Top 5 must-have gym memberships in Boston

Overall, one of the first things to do when you move to a new city is to check out the local fitness options. It’s a great way to maintain a healthy regime and find a community of people to connect with. If a fresh start in a new city goes hand in hand with a new fitness goal, now’s the time to get signed up to a gym.

Fitness is often referred to as self-care for busy professionals. It’s a positive way to keep both your physical and mental health in check, as well as being a sure-fire confidence booster.

All in all, the best gyms and memberships in Boston offer many ways to get fit.

So whether you’re looking to start Pilates or yoga, work out in a traditional gym or take some functional fitness classes, Boston has it all.

How to incorporate fitness into a short stay

It’s still possible to work out when you’re on the move, at home, or around the city when you’re on a short stay. Boston has many beautiful public parks and gardens like Boston Common, where you can jog and get active outside.

Also, outdoor fitness classes that are pay-as-you-go, like the free outdoor fitness series Seaport Sweat on Seaport Common.

You can even work out where you live if you opt to stay in a monthly rental apartment with on-site fitness facilities. Many of Blueground’s beautiful rentals in Boston feature on-site fitness centers and pools, ideal for a home gym workout, in or out of the water.

Or, for example, set up a routine for yourself that you can practice in your apartment, following an online program, or training with a fitness app.

Where to work out in Boston

From zen-like and luxurious studio spaces to small group training facilities and budget gyms, here are five of the best gyms and memberships available in Boston.

Exhale

If you like the sound of mixing more spiritual forms of fitness with a spa-like experience look no further than Exhale.

Above all, located in the upmarket Back Bay neighborhood, this combination of fitness studio and spa focuses on wellbeing. They offer class-based fitness, with a schedule full of options like barre, and themed yoga or cardio classes.

Choose from chill yoga, flow yoga, or power yoga, soundtracked by the vibe of the class.

Or cardio blast, HIIT, and cycle classes.

On the spa side, there are Zen-inspired therapy rooms, a steam room, and a mani-pedi bar. If you want to chill out with your other half, there is a couple’s therapy room onsite.

As a member, you can enjoy the fitness and spa facilities with the ‘month-to-month fitness and spa membership’.

Also, for a minimum commitment of two months, the $200 monthly membership includes one spa therapy and four monthly fitness classes.

Equinox

Equinox is a well-known gym luxury fitness franchise that has a clean, and spacious branch, centrally located in vibrant Chinatown. A great option for all-around fitness, you can use amenities like squash courts, a full-sized basketball court, and a 25-yard swimming pool.

Along with a wide range of high-quality gym equipment.

Plus a variety of workout classes in the ‘Mind Body’ and ‘Boxing’ studios. The workout areas come with spectacular city views, and a rooftop overlooking Boston Common. Post-workout you can refuel at the beautiful juice bar and eat at the gym’s healthy Blu restaurant.

It’ also easy to refresh here in the modern shower areas that include mouthwash and products by Kiehl’s.

As well as a hair salon and spa onsite. The popular ‘Sports Boston Membership’ for $215 a month offers access to all the classes and amenities.

Boston Body

The saying goes you can get a brand new body in 30 days with Pilates, so why not give it a go at Boston Body. The instructors at this bright boutique studio on Newbury Street are known to be highly trained and cultivate a good rapport with class attendees.

The small-sized Pilates classes, which all lengthen and strengthen, are available on the reformer, on the mat or on the barre. Drop in classes can be pricey, ($45 for a reformer class) so the punch cards are a great cost-saving option here.

All in all, online promos include saving $30 on class cards, such as blocks of twenty ($349) for barre or mat based classes.

Or intro offers like three classes for $45. To seriously commit to the practice of Pilates try the monthly ‘Unlimited Everything’ membership at $225.00.  

Ethos

Expert trainers, small group training and membership activities foster a real sense of community at Ethos in the buzzing South End neighborhood. The classes here change weekly, with a new focus each month to shake things up.

Attentive trainers are always on hand here to modify your moves and make adjustments so that performance improves.

Small group training classes have a maximum of eight participants, suitable for newcomers and experienced gym bunnies alike.

Pick from the classes focused on strengthening the body, conditioning the body, or ‘kinstretch’ movements. The informative and fun memberships activities include educational nutrition classes, trivia nights and bowling outings. You can sign up for a 6-month unlimited small group training membership at Ethos for $300.

Alternatively, for shorter stays, you can purchase a twenty class pack for $520.

Gymit

If you’re looking for a great value gym in Boston, try Gymit, who offer regular monthly membership starting from $5.25 per week.

Overall, the gym is located in Allston neighborhood next to the Charles River.

Here, perks include long opening hours, stretching to twenty-four hours on weekdays. Their simple but effective fitness-focused amenities include high-quality cardio equipment, three strength training areas, and modern locker rooms with showers.

They also offer boot camp style classes and semi-private training, working with top trainers in a small group atmosphere. One can benefit from their simple membership pricing with ‘no contracts, no sales reps, and no-hassle’. It really is straight to the point here.

For $6.95 per week, you can become an ‘elite’ member with unlimited classes, free weekend guest access, and hydro massages.