XSport Fitness is a chain of health clubs that offer unique private-membership leisure opportunities. Most locations include a spa, salons, and a tanning center. XSport has become especially popular among students and members who don't have typical work hours because every location is open 24/7.

XSport started with a couple locations in downtown Chicago. They soon expanded to Washington D.C. and Garden City, New York. They now have two locations in Washington D.C., seven locations throughout Chicago, and fifteen in Chicago's nearby suburbs. The company aimed to provide the familiarities of already established gyms, such as cardio equipment, weights, locker rooms, etc. But the XSport gyms are truly one of a kind. By offering "pay-as-you-go" membership and staying open 24 hours-a-day, and the fact that members can use any location, the gyms are more accessible to more people.

Because of the vast amount of services each location provides, there are many forms of employment at XSport. Potential employees with experience in wellness and personal fitness can apply at any location and could be considered for personal trainers. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for most positions. Once hired, employees will be trained in their specific area of the club, such as tanning or the spas. All employees are given basic training in customer service.

A current trend in the company is the opening of "XSport Express". There is currently only one Express location, located in Elmhurst, Illinois. Express locations are open 24/7 and feature about half of the cardio machines and weight equipment of regular locations. They have only four tanning beds and do not have the spa or salon elements. The membership fees at Express locations are fifteen dollars cheaper per month. Another benefit of the Express gym is that members of regular XSports can use the Express location, although members of the Express cannot go to other XSports.

The company's mission statement states: "Our mission is to promote an atmosphere that allows our members to create and maintain a rewarding and healthy lifestyle." The main benefit that XSport provides to its members is that it creates an fun, safe environment where members can get healthy, and stay healthy. XSport is a place where you could go to work up a sweat, or get a massage and relax.

My time at XSport Fitness was an extremely good experience. It seems like an extraordinary place for students or people looking for work with flexible hours and great opportunities to have a job. The employees all seemed to be having a genuinely good time, and seemed to truly enjoy their work. Although it is a private-membership club, it seems like more people, no matter their race, gender, or economic situation have the opportunity to become members. People whose schedules prevented them from going to the gym now have a gym that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. XSport provides a unique experience for everyone involved with the company. While most health clubs are nearly identical in their services and policies, XSport stands alone. Members can work out, tan, and get a facial all at one place. XSport has taken the health club experience to a whole new level. -

-Ondria Sansosti