The Best Gyms in the Boston Area (Top 5 Ranked!)
by DEXA SCAN Boston
The Best Gyms in the Boston Area (Top 5 Ranked)
Introduction
Home to the Red Sox, an abundance of parks, and the Boston Marathon, it’s no surprise that Boston has a vibrant fitness culture. The city’s active and health-focused population makes it easy for anyone to get involved. One of the most popular ways people have been doing so is by taking advantage of the wide variety of gyms!
Choosing the right gym can seem like a daunting task, especially with all the options Boston has to offer. However, finding the right fit is essential to stay motivated on your health journey. We’ve helped you narrow down some options by highlighting what we believe are the top 5 gyms in the Boston area.
Our rankings are based on the criteria of convenience, facilities and equipment, classes and programs, community, and cost/value. We hope this helps you get started on finding the right gym to knock your fitness goals out of the park!
First Guess Fitness
30 Court Square, Boston, MA 02108
Our ranking: 93/100
Breakdown by criteria:
Convenience - 18/20
Facilities and Equipment - 17/20
Classes and Programs - 18/20
Support and Community - 20/20
Cost and Value - 20/20
First Guess Fitness is a semi-private gym that is great for anyone looking for personal training! This gym is located in downtown Boston, which is a convenient option for many working and living in the city. The facility is small but the equipment is in excellent condition. This is reflective of the specialization in small group strength training. While there are not a variety of classes available, the program they offer caters to different goals and experience levels.
The classes are held in a 5:1 ratio of client to trainer, allowing for more individualized coaching. Personal trainers Justin and Patrick have 20+ years of experience providing safe, fun, and effective strength training. Clients often highlight how supportive and welcoming they make the space feel in their multitude of positive reviews.
For a complimentary workout, send them a message on their website (firstguessfitness.com)
Membership costs are as low as $45/session, which is a great value compared to the cost of other personal training gyms in the Boston area. If you’re looking for a great community feel coupled with expert coaching, this gym is sure to be a perfect match!
2. Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women
441 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116
35 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
325 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
Our ranking: 92/100
Breakdown by criteria:
Convenience - 18/20
Facilities and Equipment - 19/20
Classes and Programs -18/20
Support and Community - 19/20
Cost and Value - 18/20
Looking for a community based on women supporting women? Healthworks gym could be a great fit for you! This women-centered gym has 3 locations in the Boston area including Back Bay, Coolidge Corner, and Cambridge. Although many are also willing to travel a bit further for what this gym has to offer. With spa amenities, theragun services, state of the art equipment, saunas, studios, and more you won’t be left disappointed!
In addition, a variety of group classes are offered at Healthworks ranging from beginner to advanced. These classes consist of several different activities including boxing, cycle, dance, and stretching. Personal training and post / prenatal training opportunities are available to members as well. Having such a diversity of options demonstrates how this gym strives to create a community of support for women.
A healthworks membership typically costs $40-53 every other week, although this does vary depending on the type of membership. This makes Healthworks a great value for all they have to offer!
3. Equinox
4 Avery St, Boston, MA 02111
27 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
225 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110
131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116
200 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Our ranking: 90/100
Breakdown by criteria:
Convenience - 20/20
Facilities and Equipment - 20/20
Classes and Programs - 20/20
Support and Community - 18/20
Cost and Value - 12/20
Equinox is a well-known gym in the Boston area with 5 convenient locations to choose from. Each gym has an abundance of luxury amenities, making going here feel more like a 5 star resort experience than a dreaded workout. Some examples of these amenities include a full on-site spa, childcare, an indoor lap pool, saunas, a precision run lab, a pilates studio, and more.
In addition to high-end facilities, each gym offers their members unlimited workout classes from the industry’s best. They have a variety of options from boxing to yoga to pilates, so you are bound to find an activity you enjoy. If a group setting isn’t your thing, they also have one on one coaching that prioritizes full health optimization through a data driven system.
With so much to offer, the membership price does reflect this luxury ranging from $300 to $400 a month. However, if you are able to invest a bit more into your fitness this gym may be a great option for you!
4. Elevate Fitness
561 Boylston St Floor 3, Boston, MA 02116
Our ranking: 88/100
Breakdown by criteria:
Convenience - 16/20
Facilities and Equipment - 16/20
Classes and Programs - 20/20
Support and Community - 20/20
Cost and Value- 16/20
If you are looking for a gym that prioritizes having a supportive community, Elevate Fitness may be a great option for you! This local gym can be found in a gorgeous building in Copley Square. While this gym doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other options, members enjoy the private feel of the smaller space. The equipment is clean and of good quality, with a friendly staff that is often raved about in reviews.
The real highlight of this gym lies in the group classes and personal training. A variety of classes are offered no matter what fitness level you are looking for. Personal training is also available for an additional fee, with each trainer having completed their education from the American Academy of Personal Training.
There are several membership options available, with the all inclusive membership coming in to be around $160 a month. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable staff that’s able to provide a bit more guidance and a small close-knit community, this gym is the perfect choice!
5. Lynx Fitness Club
64 Arlington St, Boston, MA 02116
Our ranking: 86/100
Breakdown by criteria:
Convenience - 16/20
Facilities and Equipment - 20/20
Classes and Programs - 18/20
Support and Community - 16/20
Cost and Value - 16/20
Lynx fitness club is a gym that brings luxury fitness to the everyday individual. Located in the Hilton Park Plaza, this option may be most convenient for those living or working near the Back Bay area.
A wide range of state of the art equipment is readily available to each member of this gym. Peloton bikes, saunas, a large turf area, and an indoor full swing golf suite leave members excited to go back. Personal training and a variety of fitness classes are available as well including yoga, boxing, strength training and more.
There are several membership options catered to your own personal interests. The fitness only membership is $189 a month, while a fitness and golf membership is $299 a month. With a multitude of 5 star reviews and a rating of the best fitness club by Boston magazine, this gym comes highly recommended!
Conclusion
Finding a gym that is the best fit for you can be a game changer for your fitness journey, and Boston is the place to be with a variety of amazing options. Whether you’re looking for luxury facilities, diverse fitness classes, a supportive community, or specific amenities, the 5 gyms we’ve highlighted are sure to have something for everyone. Whichever you choose, on this list or not, it’s important to find an option that best fits your personal lifestyle and fitness goals.
We hope this guide has helped make your search a bit easier! Stay active Boston!
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