A new NFL-themed fitness center has just celebrated a grand opening, and its pitch to fitness enthusiasts and fans alike is the chance to “Train like a Bear.”
Bears Fit, now open in Vernon Hills, Ill., just miles away from the headquarters of the Chicago Bears, is the third NFL-themed fitness concept to open in recent years (Cowboys Fit and 49ers Fit are the other two). Mark Mastrov, founder and former chairman of 24 Hour Fitness, partnered with the NFL franchises on the concepts.
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The Daily Herald reports that the facility, 45,000-square-feet of fitness space located within a former Sports Authority store, offers a number of amenities for fitness enthusiasts — but also seeks to forge an authentic connection between fans and the NFL franchise.
It does so by displaying memorabilia and displays of game-worn equipment, authentic player lockers, and even a more than 50-year-old Toledo scale that was used by real-life players. The scale even appeared in the 1971 film “Brian’s Song.”
But the connection between the team and the gym doesn’t stop there — The Herald reports that so far, 40 former Chicago Bears have joined up as members themselves.
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Fitness offerings include boutique-style group fitness classes, a yoga studio, saunas and steam rooms, and 40 yards of interior training turf, as well as standard weight and cardio equipment. The facility also offers recovery amenities, such as cryotherapy and hydromassage. Members can even order smoothies just like those offered in Halas Hall from a smoothie bar.
The facility’s Bears branding is evident throughout, from the lifting platforms to the weights themselves. Fans can also gear-up for game day at the on-premises team store.
