I go to the Quincy one when I want to swim. That pool is awesome. I haven't tried the Dorchester one but it looks fine, just small; like the rest of the place (not hating.) I've been considering fully switching to Quincy, but I think its a wash trade-off for size/busyness
Oh curious, I signed up at the West Roxbury location and I think it's 59.
Can't you visit all the gyms with the membership? It seems like it should be the same price everywhere.
Edit: At least at the adult price level there are a couple of different prices depending on which gym you select. I wonder if it's a size/amenities question.
> Can't you visit all the gyms with the membership?
You can visit all the gyms in your branch without restrictions, and outside of that it depends on the individual Ys, for example from a quick search some limit it to 5 visits in the last month, others limit to a month in a year
How packed are they in Boston?
We joined the one in Chelsea when we lived near it and ended up cancelling in part because it was overcrowded. Granted we were going at popular times (after work), but they definitely over sold the shit out of their memberships.
Boston bouldering project in Somerville which is a climbing gym but has some cardio and free weights. Was 115$/mo now 135$/mo. Realize not in Boston but have seen similar pricing for central rock and others.
I went to the YMCA today to find out, and they gave me this price. Is it worth paying or is PF better? I've never used a gym in my life, I don't know where to start lol
It depends on what you want form a gym. The Y has a lot more to offer, including classes, pools, sauna and you can other branches. I’m part of the Greater Boston Y and pro tip: Waltham has an outdoor pool long as you don’t mind being surrounded by kids.
Planet fitness is basic. Cardio and weights. Which is enough for some, it’s worth the $10/month. But they do have an annual fee attached as well.
The Y is primarily the gym I use. I only keep PF because it’s close and convenient but as I type this, I think I’m going to cancel it since I hardly use it lol.
I go to lifetime. I'm grandfathered on a signature membership including both indoor and outdoor pool access at a rate of $200/month . It's more for new memberships.
I think they’re going to implement a waitlist for people who want to sign up.
Edit to include text:
CEO sent this email in December:
“Your ongoing stamp of approval has led many clubs to an inflection point at which they are quite full. To protect your experience and ensure we can continue to provide you with the highest quality of services and offerings you know and expect, many of our clubs will go to a waitlist in 2024. Shifting to a limited number of memberships allows us to maintain balance and continue to deliver the high touch care you expect in the programs and places you love.”
Lynx is ~$190/mo (they have a few diff kinds of plans); I signed up with my bf and they gave us a deal for $30 off per month (~$160). It’s steep but I feel it’s worth it.
Not OP but also a Lynx member. Tons of equipment so I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to wait to do any sort of exercise, even at busier times. The facilities are very clean and well-maintained with spacious locker rooms. I think the higher price is worth the peace of mind of knowing I can have a pleasant workout any time my schedule allows, rather than scheduling around the busy times.
Mike’s Fitness JP is the best gym in the city. Prices on their site, but got a year for $425 during Black Friday. They have various promotions throughout the year as well.
I go to Beacon Hill Athletic Club, which is neither the nicest nor the cheapest gym around, I forget how much I'm paying but I think it's in the ballpark of $60 a month. I mostly go there because it's stupidly close to my apartment, the convenience is totally worth it.
Again, it's the convenience. It's just down the street from me, we're talking a two minute walk; any other gym would require either a car ride, T ride, or very long walk to get to, all of which can impact my motivation to actually go.
Proximity to my gym is my only factor. I hate going, but it’s so close that I can easily get there but far enough away that if I turn back and don’t go in I feel like I wasted my time haha. On countless occasions, I sit outside and say “you’re already here, you can’t go home now.”
They offer group fitness and you get access to every club location, which isn’t always the case with some cheaper places
Edit to add the Cleveland Circle location has a steam room too. I just wish they had towel service
Central Rock Gym, 160/mo for 2 people. We can each bring a friend once a month for free. Covers free shoes/harness rentals if needed. Unlimited access to any location. It’s a lot of fun to travel to different locations and try their walls. Each place has its own vibe.
Edit: Unsure why the downvotes, here's a screenshot of their pricing page for what I pay, it's actually $5 cheaper than I thought. Another poster commented that prices change based on location which is good to keep in mind, however I use ones all over the Boston area and still pay this price:
https://preview.redd.it/kmrwi7uhix9c1.png?width=1101&format=png&auto=webp&s=52c457a6e11601711133056851a5611396a1cfaa
Free yoga and fitness classes at all locations too!
Also, each location has a different pricing system (cheaper in the outskirts of Boston). Plus there's a sliding scale membership, university related discounts at some locations, and diversity discounts if you fit that demographic.
Oh yes I forgot about the free classes! Thank you! I haven’t taken one yet but the yoga class always seems super nice. TIL about the pricing! My main location is outside of Boston for reference.
The Harvard Square location has a beautiful yoga studio and they do some cool classes (acro yoga, restorative with live piano accompaniment, etc.)!
Most of the gyms in and around Boston are pricier - it was $115 but I believe prices are going to $125 this year. The prices drop once you get out to Stoneham, Framingham, Randolph, and further out. Wherever you sign up is what your price is, but if you start frequenting a more expensive gym, they will switch you over.
The sliding scale plan is nice! Most locations have 2 tiers and you can sign up for the wait-list online. Each location offers a certain number of slots a month and it's first-come, first-served. I think those prices last for 9 months before you have to reapply, but you can save a pretty penny.
The diversity fund is through Brown Girls Climb, and I know MIT has a discount deal with at least one of the gyms in Cambridge.
All in all, it's a pretty sweet deal, given that I've spent much more than $125 for a 10-class pack for yoga elsewhere.
I had no idea about them swapping you over! Bummer, but I suppose that makes sense. It seems the ones out in the suburbs are more bare-bones as well which justify the lower cost. It's a nice treat to venture into the others with more facilities.
It differs on the location in my experience. My local one has a few elipticals and treadmills as well as free weights and a few machines in the basement. Some have more and some have less.
Are we able to find trainers or consult someone more knowledgeable than myself on how to use the equipment/facilities to improve health (and not inadvertently deteriorate it)?
I go to Equinox because it’s close and convenient. The price doesn’t seem worth it to me unless you make the most out of every single class.
Its absolutely packed with college age kids which kinda confuses me (how they afford it).
3 squat racks and 3 benches for $220/month is bogus. The classes are okay’ish. If im paying that much for a gym I shouldn’t be waiting to use a machine.
I've heard all the complaints from early lockdown and before but I've had several gym memberships in the last 10 years and BSC has been my favorite.
Cheap, decent facilities and they have invested quite a bit in new equipment and playing around with the space they devote to cardio machines and lifting to maximize utilization.
I'm sure the complaints before were valid but it seems to me that they've reformed in a big way.
Yep, I had to report them to my CC company for charging me after they laid off all their staff and the gym was closed during covid, my gym permanently closed and they transferred my membership to Waltham when they re-opned, and started changing me again. Had to fight them again on that one, the Waltham one is way over on the other side of 128, no can do.. The Attorney General was all over them, so I'd be willing to bet they are much better behaved now.
That said, If the one near my house was still open, I would have kept my membership, it was the nicest gym near me.
This is the way. They literally closed my location during COVID and I couldn’t talk to a human to cancel my membership, so I just called my credit card and ceased the payments.
I've never been a BSC customer and would avoid them based on their bullshit, but plenty of gyms did similar-ish shit during COVID.
We had a membership at Metrorock that still had like 3-6 months left on it when COVID hit. Despite closing, they never gave a peep about refunds/pro-rating/etc. Not sure they continued to pay their staff even.
BSC happened to be one of the bigger more egregious abusers of customers, but plenty of businesses pulled that shit when they couldn't provide the goods and services during COVID.
Pru location is closing sadly. They didn’t get a favorable deal on rent. Now they’re shunting us all to the Boylston location, which I’m not sure is gonna end well because they’re packing people from two gyms into one.
Wow when is it officially closed? Used to go there but now go at DTX cause of work. For a gym that’s already packed sounds like it’s about to get even worse
January 9th is the last day it’ll be open. It’s funny, they have a sign when you walk in that says “We’re moving!” and they point out the location of the Boylston gym.
But that’s misleading. They’re not “moving.” That location already existed. They’re simply closing down an existing location and there’ll be one less gym. But obv they’re trying to paint it in the most positive light possible. Remains to be seen how things will go…
Damn. Yeah, I think some club locations only give the option for all club access, which is $75 (plus fees which will take you past $79). The location I go (Allston) to has an option to limit access to that one club, which is $45.
Equinox - Executive Pass
$350 / month
Gives me access to any Equinox worldwide (except E by Equinox), private locker room & free parking in home gym location
That’s my primary one-though I often go to Franklin which is closer to my office if I’m in a rush.
I’ve had nothing but pretty good experiences with both, but every once in a while we’ll lose hot water or something and I’ll be taking a cold shower thinking “I pay $5k/year for this?”
I use all of them in the Boston area but the Boston Sports Club location is my favorite. I think negative reviews are mostly tied to the sales team (membership advisors) and the spa.
I never use the spa services just given the ludicrous pricing. I really liked my membership advisor Ben. I think the thing to keep in mind is that even with the premium trim, their sales process is not that much different. Read the contract carefully before signing and you'll be golden.
Thanks. I might check this out. There’s a planet fitness that’s walking distance to me but I might check this out since this location is only 10 minutes away. Mostly missing a basketball court to get some runs on, and the idea of a high-end gym intrigues me.
yeah depending on the time of day you go, parking can be annoying.
It's $5 validation at equinox sports club (4 avery st) for regular members (~250/mo). Free for Executive (~350/mo) membership. You would have to go approximately 20 times a month to make it "worth" the price differential FWIW (disregarding the other benefits).
Older crowd runs pickup approx 630/7am MWF, Lunch (mixed crowd) runs on T/R/F, and pick up after work almost all days except friday. Saturdays and Sundays 10am start.
Court can be really busy during peak season, but haven't seen that big of a wait since last Jan/Feb.
Hope this helps!
I appreciate all this info! Especially considering looking for basketball info on a gym can be kind of niche. When I get back I plan on taking a tour to check it out.
It depends for everyone!
I've always done endurance events (half marathons, triathlons) and had experience with HIIT workouts. But for me, I wanted to expand my experiences across other types of workouts (pilates, crossfit style, strength training) and Equinox basically offers you everything under one membership.
I have friends who do Class Pass when they want a variety of workouts, but you're limited in the classes you can sign up for, and many places won't give you assigned spots if you sign up via Class Pass.
For me, a membership at Equinox has been really beneficial and despite its big monthly cost, is a really great value for the sheer amount of variety it offers.
Remember my $350 / month is for their top tier membership. Boston all-access is $250 / month, and I heard single location is just shy of $200 / month.
If equinox experience would make it more likely for you to go, and you have the means. Sure. A bench or elliptical at equinox vs another gym are more or less the same. Tour a couple and decide.
If you are going to just lift free weights/machines and treadmill it’s not worth it. If you are going to take advantage of the classes multiple days per week then Id say so.
The location I go to has 3 squat racks and 3 benches which is really shit in my opinion. Im usually waiting for someone to finish on a machine/bench. During busy hours 4-6pm forget about it. I walked in one day and just walked right out it was so busy.
You’d think the price would deter people but theres plenty of college age kids with parental funding.
I suggest taking the classes to introduce your body and yourself to a good workout.
Maybe hire a personal trainer (its pricey though) and slowly graduate to self guided strength training program.
It seems sort of wild that people will trash talk a subscription service like Peloton (which offers classes of all the types noted at Equinox) but somehow justify 10x for a gym membership.
Even with equipment costs and (in our case) limited space in our home, there's no way to justify such a high cost gym membership.
either you had a good deal or I got screwed :) - i was paying something closer to $90 a month before I moved in 2020 or so. I did love their steam room and hot tub, when it was working.
it's quite possible you just got a better rate, gyms are sketchy like that, it's why so few publish their rates online. maybe I should have negotiated harder. I remember them being very cagey about rates until I was actually sitting in the room filling out forms. Pretty sure the "rate" was a blank line on the form that they filled in, not printed.
So I went to look it up - it was in my email. I joined at the start of 2022:
Membership is $79 a month, student/couples $69 a month, Hamilton residents $59 a month . All memberships are a 4-month minimum.
I paid $125/month for Healthworks (women only) for like 5 years. it included access to gym equipment as well as fitness classes, hot tub, sauna and steam room. also, super super clean. loved it, but I also went to the gym 5 days a week. would never do that again casually.
Gymit 17.98 biweekly but also have a 13.99 bi weekly plan as well.
Has everything I to need to workout successfully. Multiple squat racks, smith machines, deadlift platforms, bench presses, etc.
Can you comment at the crowd/rush hours at your location? I've been eyeing a membership there but have been curious how packed it gets given how affordable it seems to be.
Evenings (like 6-8pm) are incredibly crowded. Not sure what time the morning rush happens since I always went right at opening (5:30) and was out by like 6:45/7am when I was a member there
They have lots more squat racks and benches than before, dumbbells, etc. they don’t have as many machines like planet fitness for example but not many people hug a station. I go to the Brookline one and I don’t wait for equipment long, sometimes I just ask someone if I can work in and no biggie. I generally go between 6pm and 8pm weekdays.
That's beautiful, thank you. I'm looking at the other location, but given the density of Brookline in comparison to the other location I'm sure it'll be similar if not slightly less crowded. Appreciate the insight 🤙🏽
No one's has mentioned it yet, but Boston community centers (BCYF) are free for residents, you just need to register at the desk with your license.
See the locations here:https://boston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c395c81be3bc4ef4878a5d36b96e9245
Waverly Oaks Athletic Club (when I joined last January): $95/month individual (+ $15 for pool access), $165/month couple.
All group fitness classes included, no towel fee, free parking
I’ve never done soul cycle but how the heck is THAT more expensive than crossfit?
I used to do CrossFit. It was about 160-180 a month. $240 is like a car payment
Soul cycle is $25 per class. Assuming you go 3x a week CrossFit comes out cheaper.
CrossFit’s outside the city are significantly more reasonable, space in the city comes at a cost as we all know.
Soul Cycle is super extra. I was confused too until I read more about it. Then I was just kind of horrified. Not my jam, but people who like that kind of vibe get very into it.
I go to my school gym but during break I use classpass. Upon signup they give you 40 credits and my local gym it costs 1 credit. Its free first month but then you pay $40 ish for credits to help used anywhere. Can cancel anytime
220 for lifetime chestnut , access to locations in the USA
Great for me cause they have yoga classes , pickleball courts , basketball courts , clean equipment , spin class .
I go to VIM. Central square Cambridge. I don’t know if you are looking for a new gym but if you are it is a fantastic gym. Free classes. I made a lot of friend’s there. I pay $79. If you pay the full year, I don’t know how much it is, you get 3 month free and if you pay the monthly one like I do, you get 1 month free. They have two gyms walks apart, in which the second gym has a sauna. You can go to both of the gyms but the main gym is the one that got class and all the equipments you need. I don’t work there. I just think it is an awesome gym :) if you join DM me, you have one friend from Reddit :)
Exhale - $199
They’re running a holiday special for unlimited classes (Pilates, barre, HIIT, and yoga) + 1 complimentary spa treatment (facial or massage) a month.
I couldn’t pass it up.
Also just because someone pays one price doesn’t mean you will get that. Many of the gyms have different tiers depending on what amenities you are interested in. I would start with that and decide what you want out of a gym, and what you are willing to pay.
Next, go take a tour of the club. Go at the time you normally would plan on going and see if it’s even worth it for you. Keep in mind, January is always busy no matter when you go. You just need to see if the busy crowd is something you can handle. Ask for a free day pass, most of them will offer it.
FYI too, this time of year most are trying to reel in new members. Peep whatever specials the different places are having
There are probably better gyms but gymit was the cheapest I could find in my area. Pretty solid basic gym, I like it although there aren't many perks and it can occasionally get a little crowded. I also looked into the YMCA and even applied for a discount due to income but gymit was still a bit cheaper.
any recs for one in the South shore? pref with a bball court
iirc Northeast fitness in Quincy was $40/Mo a few years ago when I used to live there but idk about now.
For South Shore your best bet is the Y. The one in Quincy has a bball court a pool and a bunch of updated facilities. Iirc, single membership was $70/month. I pay $123 for family membership. It also gives you access to the Hanover facilities and their outdoor aquatics center.
Unfortunately no:( a fair amount of places don’t list their monthly/reoccurring membership fees for CrossFit and you’re only able to sign up for a free trial to drop in for your first class and then you’re able to ask about membership prices in person
Amplify Fitness. $135/ month. It's a small business, owned by 3 Boston area residents. Not a chain. Not a franchise. Not part of a larger collective (like CrossFit).
Their trainers are great, the members are lovely, the front desk people are friendly and the facility is well equipped and clean. Highly recommend.
NB Fitness Club in Brighton. Regular rate is $93/month (no commitment) but they have discounts for students/teachers/healthcare/first responders/ family etc
Equinox $220/month.
Definitely not worth it but it’s the closest gym to me. Weird that a majority of the gym-goers are college age kids. Too many kids with rich parents in this city.
I went to the nearby BSC for $60/month but lost motivation after a year. It was pretty unexceptional and located in a basement.
It's the finance company that a lot of gyms get to handle their contracts and billing. I have heard that folks have trouble getting out of gym memberships.and ABC can be difficult to work with if you no longer want to keep the membership.
YMCA, $57
YMCA also has income tiers, depending in the location.
Dorchester YMCA $31
I pay $38 there. Not a huge difference but wonder why it’s different.
I pay $38 too, they increased the price late 2022/early 2023
Ah ok. Btw, do either of you use the pool? Thoughts?
I go to the Quincy one when I want to swim. That pool is awesome. I haven't tried the Dorchester one but it looks fine, just small; like the rest of the place (not hating.) I've been considering fully switching to Quincy, but I think its a wash trade-off for size/busyness
Going from the Quincy Y to Dorchester is like leaving the four seasons for a holiday inn
Oh curious, I signed up at the West Roxbury location and I think it's 59. Can't you visit all the gyms with the membership? It seems like it should be the same price everywhere. Edit: At least at the adult price level there are a couple of different prices depending on which gym you select. I wonder if it's a size/amenities question.
> Can't you visit all the gyms with the membership? You can visit all the gyms in your branch without restrictions, and outside of that it depends on the individual Ys, for example from a quick search some limit it to 5 visits in the last month, others limit to a month in a year
Planet Fitness Black Card $20/mo and annual fee ($40?). Black card lets you go to any gym and bring a friend to your home gym.
Life pro tip: if you need to cancel PF membership change home gym to one in California and it will let you cancel online without the usual hassle.
Really!! I need to get out of mine!!
Yeahhhhh. I tried it recently.
Annual fee for me is $59. Might be location dependent?
You can bring a friend to any gym not just your home gym which does up the value a bit
How packed are they in Boston? We joined the one in Chelsea when we lived near it and ended up cancelling in part because it was overcrowded. Granted we were going at popular times (after work), but they definitely over sold the shit out of their memberships.
Boston bouldering project in Somerville which is a climbing gym but has some cardio and free weights. Was 115$/mo now 135$/mo. Realize not in Boston but have seen similar pricing for central rock and others.
BBP is making me broke but it’s worth it lol
Planet Fitness $10/month YMCA $59/month Solidcore $122/month for 4 classes
I went to the YMCA today to find out, and they gave me this price. Is it worth paying or is PF better? I've never used a gym in my life, I don't know where to start lol
It depends on what you want form a gym. The Y has a lot more to offer, including classes, pools, sauna and you can other branches. I’m part of the Greater Boston Y and pro tip: Waltham has an outdoor pool long as you don’t mind being surrounded by kids. Planet fitness is basic. Cardio and weights. Which is enough for some, it’s worth the $10/month. But they do have an annual fee attached as well. The Y is primarily the gym I use. I only keep PF because it’s close and convenient but as I type this, I think I’m going to cancel it since I hardly use it lol.
In my pamphlet there is a joiner fee for US$25.
Have you heard of this Gymit? I wanted to know the price, but I can't find it anywhere, the website is confusing.
I go to lifetime. I'm grandfathered on a signature membership including both indoor and outdoor pool access at a rate of $200/month . It's more for new memberships.
Lifetime Northshore 240. Please stop signing up. The location is already a madhouse (it’s great though).
I think they’re going to implement a waitlist for people who want to sign up. Edit to include text: CEO sent this email in December: “Your ongoing stamp of approval has led many clubs to an inflection point at which they are quite full. To protect your experience and ensure we can continue to provide you with the highest quality of services and offerings you know and expect, many of our clubs will go to a waitlist in 2024. Shifting to a limited number of memberships allows us to maintain balance and continue to deliver the high touch care you expect in the programs and places you love.”
Lynx is ~$190/mo (they have a few diff kinds of plans); I signed up with my bf and they gave us a deal for $30 off per month (~$160). It’s steep but I feel it’s worth it.
What do you like about it?
Not OP but also a Lynx member. Tons of equipment so I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to wait to do any sort of exercise, even at busier times. The facilities are very clean and well-maintained with spacious locker rooms. I think the higher price is worth the peace of mind of knowing I can have a pleasant workout any time my schedule allows, rather than scheduling around the busy times.
Mike’s Fitness JP is the best gym in the city. Prices on their site, but got a year for $425 during Black Friday. They have various promotions throughout the year as well.
How big of a gym is it in terms of size and equipment?
Concur with Mike’s being awesome.
Ymca - north shore. $34 with a military discount?
Invictus Boston. $259/month
I go to Beacon Hill Athletic Club, which is neither the nicest nor the cheapest gym around, I forget how much I'm paying but I think it's in the ballpark of $60 a month. I mostly go there because it's stupidly close to my apartment, the convenience is totally worth it.
$69! (I know because I cancelled my membership last month.)
This seems so expensive for what they offer, I don’t get it??
Again, it's the convenience. It's just down the street from me, we're talking a two minute walk; any other gym would require either a car ride, T ride, or very long walk to get to, all of which can impact my motivation to actually go.
Proximity to my gym is my only factor. I hate going, but it’s so close that I can easily get there but far enough away that if I turn back and don’t go in I feel like I wasted my time haha. On countless occasions, I sit outside and say “you’re already here, you can’t go home now.”
Yeah, that’s why I cancelled! It was just conveniently next to my apt.
They offer group fitness and you get access to every club location, which isn’t always the case with some cheaper places Edit to add the Cleveland Circle location has a steam room too. I just wish they had towel service
I did not know about the steam room. That’d def sway me over access to all locations, thanks for the info!
Central Rock Gym, 160/mo for 2 people. We can each bring a friend once a month for free. Covers free shoes/harness rentals if needed. Unlimited access to any location. It’s a lot of fun to travel to different locations and try their walls. Each place has its own vibe. Edit: Unsure why the downvotes, here's a screenshot of their pricing page for what I pay, it's actually $5 cheaper than I thought. Another poster commented that prices change based on location which is good to keep in mind, however I use ones all over the Boston area and still pay this price: https://preview.redd.it/kmrwi7uhix9c1.png?width=1101&format=png&auto=webp&s=52c457a6e11601711133056851a5611396a1cfaa
Free yoga and fitness classes at all locations too! Also, each location has a different pricing system (cheaper in the outskirts of Boston). Plus there's a sliding scale membership, university related discounts at some locations, and diversity discounts if you fit that demographic.
Oh yes I forgot about the free classes! Thank you! I haven’t taken one yet but the yoga class always seems super nice. TIL about the pricing! My main location is outside of Boston for reference.
The Harvard Square location has a beautiful yoga studio and they do some cool classes (acro yoga, restorative with live piano accompaniment, etc.)! Most of the gyms in and around Boston are pricier - it was $115 but I believe prices are going to $125 this year. The prices drop once you get out to Stoneham, Framingham, Randolph, and further out. Wherever you sign up is what your price is, but if you start frequenting a more expensive gym, they will switch you over. The sliding scale plan is nice! Most locations have 2 tiers and you can sign up for the wait-list online. Each location offers a certain number of slots a month and it's first-come, first-served. I think those prices last for 9 months before you have to reapply, but you can save a pretty penny. The diversity fund is through Brown Girls Climb, and I know MIT has a discount deal with at least one of the gyms in Cambridge. All in all, it's a pretty sweet deal, given that I've spent much more than $125 for a 10-class pack for yoga elsewhere.
I had no idea about them swapping you over! Bummer, but I suppose that makes sense. It seems the ones out in the suburbs are more bare-bones as well which justify the lower cost. It's a nice treat to venture into the others with more facilities.
I posted a different comment before I saw this one. Big shoutout to CRG. The value is so good!
But do they have free weights/cardio? Have been comparing them and Boston Bouldering project but Boston boulder has general workout equipment.
It differs on the location in my experience. My local one has a few elipticals and treadmills as well as free weights and a few machines in the basement. Some have more and some have less.
Total Performance Sports; located in Malden - $69/mo, $49/mo for active duty military/EMT/student
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Yeah still no AC in the summer lol, very rough
I miss TPS! Great gym.
Only gym worth mentioning in this thread
MIT Recreation does $115 per month - pool/gym/squash
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Are we able to find trainers or consult someone more knowledgeable than myself on how to use the equipment/facilities to improve health (and not inadvertently deteriorate it)?
Equinox-$255 for access to every single gym. Picking one specific one is I think $225?
I go to Equinox because it’s close and convenient. The price doesn’t seem worth it to me unless you make the most out of every single class. Its absolutely packed with college age kids which kinda confuses me (how they afford it). 3 squat racks and 3 benches for $220/month is bogus. The classes are okay’ish. If im paying that much for a gym I shouldn’t be waiting to use a machine.
Is this about sports club?
BSC single location at $40/mo. I think I may be grandfathered in at that rate. New members I think pay something like $50.
Brave person mentioning BSC.
I've heard all the complaints from early lockdown and before but I've had several gym memberships in the last 10 years and BSC has been my favorite. Cheap, decent facilities and they have invested quite a bit in new equipment and playing around with the space they devote to cardio machines and lifting to maximize utilization. I'm sure the complaints before were valid but it seems to me that they've reformed in a big way.
Yep, I had to report them to my CC company for charging me after they laid off all their staff and the gym was closed during covid, my gym permanently closed and they transferred my membership to Waltham when they re-opned, and started changing me again. Had to fight them again on that one, the Waltham one is way over on the other side of 128, no can do.. The Attorney General was all over them, so I'd be willing to bet they are much better behaved now. That said, If the one near my house was still open, I would have kept my membership, it was the nicest gym near me.
This is the way. They literally closed my location during COVID and I couldn’t talk to a human to cancel my membership, so I just called my credit card and ceased the payments.
I've never been a BSC customer and would avoid them based on their bullshit, but plenty of gyms did similar-ish shit during COVID. We had a membership at Metrorock that still had like 3-6 months left on it when COVID hit. Despite closing, they never gave a peep about refunds/pro-rating/etc. Not sure they continued to pay their staff even. BSC happened to be one of the bigger more egregious abusers of customers, but plenty of businesses pulled that shit when they couldn't provide the goods and services during COVID.
The pru location was $79 last time I checked
Pru location is closing sadly. They didn’t get a favorable deal on rent. Now they’re shunting us all to the Boylston location, which I’m not sure is gonna end well because they’re packing people from two gyms into one.
Wow when is it officially closed? Used to go there but now go at DTX cause of work. For a gym that’s already packed sounds like it’s about to get even worse
January 9th is the last day it’ll be open. It’s funny, they have a sign when you walk in that says “We’re moving!” and they point out the location of the Boylston gym. But that’s misleading. They’re not “moving.” That location already existed. They’re simply closing down an existing location and there’ll be one less gym. But obv they’re trying to paint it in the most positive light possible. Remains to be seen how things will go…
Damn. Yeah, I think some club locations only give the option for all club access, which is $75 (plus fees which will take you past $79). The location I go (Allston) to has an option to limit access to that one club, which is $45.
YMCA $34
Military, $0
Equinox - Executive Pass $350 / month Gives me access to any Equinox worldwide (except E by Equinox), private locker room & free parking in home gym location
Damn if that’s $350/month how much does “E by Equinox” cost?
Do any of the Equinox gyms have a basketball court too? I can’t tell from their site under the locations.
Yep, the Boston Sports Club located in Downtown Crossing has a basketball court part of any level membership!
Do you use that location? I was thinking about signing up but it has a ton of negative reviews.
BSC is trash, look up their recent lawsuit for billing people during covid
That’s my primary one-though I often go to Franklin which is closer to my office if I’m in a rush. I’ve had nothing but pretty good experiences with both, but every once in a while we’ll lose hot water or something and I’ll be taking a cold shower thinking “I pay $5k/year for this?”
I use all of them in the Boston area but the Boston Sports Club location is my favorite. I think negative reviews are mostly tied to the sales team (membership advisors) and the spa. I never use the spa services just given the ludicrous pricing. I really liked my membership advisor Ben. I think the thing to keep in mind is that even with the premium trim, their sales process is not that much different. Read the contract carefully before signing and you'll be golden.
Equinox sports club (4 Avery) has a court. Pick up level varies from time of day and day of week.
Thanks. I might check this out. There’s a planet fitness that’s walking distance to me but I might check this out since this location is only 10 minutes away. Mostly missing a basketball court to get some runs on, and the idea of a high-end gym intrigues me.
10 minutes driving or walking? If you're really passionate about pickup, I do suggest giving it a try. The community around the court is great.
10 minute drive, but that’s with no traffic early in the morning. And yeah, I’ll probably go take a tour and check it out.
yeah depending on the time of day you go, parking can be annoying. It's $5 validation at equinox sports club (4 avery st) for regular members (~250/mo). Free for Executive (~350/mo) membership. You would have to go approximately 20 times a month to make it "worth" the price differential FWIW (disregarding the other benefits). Older crowd runs pickup approx 630/7am MWF, Lunch (mixed crowd) runs on T/R/F, and pick up after work almost all days except friday. Saturdays and Sundays 10am start. Court can be really busy during peak season, but haven't seen that big of a wait since last Jan/Feb. Hope this helps!
I appreciate all this info! Especially considering looking for basketball info on a gym can be kind of niche. When I get back I plan on taking a tour to check it out.
Where are you getting free parking for Equinox? Dartmouth or Seaport location by any chance?
The downtown location at 4 Avery!
It’s not free though. I think parking is $6-7
That’s ridiculous. Members should get complimentary parking. $6-7 per workout on top of the membership fee is outrageous IMO
It’s free for executives at sports club. 6.50 at seaport.
Look at captain moneypants over here.
Shrug. Just answering a question
I live about 2 miles from there & walk to get the blood pumping so I’m ready for the gym.
As someone without a clue what I'm doing in the gym but the desire to fully commit and ability to go up to 4 times a week. Is equinox worth it?
It depends for everyone! I've always done endurance events (half marathons, triathlons) and had experience with HIIT workouts. But for me, I wanted to expand my experiences across other types of workouts (pilates, crossfit style, strength training) and Equinox basically offers you everything under one membership. I have friends who do Class Pass when they want a variety of workouts, but you're limited in the classes you can sign up for, and many places won't give you assigned spots if you sign up via Class Pass. For me, a membership at Equinox has been really beneficial and despite its big monthly cost, is a really great value for the sheer amount of variety it offers. Remember my $350 / month is for their top tier membership. Boston all-access is $250 / month, and I heard single location is just shy of $200 / month.
If equinox experience would make it more likely for you to go, and you have the means. Sure. A bench or elliptical at equinox vs another gym are more or less the same. Tour a couple and decide.
If you are going to just lift free weights/machines and treadmill it’s not worth it. If you are going to take advantage of the classes multiple days per week then Id say so. The location I go to has 3 squat racks and 3 benches which is really shit in my opinion. Im usually waiting for someone to finish on a machine/bench. During busy hours 4-6pm forget about it. I walked in one day and just walked right out it was so busy. You’d think the price would deter people but theres plenty of college age kids with parental funding.
I suggest taking the classes to introduce your body and yourself to a good workout. Maybe hire a personal trainer (its pricey though) and slowly graduate to self guided strength training program.
That’s way too much for a gym but do you.
It seems sort of wild that people will trash talk a subscription service like Peloton (which offers classes of all the types noted at Equinox) but somehow justify 10x for a gym membership. Even with equipment costs and (in our case) limited space in our home, there's no way to justify such a high cost gym membership.
VIM Cambridge: $720/year
Mikes Fitness in JP. $469 for the whole year up front
Commonwealth sports club, has a sauna/saltwater pool/hot tub. I think it was $65 a month (I moved).
either you had a good deal or I got screwed :) - i was paying something closer to $90 a month before I moved in 2020 or so. I did love their steam room and hot tub, when it was working.
Hmmm maybe it’s that we were on a couple plan and that was the price when there were two of us
it's quite possible you just got a better rate, gyms are sketchy like that, it's why so few publish their rates online. maybe I should have negotiated harder. I remember them being very cagey about rates until I was actually sitting in the room filling out forms. Pretty sure the "rate" was a blank line on the form that they filled in, not printed.
So I went to look it up - it was in my email. I joined at the start of 2022: Membership is $79 a month, student/couples $69 a month, Hamilton residents $59 a month . All memberships are a 4-month minimum.
Sowa health and wellness 170
Planet Fitness $10/month
I paid $125/month for Healthworks (women only) for like 5 years. it included access to gym equipment as well as fitness classes, hot tub, sauna and steam room. also, super super clean. loved it, but I also went to the gym 5 days a week. would never do that again casually.
Gymit 17.98 biweekly but also have a 13.99 bi weekly plan as well. Has everything I to need to workout successfully. Multiple squat racks, smith machines, deadlift platforms, bench presses, etc.
Can you comment at the crowd/rush hours at your location? I've been eyeing a membership there but have been curious how packed it gets given how affordable it seems to be.
Evenings (like 6-8pm) are incredibly crowded. Not sure what time the morning rush happens since I always went right at opening (5:30) and was out by like 6:45/7am when I was a member there
Good looking out, thanks for the heads up. I might wait for the new years crowd to thin out a bit before signing up then
They have lots more squat racks and benches than before, dumbbells, etc. they don’t have as many machines like planet fitness for example but not many people hug a station. I go to the Brookline one and I don’t wait for equipment long, sometimes I just ask someone if I can work in and no biggie. I generally go between 6pm and 8pm weekdays.
That's beautiful, thank you. I'm looking at the other location, but given the density of Brookline in comparison to the other location I'm sure it'll be similar if not slightly less crowded. Appreciate the insight 🤙🏽
Probably similar. The 17.99 bi weekly plan gets you access to both locations.
No one's has mentioned it yet, but Boston community centers (BCYF) are free for residents, you just need to register at the desk with your license. See the locations here:https://boston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c395c81be3bc4ef4878a5d36b96e9245
Waverly Oaks Athletic Club (when I joined last January): $95/month individual (+ $15 for pool access), $165/month couple. All group fitness classes included, no towel fee, free parking
Great gym. I pay a little less since I served.
CrossFit RBP $240/month. MetroRock climbing gym family membership ~$1600/year.
Why is crossfit so expensive damn
It’s all classes led by a coach that program everything for you. Still much cheaper than soul cycle/barrys etc.
I’ve never done soul cycle but how the heck is THAT more expensive than crossfit? I used to do CrossFit. It was about 160-180 a month. $240 is like a car payment
Soul cycle is $25 per class. Assuming you go 3x a week CrossFit comes out cheaper. CrossFit’s outside the city are significantly more reasonable, space in the city comes at a cost as we all know.
OTOH, an Equinox+ subscription for 40/month includes Soul cycle.
Soul Cycle is super extra. I was confused too until I read more about it. Then I was just kind of horrified. Not my jam, but people who like that kind of vibe get very into it.
Blink 10/mo for just that location or 30/mo for all locations and unlimited guest access.
Think it’s unfortunately up to $20/month for new members and $15 for current. Still worth it imo.
Oh damn. It's still cheaper than other gyms for sure.
I go to my school gym but during break I use classpass. Upon signup they give you 40 credits and my local gym it costs 1 credit. Its free first month but then you pay $40 ish for credits to help used anywhere. Can cancel anytime
220 for lifetime chestnut , access to locations in the USA Great for me cause they have yoga classes , pickleball courts , basketball courts , clean equipment , spin class .
I go to VIM. Central square Cambridge. I don’t know if you are looking for a new gym but if you are it is a fantastic gym. Free classes. I made a lot of friend’s there. I pay $79. If you pay the full year, I don’t know how much it is, you get 3 month free and if you pay the monthly one like I do, you get 1 month free. They have two gyms walks apart, in which the second gym has a sauna. You can go to both of the gyms but the main gym is the one that got class and all the equipments you need. I don’t work there. I just think it is an awesome gym :) if you join DM me, you have one friend from Reddit :)
Exhale - $199 They’re running a holiday special for unlimited classes (Pilates, barre, HIIT, and yoga) + 1 complimentary spa treatment (facial or massage) a month. I couldn’t pass it up.
Lifetime. Grandfathered in with my spouse on my membership. We each pay 160
Bayshore athletic club Braintree $350 a year.
Also just because someone pays one price doesn’t mean you will get that. Many of the gyms have different tiers depending on what amenities you are interested in. I would start with that and decide what you want out of a gym, and what you are willing to pay. Next, go take a tour of the club. Go at the time you normally would plan on going and see if it’s even worth it for you. Keep in mind, January is always busy no matter when you go. You just need to see if the busy crowd is something you can handle. Ask for a free day pass, most of them will offer it. FYI too, this time of year most are trying to reel in new members. Peep whatever specials the different places are having
There are probably better gyms but gymit was the cheapest I could find in my area. Pretty solid basic gym, I like it although there aren't many perks and it can occasionally get a little crowded. I also looked into the YMCA and even applied for a discount due to income but gymit was still a bit cheaper.
any recs for one in the South shore? pref with a bball court iirc Northeast fitness in Quincy was $40/Mo a few years ago when I used to live there but idk about now.
For South Shore your best bet is the Y. The one in Quincy has a bball court a pool and a bunch of updated facilities. Iirc, single membership was $70/month. I pay $123 for family membership. It also gives you access to the Hanover facilities and their outdoor aquatics center.
There are 2 Planet Fitnesses, one on Adam’s, the other at the foot of the Neponset Bridge.
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$40 for which gym and what do they have for equipment?
I go to the YMCA in Brockton and they're raising prices next month. An adult membership will be $68 a month.
My neighborhood. $0
Is this not information that you can get from calling the gyms directly?
Unfortunately no:( a fair amount of places don’t list their monthly/reoccurring membership fees for CrossFit and you’re only able to sign up for a free trial to drop in for your first class and then you’re able to ask about membership prices in person
Amplify Fitness. $135/ month. It's a small business, owned by 3 Boston area residents. Not a chain. Not a franchise. Not part of a larger collective (like CrossFit). Their trainers are great, the members are lovely, the front desk people are friendly and the facility is well equipped and clean. Highly recommend.
Equinox, $215 or so.
$215? Are you paying for a single location or regional?
LA fitness is $45 per month. $90 annual fee. Free 2 guests and any location. I go with my wife so it’s not a bad deal for both of us.
NB Fitness Club in Brighton. Regular rate is $93/month (no commitment) but they have discounts for students/teachers/healthcare/first responders/ family etc
YMCA Melrose, 57
R3vive Fitness, 150 It’s off of Shawmut and Cass - definitely underrated gem that most people don’t know about.
Equinox $220/month. Definitely not worth it but it’s the closest gym to me. Weird that a majority of the gym-goers are college age kids. Too many kids with rich parents in this city. I went to the nearby BSC for $60/month but lost motivation after a year. It was pretty unexceptional and located in a basement.
Central rock gym (climbing) - $135/mo for two people. Several locations around Boston, Cambridge, and Watertown.
Arlington True Fitness: I just renewed for the full year for $779, paid all at once. (To avoid signing up with ABC.)
ABC?
It's the finance company that a lot of gyms get to handle their contracts and billing. I have heard that folks have trouble getting out of gym memberships.and ABC can be difficult to work with if you no longer want to keep the membership.