August 5, 2009 – The largest LA Fitness in the country is opening next month in the Loop, about four blocks from Marina City.

LA Fitness Signature Club will feature “enhanced” cardio machines, group exercise classes, a swimming pool, basketball court, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

The club is the first tenant on the second floor of The Heritage at Millennium Park, a 57-floor condominium completed in 2005.

(Above) Exercise equipment at LA Fitness Signature Club, scheduled to open in the second week of September at 55 East Randolph Street.

Club Manager Mario Zelaya says he will offer a “corporate wellness enrollment rate” to Marina City residents, with $178.98 due at signing to cover enrollment plus the first and last months, then $54.99 per month.

LA Fitness currently has 15 health clubs in Illinois, including one other location in Chicago. Zelaya says in three years, the California-based company will have 30 locations in Chicago.

“The Chicago health club market is one of…the strongest markets throughout the country,” says Zelaya. “It helps that we have a random climate and it’s a trendy, hip town. More recently [in 2007], 60602 was named by Forbes as the hottest zip code in the country. We are proud to be in the middle of it.”

For more information, contact Mario Zelaya at 773-401-3600 or mario.lafitness@gmail.com.

August 24, 2009 – According to Zelaya, the corporate rate has changed. $188.98 is due at signing but the monthly rate is still $54.99. He says about six Marina City residents have joined so far. “Some folks are waiting to see what happens to Crunch as they are set to close on September 8.”