When Wayne and Jackie Meier opened the first Midwest Athletic Club in 1984, it was a tiny, 3,000-square-foot facility with a modest staff of one trainer. A lot has changed for the Meiers since the ‘80s; they’ve since ditched the splatter-painted stirrup pants made famous by Ronald Reagan and expanded into six spacious locations throughout the area, helping a diverse staff of personal trainers, expert fitness instructors, and swim teachers. Instructors lead cardio and strength-training classes, as well as sessions of yoga, Pilates, and tai chi. In the pristine waters of the Xtreme branch’s 75-foot pool, coaches demonstrate strokes and techniques and guide fitness-seekers through aquatic aerobics. All locations abound with professional cardio equipment—many of which boast individual TVs—and strength-training equipment from top brands such as Icarian, Universal, and Nautilus.

After workouts, guests can unwind in the wood saunas at the Xtreme or South location, customers' choice. At the Xtreme location’s café, servers blend a variety of beneficial smoothies and shakes chock-full of fruits and protein.