If you reading this review because you are thinking of purchasing a BuyWithMe/Gilt City offer, I am…read morewriting this to save you $59. I purchased the same BuyWithMe voucher last winter at the same price, which rewarded me three 45 minute personal training sessions. I should have known by first glance that this was a bad idea. This gym is located in a depressing parking lot and it gets worse when you walk inside. This place is in serious disrepair. We're talking faded, chipped walls and random garbage left in corners. If Ben Affleck decides to make Gone Baby Gone 2, he'd be wise to shoot the movie here if he wants to capture how depressing Boston life can be. I'm no Nancy, that my was my mother's name, so I can overlook the decor. My main problem with this place was the owner/trainer Norm. Perhaps a decent human being, but this man should not be a personal trainer or businessman. My first session consisted mostly of hitting a tire with some oversized mallet (probably stolen from a county fair), some kettle bell dancing, and jumping jacks. After about 25 minutes, Norm declared our session over and invited me inside his office. Once seated, I felt like I was at Ernie Boch Honda and about to get screwed. Norm gave me the hard sell on signing up for more sessions beyond the three I purchased. He questioned my commitment to fitness and asked why I was even there. I politely brushed off these statements and I said I'd decide after the next or last session. During the second session, Norm and I did exactly the same basic exercises. I barely broke a sweat. There was one new thing though. At the end of our brief (yep 25 of 45 minutes) session, Norm told me he wanted to show me something "special," and declared I should get on my back. Norm lifted my right leg, straddled it with his right shoulder and leaned in. HEAVEN. I can't even put into the English, the sensations I felt . Norm said that was "The Norm Stretch." If you happen to be reading this review after you purchased the voucher, the pleasure of the "Norm Stretch" can help make up for the lost money. It's the only reason I'm giving this place one star instead of zero, besides the fact you can't give zero stars on Yelp. Again, instead of giving me the full 45 minute training session, nearly half of it was dedicated to sales pitch. All I wanted to do was schedule my third pre-paid session, but Norm was like a Willy Loman that wouldn't quit. He tried to appeal to my emotions, painting a visual picture of a thinner, more muscular Nat, jet skiing on the Charles River with a few Harvard Hotties on my side. After that failed, he tried the insult route, saying the fact I wasn't signing up for more sessions (beyond the deal) was a sign I was not ready for fitness. He also added maybe I don't deserve fitness. While I should have been terribly offended, it was obvious Norm just did not want me to come for my third, pre-paid session. In the end, I decided to grant Norm's wish. There would be no third session, and of course no fourth or fifth. If Norm focused on the quality of his training sessions versus signing me up for a long term commitment, maybe I would have bought more. In the end, $60 for a regular price "45" minute session is just way too much to pay someone when the only value Trainer Norm offered was counting my jumping jacks for me.

I really let my health fall apart towards the end of college, and I'd never really done a proper…read morephysical training program. So I decided that some expert assistance was in order and, after shopping around, started training sessions at Fitness Together. Within a year, I'd lost that senior-year weight gain, built more muscle than I'd ever had before, brought my cardiovascular fitness up into the healthy range, and learned a whole lot about exercise. The trainers at FT were great at providing expert advice, encouragement, and an exercise program well tuned to my goals. The only downside is that one-on-one training is accordingly expensive (though reasonably so, and FT seems to offer a lower price than some places that offer training as a supplemental service). And, of course, training can be no better than the effort you're willing to put into it. But if you have some funds to spare and want the best effort multiplier for your fitness program, personal training is the way to go and I'd highly recommend Fitness Together.

I had my new client introduction with Celia. When I expressed discomfort about providing an…read moreexcessive amount of personal information, she insisted. Later, she apologized, saying she understood I didn't want to share details "because ICE is snatching people off the streets." That comment was offensive and inappropriate, it felt like racial profiling. Having an accent or not being white does not mean I'm undocumented. I simply didn't want to provide unnecessary personal information.

TL;DR: I used to hate working out, but I now go to Pilates 3 days/week and have lost ~15 in 4…read moremonths. I love Pilates & this Pilates studio in particular. Diane owns the studio, and Amanda, Cilla, and Kate are the instructors. All of them are amazingly kind and supportive for any newbies looking to try Pilates. They're all STOTT trained, and they all love the work they do and really care about helping you advance. I had tried Pilates a few times before, and I hadn't been able to find a place in Boston that I liked. (I have tried two other studios in the area and left feeling miserable.) But all of the instructors here are so patient and helpful, taking time to talk with me and understand what I am trying to get out of these sessions, and I have seen a dramatic change in my body since I started in October. My upper back doesn't hurt any more; my leggings are loose; my body is stronger; my energy is up; and my mood is better. Before you can take any group classes, you have to do the intro private sessions (I think to make sure you don't injure yourself...which was, at least for me, so very possible lol). I started with once a week then progressed up to three times a week when I noticed how great I was feeling. I have continued with a mix of private and group classes, and I love it. I can not recommend FitLab enough. In fact, I recommend FitLab to everyone in my life--friends, colleagues, everyone lol. It has really changed my body, health, and life.

I'm a really big fan of Turnstyle. They actually recently merged with The Handle Bar, another spin…read morestudio in the area. This specific location is really convenient, as it's located fairly close to the Kendall Square T stop. I will say that I think the layout of some of the other local studios I've been to have been a bit better and felt more spacious, especially because the classes are usually pretty packed. From my experience, all the spin instructors have been great. The spin studio is dark and the music is loud. It's a very specific vibe, but I find it fun!

This studio is small and in a dingy basement, but the instructors work with it and generally…read moredeliver a solid class each time. 3 stars for: (-) *weights (especially the 3-pounders in the bin by the instructor's bike) are getting worn and nasty *BO, as others have mentioned *inconsistently good teachers (though it seems they've just turned over a lot in the last 6-8 months and it's evening out (in a good way) again) (+) *very accommodating staff *free shoe rental *generally good music/playlists

Good classes and instructors and staff are really nice. The rooms aren't very clean. The bathrooms…read moreare so gross! The same stall in the women's room has been out of order in months and the toilet paper stands are often broken. They have two locations. The one in kendall square is a lot less busy.

Great gym, but they will scam you when you try to cancel! Fill out a form to cancel my gym…read moremembership since I was moving away from gym. They said it never went through. Refused to give me a refund even when I contacted the same day I was charged. Don't leave the gym until you have proof you cancelled or they will rip you off. Horrible experience, why can't they just play nice with customers. I always recommended this gym to locals but I guess that wouldn't help anymore. Had to go to credit card company to dispute charges.

I've practiced Pilates at Upward Spiral Studio for ~3 years and I'm really grateful for the…read moreexperience. Amy guided me from the fundamentals and helped me develop much better body awareness--alignment, control, and understanding what my body needs instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all workout. She's especially good at making smart adjustments on the spot (modifications, cues, and small changes that make a big difference). The vibe is friendly and professional, scheduling has been smooth, and the space is clean and comfortable. If you're looking for Pilates that's thoughtful, sustainable, and tailored to your body, I'd strongly recommend this studio.

These guys are the real deal! Excellent teachers, as well as patient, kind and supportive. The…read morebenefits of Pilates are tremendous and the Upward Spiral instructors teach you how to do it right.

Helena is an amazing Pilates instructor, and the hands-down best masseuse I've ever had. After…read moreworking with her weekly for almost two years (whoa, time flew) she would still find new ways and methods of exercise. My regular practice with her was a big contributor to my physical and mental well being during some stressful periods that I was not otherwise taking good care of myself. I did duets with her as well as individual classes, and some of her workshops. Helena is kind, funny, and honest. There aren't many people I can start my day with at 7 AM, but she is one. She pushes you to stretch your limits but also encourages you to listen to your body, and watches your body and listens to you. She invests in her equipment and is constantly taking trainings and lessons with other instructors to improve and bring the best back to her clients. She does trigger point massage, which brings the pain and the results. You know that feeling after you chop off several inches of your hair, and your head feels like and you know you look amazing? MY WHOLE BODY FELT THAT WAY. It's uncomfortable but effective. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about Helena, both personally and professionally. I would be a lifelong client if not for a cross-country move.

Helena is incredibly knowledgeable, creative and supportive. Therefore, each session is tailored…read moreto you just as you are at that moment, to help you become the person you can be. I look forward to every session, knowing I will feel stronger and more functionally able. Helena challenges me and, with skill and encouragement, she helps me get stronger, more flexible, more agile, more self-confident in movement. This is very important to me, as a 71-year old, with 2 total knee replacements and a spinal chord injury, who has lots of bad habits from years of obesity and underuse in my relatively recent past. I live in Los Angeles, but am regularly in Cambridge where my new grandson and his parents live. I was blest to work with Helena for 6 weeks straight around when he was born. Now I can't wait to work with Helena whenever I am in town, she is amazing -- and has made a huge difference in my life.

I've been working out with Rome for about six months in group and personal training and have yet to…read morerepeat an exercise routine. I look forward to each workout because Rome is always mixing it up so you'll never be bored and always challenged. In group training, he manages to meet everyone's needs by modifying exercises for beginners and for those who need a challenge. After working out with Rome, I feel stronger, more fit, toned, and closer to reaching my fitness goals. If needed, he also gives nutritional advice. Rome Fitness is as good as it gets!

If you're looking for a great workout, look no further! I've been working out at Rome's Fitness for…read moreabout two years. In that time I've gained strength and endurance. He always challenges his clients and because of that I never get bored. I actually look forward to getting my butt kicked(metaphorically)! I always go for the group training classes, which is great, because in a group setting we encourage each other. We challenge each other. Thank you Rome's Fitness for keeping me motivated! -Ms. Settles

I tried out OTF at the start of 2020(I know...) to introduce some cardio into my workout routine,…read morewhich was yoga or pilates. I liked it and was planning to take ~3 classes a week. Then, Covid happened. I think they did offer some workouts via the app, but running in place in my living room was not something I would have gotten psyched for, so I canceled my membership. Fast forward to 2021 and I was getting my only bathroom fixed and would be without a shower at home for 2-3 months. I called this OTF to see if their showers were open, and they were -- and they were offering a reduced-rate 3-month special offer to bring back old members. No-brainer! Over maybe 5 months, I: -started running (and once clocked a 7:27 mile which is WILD for someone who was winded walking that thing in elementary school) -learned to like lifting weights (and getting muscle definition) -dropped two pant sizes without trying This location is spacious, friendly, and welcoming. The classes (which are the same at all locations) are challenging but customizable. Their motto is "more life" and I do feel the workouts set you up to be healthy in the long term. We've had a lot of coach turnover but OTF Assembly Row always lands 2-3 really solid coaches. You'll end up taking with the same ones if you keep the same schedule week to week. You might even follow each other on instagram and get to know each other as real people outside the studio -- at just the right level, so you feel the relationship is professional but they care about you as people. Shout out to Em, Dan, Jenn, and Shannon, who are the top coaches here right now. And to Amanda, Jordan, Maddie, Brit, Ryan, Lauren, and probably a ton more who I'm forgetting, who also brought the motivation and made these workouts fun and rewarding. I go about 6 days/week (so I don't kill myself each day haha) and it's a huge stabilizing part of my routine.

We had such an amazing time at Orangetheory during our most recent posture screening event! The…read moreteam was so welcoming, and it was clear they care deeply about the well-being and health of their members. A great place to get in a great workout and be a part of an awesome community!

I enjoy coming to this planet fitness. Location is super convenient, staff is very friendly, and it…read moreis always kept very clean compared to other locations. My only complaint is that it usually takes quite a while for broken equipment to be fixed.

All the stand-up aerobic machines have tv screens in front of your face. Not good if you like…read morelooking in the distance while exercising. Requested a call back from a manager to ask if they could remove the screen from one machine. No callback. Lame. So off I go to VIM fitness because although they're more expensive, they have a few ellipticals without screens. Ridiculous to have to spend more for the privilege of not having a tv in my face!

Shira is amazing! I took her TRE workshop and learned so much. She was personable, kind, patient,…read moreand extremely knowledgeable. The studio space itself is super accessible via public transport, cozy, warm, clean, and felt like a very safe space. I met some other people through my workshop who opened up to me, which has never happened at these types of workshop events or regular yoga classes that I take. Strongly recommend coming here and can't wait to return.

The Embody School is such a lovely community with focus on the deep practice of yoga (not only…read moremoving the body, though that aspect is great too, but breath and kindness to self and service and healing and...). I have taken restorative classes with Spira and flow with Loula; though very different pace and focus, both are excellent. (I'm sure other classes are also great - I just like my routine and haven't gotten to try them yet). I also love how welcoming the environment is and the focus on autonomy. Good stuff.