Compared to the airy and expansive Crunch at North and Sheffield, the Lincoln Park Crunch pales in comparison; there's no view of the city, no steam room and sauna, no crystalline lap pool waiting at the top of the gym. That said, compare this outpost to your average sweat factory and you'll see the gym for what it's worth: a fully outfitted facility that supplements the basic stable of equipment with classes boasting that special Crunch flair.

The Classes: We're talking no-holds-barred Cardio Striptease, which uses the basic strip tease moves to get your heart pumping; Total Request Ride, in which class members vote on the day's music selection; and a bevy of yoga options, from Yoga for Jocks to sunrise classes, complete with live musical accompaniment. Rounding out the roster are classes like The Morning After Workout and Chisel, a terrifically challenging class that sculpts with the help of as many rubber resistance toys as you can handle.

The Extras: Like the other Crunch locations, the gym features plenty of workout clothing in the retail store so you can cardio strip in style. Better yet, every new club member has the option to indulge in one free personal training session. Just watch your wallet, because these talented trainers will whet your appetite for months of one-on-one sessions to help you achieve the ideal version of you. Then again, you've nothing to lose other than those unwanted pounds...and a decent hunk of your paycheck.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jessica Herman