St James Health & Wellness Institute

I was a member here about 7 years ago and I really miss this place. It’s by far the best in this part of the south suburbs. It’s like a country club. Nothing like the franchise clubs you see popping all over the place. It’s is pricey but it’s worth the pay. You pay for what you get. Seven years ago I was paying $ 56 a month I’m pretty sure it’s more today 3÷23÷2015.

Personally I think this is the best gym in the area. My husband and I recently re-​joined when we moved back into the area. We had been members over five years ago, and were sad to cancel our membership when we moved out of the area. We moved back recently, and wanted to join a gym. We knew the St. James Health & Wellness Institute was a great gym, but we figured we should check out other local gyms just to make sure we didn’t overlook anything. Checking out other gyms only confirmed that SJHWI was the way to go. It is a little bit pricey, but you get SO MUCH for the money:
Huge lap pool
Three group exercise rooms (cardio, spin, yoga/​pilates) and also Aqua classes with classes going on all day long
1/​8-​mile indoor track
Access to an outdoor track
THE NICEST LOCKER ROOMS, with lots of space, showers, whirlpools, saunas and amenities like hair spray and body lotion
Tons of weight machines and free weights
Tons of cardio equipment — I never see anyone waiting
On-​site medspa (I’ve never used it)
Super friendly staff
Constant promotions if you refer a friend (I’ve gotten a free hoodie)
Access to a gymnasium big enough for a full basketball court
Café/​juice bar
On-​site daycare (for an extra fee)
On-​site massage (extra fee)
Personal training (extra fee)
Medical memberships (extra free)
I think the only things that other gyms have that this one doesn’t is indoor raquetball or a indoor climbing wall.
The one thing that really stands out to me is that they are always improving — either renovating something or adding on or there’s new equipment or new classes, etc. They really seem dedicated to making this the best health club in the area.
Anyway, if you are in the area, check it out. The other thing is this isn’t one of those high-​pressure «let me make a deal for you!» type of chains (L.A. Fitness I’m looking at you.) They’ll give you a tour, answer your questions, show you pricing, and tell you to go home and think it over if you want. No pressure.