How to Stay Healthy in Back Bay
Use our healthy neighborhood guide to Back Bay to learn where to work out, grab some grub, and get some fresh air in one of Boston's busiest neighborhoods.
Copley Square by Bill Damon on Flickr/Creative Commons
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do, places to see, and spots to dine in the Back Bay. Whether you’re cozying up with a good book at the Public Library or strolling down Newbury searching for a sparkly new get-up, you’ve got options. And for all you health-nuts looking for a sweat after work or a fast-casual joint to snag a healthy grain bowl, you’ve got options for that too. We rounded up some of our favorite spots in the Back Bay to make sure you aren’t derailing your fitness routine. We all live busy lives, so whether you live here, work here, or are just passing through—snag a workout, a salad, or some fresh air at one of these seven spots that call Back Bay home.
Where to Work Out
Barry’s at the Street in Chestnut Hill / Mike Diskin
Barry’s Bootcamp: Pairing treadmill intervals with strength training moves, this workout will be your best bang for your buck. The Back Bay location just opened in May and is the largest of the Boston studios at 5,000 square feet—it can accommodate 50 participants at a time. Hopefully that means no dreaded waitlists. Classes are distinguished by what body part will be worked (chest, arms, and abs/butt and legs/full body) and rotate daily so you’ll be able to manage your soreness levels. Before class starts, put in your order for a protein-packed smoothie and it will be ready for you when you leave—after a shower and freshen-up in their luxurious locker rooms, of course. 455 Stuart St., Boston, 857-317-4826, barrysbootcamp.com.
YogaWorks/Photo provided
Yogaworks: This studio can be a little hard to find—it’s just past Globe bar on Boylston, and up a couple flights of stairs—but just be sure to follow the girls clad in lululemon and Booty by Brabants leggings slinging yoga mats over their shoulders. Not a seasoned yogi? Don’t worry. The studio offers seven days of unlimited free yoga so you can try a plethora of different classes ranging from vinyasa to slow flow and even black light yoga. For a real change of pace, drop in for a hip-hop yoga class for a fast-paced, 75-minute flow set to hip-hop beats. 346 Boylston St., Boston, 617-375-9642, yogaworks.com.
Lynx Fitness Club: Looking for a gym to catch a lift or maybe take a few practice swings before heading out to hit 18 holes? Lynx Fitness Club is your place (and your 2018 fitness club winner for Best of Boston). Sporting a large turf area with enough room to stretch out and not be on top of someone else and squat racks galore, the space ensures that you won’t be awkwardly hovering over someone to snag the next turn on a piece of equipment. Their Topgolf Swing Suite is the only one of its kind in the New England area and they even have three Peloton bikes. Right off Arlington street, pop in for a floor WOD (workout of the day), yoga class, or sign up for a one-on-one session with a trainer. Oh, and they’ve also got a little star power going for them—word on the street is this is gymnast Nastia Liukin’s favorite place to sweat. 64 Arlington St., Boston, 857-990-3785, lynxfitnessclub.com.
Where to Eat
A spread at Cava/Photo provided
Cava: Now you don’t have to trek to Dedham, Hingham, or Fenway to get your Mediterranean fix. Opening in Back Bay earlier this month, Cava was welcomed with open arms as the fast-casual joint prepares bowls and pitas chock full of greens, hummus, and proteins of your choosing. The food is completely customizable to your palate. And no matter what toppings you reach for among their speciality dips and spreads, you can rest easy knowing they don’t contain any artificial additives or preservatives. 669 Boylston St., Boston, 617-286-8927, cava.com.
Snappy Sushi: Looking for a place to grab dinner on a Friday night, but avoiding the pizza bloat and hamburger food-baby? Opt for this sushi haven on Newbury Street. Normally wrapped in sticky white rice, sushi can be a calorie bomb, and a sugar spike waiting to happen. Instead of white rice, Snappy’s sushi is made with Koshihikari brown rice, which is partially milled, meaning it’s less processed and better for you. With plenty of fresh vegetable options a commitment to using fresh-local ingredients when possible, Snappy Sushi ensures you can make wise dining decisions while still getting the taste and experience you’re looking for during your weekend dining. 108 Newbury St., Boston, 617-262-4530, snappysushi.com.
Jugos: Ever wonder why it smells like bananas when you get off the T at Back Bay? It’s that little stand on Dartmouth serving up fresh juice, acai bowls, and sandwiches to commuters and passersby. We all know the importance of breakfast, but if you have rowdy kids and a really jam-packed morning (maybe getting in that workout?) we understand the need for something quick and on-the-go. Don’t sacrifice your satiety and risk the 10 a.m. hanger pains—grab a Café con Leche made with coffee, cashew milk, sea salt, caña, and cinnamon and a toastada topped with almond butter, berries, apple, and maple local syrup for the ultimate morning pick-me-up. 145 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-418-9879, visitjugos.com.
Where to Get Some Fresh Air
Photo by Connor Sumner. Public Garden.
Commonwealth Avenue Mall or the Public Garden: There’s something to be said for getting outside and re-convening with nature, sunlight, and a little physical activity. On your lunch break, or walk home, spend a couple extra minutes getting some steps in along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall or a few laps around the Public Garden. Watch the dog walkers that frequent the paths and the ducks and swan boats in the garden. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day. If you’re feeling real ambitious, take your morning run along the mall and head through the garden all the way to the Common and double back just in time for your first meeting of the day.
