As promised in my previous article, *hyperlink* Surviving Freshmen Year 101, I’m going to help you all combat the menacing “freshman 15” by laying out the spectacular gym options in the Boston area.
But first, let’s talk about why you should work out! There are many benefits to exercising, such as, weight control, combating health conditions and diseases, boosting energy, improving mood, enhancing stamina, promoting better sleep, improving learning, putting a spark back into your sex life, building self-esteem and a more positive body image, and fighting stress, just to name a few.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the fitness centers, health clubs, and gyms that Boston has to offer:
Fitcorp
1 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 248-9797
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Friday 5:30AM – 9:00PM
• Saturday 8:00AM – 6:00PM
• Sunday 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Amenities:
• Locker Rooms
• Massage Therapy
• Group Fitness
• Nutritional Counseling
• Towels
• Physical Therapy
• Personal Training
Classes:
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Spinning
• Cardio/Strength Training
Student Rate: $59.00/month plus enrollment fee
Equinox Boston
131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 578-8918
225 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110
(617) 426-2140
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Thursday 5:30AM – 10:00PM
• Friday 5:30AM – 8:00PM
• Saturday 8:00AM – 4:00PM
• Sunday closed
Amenities:
• Personal Training
• Locker Rooms
• Wifi
• Juice Bar
• Laundry Service
• Steam Room/Sauna
• Equifit
• Spa
Classes:
• Yoga
• Cycling
• Martial Arts
• Dance
• Pilates
• Conditioning and Cardio class
Rate: $151.00/month plus enrollment fee
Women’s Fitness of Boston
27 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-1221
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Friday 6:30AM – 8:00PM
• Saturday 9:00AM – 1:00PM
• Sunday closed
Amenities:
• Personal Training
• Group Exercise Classes
• Locker Room
• Towel Service
• Tanning
• Wifi
Classes:
• Zumba
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Spinning
• Tae Boxing
• Strength training
Student Rate: $39.99/month plus enrollment fee
Planet Fitness
28 State Street, Boston, MA 02108 (City Hall Plaza)
(617) 248-3877
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Friday 6:00AM – 9:00PM
• Saturday 9:00AM – 6:00PM
• Sunday 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Amenities:
• Tanning
• Fitness Training
• Pizza Nights
• Guest Privileges
Rate: $19.99/month PF Black Card or $10.00/month Regular
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Beacon Hill Athletic Club
3 Hancock Street, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 367-2422
North End: 85 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-0055
North Station: 261 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 720-2422
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Thursday 6:00AM – 10:00PM
• Friday 6:00AM – 9:00PM
• Saturday – Sunday 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Amenities:
• Locker Room
• Tanning
• Sauna
• Towel Service
• Group Exercise Classes
Classes:
• Total Strength
• Sculpt
• Zumba
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Cardio Kickboxing
• Spinning
Student Rate: $29.00/month plus enrollment fee or $39.00/month, no fee
Sports Club/LA
4 Avery Street, Boston, MA 02111
(617) 375-8200
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Friday 5:30AM – 11:00PM
• Saturday – Sunday 7:00AM – 8:00PM
Amenities:
• Nutritional Counseling
• Fitness Classes
• Personal Training
• Spa
• Squash Courts
• Boxing studio
• Basketball Court
• Swimming Pool
• Locker Rooms
• Outdoor Roof Deck
Classes:
• Yoga
• Cardio Kickboxing
• Strength Training
• Dance
• Martial Arts
• Zen
• Step
• Rev
• Sculpt
• Bootcamp
Rate: $161.00/month plus student $75 enrollment fee, or $152.00/month for a yearlong membership
Boston Sports Club
505 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1189
Downtown Crossing 10 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 695-9944
Fenway 201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-7400
Government Center 1 Bulfinch Place, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 624-9600
Newbury 361 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 867-0100
South End 560 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 482-1266
South Station 695 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02111
(617) 428-3622
Hours of Operation: Vary by location
Amenities:
• Massage
• Locker Rooms
• Towel Service
• Fitness Classes
Classes:
• Zumba
• Pilates
• Boot camp
• Ultimate Conditioning
• Step
• Cardio Kickboxing
• Yoga
• Spinning
Rate: $59.00/month plus enrollment fee
Huntington Ave YMCA
316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 536-7800
Hours of Operation:
• Monday – Thursday 5:00AM – 11:00PM
• Friday 5:00AM – 9:00PM
• Saturday – Sunday 7:00Am – 7:00PM
Amenities:
• Locker Rooms
• Personal training
Classes:
• Zumba
• Yoga
• Cycling
• Total Body Conditioning
• Kick ‘n’ Sculpt
Rate: $31.00/month plus enrollment fee
Almost any gym will let you try it out for a day, or even a week at some places to see if their facilities will be the right fit for you – free of charge!
Essentially, exercise is the gateway to a healthier, happier lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, as a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, which includes at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, and strength training at least twice a week. Let’s get real, that’s not much to ask for, so join the get fit Boston movement, and start working out today!