When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Anytime Fitness
Why Anytime Fitness is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Anytime Fitness stands out as a top choice for friends and fitness enthusiasts looking to meet up and work out in a welcoming environment anytime of the day or night. With nearly 5,000 clubs in 39 countries, it is the largest fitness franchise worldwide, making it easy to find a convenient location almost anywhere. The gyms are designed with efficiency in mind — smaller footprints than some traditional gyms mean they offer a cozy yet fully equipped environment. Members appreciate 24/7 access as a hallmark feature, allowing ultimate flexibility to exercise on their own schedules without the constraints of typical gym hours. Beyond just convenience, Anytime Fitness fosters a strong sense of community among its worldwide membership of around 4 million people. Each location offers a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, appealing to all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Service highlights include personal training options, circuit training, cardio theaters, weights, and tanning, providing a comprehensive fitness experience. The company's commitment to health and wellness extends beyond individual members, as Anytime Fitness is deeply involved in creating healthier communities globally through its supportive business model and staff.
Here's what people think of Anytime Fitness
As of recent, Anytime Fitness holds a 4.8-star rating based on 121 reviews.
User reviews of Anytime Fitness are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 120 reviews. Positive reviewers commonly praise the 24/7 access feature, flexible hours, and the convenience of being able to work out at any time. Many users highlight friendly, helpful staff and trainers who provide excellent coaching and encouragement, making workouts more effective and enjoyable. The cleanliness and well-maintained equipment also receive favorable mentions, contributing to a pleasant workout environment. Additionally, members appreciate the strong community vibe and welcoming atmosphere, which motivates them to stick with their fitness goals. On the downside, some negative feedback centers on occasional issues such as varying quality between locations, some equipment being outdated, or membership fees perceived as high relative to certain competitors. A few members have noted that some gyms may feel small or crowded at peak hours, reflecting the brand’s compact club design. Despite these critiques, the majority sentiment is that Anytime Fitness delivers excellent value for money with outstanding convenience and community support. Overall, the reviews suggest that this gym brand is highly effective at meeting the diverse needs of its global membership while continuously striving to improve the member experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Blanca Munoz
So far, I love this place! The coaches/trainers are knowledgeable and know exactly how to correct my form to assure maximum gain from a workout and also to prevent injury. They’re very attentive with my concerns and willing to make suggestions for improvement, like flexibility. So far, Katelyn, Ashton, & David have been amazing! Thank y’all for being patient with me! 😜😁
Amber White
I've been a member here for a few years and I really enjoy coming here. The staff and coaches are all great, very warm and welcoming. The gym is clean, has all the equipment that you need and is never too busy. I began taking the small group classes and personal training sessions a couple years ago and I've really noticed the positive changes that comes along with that, physically and mentally, especially with Coach Bryana's expertise. She has been an amazing personal trainer! She started me off at beginners level, teaching me proper form and mechanics as well as diet and nutrition to support my workouts. Now I'm dead lifting heavier than I ever expected!
Waleed Asif
2 stars because the place is clean, but that’s where the positives end. I’ve never been to a gym where the fans are cranked up to full blast, directly over the machines, blowing at your head like you’re in a wind tunnel. It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s actually harmful, especially during a workout when your body is heating up and you’re breathing heavy. Fast, cold air blasting your head like that can cause tension headaches, dizziness, and even mess with your breathing. There’s zero thought for member comfort or safety. Worse, there’s no way to contact anyone. The number goes straight to voicemail, nobody calls back, and there’s never a staff member around to talk to. How are members supposed to voice concerns? Basic customer service is nonexistent. Clean or not, if you ignore member safety and communication, that’s a major red flag. Lower the fan speed, reposition them away from directly over the machines, and maybe have someone actually answer the phone.
Dolly Lemke
I joined the Anytime Fitness Rockwell location about a year ago. I am not a "gym person" but I was out of shape and in pain from being too sedentary during the COVID pandemic. I started going to the gym to feel physically and mentally better and get stronger. I stuck with the membership because of the welcoming, supportive community the coaches create and maintain. I love the group classes and being able to access the gym 24/7. I still struggle with chronic back pain but the coaches are always willing to provide modifications to prevent further injury and check-in on how you're doing throughout the class. 10/10 would recommend!
Cassie Frame
This Anytime Fitness location is such a great addition to the neighborhood! The facility is clean, spacious, and well appointed - everything you need for almost any kind of workout. I’ve found other Anytime Fitness locations to be small and cramped but that’s not the case here. The owners and staff are wonderful people and everyone is friendly and terrific to work with. I initially came in for solo workouts, but really needed further accountability and motivation to get my workouts done so I joined the group fitness classes and couldn’t be happier. The classes cater to all skill sets and are a great way to stay active, get stronger, and connect with others in the neighborhood. Highly recommend this gym!
How to reach Anytime Fitness
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Why Anytime Fitness may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Anytime Fitness with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Anytime Fitness is not just about working out; it’s about sharing an empowering and motivating experience in a supportive community. With a stellar rating of 4.8 from over 121 reviews, Anytime Fitness has earned its reputation as a welcoming and high-quality fitness center that caters to individuals and groups alike. When you bring your friends here, you're entering an encouraging environment where everyone can pursue their fitness goals together, building camaraderie and accountability. The gym’s 24/7 access means you can coordinate convenient workout times that fit everyone's schedules, whether early morning, midday, or late at night. Instead of isolating your fitness routine, rallying your friends here makes exercise fun and sociable—lifting each other up through group workouts, classes, and circuit challenges. This combined energy creates a positive cycle of motivation and success, perfect for a meetup that’s both healthy and enjoyable. Beyond the physical benefits, the shared effort fosters lasting friendships and a community spirit that extends outside the gym, making Anytime Fitness a top choice to connect with friends while improving wellbeing.
What kind of group activities does Anytime Fitness offer?
Anytime Fitness boasts a rich lineup of group workouts tailored for all fitness levels, making it ideal for meetups with friends. Their group training sessions harness the collective energy of small teams and an expert coach to maximize results. These group workouts come with distinct formats designed to suit various goals:
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Base Workouts focus on foundational fitness skills, teaching proper movement and conditioning techniques to help participants progress safely. This is perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their exercise form.
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Burn Workouts are high-energy cardio and strength sessions that help participants torch calories together, fostering a lively and competitive atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged.
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Build Workouts concentrate on strength, muscle tone, and athleticism, guided by skilled trainers who emphasize form and progression for tangible strength gains.
These varied classes mean any group can find a workout style that fits their preferences, whether they want to tone up, increase endurance, or simply blow off steam in a supportive setting. The presence of a coach ensures that each session is safe, effective, and adapted to the group’s collective needs, making it a seamless and motivating group experience.
Why is Anytime Fitness perfect for a group meetup?
Several factors make Anytime Fitness uniquely suited to hosting group meetups. First, their smaller class sizes create an intimate and personalized atmosphere where participants feel seen and supported. Unlike large commercial gyms, this fosters a close-knit community vibe where friends can encourage one another and celebrate successes together. The 24/7 accessibility also means that groups with varying routines can workout together without scheduling conflicts, providing unmatched flexibility.
Moreover, Anytime Fitness emphasizes variety and innovation in fitness routines, offering a diverse range of activities—from strength training circuits using kettlebells and resistance bands to core-and-cardio focused group classes. Exercise sessions like 15-minute beginner circuit workouts or 30-minute full-body circuits provide a quick but rewarding group challenge that doesn’t require a huge time commitment. This adaptability allows friends to mix and match different formats, keeping every meetup fresh and engaging.
Lastly, the gym’s culture centers on inclusivity—welcoming all ages and fitness levels—making it easy for mixed-ability groups to enjoy exercising together without pressure. This supportive ethos ensures members don’t feel intimidated but inspired by the group energy. Overall, Anytime Fitness offers a dynamic, accessible, and community-driven environment, making it an ideal spot to meet, motivate, and move together.
What types of workouts can groups do together at Anytime Fitness?
Friends organizing a fitness meetup at Anytime Fitness have countless options that cater to various interests and levels of experience. Some popular workout types are:
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Circuit Training: Whether 15 minutes or 30 minutes, circuit workouts combining stations like step-ups, bent-over rows, squats, push-ups, and plank holds offer efficient, full-body exercise. Groups can rotate through these high-energy stations together, making it an engaging challenge that boosts strength and cardiovascular health.
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Group Strength Training: Using free weights, kettlebells, and bodyweight exercises, groups can focus on building muscle and endurance. Trainers lead “Build” sessions that help participants lift with proper technique and steady progression.
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Cardio-Focused Burn Classes: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts combine cardio bursts with weights to accelerate calorie burn, perfect for friends wanting a fast, dynamic session.
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Core and Functional Workouts: Exercises like anti-rotation presses and low-to-high planks target deep muscles to improve posture and functional strength that benefit everyday activities.
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Group Fitness Classes: Beyond functional training, Anytime Fitness offers an exciting mix including yoga for flexibility, cycling for endurance, and dance-based sessions for fun cardio. This variety keeps group meetups lively and tailored to group preferences.
Each workout type can be scaled for beginners or intensified for experienced exercisers, making Anytime Fitness a one-stop destination for bespoke group fitness.
How does the gym environment support social fitness?
The atmosphere at Anytime Fitness is one of the key draws for group meetups. The gym fosters a supportive, positive, and judgment-free space, welcoming all sizes, shapes, and fitness journeys. This community-first approach cultivates camaraderie beyond the workouts, encouraging members to check in with one another’s progress and motivate each other to keep going.
The presence of qualified coaches in group sessions adds a professional layer of encouragement and safety. They guide participants toward proper form, personalized modifications, and achievable goals, which is especially helpful in a group context to ensure no one feels left behind or overwhelmed.
The design of the facilities — from ample space for group circuits to comfortable areas for stretching and cool-downs — promotes interaction and togetherness. Plus, the 24/7 model removes barriers of timing, so groups can connect whenever it best fits their lifestyle, strengthening bonds through shared routines.
Regularly scheduled group classes and events give people something to look forward to, helping maintain consistency and creating social rituals. Together, these elements create a vibrant fitness community that makes showing up with friends both fun and rewarding.
What additional benefits come from exercising as a group at Anytime Fitness?
Working out with friends at Anytime Fitness multiplies many health and personal benefits. Psychologically, exercising in a group increases motivation and adherence since peers provide encouragement and accountability. This social connection helps reduce dropout rates and keeps enthusiasm high over time.
Physiologically, group workouts often push individuals to perform better—if friends ramp up pace or reps, others follow suit—leading to improved fitness results. The communal energy can also make challenging exercises feel less daunting.
Moreover, group classes foster friendly competition and shared achievement, boosting confidence and satisfaction. The collective experience supports mental health by alleviating stress and promoting positive feelings linked to social bonding.
From a practical standpoint, the shared knowledge pool in a group setting helps individuals learn proper techniques and new exercises, guided by an expert coach. This accelerates progress while reducing injury risks.
Finally, the variety of workouts and flexible scheduling ensures groups can tailor their meetups to personal preferences and goals, making every session enjoyable and productive.
In summary, Anytime Fitness is an outstanding venue for hosting a group meetup because it integrates top-tier fitness programming with community spirit and convenience. Whether your group is aiming to burn calories, build strength, or just enjoy movement together in a healthful environment, Anytime Fitness offers the perfect blend of expertise, flexibility, and motivation. Friends who rally here find themselves inspired by the collective energy, enriched by social interaction, and rewarded with real progress in their health journeys. This is more than a gym—it’s a vibrant fitness community ready to welcome your team for every workout and every achievement.