East Bank Club

08/29/08

East Bank Club is -4 star disaster!

by commonsense773 at Citysearch

The East Bank club is the most over rated gym of all time. it's unclean and the customer service is very poor. It suffers from tale management . The majority of the so called"Executives" have had their jobs for over 20 years and they have no interest in improving things or making the place run more efficiently. It is crawling with insects and rodents. The grill has insects the size of a tennis ball and they were recently found floating in the yogurt machine. The restaurant on the first floor had a notice from the Dept. of Health warning that it had failed its inspections because of evidence of insects and insufficient cleaning. The swimming pools are neglected and you can regularly find all sorts of trash , feminine hygiene products and needles in them, because the staff does not clean the pools regularly. The kitchen staff has been seen scratching their genitalia and then preparing meals without washing their hands. So if you think you're paying for a membership to some exclusive and well ran health club the you are sadly mistaken. Svae your money and go to Bally or Crunch Fitness!

• Pros: none what so ever!
• Cons: unclean, rude staff and high crime area without and security. The members are frequently targeted by robbers.

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Comments

Christiansen– May 08, 2009 at 07:12:48 PDT

So there are a few things you don't like about it, is that it? What you're saying is, "overall," it's a great place (or did I misinterpret your commnets?

comment

08/02/09

Disappointing, Worst Management Simon Meredith

by FairJudge at Citysearch

This place is dirty and dirty and dirty. Management Simon Meredith makes 1.2 Million a year. The East Bank Club makes $54 Million Dollars a years. 80% of that is a profit. My question now is: Why the machines are old? Why the place is dirty? Why the sauna and Steam rooms always smell bad? This is all in Management. I agree with the other post, Simon Meredith, the Club Manager from England is doing the worst job for this place. He should be fired and replaced with more qualified people to run the place. The East Bank Club is a Rip-off.... Stay away from this dirty place.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Too many to list

07/26/09

Very Dirty. Not worth the $175 per month

by BrendaHealth at Citysearch

I would rather burn my money than waste it in this dirty establishment. I agree with one of the comments. The Gatorade will cost you $5 and smoothie will cost you between $8 and up. you add anything will cost you...

People who work there are very unfriendly. The managers are hypocrites. The members are cocky and snub and think they belong to the higher society. I have news for you. EBC is a dirty gyn with a higher price tag.

• Pros: Nothing I can recall
• Cons: Old Machine, Crowded Classes

07/26/09

Dirty, Overrated, Not up to standards, Rip Off

by NorthShoreJackie at Citysearch

This is by far the worst establishment I have ever seen in my entire life. The Stuff are unfriendly and cocky. Simon Meredith, the manager is the worst dictator of all times. Simon rules his staff just like Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq. If you work for Simon, you better be ready to bow down otherwise, you will lose your job.

Be prepared to waste a least $500 a month in this dirty establishment.

Be prepared to pay $5 for a Gatorade and $15 for a smoothie.

The list goes on..... Stay away from this place. You ca go to the four seasons or Peninsula and be treated like you should be.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Old Equipment, Very dirty, cocky Management

12/01/08

EBC is outstanding

by melcat1980 at Citysearch

EBC is the most amazing place in Chicago. My parents and I are members and have been since the beginning. The customer service, the variety of equipment, along with the endless amenities and extreme cleanliness, EBC is more than just a health club. You can literally spend your entire day there and get your dry cleaning done, get a manicure, massage, car washed, and a great lunch or dinner.

Anybody who claims EBC is this "unclean" and awful place clearly has not spent any time there. And for the review claiming there is rodents?! That is absolutely untrue, and ignorant for such false allegations. EBC is inspected all the time and if that was true, it would have been shut down many years ago. Sorry, but it shows by the 11,000 members who belong there and growing. And most unless they moved ,have been members from the time it opened.

• Pros: Amenities, staff, equipment, parking
• Cons: none

07/02/08

Anyone not giving EBC 5 stars has confused it with someplace else

by icurok2 at Citysearch

The person who wrote the review signed Ridiculous has never belonged to the East

Bank Club and probably was there when given a tour by a membership person. I have been member for 15 years. I have never seen a security person. The mostly women tending the entrance desk know a lot of the regulars by name and are very courteous. I have never experienced anything but friendliness, courtesy and consideration by both other members and staff. Not all of the exercise equipment is new but all of it is always in perfect condition and clean. On rare occasions one has to wait, briefly, for the exact machine at the exact location he'd like, but a comparable machine is always available. There is every type of exercise equipment extant in numbers sufficient to accommodate a large membership. East Bank has 80 Kaisor stationery bikes with computers (no one else in greater Chicago has them with computers) and the best indoor cycling classes in the country. Instructors couldn't be better. Mountains of towels, grooming aids, plenty of showers. Great Grill, food carry out, unlimited chaises on the deck. I travel for business and have used health clubs all over the county. East Bank spoils you - there is nothing like it.

• Pros: Everything one could possibly want
• Cons: none

02/18/08

I am picky...

by monicarubio at Citysearch

I love working out and do spend a lot of time in the gyms...and have been a member to sometimes more than two gyms at a time... EBC is a good gym. At first the security was a little weird for me but now I understand why. People who are members there are more high profile members and they shouldn't be bothered. The restaraunt is good, I have my meetings in their meeting rooms, the food is good, the bar is an added feature for someone who just wants to kick back, the shop is nice to have (just in case), underground parking is nice, cleaners is a good added value, spa is ok (I have visited many in different countries and in our own country), the classes are good, pools are good, machines are clean and that is so very important to me... I always have enough towels for my steam room....8). Last but not least, I love all of the children that go there, I wish I had another baby but it makes me feel so good to see the moms take their kids and the gym is kid friendly. That is so very important, we need to show our kids that we good health is important.

As for the people, they are all great...they are individuals just like you and me. When I work out, I have my hat on low and my iPod loud so I don't have to hear anyone and I work out like a mad woman because I have some goals!! I wish I could meet women to work out with that are just like me, but that is really hard and ok. The people work hard and play hard...if they want to be clicky that is their choice and if they want to talk throughout their workout session, that is their choice... my point is, you should worry about YOURSELF and not anyone else because the reason you are at the gym is to stay or get healthy and nothing else, right?!

10/03/07

The best group exercise programs

by cardioguy at Citysearch

I have taken group exercises classes at XSport, Bally's, and Equinox but East Bank Club's group classes are by far the best. Not only do they have 4 studios, but also an indoor track (among other things) that we made use of in Kimmy Carlson's basic training classes. She was so creative and energetic that I took another one of her classes, the circuit class. I have worked out with personal trainers, and at the other gyms I mentioned, but Kimmy's classes made me the most sore (good sore) I have been in a long time. Her classes seemed to be like one big family and they welcomed me, a newcomer, with all the encouragement that they give each other. Kimmy managed to incorporate a sense of humor into her all-business workouts and the music was new and current (unlike some other gyms). Overall, Kimmy and East Bank Club is EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!!!!

• Pros: Group excercise classes are awesome
• Cons: the group classes are so great that sometimes they get a little too crowed

09/20/07

Ridiculous!!!

by modelvixen26 at Citysearch

The equipment really needs to be replaced. I'm truly shocked that with so many members paying a higher dollar that this place isn't in immaculate condition! The building needs a renovation job it looks pastey in there- as do much of the membership owners.The security staff make you feel like you are going through a security check point at O'hare. Security is a nice accessory but intimidation is not necessary (seriously- they are just glamourized rent-a-cops). The members of the gym really seem clicky and stuck-up, but then again that is how most people that live downtown, bucktown and Lincoln Park are- they only think they have money. EBC is a waste- too over-rated.

• Pros: I don't reacall any pros.
• Cons: Atmosphere, staff, price and snotty members!

10/23/06

Two city blocks and five levels of fitness, wellness, indulgence and service.

by Elisa Kronish at Citysearch

The Scene
After more than 20 years, membership to this classy River North health club is still as much a status symbol as the Lexuses and Mercedes that members drop at its valet, or the fur and leather coats they leave at coat check. Trim, silver-haired men and dyed-blonde women dress to impress, along with younger members who often combine workouts with casual pick-ups. Some patrons get in and out, and others make a day of it: a smoothie in the morning, a mid-morning workout, an afternoon hair cut and massage, followed by an elegant dinner.

The Services
Choose from 170 group classes each week (50 unique programs), including water aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, step and cycling; or do your own thing in the huge, fabulously updated cardio room, where machines link directly to TV and radio. Two indoor tracks for wintertime workouts, and two rooftop pools and cafes for summer hours lounging.