You've probably seen it from North Avenue. That massive, window-heavy building that looks more like a corporate headquarters than a place where people sweat through 5:00 AM cardio sessions. XSport Fitness Melrose Park Illinois is one of those gyms that everyone in the near-west suburbs knows about, but it’s also a place that sparks a lot of debate. Is it a premium fitness destination or just a high-volume warehouse for weights? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on when you walk through the door and what you're trying to get out of your membership.
The thing about the Melrose Park location is its scale. It’s huge. We're talking about a facility that manages to cram in a basketball court, a lap pool, a spa, and rows of cardio equipment that seem to go on forever. But size isn't everything. If you've ever tried to find a squat rack at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, you know that even 40,000 square feet can feel cramped when half the neighborhood shows up at once.
The Reality of the 24/7 Schedule at XSport Fitness Melrose Park Illinois
One of the biggest selling points for this location has historically been the 24-hour access. In a world where many "big box" gyms started cutting hours after 2020, this spot remained a beacon for the night owls and the third-shift workers. It’s a lifesaver. If you’re a nurse finishing a shift at Loyola or someone who just can’t sleep and wants to bench press at 3:00 AM, this is your spot.
However, you should keep in mind that "24 hours" doesn't always apply to every single amenity. The pool has specific maintenance hours. The sauna might be down for cleaning. The kids' club—which is a massive draw for parents in Melrose Park and Maywood—obviously isn't running at midnight.
The atmosphere shifts wildly based on the clock.
Early mornings are the "serious" crowd. You'll see people who are in there to work, get out, and get to the office. It’s quiet. It’s focused.
Then comes the post-school rush. This is when the energy spikes, the basketball court gets loud, and the wait times for cables can get a bit annoying.
Late nights? That’s for the hardcore lifters and the people who just want to avoid the crowds. It's a vibe.
Equipment, Maintenance, and the "Big Gym" Struggle
Let's talk about the gear. XSport Fitness Melrose Park Illinois is packed with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment. They have a massive selection of plate-loaded machines and free weights. For most lifters, this is heaven. You aren't going to run out of dumbbells here.
But here’s the rub: maintenance.
In a facility this large with this much foot traffic, things break. It’s inevitable. You might see an "Out of Order" sign on a treadmill for a few days longer than you'd like. Some members complain that the locker rooms—while spacious—can show the wear and tear of thousands of daily users. It's the trade-off for the price point. You’re getting a lot of features, but you aren't paying the "luxury club" dues of a place like Equinox or Midtown.
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Swimming and Recovery: More Than Just Weights
A lot of people join specifically for the aquatic center. The lap pool at the Melrose Park XSport is a legitimate perk. If you're training for a triathlon or just want low-impact cardio that doesn't involve a treadmill, it's there. Just a heads up: check the chlorine levels and the lane availability. Peak hours often see the lanes filled with people doing water aerobics or kids taking lessons.
The recovery suite is another story.
- The sauna and steam room are usually functional, though they are the first things to get crowded.
- The tanning beds and HydroMassage chairs are part of the higher-tier memberships.
- If you're into the "recovery" trend that’s taking over the fitness world, these tools are actually a pretty good deal compared to paying for a standalone spa membership.
The HydroMassage is basically a bed with warm water jets that move up and down your body. It sounds a bit gimmicky, but after a heavy leg day, it’s actually pretty great. You don't even have to get wet. You just lie there in your gym clothes and let the water pressure do its thing.
The Membership Maze
Joining XSport Fitness Melrose Park Illinois can be a bit of a process. Honestly, it’s a bit like buying a car. You have the base membership, the "Premium" or "Platinum" levels, and then the various add-ons for personal training.
One thing most people don't realize is that prices fluctuate. They run specials constantly—$0 enrollment, first month free, that sort of thing. If you walk in and pay full price for everything, you're probably doing it wrong. Talk to the reps, but be firm about what you actually need. Do you really need the tanning? Do you really need the guest passes? If you're just there to lift, keep it simple.
Also, read the cancellation policy. This isn't unique to XSport; it's the entire gym industry. Most complaints online about gyms in the Chicago area stem from people who didn't realize they needed to provide a 30-day written notice or pay a final month's fee. Don't be that person. Get everything in writing and keep a copy of your contract.
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Group Fitness and Personal Training
The group X classes are surprisingly solid. They offer everything from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to yoga and Zumba. The instructors at the Melrose Park location tend to be high-energy, which is what you want when you're trying to survive a 6:00 PM spin class.
The personal trainers are everywhere. You'll see them on the floor with clients throughout the day. If you're new to the gym, a few sessions might be worth it just to learn the layout and get a routine. However, the cost adds up fast. Some members feel the "fitness assessments" are just a sales pitch for training packages. Take the advice, learn the moves, but don't feel pressured to sign a long-term training contract if it’s not in your budget.
Location and Accessibility
The location at 1030 W North Ave is convenient, but the parking lot can be a nightmare during peak hours. You’re sharing space with other retailers, and since it’s right on North Avenue, traffic is always a factor. If you're coming from Elmhurst or Oak Park, factor in an extra ten minutes just for the stoplights.
Inside, the layout is tiered.
The main floor is where the action is—free weights, machines, and the turf area.
The cardio equipment is usually lined up where you can watch the TV monitors.
The locker rooms are tucked away, and the pool/spa area is its own ecosystem.
It’s a lot to navigate the first few times, but you'll find your rhythm.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Location
People often think that because it’s a "corporate" gym, it lacks community. That’s not really true in Melrose Park. You see the same regulars every morning. The staff—many of whom live in the surrounding neighborhoods—often know people by name. It’s a very "Chicago" gym. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and it’s functional.
Another misconception is that it’s always dirty. Look, it’s a high-volume facility. Is there going to be a stray paper towel on the floor sometimes? Yeah. Is a locker going to be jammed? Probably. But the cleaning crews are usually active. If you go in expecting a pristine, boutique studio experience, you’re going to be disappointed. If you go in expecting a well-equipped, busy, and energetic gym, you’ll be fine.
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Making the Most of Your Visit
If you're thinking about checking out XSport Fitness Melrose Park Illinois, here is how to do it right. Don't just sign up online. Go in person during the time of day you actually plan to work out. If you plan to go after work, visit at 5:30 PM. See if you can handle the crowd. Check the locker rooms. See if the machines you like are available.
- Bring your own lock. Don't rely on the gym to have them.
- Wipe down your gear. It’s common courtesy, and while the gym provides wipes, bring a towel too.
- Use the app. The XSport app lets you check in and sometimes see how busy the club is.
- Ask about the trial. Most of the time, you can get a 7-day pass or at least a one-day guest pass. Use it. Don't commit until you've actually broken a sweat there.
Actionable Steps for New Members
If you decide to join, your first week should be about exploration rather than a PR (personal record).
First, spend twenty minutes just walking the perimeter. Find the auxiliary weight rooms, the stretching areas, and the specific machines that are tucked into corners. This gym has "hidden" pockets of equipment that are often less crowded than the main floor.
Second, identify the "peak-of-the-peak" times. At the Melrose Park location, the 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM window is the heaviest. If you can shift your workout to 8:00 PM or 4:00 PM, you'll save yourself a lot of frustration.
Third, talk to the front desk about the "X-IT" interval training. It’s their version of OrangeTheory or CrossFit-lite. It costs extra, but if you struggle with motivation, the structured environment can be a game changer.
Finally, keep an eye on your billing. Mistakes happen in every large organization. Check your bank statement for the first two months to ensure the "annual facility fee" (usually charged once a year) and your monthly dues are what you agreed upon.
The Melrose Park XSport is a workhorse of a gym. It isn't perfect, but for the variety of equipment and the 24/7 access, it’s a solid choice for anyone in the western suburbs who is serious about their fitness goals. Just go in with your eyes open and a solid plan for your workout.