This is a great, affordable gym option in Kendall Square. Compared to other gyms in the area, it's much more budget-friendly. While it isn't as new as some newer facilities, it has all the essentials you need. The gym also offers great amenities, including a squash court, basketball court, women's-only space, and a sauna downstairs. There's a full locker room, and towels are provided for workouts, which is a nice bonus. They also offer a variety of classes such as spin, yoga, and BodyPump 45, all of which are excellent. Overall, it's a solid place to get a membership. read more

I used to belong to this gym, and I trained with Stavy. The place was clean, and staff was very friendly. I found everyone to be extremely helpful and welcoming. Stavy and I trained once a week for a few months. She really was a very strong personal trainer and pushed me in helpful ways. I also really appreciated that she showed me modifications for where I am at physically. Overall Cambridge Athletic Club is a great gym, and I would recommend this to everyone. read more

The tech square location is great - well equipped and well staffed. Great value compared to other gyms in the area!

Fantastic gym, has everything that you can expect, plus a sauna in both locations, and a cold plunge in the main location! Huge shoutout to Daniel for always being extremely helpful and friendly. read more

I participated several classes during free trial week. I loved live Bodypump classes. I used to go to another gym for Bodypump but the gym no longer has it after Covid and I do Les mills on demand at home. The participation reminded me how fun doing live workouts. However the timing of Bodypump classes are not suitable for me. Only 5:30 pm class in the evening. I wish there were variety of options. Earlier evening and later evening or both since Bodypump classes are pretty popular and not everyone can get off work and make it to 5:30 pm classes. Also to secure the bar and plates and spot, even need to come 15 minutes before the class, which is hard. I used go to 7 pm classes. If there will be such option, I would join this gym. Anyway I appreciate the opportunity. read more

I've visited Cambridge Athletic Club a few times to take workout classes through the ClassPass app. I'm especially a fan of their Zumba classes! It's pretty cool how the gym is located in a building with a bunch of biotech firms, but it can be a bit confusing to find the entrance. The facilities are overall pretty nice. I was especially impressed by the locker room, which was big and had plenty of showers available. There was also a sauna, which I didn't get the chance to try. The gym not only has lots of equiptment, but also has squash and basketball courts. There are also a handful of workout rooms spread out throughout the gym. The gym doesn't give off luxurious vibes like an Equinox or Life Time, but it has all the basics you might need! read more

Cambridge Athletic Club - Gym Interior - Gyms Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

It's been so nice to have CAC in the neighborhood and I will definitely be missing it now that I am moving away. I love the group class here! The instructors have great energy and the facility is nice and clean. read more

Great gym! I mostly go to the spin classes or run on the treadmill, and have used the sauna a few times which is always nice. The cycle classes and all the instructors are really great, highly recommend. As others noted, you have to ring the door to the main building to get in, but I have never had to wait they open it automatically. read more

I belong to CAC primarily for the squash program. Naji, the club's squash pro, is both a fabulous instructor and a friendly guy. The club is lucky to have him! The facilities are a touch run-down but totally reasonable. Locker room is large and I enjoy the steam room, and the workout equipment is generally well maintained. My advice to ownership would be converting the Crossfit space back to squash courts should Kendall Square Crossfit find a new home. Right now the squash courts are fully booked all evening, every evening. Having a 3rd squash court would be an enormous boost retaining current players and bringing new players to the gym. read more

Front desk couldnt even help me get into the building - left me standing outside a side door for 15 minutes until i called back...dont bother unless youd like to deal with incompetence read more

Been coming here for about 6 years now. I know this gym inside and out. CAC has great equipment and is a pleasure to train in during off hours. It can be quite challenging to get space during busy hours. Building security is absolutely ridiculous. You have to be buzzed in now like it's some biosecurity lab site. The same security people buzz me in each time. Each time they ask me where I'm going. It's really aggravating for someone who's been a member for years. read more

Trainer Mariette Martinez yelled at me not one not two not three not four not five nor six but 25 times "I don't care" when I asked her one question after an hour workout. Manger Carla Schneckenburger refuses to respond to address. read more

I absolutely love CAC! I've always had such a wonderful time and the staff had been nothing but helpful and friendly. I think what I love most is that there is a women's only area which has been so helpful on days I just want to try new routines/exercises without feeling any sort of gym anxiety! Additionally, I love the number of classes and equipment that's always available. read more

Staff is super unprofessional and makes their members uncomfortable on the daily. They will come up to you while you're changing in the locker room and make you uncomfortable. They charge an arm and a leg for a tiny gym with minimal equipment. Would not recommend this gym read more

I have been a member here for more than two years. They have a very reasonable policy for refunds, and staff members are understanding toward customers' situations. I joined this gym during the pandemic (maybe not the best idea), and thoroughly enjoyed it for more than two years. Plenty of squat racks and deadlift platforms. read more

Love, love, love the Cambridge Athletic Club location on 215 First Street. The place is massive, so there's never a wait for anything and everything is modern and clean and the staff is super nice. But THE BEST PART are all of the Les Mills classes, which you CANNOT find anywhere else in Cambridge! Body Pump is fabulous and is offered every day 2-3 times per day! Plus they have cycle, pilates, core, yoga, raquet and basket ball courts, Cross Fit, free towels, a sauna, and a women's only work-out area just off of the women's locker room which is awesome (no gawking men!). The only thing missing is a POOL! The price is also right and super affordable. Outside, in the lobby area, there's also a cafe (which isn't always open, but the vibe is great if you want to hang and do work before or after). And Tatte is one block away! read more

3.5 stars. A good gym that meets all your objectives in a limited space area. Came here for a workout and was pretty impressed. The quality of equipment (how much they had in the building) and the fact that it wasn't crowded. The gym has an open space area, cross fit area, basketball court, racquetball court, an area for treadmills/cardio, and a free weights area. Everything you need for a good workout. Is it a super posh gym, no. But, if you're in need of a quickie, this place hits the spot. I'd go back. read more

Cambridge Athletic Club - Good selection of weights! - Gyms Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I recommend going elsewhere for a gym and personal trainer. This is for the 1st St, Cambridge location. My experience - I signed up at this gym because a friend recommended it to me. I previously belonged to healthworks. I signed up for a personal training package around July 2019 for around $500 and was assured the experience would be accommodating and flexible - everyone seemed friendly. I ended up getting sick and also was on the road a lot while working so I wasn't able to make it in the rest of 2019 - no big deal, I wasn't in physical shape to hit the gym. I had only gone to my consult / intro session so beyond that initial visit I wasn't able to make it in. The pandemic struck at the beginning of 2020 and everything was closed for MONTHS. I contacted the CAC in Sept 2020 to inquire about a refund because things were slowly starting to open up again, but I had zero interest in doing anything in person because it certainty wasn't something I was comfortable with. (Given my specific situation, I need in person instruction so video session were never an option). The manager told me my sessions purchased weren't eligible for any sort of refund because they had expired because they weren't used for over a year. Hellllllo there was / is a pandemic?! I traded emails and I found the managers and trainers response scammy feeling at best (Josh and Josh). How is it fair for a company to penalize me when there was a state and federal closure of business for a deadly pandemic!??? They used the time they were forced to close to use against me and not even offer a partial reimbursement for $500 worth of services. Doesn't sound very client / customer minded to me. I've been part of scammy and predatory gyms before and expected better from the CAC because my experience was that they were both scammy and predatory. They ripped me off and I am writing this to warn others. Companies who operate this way don't deserve your money - there are other, more honest places worth paying for who won't take advantage of you, especially during a global pandemic. They could have tried to make things right but made zero effort, which says it all when it comes to how much they value the customer experience. read more

I've been a member of multiple gyms before joining the CAC but this one really stands out. First off, it's located in a building where a gym would be the last thing on my mind that I'd be able to find. It's a really sleek building and the Cambridge Athletic Club (or CAC for the "insiders") has ample, free parking for its members. It's a very good gym which features multiple racquetball/squash courts and a basketball court. Along with it is a weight / cardio room which is on two levels and is known as the "Nautilus Room". Furthermore, as other reviews have stated, it is a very, very clean place and the staff is extremely friendly and are always around for questions and help with various things. They have various memberships levels and will find one that best suits your needs. The place is also conveniently located and open every day. read more

Cambridge Athletic Club - The new wooden lockers installed everywhere - Gyms Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Been a member since 2014. I really enjoy the classes more so since Izzy has taken over! She is a danish BEAST! Haha I think I've taken every class with the exception of spin and RPM. All the trainers are knowledgeable and encouraging. The space is huge, which is surprising for Cambridge. Few improvements I would like to see: 1. Maybe a pool? I love this as a form of morning exercise 2. Maybe opening at 5am instead of 5:30? I got to work rather early so this 30mins make a huge difference! 3. We really need a water dispenser on the lower levels. Staff is friendly, areas are clean. I like it and I would recommend this spot! read more

This may not be the gym for everyone but I am a huge fan. I have not been going to Cambridge Athletic Club long but it has been wonderful thus far. Everyone at the club is respectful and the staff are great. It is not the biggest gym I have been to but I have somehow never had to wait for a rack or a bench, incredible. The membership also includes a ton of perks and classes which is pretty nice. I have yet to access all of the included parts of the membership but hope to only find good things. Only downside are the hours, I really wish it was open later during both the week and weekends. read more

So let me tell you what is unusual about CAC. The first is that they're not overly uptight with the mask mandate. You do I have to wear a mask. But it's incredibly easy if you playing Squash or lifting weights. But it's incredibly difficult, if you're doing cardio. And everyday my first work out I measure how much I sweat. And imagine this. Lets just say, that today I weighed in .4 pounds higher. And yesterday I sweat just 1 pounds of sweat. So to stay flat in weight. I would need 1.4 or to go down slightly 1.6 pounds. So it's very difficult wearing a mask. And another advantage of CAC. (And hopefully this comment will not change now?) so since I don't have a car. The first bus comes at 5.09 and then I have to weight for the train. Then walk about 6 minutes. If I'm lucky I would get here by 5.45. So this advantage would be better if I had a car. So now I use The Ride. And I take the earliest Ride. And only the females that open on the weekdays. They open earlier. And this never happens on the Weekends. Only because you're lucky if he opens at 8 Am. He's very nice though but predictable. read more

This place has just about everything you could ask for in a fitness facility. It's in a very neat location. I also like that they have repurposed the racket ball courts into their own separate businesses! There is an aerobics studio, a Physical Therapist, a CrossFit gym, and basketball courts! I came to drop I. At the CrossFit gym and it took up two of the courts they had opened the inner wall between them so it was double sized. What a cool place that was! I recommend checking it out next time your in the area! read more

This gym is a great place to work out and has an excellent squash community. I've been a member for the past 7 months and first joined with the intention of getting into squash. Naji, the pro at the club, is amazing at getting new players into the sport. He's super attentive, helpful, and makes it easy to get involved in what is a very friendly community in the club. Squash is only a piece of what the gym has to offer. It has ample weight/cardio machines, free weights, and just about anything else you would want from an athletic club. read more

Been a member for two years here and really like it. The staff is friendly, the equipment is well maintained, and there are plenty of options to diversify your workouts. read more

I have been a member of this gym for a little over two years now and I cannot say enough good things. The facilities are always clean, the equipment is top-notch, and the hours are excellent. I recently switched gym locations and Alexandria from member services was so incredibly helpful. Again, if you are looking for a gym to join this is a great one. read more

Love to follow on the social media...during pandemic they have been on fleck..good thing..with the amazing classes available..love joining challenges on line..and following others for ideas and progress. Great job. . read more

Even before COVID, this was not a good gym . Old machines, old locker rooms, limited weight machines (if you use them), small and narrow workout space, weight stickers missing from weights, etc. You know how spinning is popular in the US? Well this gym as 10+ year old, lackluster bikes...Now during COVID, they only have 1 or 2 for individual use (even though there are plenty of treadmills). I joined for the squash courts, which are nice, but do not make up for the lack of investment into the workout space read more

Okay, I'm embarrassed about this, but, I put my review for a lousy gym on CAC's Yelp site. Ooops. Mistakes happen. Here was mine. Jeff, the membership director of Cambridge Athletic Club wrote to me and asked about my experience, and then I realized I'd matched the wrong review to CAC. Jeff's questions about my review were open and accepting, curious without attacking, and he genuinely wanted to understand my experience and offer what he could. What a difference. Owners and managers, take a look: Jeff at CAC offers the ideal in customer service! He was kind and generous in his response -- not only in accepting my embarrassed apology with great generosity, but also in trying to offer help with finding the right gym for my needs. Cambridge Athletic Club offers not only great prices, but also the right kind of customer service: kindness matched with integrity. Awesome. read more

I'm not a member here either, but I regularly buy their class/visit 10 pack. For $10 a visit, you can take classes, use the facility, etc. My roommate and I go for yoga classes (Bill teaches an awesome early morning Forrest class and two fabulous ashtanga/flow classes in the evenings) and then head downstairs and soak in the hot tub! Other yoga studios charge up to $15 for a class. At CFRC, we get a class AND a soak for less than that, and the class is awesome. Seriously. We've even taken classes with this SAME TEACHER at other yoga studios in the area. We feel like we've stumbled onto a great bargain and a little gem. One thing to note: Since it's a gym, there's sometimes racquetball and spinning class noises. They can be distracting if you need true quiet. Also, it's not hot like other studios. The early morning classes in particular can feel quite cold, so bring a sweatshirt for shavasana. Also, it's $20 a visit without buying the pack. Though if it's your first time, you can prob get them to let you in for one class at the $10 rate. read more

Ran by amateurs. Descent pickup basketball crowd although the gym is small - 4v4 max. The basketball league is expensive and unorganized... It's in business just because there aren't too many gyms with basketball courts. Tired equipments but facility lady tries to keep it clean at least. read more

My new years' resolution besides spending more time in the gym (this gym): write a fabulous update -- a very deserving update -- why? Because the gym was (and continues to be) updated! Since my last review, CAC has undergone many updates. This is my best attempt to share all of them with you. + Entrance and lobby modified and free parking for members + Yoga room constructed in basement + Crazy satellite television for individual viewing in the cardio room + Spinning and exercise room increased in size and relocated + Women-only Nautilus & stretching room constructed + Men's lockers in process of being replaced + Fresh flowers dispersed in lobby and locker rooms (my fave upgrade, seriously) + New treadmills (Matrix), step machines, trainers, and ellipticals + New floors in free weight/machine room + Upper hallway re-carpeted and equipped with stretching/light toning equipment Wow, that's a lot of upgrades! However, overall, the gym still really has the same feel and the same great staff remain. Oh, and there are still at least two racquetball and squash courts (for those really awful days when all you want to do is swear at an inanimate object and slap a sturdy wall). Also, I still can't speak highly of the shower rooms with their low pressure, non-functioning light bulbs, and tepid water (at times) ... but when given enough time, I love hanging out in the steam room or the sauna. It's absolutely true that the staff want nothing more than to make sure their clients are happy at the gym. They are willing to bend over backwards for you! Definitely check out the space and ask about their rates. But if you join ... tell them Shaina sent you (so I can get my $25 referral, yo). read more

The facilities are not bad (better than the Cambridge Y, worse than Planet Fitness), but the location did not work out for me. My customer service experience was terrible. There are two kinds of gym in the world: those that make their money from happy customers, and those that make their money from people who would prefer to stop paying. You can tell the difference by the experience you have when you try to cancel your membership, and CAC has proven to be the second kind of gym. After not making it there for a while and finding alternatives closer to home, I sent an email to the salesman I was working with requesting information on cancellation. I received no reply, forgot about it for a while, and then noticed I was still being charged. I followed up and was told my email "was not in his inbox": out of the 48 messages I exchanged with CAC over the course of my membership, the only email that supposedly went missing was the one that the salesman could earn commission by deleting. Management did not resolve the problem, but rather cited the contract to the effect that the only way to cancel was in person or via certified mail---ceasing to use the service and asking to cancel via the same means you communicate with them the rest of the time is not enough. Since cancellation requests delivered in person can be "lost" just like email (and in fact I had just that experience with a previous gym), I can only recommend that anyone wishing to cancel with CAC either insist on a cancellation receipt on the spot or send their notice via certified mail. Since certified mail doesn't make a record of the contents of the envelope, you may also wish to get a notarized file copy, and you'll certainly want to insist on a timely written acknowledgement. Edit in response to Josh: When a customer tells you they've tried to cancel, and you can see that they haven't taken advantage of your services, you know that you've taken money for nothing, and against the customer's will. Is that a good business situation or a bad one? If your answer turns upon whether the customer has legal recourse, that tells me very clearly what kind of gym CAC is. read more

I'm sorry. I really tried. I was a member here for over a year. I really like the staff (Jeff is a rockstar and knows almost everybody by name and is super nice). Mike was a great trainer as well. Buutttt, unfortunately, I struggled with the actual gym. The locker rooms are covered in carpet which is just a breeding ground for germs. I've seen bugs in the showers. It floods when it rains. The nautilus room got moved into the free weight room, so ladies you'll have to share with the smelly dudes. That said, if you are looking for a treadmill or a decent spinning class, it got the job done. read more

I love this gym. Please please please please stop showing cable news (CNN, Fox, MSNBC) on the TVs. People come to the gym to destress. These networks are completely toxic and anathema to the concept of good health. Please consider doing this. I promise you the patrons would rather not watch CNN when they're trying to do shoulder presses. read more

Coneniently located nearby local bus and train routes the CAC is in a prime location nestled near Boston just over the Longfellow bridge in Cambridge. Perfect for me because I go to school at Suffolk University and their gym is basically nonexistent. Everyone working here is super nice, from the desk clerks to the trainers to the cleaning staff. The equipment is cutting edge with excercise bikes that put you in a virtual race and enable you to steer like a video game. Even on busy days for the CAC its not too crowded. My favorite thing about the CAC is the people that come here and the environment it creates. People are willing to lend a hand if you need a spot and are patient if they want to use a machine that's in use. Places like Planet Fitness call themselves the "judgement free zone" but CAC manages to be this without even trying- and the result is that much better. I come here to play basketball, workout, and practice Tang Soo Do (martial arts). B ball is a good time, playing pickup games. There's a league that people seem to love if you're into basketball- you should look into it. The court is small but there's a cool upsairs viewing level. Raquetball is a big thing here but I haven't gotten a chance to try it yet. People seem to really enjoy it. Tang Soo Do classes are taught by Master Klacko, a very knowledgeable and skilled teacher. If you've ever felt a desire to learn martial arts this is a great place to learn. Class size is small and you get a lot of attention because there are almost 10 black belts that come to this dojang. I've learned new stretches that put me in top shape and a lot of moves that will knock you off your feet. Its also cool because you learn how to use weapons! When im not hitting myself with the staff I have it spinning around my body with just a few lessons. The classes are fast paced but fun and we all have a good time together. The mens locker room is clean enough. Its definetly not that bad but it does smell like a locker room. Go figure? If I were to be extra critical I would say that the locker room needs improvement but I'm in and out and spending time upstairs in the excellent facilities. It is well worth the price it costs to be a member of this fantastic organization and I'm so happy that I found it I wanted to share it with others. BRAVO CAC!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! read more

Staff is very sparse, and few of them know about the equipment. The screens on the treadmill don't turn off, so great if you enjoy ads. The locker room reminds me of my freshman year dorm. read more

The gym offers free Zumba classes and a lot of free passes to check out the club. The club itself is like a sad basement. The locker rooms are small and old looking and looks unsafe. I like the women's only section of the gym which is a nice touch. There is also racquetball if you are into that. The cardio and weight area seem cramped. The carpet is a sad gray. I wish they were brighter since there aren't any windows. The Zumba class was fun and the instructor had a lot of energy. He was slightly late, but made up for it since my friend, Elizabeth D., said we burned 423 calories or so!!! read more

I have been a member of several Health Clubs throughout the Boston area, and I must say CAC is the best, hands down. I was a fan of the club when I first joined over 5 years ago, and it just keeps getting better! My personal favorite improvements this year include: -A New Yoga/Pilates studio *All classes are free for members. This means no more stressing out over the cost of my yoga classes, which I must say was counterproductive. -A Women's only fitness/weight lifting area, where my 5lb weights and I don't feel self-conscious -Brand new cardio equipment to help me get through my indoor winter runs What hasn't changed over these past 5 years? The free parking, the great, laid back atmosphere and more importantly the prices! read more

I recently moved to the Boston area, and naturally wanted to join a gym ASAP because I have always been a fitness fanatic. The moment I walked into the CAC, I knew this gym was for me. The front desk staff, membership directors and fitness directors make you feel right at home (or at gym, shall I say) instantly! Seriously, everyone here is always happy, in a good mood and ready to help! I particularly enjoy the spacious workout area (3 Floors!), clean facilities and extensive variety of class options. Forrest Yoga with Rimi, Spinning with Kim and Seth, and Muscle Conditioning are a few of my favorites, because they are original and the instructors really challenge you, in a good way of course. If you come to the gym in the afternoon, you feel like you are the only one here because you'll basically have the gym to yourself...that's just how large the area is! I love coming in at that time, hopping on an elliptical or lifting some free weights and just getting into my "zone," not being bothered by any distractions. While afternoon is by far the best time to go (think: lunch hour at work), I've never felt like it's been been overcrowded since I've joined, even after work hours. One more fabulous plus: the CAC offers FREE parking (which is super hard to find in Boston!) I recommend the CAC to anyone who works or lives in the area. . . it's definitely worth taking a look! read more