You’re driving down Dundee Road, maybe planning to hit the weights before work or blow off some steam after a long day, and you see it. The sign is different. Or maybe you've heard the rumors at the local coffee shop. Xsport Fitness Arlington Heights isn't exactly the place it used to be, and if you're a regular there, things have definitely changed. Honestly, the fitness landscape in the Northwest Suburbs has been a bit of a roller coaster lately.
One day you have a membership to a 24-hour powerhouse, and the next, you’re trying to figure out if your key fob even works. It’s frustrating. People just want to lift heavy things and maybe sit in a sauna without a corporate merger ruining their morning flow. Let's talk about what's actually going on with the 960 West Dundee location and what you need to know if you're still trying to get those gains.
The Big Shift: It’s Not XSport Anymore
Let's cut to the chase. If you are looking for the old Xsport Fitness Arlington Heights, you’re technically looking for a ghost. In July 2024, Fitness International, LLC—the massive company behind LA Fitness and Esporta—bought out XSport. They didn't just buy a few locations; they swallowed all 35 of them across Illinois, New York, and Virginia.
Basically, the "XSport" brand as an independent entity in Arlington Heights is over. The facility at 960 West Dundee Road is now operating under the LA Fitness banner. For long-time members, this felt like a sudden breakup. You went to bed a "XSport person" and woke up an "LA Fitness person."
This matters because the vibe of these two gyms has always been different. Xsport was known for that gritty, 24-hour, "no excuses" atmosphere. LA Fitness tends to be a bit more standardized. Some people love the change; others feel like they lost their home base.
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What about your membership?
The biggest question everyone asks is: "Am I getting screwed on price?"
When the acquisition happened, Fitness International stated they would honor existing active membership agreements at their current rates. That includes your personal training sessions, too. So, if you were locked into a legacy rate from years ago, you aren't suddenly being forced into a more expensive LA Fitness plan.
- Single-club members: You still have access to the Dundee Road location.
- Multi-club members: This is actually a win for some. You now have access to the broader LA Fitness network, which is massive.
- The "24-Hour" Factor: This is the sticking point. XSport was famous for being open 24/7. LA Fitness typically isn't. You've likely noticed the hours shifting to a more traditional schedule (often closing at 11:00 PM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends).
The State of the Facility
You've probably seen the reviews. They are... mixed. Since the takeover, the Arlington Heights spot has been under a microscope. Some members have complained about "equipment crowding." This happens when a new owner tries to standardize the floor plan and shoves more machines into a space that wasn't designed for them.
It can get cramped.
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Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess during peak hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM). If you’re trying to use a power rack at 6:15 PM on a Tuesday, good luck. You're better off trying to find a parking spot at Woodfield Mall on Christmas Eve.
Amenities: What’s still there?
The Dundee Road location was always one of the "big" ones. We're talking 40,000+ square feet. Because it's a larger footprint, it kept the "big gym" perks:
- The Pool: Yes, the lap pool is still functional. It’s one of the main reasons people stay.
- Basketball Court: Still there, though guest access rules are much stricter under the new management.
- The Sauna and Whirlpool: These were staples of the XSport experience. They remain, but maintenance has been a "hit or miss" topic in recent months.
Is it still worth it?
Whether you should stick with the current Xsport Fitness Arlington Heights (now LA Fitness) or jump ship to Planet Fitness or a boutique studio depends on what you value.
If you just need a treadmill and some dumbbells, Planet Fitness is right down the road on Rand Road and it’s cheaper. But if you want a pool, a sauna, and a place to play pickup basketball, you really don't have many other options in that immediate price bracket.
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The reality is that the "glory days" of the independent, 24/7 Xsport are gone. What’s left is a corporate-managed facility that is trying to find its footing. It’s cleaner in some ways, but it feels less like a community and more like a franchise.
Actionable Next Steps for Members
If you’re still holding a membership, here is how you should handle the transition:
- Check your bank statements: Mergers are notorious for "glitches" in billing. Make sure you aren't being double-charged or moved to a higher tier without your consent.
- Verify your "Multi-Club" status: If you had a top-tier XSport membership, go to a different LA Fitness in the area (like the one in Palatine) and see if your tag works. You might have gained access to a dozen more gyms for the same price.
- Negotiate your Personal Training: If you have unused sessions from the XSport era, use them now. Management changes often lead to trainer turnover. You want to use those sessions with someone you actually like before they move to a different gym.
- Timing your workouts: If you hate crowds, avoid the 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM window. The new equipment layout makes the floor feel much smaller than it actually is. Try the "early bird" 5:00 AM slot if you can swing it; the vibe is much more focused.
The gym at 960 West Dundee Road is in a transition phase. It’s no longer the XSport you remember, but it’s still the most amenity-heavy gym in the Arlington Heights area for under $50 a month. Whether that’s enough to keep you coming back is a personal call.