I have to admit that I was a little scared about going here with some co-workers, mostly because I…read moredidn't know what to expect. I was picturing a gym full of meat heads I guess, which is not my scene at all. This place is further from that picture than you could ever get. The atmosphere of the place is actually very chill/relaxing. It's a big open space with tons of interesting looking equipment. Josh is probably the most friendly and welcoming guy you could ever meet. We even talked running a bit, and he is full of helpful information! The class we took, Sweat Shop, was not at all what I was expecting. Josh makes the workout not only interesting, but fun and I got to use some of that interesting looking equipment. I had never used kettleballs or weighted bats (not sure what they are really called) before! I left a little sweaty, feeling like I had a very good workout, and I had fun on top of it. I'm a little sore the day after, which my body knows it means I had a great workout that was a full body workout! It's way better than the typical gym circut where you just go from dull machine to dull machine. I will defintely be coming back for more classes at Gymnasium. I'm paticularly interested in Yogabells and the fencing classes.

It's a few minutes before my first class and I am nervous. I hear a cool 80's song as I open the…read moredoor. Immediately I am greeted by the owner, Josh Conway. I see him peering over a desk flanked by tall plants, smiling at me. It looks like he is briefing one of his coaches for the upcoming class. I take off my shoes, briefly speak with him and then proceed to the changing room. I noticed behind him was a lighted library of books ranging from Chinese breathing techniques to the history of European sword fighting. What a nice collection of varied interests I thought. As I grab a cup of water from the bubbler Josh informs me that although optional, I needn't to keep my socks on for the workout --part of the strength training involves training the feet, naturally. As I stretch out before class I see an older couple finishing up their kettle bell routine. They chalk up their personal best on one of the chalkboards on the wall. I see that one chalkboard is filled with quotations, comments and words of encouragement written by various members. Another board describes what 'theme' it is for the day. 'Stamina.' Today's theme is stamina I thought. Yesterday was 'Power.' Tomorrow is 'Strength.' The couple comes over and says hello to me and we introduce ourselves. This is pretty cool I thought. As I look around I see that Gymnasium is a nicely designed, large two section studio with cozy lighting, wooden floors, floor to ceiling mirrors along one wall and a huge Gymnasium logo emblazoned against another. Thick and heavy ropes hang from the ceiling, next to a row of pull-up bars. There are many tires stacked like a wall in one corner. A large variety of kettlebells and Indian Clubs line the back wall. There are also hurdles, metal stands, rope, straps, foam bricks, sandbags, fitness ladders, a peg climb and many other tools for circuit use. Intimidated, but curious. A coach comes over to me, extends a hand and says hello to me. 'Hello, my name is Marlon" I reply. 'My first day here.' Several more members fill the room as the clock winds to 5pm. The coach instructs us to get into a circle. The mild chatter quiets down as the coach-led group begins with a twisting and breathing exercise as 'Simple Minds' softly gets us into the mood over the gym's sound system. It's been a hair over two months since I've joined Gymnasium. I clocked in at 228 pounds the day I signed up. Today I am 202 pounds. I can't believe it. Twice the results, half the time. At first I was skeptical because there weren't any 45 pound plates, barbells and ellipticals which are usual staple found at regular gyms. At the risk of sounding cliché, this isn't a regular gym. After a few workouts I found myself crawling on all fours, doing planks, swinging kettlebells, hurling sandbags and performing an endless variety of floor work. The exercises are always changing weekly too. No chance for my muscles to become accustomed to anything. What is key, is that since the classes are small you get a lot of attention from the coach. There are always two or three alternatives to each type of exercise. An experienced member might perform a more difficult version of a pushup exercise while a new member might do them inclined along a wall. Gymnasium recognizes that each person is different. Another thing which is cool is that the community at Gymnasium is very fun, social and lively. There are tables and couches to sit and read from the library, sip tea or coffee which Gymnasium provides, or just to hang out. Josh organizes many other fun events such as evening runs, a variety of seminars, kettlebell challenges and a 60 Day Food Challenge in which I am currently involved. There is a great deal of personalization and interaction which is seldom if ever found at other gyms. I am simply flabbergasted as to why I don't see a lot more people doing natural movement exercises like the kind found at Gymnasium. However, I do know that this style of training is increasing in popularity. Also this type of training isn't as 'sexy' as pushing 10 pound plates on a machine. But for the record, given by my results I would never step back into a 'regular' gym--not if being strong and balanced, moving optimally and losing weight was my goal. 2/25/13 Sincerely, Marlon V

I took the suggested beginner class, Reformer Fundamentals, at this location. Plenty of parking…read morewhich was fantastic. The studio's waiting area is small but once you walk into the class space it really opens up. This location has different machines than the Watertown location. I took Reformer Fundamentals with Becca and she was absolutely fantastic. Welcoming, Kind, she gave great instructions and showed examples.

I love this place! I do Pilates at Boston Body's Newtonville location and I just had to try the…read morenew Barre studio in West Newton since they are right down the street from eachother and my house. WOW is this location beautiful. Biggest Barre room I have ever seen. This studio is so spaceous and clean. I just took the 9:15 Class and I had to come on yelp to report how fun it was and what a great workout! I feel like my butt is lifting already! If you live in the area give Boston Body Barre a try it is a wonderful experience and I cannot wait to go back next week!

Personal training, classes and nutrition management offered here. The personal training sessions…read moreare great. Jan Weizel, the proprietrix, is fantastic. Her excercise programs are focused on your goals and interests. I want my core to become hardcore. We spend a lot of time working all my major muscle groups in a way that always keeps the core working while doing direct core strength building. On a personal note, Jan is very cool, encouraging and funny. Her training sessions are a great deal at $40 an hour. If you want to loose weight or get fit, this is your place to go.

Jan Weizel got me moving again! And, it wasn't easy... After 10 years of care giving and having a…read morebaby, I was in chronic pain and could not maintain my old exercise habits. I went to Jan one day a week to hopefully strengthen my back and lower the pain level in my body. Not only am I stronger today, but I just completed my third year participating in a triathlon (which I had never done in my life) and I owe that to Jan! Personal training, group classes and nutrition management from a women who knows her business inside and out. She is funny and full of energetic encouragement. Exercises are core-based, but drenched in total body movement. A wonderful workout that seems simple and yet is so detailed and result oriented. Jan works with you and your body's needs. At Jan's studio, it really is All About YOU!

Michael is so great! Super professional and friendly. Meets you where you are. It's a very woman…read morefriendly place. It's catered to all ages and abilities. The schedule is flexible and accessible. I highly recommend!

The best place to learn to lift and get strong!!! Unlike any other gym in the area. The coaches are…read moreextremely knowledgeable, professional and encouraging - they will teach you the basic barbell lifts properly and set you up for a lifetime of safe strength training. Although the equipment is top notch - I've never seen so many squat racks and barbells in a gym before - what makes this place truly exceptional is it's staff. They will get you stronger, I have been here for over two months and seen the numbers on my squat, deadlift, bench and press nearly double. I highly recommend this place to anyone of any age who is looking to improve their strength, health and well-being.

I love FT now. Me and my husband really appreciate John the manager of FT and have enjoyed the…read moreyoung trainers they have brought in. They all keep us on task and have us moving regularly and I value that more than anything. Couples who sweat together stick together. We are both in our 70s and I suggest to my clients as a therapist that one of the biggest fountains of youth is never stop moving. Everytime I go in there I feel like they're family. I recommend this place for anyone who needs an appointment or they won't go to the gym.

My wife and I have become regulars here. We love our trainers Tammy, and Ryan who sometimes covers…read morewhen she is away. The workouts are challenging but designed for our 60+ year old bodies. We have fun, and are gaining strength and losing weight much faster than we ever thought we could. Always something new to test us, so we are never bored. Thanks guys, you are the best.

Amazing place for PT. Very clean - friendly and professional. I love that they focus on the whole…read morebody and getting you back into shape after a surgery - not just focusing on one part of you. Great atmosphere - never crazy crowded. Just the perfect amount of friendly support and therapy. I highly recommend Train Boston for knee recovery after replacement.

I have seen Joe, Chris and Jesse for personal training and I have been very impressed and pleased…read morewith each of them. The facility is clean and the entire staff is professional. The trainers are very knowledgable, understanding of my goals and ability & encourage me to push myself. The trainers make me feel confident and, most importantly, safe that I'm not going to injure myself as I know they are focusing on my form and technique. I would highly recommend Train Boston!

Studio offers both in-studio and virtual sessions as of 10/6/2020. I really missed the reformer and…read morethe Gyrotonic pulley tower. I'm so glad I can be in her studio again. Mara put a lot of effort to reorganize the studio to make sure everyone is safe. All fellow students were really respectful.

I've been so pleased with Mara's studio and her associates--I've worked out here for about 3 years…read more I'm stronger and more flexible than ever! Mara is very careful about my creaky back, yet gives me challenging and a variety of workouts. Yes, the studio is small, but it is carefully designed. I never have trouble focusing on my workout. And I like there's plenty of free parking behind her building, and that Mara reminds me about each session the day before we're to meet. Highly recommended!

I met with Brian and he showed me around this facility. It seems really nice very clean very well…read moreorganized. I like how everything has a little niche, and it's humongous! The only reason why I had to turn it away is because the few things that I like to do with the gym, they do not offer. I would still recommend. The price is a little bit pricier than the competition, and they do charge an extra $25 to use the pool that you also have to make reservations for. They do offer classes and personal trainer services. I didn't get the cost, but I can't imagine it being more than competitors. Thank Brian , good job!!!

I went to Waverley Oaks Athletic Club for a little over a year and really loved it. I had a family…read moreplan which makes the price much more reasonable. I loved the included classes and the variety of classes. I just couldn't make the class times work for my with my work schedule anymore. The space was clean and the front desk staff was helpful. They have a locker room with a sauna, three workout class spaces. I wish they had a track for running and walking somehow.