SPENGA Downers Grove — Attraction in Downers Grove

I was a SPENGA member for a couple of years, took a break to get back into traditional weightlifting, and recently rejoined. Overall, there are a lot of positives about the place.

The membership process—both signing up and canceling—is super easy and straightforward, which I appreciate. Additionally, the facility is always exceptionally clean. They wipe down the bikes, yoga mats, and even the floors after each session, which gives peace of mind, especially in group fitness environments. The instructors are generally great. Some really stand out more than others, as is the case anywhere. The bikes are well maintained; however, not all bikes are created equal. Some are clearly smoother or more comfortable than others, and once you figure out which ones are better, you’ll notice they get reserved pretty quickly.

A heads up: texting during class or using your phone at all is frowned upon. Instructors will call you out—some passively, others more directly. While it’s understandable that they want members to be present and engaged, it doesn’t always account for the reality that some of us have jobs or family obligations that make it hard to completely disconnect, even if it’s just for an hour. Life doesn’t always pause just because you’re working out.

Another thing to keep in mind is the strict class cancellation policy. Because some classes fill up quickly, you have to reserve your spot well in advance—otherwise you may end up on a waitlist. However, if something comes up and you need to remove yourself from a class, you have to cancel at least 8 hours before the start time or you’ll get charged a 10 dollar fee. I get why the policy is in place, to cut down on no-shows, but it doesn’t leave room for things like getting stuck in traffic, a meeting running long, or just not feeling well that day. No exceptions.

Another frustration is when members talk in the middle of the session, whether on the bike or in the strength area. It’s distracting, especially when you can’t hear the instructor. Some instructors are good about managing this, but there are a couple who actually join in the conversation—which you can hear loud and clear since they’ve got a mic on.

One thing that would be really helpful is if they consistently posted the weekly workout schedule. Since SPENGA is pretty leg heavy due to all the cycling, people like me whose knees can’t handle the almost daily squats and lunges, need to know what’s coming so we can plan our workouts accordingly.

Overall, SPENGA DG is a great place; it just wasn’t the right fit for me and my...

I joined Spenga at the urging of my daughter after several years after healing for extensive cancer chemo therapy. I was weak and fragile and thought that was just going to be the way it is. My “new reality”. Spenga gave me my life back! At Spenga, It’s you versus you. 20 minutes of bike (in the dark with decently loud music so no one can hear you huff-and-puff), followed by 20 min of weight training, and finishing with 20 min of yoga (so you don’t injure yourself and can come back). The levels are so varied you can be next to a beastly strong man or a marathoner or a mid-life mom just trying to get her groove back. Every exercise regime I had followed up until finding Spenga I would injure myself, because all of the supporting muscles were noodles. Going 2-3 times per week over the next two years allowed me to finally feel like myself again. Oh and the best part about it is the instructors!! The music is great, up-beat. Their concentration on form, so you don’t re-wreck yourself, is fantastic. And, the ability to continually max out your stretch and levels has kept me There for six years. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK! And now I’m strong and fit and you’d never know that my body had ever betrayed...

I love the SPENGA work out for a variety of reasons. Every workout is different and they put together a great variety in their program. As a cyclist, I like the intense Interval work outs on the Spin bike. I also appreciate the functional strength part and can feel and see the difference it has made for me. I had been neglecting a strength workout in my routine, and I see how it has helped me maintain my muscle mass. What better way to finish off a good workout than with yoga, which is harder than it looks 🤓 but a great way to stretch out after the hard work. The instructors are all very professional, well trained, and very good at what they do. I appreciate the musical selections they put together and the classes are fun and energetic. I live very close so it’s a great quick 1 hour workout, and I can get on with my day. It has been a really good supplement to my cycling, and I believe it has really helped me stay strong in my riding. I think I’ll keep coming...