Showers Anywhere in Chicago
 

I work in the Loop in Chicago and my co-workers have requested that I find a shower after my ride or run into the office. Currently, I 'bath' in the men's room sink but as you can imagine, this isn't very comfortable nor effective. The local fitness clubs are myopic with regards to membership fees, as I have offered to pay them just to use the shower and nothing else but alas, no luck. Does anyone know of a hotel or fitness center that offers a low cost solution? I work at Jackson and LaSalle and want to be no less than half a mile from the office. If you've read this far and can offer any suggestions it would be much appreciated.

Touchy subject here and I don't want TMI, but do you shower before you leave the house? Sweat isn't stinky by itself until bacteria begin to 'digest' it over time. If you start with a clean body and clean clothes, you should be fresher in the end. Another option to sink baths is to use "rocket shower" (google it) or an equivalent. This is much better than a bird bath. As for actual shower facilities in the loop that you could use, hmm, nope, none beyond the health clubs like East Bank Club, etc. But as you mentioned, they don't really have a shower only option.

Aha! I just remembered. Head to Millennium Park. The cycle center there has showers for a dollar/use.

http://www.mayorswellnesscampaign.or...-park-chicago/

I agree with DGozinya, are you taking showers and putting on clean clothes before you leave for the job? There are some undergarments, that will hold an odor after awhile. There is a special way to clean them. Did your co-workers ask you to take a shower in anticipation of an odor problem?

I suggest to follow the advice of the others. Shower in the morning, and use clean clothes. I would use wool clothing though as it doesn't allow for bacteria to 'digest'. Wool clothing should keep you smelling fresh assuming you shower before you leave. In addition you can also just use some baby wipes I use (st. Ive's) and they smell really good.

I used to commute in Chicago during the late 80s/early 90s. I rode from Peterson/Western via McCormick out to Skokie. At a given point my rule became 'don't ride in your work clothes and don't work in your ride clothes'. The advice of showering before you leave in the morning is right on. That's the most effective deterrent. Doing your best to clean-up when you get to work is essential as well. Wearing wool, slik, cashmere, alpaca in 100% weaves is important. The closer the knit the better. These can be found at thriftstores as retail is way too expensive...unless one can afford it.

Keep deo, towell, soap, toothbrush/paste at work.

This doesn't sound right... are they actually smelling something or are they *thinking* they might smell something? As said earlier, if you shower at home, then ride in wearing clean clothes, there's nothing to smell. Allow yourself to cool off, bath in the sink. You should be ok.

I am amazed that your colleagues could say something like this. Particularly considering the gaseous odors they inflict on us just by driving a car to work.

"Rocket Shower". Who knew?! Great idea and after trying it I attempt to make my own. Besides the Nonoxynol-9 it should be pretty easy. RE: "TMI" I do shower before I leave the house and do discard my bike clothes upon entering the office into a zip lock bag where the bacteria must goes into a frenzy. (Yes, I do give the riding/running clothes an excellent washing when I get home and they smell anew.) Everyone who has responded to this thread offers excellent advice and has reminded me that it's more the clothes than the body that ripens and becomes odorous. The silk and wool fabric suggestions are gold. Many thanks to all!!

Everyone who has responded to this thread offers excellent advice and has reminded me that it's more the clothes than the body that ripens and becomes odorous. The silk and wool fabric suggestions are gold. Many thanks to all!!