Finding a gym that doesn't make you want to turn around and walk right back out the door is harder than it looks. You've probably seen the sign for LA Fitness 87th Cicero while sitting in traffic near the Scottsdale Shopping Center or grabbing something at the nearby Home Depot. It sits right on the border of Chicago and Burbank, specifically at 8650 S Cicero Ave. If you're tired of working out in your basement or your current gym feels like a crowded sardine can, this location is likely on your radar.
But is it actually any good?
Honestly, the "best" gym is always the one you actually use. People have some pretty strong opinions about this specific spot. Some regulars have been scanning their key tags here for over a decade, while others complain about the post-work rush that makes finding a squat rack feel like winning the lottery. It’s a massive space. It’s loud. It’s got that specific "big box gym" energy that can be either motivating or totally overwhelming depending on your mood.
The Layout and Gear at LA Fitness 87th Cicero
Walking into this location, the first thing you notice is the scale. It's huge. They have a massive row of cardio equipment—treadmills, ellipticals, and those stair climbers that everyone loves to hate. If you’re a cardio junkie, you’re usually safe. You won't be standing around waiting for a machine to open up unless it's a Monday at 5:30 PM, which is basically the busiest hour in the history of fitness.
The weight room is where things get real.
They have a solid selection of free weights and plate-loaded machines. You’ll find the standard Hammer Strength equipment and rows of dumbbells that go up high enough for the heavy lifters. However, here is the kicker: the floor layout can feel a bit cramped when the gym is at 80% capacity. You have to be comfortable navigating around people. It’s a social gym. People talk. People grunt. It's a vibe.
Functional Training and The Turf
Lately, everyone wants "functional" space. They have an area for this. Think kettlebells, medicine balls, and enough floor space to do lunges without kicking a stranger in the shin. It isn’t the biggest functional zone in the LA Fitness circuit, but it gets the job done for HIIT style workouts.
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The Pool and Wet Area
If you're a swimmer, the lap pool is a major selling point. It's a three-lane setup. It’s indoor, obviously, so you can use it when the Chicago winter is doing its worst. Beside the pool, you've got the sauna and the whirlpool. This is where most of the "membership value" lives for people who aren't trying to break powerlifting records. There's something about a sauna session after a brutal leg day that just makes the membership fee feel worth it.
Why Timing is Everything on Cicero Avenue
Let's talk about the crowd. If you show up at LA Fitness 87th Cicero between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, you’re going to see the "After Work Warriors." It is packed. Parking in that lot can become a mini-game of its own. If you have a flexible schedule, go at 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM. It’s a ghost town. You’ll have your pick of any machine in the building.
The weekend crowd is a mix. Saturday mornings are high energy. You'll see families, serious bodybuilders, and people just trying to sweat out Friday night's pizza. It's a diverse crowd, which is one of the better parts of this specific South Side location. It feels like the neighborhood.
What People Often Get Wrong About This Location
A lot of folks think that all LA Fitness locations are carbon copies. They aren't. Because this one is right on the edge of the city and the suburbs (Burbank/Oak Lawn area), it handles a lot of foot traffic.
One common misconception is about the "Signature" status. Some LA Fitness locations have been rebranded as Esporta Fitness or upgraded to Signature Clubs. This 87th and Cicero spot has remained a core LA Fitness. This means your standard multi-club membership usually works here without any weird upgrade fees, unlike some of the fancier spots downtown.
Wait times are a real thing.
Don't let a salesperson tell you there's "never a wait." If you need a specific cable crossover machine at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, you're going to wait. Or, you do what the pros do: find a variation. Use dumbbells. Swap the barbell for a machine. Flexibility in your routine is the only way to survive a big box gym.
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Maintenance and Cleanliness: The Honest Truth
Let’s be real for a second. In any gym with thousands of members, things break. A cable snaps or a treadmill screen goes dark. At 87th and Cicero, the maintenance is generally "average to good." They usually have the "Out of Order" signs up quickly, but sometimes parts take a week or two to arrive.
The locker rooms are big. They have plenty of lockers, but you must bring your own lock. Don't be that person who leaves their bag in an unlocked locker and hopes for the best. The showers are there, and they're functional, though most people tend to just head home to shower unless they're going straight to work.
Cleanliness depends heavily on the time of day. The staff does rounds, but if 200 people just finished a workout, the floor is going to show it. Most members are good about wiping down machines—there are cleaning stations with spray and paper towels scattered around—but you should definitely be proactive and wipe your own gear before and after use. It’s just common sense.
Classes and Personal Training
If you’re someone who needs a push, they offer group fitness classes.
- Zumba: Always popular here. Very high energy.
- Yoga: A bit hit-or-miss depending on the instructor, but usually a good way to stretch out.
- Cycle: The spin studio is separate, which is nice because you don't have to hear the music blaring over the main gym floor.
They also have personal trainers. You’ll see them in their bright shirts walking around with clipboards or tablets. If you're new to lifting, it might be worth a session just to learn the layout, but be aware they will try to sell you on a long-term package. If you just want to do your own thing, a polite "I'm good, thanks" is usually enough to keep them moving.
Pricing and Membership Perks
The pricing for LA Fitness 87th Cicero is pretty standard for the Midwest market. Usually, you’re looking at a monthly fee somewhere between $35 and $45 depending on your sign-up deal.
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- Initiation Fees: These vary. Sometimes they waive them; sometimes they're $99. Always ask if there's a promotion.
- Guest Passes: You can usually get a 3-day guest pass online. Do this. Don't sign a contract until you've actually worked out there during the time of day you plan to attend.
- Kids Klub: They have a childcare area. This is a massive lifesaver for parents in the Burbank/South Side area. It’s not open 24/7, so check the specific hours before you drop by with the little ones.
Actionable Steps for Joining
If you’re thinking about making this your home gym, don’t just walk in and hand over your credit card. Be smart about it.
First, visit during your intended workout time. If you plan to go after work, go see how crowded it is at 5:30 PM. If the vibe stresses you out, you saved yourself a headache.
Second, check your insurance. Many health insurance plans (like Blue Cross Blue Shield’s "Fitness Your Way") include LA Fitness memberships at a discounted rate or without initiation fees. It’s worth the five-minute phone call to your provider.
Third, test the equipment you actually use. If you’re a swimmer, check the pool chemistry and temperature. If you’re a powerlifter, see if the bars are straight and if they have enough 45lb plates.
Finally, read the cancellation policy. LA Fitness is notorious for requiring a written notice or a specific process to cancel. Know what you're signing. It’s a great gym for the price, but you should always be an informed consumer.
The 87th and Cicero location is a workhorse gym. It isn't a luxury spa, and it isn't a gritty basement dungeon. It’s a place to get in, move some weight, and get out. For thousands of Chicagoans, that’s exactly what they need.