, hottubs, gym etc... love

Reviewed on Facebook

Great FacilityI 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. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I've been a member for a few months now and I am thrilled! every single person on staff is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly! every single class is Dynamics, unique and fun! I love the fact that the people in the gym are all ages, sizes and shapes. it's a very inclusive community and supportive. there's always a workout that's cool unusual and fun to do at whatever hour I go to the gym. from dancing to weights I'm never bored. perfect for someone that needs a flexible schedule. all members get a body intake that is measured every 6 months to determine the success of your goals. I highly recommend this gym! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Clean facility with great equipment and courteous staff. I especially love their classes.

Reviewed on Yelp

Galter is a very supportive community with an amazing staff. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and are always bringing current teachings to our classes. Mindful Meditation is a relatively new class and it's benefits are many. Each month presents a new area of focus and techniques, taught by several different meditation leaders. Kayla, the Wellness Program Manager, sends members a weekly email with relevant material about our monthly "theme" and also links to meditations we can do on our own, if we wish to. I highly suggest you give it a try. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent work out !!!! Great equipment great staff. 2 pools great educators... I highly recommend this place ..

Reviewed on Facebook

A full-service gym with a Pilates studio, yoga, acupuncture and massage, 2 pools, a ton of fun classes, and amazing members and instructors!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

nice and clean

Reviewed on Google Maps

I love the many different class options. I didn’t feel like lifting weights last night, but a pool workout followed by some time in the whirlpool was perfect.

Reviewed on Facebook

love it here...the therapist makes you feel comfortable and very attentive to your problem...

Reviewed on Facebook

Diane Novak’s watsu treatment will bring you peace. It calms your nervous system and, most importantly, lasts beyond the actual session. Of all massage options, watsu is unique because your body is in constant, soothing motion, often laterally, which happens in a warm pool! Heavenly. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Range of different types of classes available during the day and evening throughout the week taught by knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Quality of machines and equipment.

Reviewed on Facebook

terrific facilities and wonderful teachers

Reviewed on Facebook

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. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Good place for private (and affordable) swim lessons in the city and they are flexible with times. Our instructor, Catie, has been so great teaching and encouraging our young son as he's grown into a strong swimmer. The pool is also clean (they have two)! My only issue is that the pool can get cramped on Saturdays and Sundays during private swim classes with other children and their instructors so I would recommend a less busy time. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love Galter LifeCenter, it's helping me to remain strong and active after my back surgery in January of 2018. Between their amazing pool, therapy pool and massage with Stephanie Kos, HEYYYYYo shout out to the best massage therapist! ! She truly is in the know of the disease process and her lymphatic knowledge is a GIFT! Get in there to see her. This is not a paid advertisement! I'm a true blue broke girl paying for massages, and reaping the benefits! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I"m a new member, but would agree with other reviews. This is definitely one of the best if not the best gym I have been a member of. Super clean facility. Lockers rooms are impeccable. Huge fitness class schedule. Look forwarding to putting my membership to good use. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I feel like I've been a member of every gym in Chicago at some point and this one's the most underrated and unassuming. The breadth and depth of equipment is outstanding and well maintained.  The indoor running track is short, but it's also a life saver when training for a race and outdoor conditions are unbearable. The locker rooms are spacious and free of meatheads. The staff is knowledgeable. For half the price of Equinox, you get a gym with better equipment and no cyberstalking trainers desperate for new clients. And that's just for someone who uses it like a standard gym -- I'm not even mentioning the services I haven't used like the child care center, pilates, dietitian, massage therapy and massive catalogue of classes.  If I could change one thing about it -- upgrade the lounge area upfront so I could use it as a coworking site as well. Throw in a coffee bar and I might not ever leave. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Good hours. I don’t feel intimidated when I’m there like at some gyms. The vast majority of the clientele are relaxed. Good class schedule too

Reviewed on Facebook

Love it. Love the steam. �

Reviewed on Facebook

I have been going to the Galter since 2006. This is not merely a workout center/gym; there is also a medical component, as this center is affiliated with Swedish Covenant Hospital. My doctors at Swedish work closely with the staff here (though you don't have to be a patient at Swedish to come here - they will work with sny doctor). When you first come you're given a thorough physical assessment that determines your workout regimen. Trainers and medical staff are on hand to evolve your regimen according to your needs. There are a variety and large quantity of workout machines and weight equipment (including a swimming pool and track). There are also a wide variety of classes dependent upon your membership level: weightlifting, aerobics, spinning, yoga - you name it. This is a high quality place; I personally will never join or go to another gym. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

It is fun in the pool � and outdoor.

Reviewed on Facebook

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! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

This is the best gym I have ever joined. My daughter has been taking swim classes since she was 18 months old.

Reviewed on Facebook

Feels like home �

Reviewed on Facebook

I had to 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. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

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. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

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. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

WATSU with Diane Novak is amazing to say the least! I have tried many modalities from Reiki, Craniosacral, massage, naturopathics, and NONE compare even close to WATSU! ! Not sure what it is? Look it up on YouTube, or visit the Galter LifeCenter website and look up Diane. Truly, it is the best therapeutic investment you can make for yourself. Water, energy, acupressure points, movement and a super kind, safe and compassionate practitioner indeed. Thank you Diane. SO looking forward to our next session!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Outstanding facility. Staff is friendly, approachable and knowledgable. Thank you for your service to the community. Our group loved the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program. Looking forward to coming back again! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Galter member for six years now and still very happy to have this resource close by. The place is always clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, and it's a great value overall, especially with all the free classes.

Reviewed on Facebook

Warning: This will be a lengthy review. But isn't that what you want when researching a gym? You're welcome. I've been a member of GLC for about a month now, having entered a gym membership relationship with one of my best gal pals. I wish we had made this union earlier because I am really digging this gym. Let's just get this out of the way: The cost. I've been hearing how spendy Galter is for years. Truthfully it's what kept me away for so long but after being a member of LSAC as well as a gym by my employer; a two person membership is right in line with other gym fees. A two person membership will cost you $70/pp and I think what you get is worth the price in comparison to other gyms. So, what do you get? For starters you get a fitness orientation & consultation which includes getting your bloodwork done. That's right, Galter actually cares about your health! You don't have to do any of this but I decided to take advantage of this. The orientation is more than just showing you where everything is in the gym. The trainers ask questions, physically show you how to use the machines and have you use them while jotting down notes along the way. At the end of it, you have a little map of what machines to work with. This has been so helpful when hitting the weights b/c now I know what to do, how to use the machines and what weight to start with along with how many reps. The fitness consultation is exactly what is sounds like: taking your weight, measurements, BMI & performing a fitness test. Your consultant sits down with you, reviews everything and talks to you about concerns & what to work on. Does YOUR gym do this? Your membership also comes with three passes per year for paid classes. There are a group of classes that aren't included with your membership (eg, TRX, boot camp, aqua pilates) but fear not there are plenty of classes that are included. We are HUGE fans of aqua blast & aqua Zumba and have declared only water workouts from here on out! All the instructors for these classes have been great but I'm particularly fond of Jandra and Delia. The gym itself is pretty nice. I like the indoor track and they have plenty of equipment! Also there is a service desk upstairs where you can ask anyone there for assistance or even how to use a machine. And they will actually help you! How many times have you gone to your gym, asked staff to help you with a machine and they had no idea? Exactly. There are two pools. One is used for more cardio based classes like aqua Zumba and the other is a warm pool & used for rehab and classes like aqua yoga. They also have multiple studios upstairs and I have promised myself I'll be trying other classes like "regular" Zumba but not group spin b/c spin class is the devil's handy work.  The locker room is fairly clean and pretty well stocked BUT there is one issue that has me irritated: the big towel situation. Let me explain. Now, because Galter is associated with the hospital, there are all types of bodies at the gym. Actually, it's one of the things I really enjoy about coming here. You'll find all age ranges and body types here. In fact, a lot of clientele are bigger bodied and I appreciate this as a chubby gal.  I'm not self conscious about coming here, even in my bathing suit! However, one place I'm feeling somewhat uncomfortable going to is the locker room. I don't have a problem with nudity. But when getting out of the shower, I'd like a towel that covers me. Especially now b/c it's cold, dude! GLC has towels that cover me and they are referred to as "big towels". Towel lady: You need big towels?Me: Yes, I do. I'd actually like two please. This exchange actually has taken place a couple of times in the locker room. There are two different towels in the locker rooms. One size just covers my body and the other does not. This is an issue in the shower room off the West Pool because the door between it and the lap pool/warm pool is *right there*. If I don't have a towel covering my bits and the door swings open, anyone could see what I have going on. No Bueno. So, why not just always get big towels? Well, I would LOVE THAT except the towel ladies have become very stingy w/the big towels. They will deny us bigger towels or they tell us they are out or they try to tell us they are all the same size (when clearly they are not). My last visit at the gym had the towel lady telling me they don't have bigger towels anymore and are all just one size. I clearly could see the bigger towels right behind her but she was guarding them like a wolf. I was forced to use two small towels which is not adequate at all. What gives? A lot of the members are bigger bodied so I cannot imagine them only having small towels. I do not appreciate being denied use of the bigger towels and at times have waited until the towel station is unmanned to grab me and my friend "big towels". It's RIDICULOUS.Overall, I'm happy with GLC. #bigtowelgirlsdontcry More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I am 62 years old and was referred to the Galter Life Center for Aqua Arthritis classes by several doctors due to chronic joint, muscle, tendon, ligament (you name it! ) pain.  Leslie (a personal trainer at Galter) quickly grasped my condition and suggested I have several Watsu Aqua Massage sessions with their massage therapist, Diane Novak.  Remarkably, after just 3  sessions I am feeling 70% less pain, and my flexibility has greatly improved.  Amazing.  I highly recommend this treatment for those suffering from chronic inflammation and stiffness. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excelente Health center. Lots of machine equipment and a big variety, never having to wait for one to become available. Love the track, swimming pools, whirlpools, steam room, and Sanna.

Reviewed on Facebook

My spouse and I are very happy with Galter's membership. Although communication in the administrative offices can be spotty and not consistent, 95% (of the people whose classes we've taken) of the classes are taught by people who truly care and know what they're doing. We want to point out a few instructors whose classes we've taken and are all around great; bedside manners, excellent knowledge, help you with proper form, and caring. Shannon, Jessie, Joe P., Erikka, Erin, Nikki, Jandra, Kate, Jennifer, Mary, Luke, and Leslie. Their professionalism and expertise make our membership all the better! The staff in childcare and the lockers are great, they truly make a difference! Galter continue doing a great job! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Love our gym. Older crowd, very clean, parking is never an issue, classes for everyone and very few lunks.

Reviewed on Facebook

My second home! LOVE it there! It is a Fitness community. Diverse and multi-cultural!

Reviewed on Facebook

If you are in serious need of setting  yourself in a direction which will prolong your life on this planet look no further. This facility offers the very best in all things health and fitness related. Classes, incredibly caring and knowledgeable trainers (SEE DIANA) therapeutic pools &massage, cardiac rehab, PT, TRX the list is really quite impressive. I highly reccommend this "wellness center" to any and all who are struggling with health issues, obesity, special needs etc., from  the elderly to the seasoned fitness enthusiast (excellent advanced training area btw)! Upon entering you can't help but notice that this place is different from any other. It WILL put you on a path to enriching your life  through better health and fitness if you let it. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love this place. Great facilities, wonderful staff.

Reviewed on Facebook

I've been going to this Galter center for physical therapy since March 2017,now had my shoulder surgery and back in physical therapy at the Galter everyone there is simply amazing professional kind and they have what it takes to show care for the people excellent!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

I really enjoyed my pool session w PT Marcus! My pain level went down! I felt amazing!! Will become a member nxt wk, wen I return! ! Always loved the atmosphere of Galter� More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The best place I ever been I'm so excited I am member on this center and I fell so blessed perfect Galter Fitnes Center stress me out !!!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

Great place to workout and recover. Well worth the membership!

Reviewed on Facebook

I am also an employee. Just recently started going to Galter. I love how open and clean everything is as well as all of the updated equipment. I am hoping to get a little more familiar with the equipment and classes. The pool is fantastic, as well as all the classes that go with that and a beautiful locker room! So glad I joined. More...

Reviewed on Facebook