Results Are In: Readers Choose Patriot Boxing and It's Fitness as Their Favorite Elmhurst Workout Facility

The results of our first "Local Favorites" poll are in.

On Monday, we asked, "What is your favorite place to work out?" By Friday morning, the article had garnered more than 40 comments and 32 Facebook recommendations, and loyal fitness fans flocked to our directory to review their favorites.

Emerging with a virtual tie were and . The good wrinkle is, we learned a little more than mid-way through our polling that Patriot Boxing merged with It's Fitness last fall. So, in effect, they're one in the same as far as our poll is concerned.

Patriot Boxing received 49 5-star ratings and reviews and 13 supportive comments under the story. It's Fitness got 53 five-star ratings and seven supportive comments. Add those number together and you get … well, you can do the math. It's a lot of 5-star ratings.

Comments for Patriot Boxing included: "You come in and they work your butt off, literally. You run, you punch, you kick, you laugh, you weigh yourself, you high five, and most importantly you enjoy the time you spend working out. What?! Enjoy your workout? Not possible?…..very possible."

Another commenter said: "If you're a weekend warrior, mom with kids or a MMA fighter, everyone's welcome."

It's Fitness client comments were no less inspiring. Especially this one: "When I joined ItsFitness Boot Camp in May of 2008, I had not exercised in TWENTY YEARS! When I joined, I hated exercise and I couldn't even walk a mile - let alone run a mile. After my first day of class, I wasn't even sure I was going to go back. But, I went back, and I am so glad I did! Within the first year I lost 35 pounds and went down three clothing sizes - all because of the work I was doing at ItsFitness Boot Camp!"

Coming in a close second to Patriot and It's Fitness was Elmhurst Boot Camp, with 38 5-star ratings, and Pilates of Elmhurst, with 44, and perhaps our favorite comment of the week: "For a 64-year-old bald, fat guy, it's a great place to work out. They make you feel real comfortable and work you at your own pace (which for me is taking a nap)."

We also included a poll that asked what people look for in a fitness facility. Of the 98 responses, "exercise classes" came in at No. 1 with 33 percent of the votes, followed by "knowledgable personal trainers" with 25 percent, and "convenient hours" with 14 percent.

That was so much fun, we're going to do it again next week, but it will have a new name: Readers' Choice. The topic will be: "What is your favorite place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?" Elmhurst is having its on March 10, exactly one week before the holiday. That gives us an excuse to celebrate two weeks in a row! So be sure to tell us what you think.