Treat Yourself at These Six Boston Gyms with Spa Perks

Locker rooms at Equinox Sports Club. / Photo provided

According to Boston fitness professionals, 2020 is the year of fitness recovery services and mindfulness. That means next time you put in work at the gym, it’s essential to find time to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether your version of self-care means slipping into a eucalyptus steam room after a tough barre workout, or scheduling in a deep-tissue massage after a spin class, these six Boston gyms are ready to pamper you. Here are the top spots for luxurious locker rooms and an unparalleled post-workout spa experience in the Metro Boston area.

Equinox Sports Club Boston

It’s no secret that when it comes to luxury gyms, Equinox is top-tier in Boston. But boutique fitness classes and exclusive equipment aside, part of what makes the gym so stellar is the indulgent spa. Enjoy a hydradermabrasion facial or a deep-tissue massage from a member of their expert team, or slide into the eucalyptus steam room to loosen joints and reduce stress. The best part? While you recuperate in the spa, kids can play under the supervision of experienced staff at the Kids Club.

4 Avery St., Boston, 617-375-02111, and others, equinox.com.

Photo provided

EverybodyFights Seaport

This industrial-chic boxing gym boasts a cult following, and we’re willing to guess it might have something to do with the stylish design of the locker rooms and steam room. After a killer bags class, change out of your sweaty clothes against a backdrop of exposed brick walls and cement and steel accents. Then, slip into the black-tiled steam room to boost blood flow and diminish muscle aches. Complimentary towel service means there’s one less thing for you to worry about before you head home. Plus: The gym’s second floor scored a brand new recovery lounge in November, featuring moody lighting, NormaTec compression sleeves, and Hypervolt percussion therapy guns to help your muscles mend after a grueling workout.

15 Channel Center St., Boston, 857-250-4140, everybodyfights.com.

Exhale

This gym/spa combines the best elements of exercise and self-care when you need an escape to recharge and relax. Follow up one of Exhale’s notorious barre classes with one of 14 different kinds of facials, including a “cool beam” healing light therapy that stimulates collagen production and reduces post-sweat inflammation and acne. They even have a “grooming” facial for men. Choose from eight different styles of massage to soothe any sore muscle—from your head and neck to your ankle joints. Also available is the “glow body scrub,” a combination of full-body dry brushing and exfoliation, followed by antioxidant moisturizer.

28 Arlington St., Boston, 617-532-7000; 2 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA, 617-603-3100, exhalespa.com.

Healthworks Fitness

Steam rooms and saunas and whirlpools, oh my! Healthworks Fitness supplies all the spa-style recovery services you need. After a team training class, snag a recovery shake from the Smoothie Bar, then head to the spa for a massage, cupping therapy, or reflexology session. Trained massage therapists on staff can even work with your healthcare provider to address your individual concerns. If you’re feeling under the weather, try a lymph detox massage to stimulate your immune system. And if you hit the weights too hard, don’t skip on the hot stone massage to loosen up your muscles.

441 Stuart St., Boston, 617-859-7700, healthworksfitness.com.

Hot tub at Lifetime Athletic. / Photo courtesy of Rick Bern Photography

Life Time Athletic

One thing Lifetime’s spa has that other gyms don’t? A full hair salon. Next time you wreck your blowout after a sweaty studio class, you won’t have to travel far to touch up your locks. Lifetime’s LifeSpa also offers firming, brightening, and hydrating facials, as well as facials customized for your unique skin type. Drop in for a pedicure and a heel repair treatment when your running shoes cause callouses to form on your feet, or slip into the spa’s massive hot tub when your muscles are aching. If you’re in need of some massage therapy, choose from a XEN (zen), RSQ (rescue) or FLX (flexibility) treatment based on how your body is feeling.

300 Boylston St., Newton, 781-797-2000, lifetime.life.

NB Fitness Club

North Brighton Fitness Club doesn’t only have fresh towels in the locker room, dry saunas, and plenty of showers and grooming stations for your primping needs. They also have an expert massage therapist with over 24 years of experience making sore muscles feel limber again. Joëlle Follette’s magic hands know techniques like shiatsu, acupressure, Thai massage, myofascial release, and zero balancing treatment.

40 Life St., Brighton, 617-987-8400, nbfitnessclub.com.