The Ultimate Guide to Gyms around Boston
From yoga to spin to boxing and more—we've got your workout needs covered.
These are the newest studios to grace the Boston fitness scene:
Handle Bar, North Station
Row House, Lovejoy Wharf
Row Republic, West End
Impulse Boston, Back Bay
Sometimes finding the right place to work out can be a tall task, the options—especially here in Boston—are endless. Whether you’re looking for a fabulous new yoga studio to roll out your mat, a patient Pilates instructor, or a boxing gym to take out some frustration here are the best gyms in Boston. We’ve got you covered no matter what you’re looking for.
Jump to:
Pilates Studios / Barre Studios / Indoor Running Classes / Spin Studios / Boxing Gyms / Hot Yoga / Indoor Rowing Studios / Bootcamps / Fenway Gyms / South Boston Gyms / South End Gyms / North End Gyms / Luxury Gyms / Cheap Gyms / Yoga Studios
Karal Duval Pilates / Photo provided
Pilates Studios
Kara Duval Pilates
Whether you’re a newcomer to Pilates or a seasoned veteran, experienced local trainer Kara Duval is bound to give you a great workout that fits your needs. Duval is certified in advanced Stott Pilates and spent more than 15 years training in classical ballet at some of the country’s best schools. She teaches a variety of private and group classes at gyms around the city including Equinox and North End Yoga. Multiple locations, karaduvalpilates.com.
Jennifer Phelan Pilates
Jennifer Phelan is one of the most experienced Pilates instructors in Boston, having worked with everyone from Hollywood actors to professional athletes and pre- and post-natal women. Phelan’s signature program, Pilates Fusion, combines traditional mat Pilates with core sequencing and music, resulting in an energetic workout that keeps customers coming back time after time. She teaches at Equinox and North End Yoga, as well as in private homes around the city upon request. Multiple locations, jenniferphelan.com.
Asana Charelstown
This studio, which also offers barre and yoga, hosts one sweat-inducing Pilates class—no reformer required, though. The core-focused session uses small weights and resistance bands as well as fast movements to get your blood flowing and your heart rate up. New members can receive two weeks of unlimited classes for $45. 20 City Square, Charlestown, asanacharlestown.com.
Photo credit Xtend Barre
Barre Studios
Barre Groove
Downtown fitness studio Barre Groove offers a low-impact workout that combines music and dance with traditional barre exercises. Taught by Alanna Perry, a former New England Patriots cheerleader, the Total Groove class will have you bouncing up and down on a trampoline, flinging pom poms in the air, and performing more traditional barre sequences using the legs of the trampoline for support. The studio holds several classes a day every day except Sunday, with newcomer specials as low as $20 for two classes or $40 for five. 52 Province St., Suite 307, Boston, barregroove.com.
Simply Barre
Simply Barre, in South Boston, was founded in 2014 by Erin Lehmann. The Simply Barre technique emphasizes mindful exercise and avoids repetitive movements to ensure that every student stays focused and gets the best results. Each hour-long class includes a brief warm-up followed by a series of targeted exercises meant to strengthen your upper body, legs, and core in quick succession. New students get five weeks of unlimited barre for $79. 118 W. Broadway, South Boston, simply-barre.com.
Xtend Barre
Xtend Barre is an international barre franchise, taught in studios across five different countries, that incorporates elements of Pilates and dance into a traditional barre workout. Unlike the small, focused movements of other barre methods, Xtend Barre uses full-body movements to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility in its barre class. New clients get a month of unlimited classes for $99. 338 Newbury St., 2nd Floor, Boston, xtendbarre.com.
Precision Running Lab / Photo provided
Indoor Running Classes
MyStryde
If you’re a frequent runner in Boston, then you’ve probably heard of MyStryde, the city’s first dedicated running studio. The classes at MyStryde’s boutique North End location are similar to most spin programs, with music and mood lighting to keep you focused throughout a series of running intervals. Classes are open to students of all levels and new runners can get their first three classes for only $39. 456 Hanover St., Boston, mystryde.com.
Heartbreak Hill Running Company
Heartbreak Hill Running Company is a running studio by Bostonians and for Bostonians. Boston College track and field co-captains Dan Fitzgerald and Justin Burdon founded the company in 2009 as South End Athletic Company, and it has since evolved into the training studio we know today. The boutique Heartbreak Studio in Cambridge offers a wide variety of classes, from the 45-minute, all-treadmill Deerfoot Dash to the longer running-based strength training of Power 60. Various locations, heartbreakhillrunningcompany.com.
Precision Running Lab
Equinox’s innovative Precision Running Lab is entirely dedicated to running that combines a method-based treadmill workout with an immersive environment of light and sound. The Precision Running Lab also uses an O2 Vaporizer to enrich the air in the studio and replicate an outdoor running experience. 200 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA, equinox.com.
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B/SPOKE / Image provided
Spin Studios
Turnstyle
With classes categorized by what type of music will be playing (for example, Cardi B vs. the Chainsmokers) you’ll never have to suffer through boring music ever again. The Back Bay location doesn’t have showers, so keep that in mind before scheduling a before-work ride. First time riders can take advantage of their three class special for $29 and Turnstyle offers shoe rental free of charge. The space also offers bootcamp classes where you don’t ever touch a bike. Did someone say cross-training? 43 Fairfield St., Boston, 617-531-8922, 14 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 24 Cambridge St., Charlestown, 310 Harrison Ave., Boston, turnstylecycle.com.
B/Spoke Studios
Not quite ready to commit? Take advantage of this downtown studio’s pay-as-you-go classes and lack of membership or initiation fees. Enjoy luxurious showers, complimentary shoe rentals, and towel service. If you’re a first time rider, stop by on the first weekend of every month for a R/DE basics workshop and tutorial to learn proper form and technique as well as a lesson on setting up the bike properly. Seasoned vet? Try the Hot R/DE class, where they crank up the heat and slow down the tempo for a 45-minute all-out sweat session. 101 Federal St., Boston, 617-951-9900, 50 Central St., Wellesley, 781-772-1920, bspokestudios.com.
The Handle Bar
Want the dance club feel while you’re working out? Look no further. Get sweaty in a dark room, with blaring music, and sudden moments of pure darkness, focusing on nothing but yourself and your bike. Complimentary shoe rentals are offered for those who don’t have their own, but don’t expect lockers or a changing room—the three locations, in Southie, Fenway, and Harvard Square were meant as neighborhood hubs for people to get in and out. Small cubbies and restrooms are available. 141 Dorchester Ave., Boston, 617-451-1270, 1336 Boylston St., Boston, 857-239-9789, 1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-714-3367, handlebarcycling.com.
EverybodyFights / Photo provided
Boxing Gyms
EverybodyFights
This franchise, the brainchild of George Foreman III, offers a complete fighters’ training plan. Each of the five classes offered focuses on a different aspect of a fighter’s skill set. For instance, there’s a boot-camp style class called “train” that focuses on strength training movements and some cardio endurance. The “bags” class is designed around heavy bag work with mitts. Road runners can hit the treadmills for an interval-based running workout and those needing active recovery join a “flow” class for stretching and core work. And for those seeking a little more technique work, hop into the ring and learn from active boxing coaches and amateur boxers. Various locations, everybodyfights.com.
Back Bay Boxing
In 2014, John Murray, a former professional boxer from Ireland, saw a need for a boxing gym where technique is the main focus. Murray believes aspiring boxers should work their way up to the traditional heavy bags, and encourages users to master the proper boxing stance and get the hang of specific mitt drills. Almost all classes are taught by Murray, and each one is an hour long. Classes are available on ClassPass if you want to give it a shot, or just brush up on your technique. 350 Newbury St., Boston, backbayboxing.com.
Peter Welch’s Gym
Similar to EverybodyFights, this Dorchester gym offers classes tailored to learning boxing techniques as well as focusing on strength and conditioning—so you don’t have to get a knockout in the ring to leave feeling like you got a good workout in. Choose from fighter conditioning, technique, or strength classes or even utilize personal training sessions to focus on your boxing. If you’ve never been before, take advantage of a free introductory class. 371 Dorchester Ave., Boston, 617-942-1974, peterwelchsgym.com.
Down Under School of Yoga / Photo provided
Hot Yoga
Down Under School of Yoga
With locations in Brookline, Newton, and Cambridge, Down Under Yoga offers two hot yoga classes, which differ in level of intensity. Hot power flow is designed to push the body under hot and humid conditions, and there are no breaks during the one hour and 15-minute class. Heated flow is a chance to experience hot yoga in a more relaxed environment, focused on deep breathing and flexibility. Various locations, downunderyoga.com.
Shawmut Yoga Studios
Head on over to this local studio for a hot yoga experience that will leave you dripping in sweat. You can choose between vinyasa classes offered in either warm or hot temperatures. New students can receive two weeks for $40. 280 Shawmut Ave., Boston, shawmutyoga.com.
JP Centre Yoga
This neighborhood spot focuses on bringing people together through the practice of yoga. Hot yoga classes here focus on balance and realizing the mental and physical health benefits from exercising under strenuous conditions. 670 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-942-8936, jpcentreyoga.com.
Row House / Photo provided
Indoor Rowing Studios
Row Republic
Classes at this new North End studio, with plans to open in early spring, will combine intervals on the rowing machine with intervals of strength training for a workout much like Barry’s—they’re just replacing the treadmills for fancy Italian-made rowers. Drop-in classes are TBD, 77 N Washington St., Boston, row-republic.com.
Sweat Fixx
With locations in Wakefield, Arlington, and South Boston, Sweat Fixx is utilizing custom-made water rowers in four different classes. Pairing rowing intervals with things like high-intensity exercises, strength training, and yoga you’ll be able to choose a class based on what you need for the day. Drop-in classes are $21, Multiple locations, sweatfixx.com.
Row House
This studio is much like a spin studio such that the instructor will be at the front of the room rowing along with you as they lead you through rowing intervals to high-energy music. Coming to Lovejoy Wharf in the early summer, you’ll be able to row with a view of the water. First class free, 25 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 857-702-2769, therowhouse.com.
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Burnin’ by Ray / Photo provided
Bootcamps
Burnin’ By Ray
Ray Peleckas is shaking up the way Boston sees fitness with his patented low-impact, high intensity group fitness classes utilizing motor-less cardio machines (think: Jacob’s ladder, versa climber, and the curve treadmill) paired with a stint on the strength training floor. Each client that walks through the doors receives extensive diagnostic testing with machines like the Bod Pod that measure your body fat percentage, fat mass, fat free mass, resting metabolic rate, and total energy expenditure so that you can ensure your meeting your goals. And the new location in the Seaport is definitely worth a visit. With its white chrome lockers, disco lights, and a juice bar, you actually won’t want to leave the gym. Or as Peleckas calls it: the “un-gym.” Multiple locations, burninbyray.com.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Let’s face it: We all knew Barry’s was going to make it on this list. The fitness franchise, with a new location in Back Bay, has found a formula that works, combining intervals of cardio and intense exercise with strength training to create a scientifically superior workout. Barry’s Bootcamp students reliably burn more calories than they would in a traditional workout, and can even raise their resting metabolic rate by up to 15 percent. No wonder people keep coming back. Multiple locations, barrysbootcamp.com.
Evolve Bootcamp
Evolve Bootcamp is a functional outdoor fitness program that runs all through the year, rain or shine. So if you want the intensity of a bootcamp while still getting some fresh air, this is the class for you. Evolve’s classes also feature some of the most extensive line-ups of exercises out there, incorporating everything from dynamic stretching and kettlebells to martial arts and obstacle courses. Location varies depending on season, evolvebootcamp.com.
CorePower Yoga at Fenway / Photo by Cindy M. Loo / The Boston Red Sox
Fenway Gyms
CorePower Yoga
Whether you’re a newbie on the yoga mat or a seasoned pro, CorePower yoga has an array of classes suited for every level of yogi. They’re most known for their approach to yoga being a little more fitness-forward and challenging, as opposed to relaxing and rejuvenating. Drop in for a Yoga Sculpt class that combines free weights with sequencing and cardio movements from the CorePower Yoga 2 class to intensify each move. You’ll mix squats, lunges, and bicep curls with down dogs and warrior poses for an integrative and sweat-inducing workout. 20 Bond Dr., Boston, 617-925-5570, corepoweryoga.com.
BodyScapes
Swing by this all-inclusive gym if you need one-on-one personal training, a high-energy group class, or a spot to drop in and get a quick lift in during lunch. Located in the Longwood Medical Area, it’s easily accessible by the Orange or Green Line and within walking distance of basically everything in Fenway. They have free day lockers and towel service as well as a fully equipped free-weight room, treadmills, stair climbers, and bikes. Group classes include BodyPump, Zumba, yoga, and more. 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, 617-738-9229, bodyscapesfitness.com.
Body of Work / Photo provided
South Boston Gyms
Lifted Fitness
Want to get stronger without facing the intimidation and confusion of walking into the weight room by yourself? The coaches at Lifted will have you squatting, deadlifting, and benching with the barbell in no time. Each group class is capped at 15 participants so the coach can give you individualized attention and help you with your form—no injuries here. And if you’re looking for nutrition guidance, they have a registered dietitian on staff to help you assess your current eating habits and recommend where you can make changes to fit your lifestyle. 803 Summer St., Boston, 857-496-1022, liftedboston.com.
Body of Work
This small studio space, located in the Distillery Gallery, will have you moving your body in ways you haven’t moved since childhood. Think movements like: Crawling, rolling on the ground, and rocking on your hands and knees. They adhere to the Ido Portal method, which suggests that we should not be so rigid and structured in our movement but draw from many different principles and modalities of movement to get back to the way we used to move—freely. Classes are structured in a group setting or one-on-one. In group classes you’ll play games with other participants and if you opt for one-on-one training, you can focus on more challenging skills like handstands or bar work. 516 E 2nd St., 6th floor, Boston, bodyofworkstudio.com.
Swet Studio / Photo provided
South End Gyms
Burn Fitness Studio
There are no shortage of classes at this Columbus Ave. studio space. If you’re aiming to strengthen your muscles, take the signature Power Burn class, which focuses on lower body, core, and upper body in pyramid interval sets; or take a TRX class using suspension-training straps. There is also a cycling class that is less beat-focused and more interval-driven, vinyasa yoga, and pilates. If none of those tickle your fancy and you want something more individualized, sign up for a personal training session. 547 Columbus Ave., Boston, burnfitness.com.
Swet Studio
Take your fitness to a hammock for an anti-gravity yoga experience. This studio offers beginner aerial yoga classes, meditation, deep stretch and restorative classes that all take place in a suspended silk hammock. It’s essentially a loop hanging from the ceiling to allow for inversions and an ultimate stretch of your hips and back. If you’re not ready to fly quite yet, try an indoor rowing class, or group workouts for the core, abs, or full body. If you’re ready to push a little further, use the hammocks as extra resistance in a fitness class or learn new positions in an advanced aerial yoga class. 480 Tremont St., Boston, 617-670-0631, swetstudio.com.
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Knockout North End / Photo provided
North End Gyms
North End Yoga
Located right on Hanover street, this small yoga studio, with wood-paneled floors, large windows, and brick walls is a little respite from the bustling street just down below. During the pleasant months, the windows are open and you can feel the breeze waft in as it billows the large curtains, but somehow the noise doesn’t detract from the practice. Along with vinyasa, structural yoga, and yoga ananda, the space also hosts pilates mat, fusion, and barre fusion, depending on what you’re looking for. 256 Hanover St., Boston, 617-227-9642, northendyoga.com.
Knockout North End
This new boxing studio is nestled right between Antico Forno and Neptune Oyster on Salem Street. It has multiple heavy-weight bags and a full-size ring, as well as a full-service juice bar—not in operation yet, but soon to be. Choose from three different classes, including the signature knockout class, which is a 45-minute group class combining heavy bag intervals with bodyweight and strength exercises. The KO bootcamp is a 45-minute bootcamp class using kettle bells, bands, and calisthenics for a full body workout. And KO jump is a signature jumprope interval class, because it’s true what they say—fighters need fast feet. 89 Salem St., Boston, konorthend.com.
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Healthworks / Photo provided
Luxury Gyms
Equinox
There’s a reason—several, actually—that Equinox is the best-known luxury gym of them all. Its facilities are flawless, from the group fitness studios all the way to the Kiehl’s-stocked locker rooms. The on-site Juice Press bars, spas, and retail boutiques certainly don’t hurt, either. 4 Avery St., Boston, and other locations, equinox.com.
Exhale
When your gym is also a spa, you know it’s going to be swanky. After punishing yourself in Exhale’s barre, yoga, cycling, or HIIT classes, there’s nothing more satisfying that collapsing into a spa robe and taking a hot shower in the luxurious locker rooms. Why not stay for a massage? Two Battery Wharf and 28 Arlington St., Boston, exhalespa.com.
Healthworks
This women-only gym, which has four locations around Boston, enhances its top-notch group fitness schedules with perks like on-site juice bars, spas, and heavenly locker rooms. In short, this is a gym you’ll actually enjoy visiting. 441 Stuart St., Boston, and other locations, healthworksfitness.com.
Planet Fitness
Cheap Gyms
GymIt
The concept is simple: either pay $5.95/week for one location or $6.95 to have multi-club access and free weekend guest privileges. The brand’s Watertown location even boasts an EverybodyFights boxing studio, offering classes developed by George Foreman III. 920 Commonwealth Ave., Brookline, 617-208-4555 and 36 Arlington Street, Watertown; 617-923-4441, gymit.com.
Planet Fitness
Known for its bright colors and “No Judgement Zone” philosophy—not to mention post-workout pizza and bagels—Planet Fitness is a no frills but dirt cheap option. For $10 a month, you have access to all of the cardio and weight equipment that you need. For $22 a month, you can visit any location in the area, and gain perks including discounts on retail and refreshments. 17 Winter St., Boston, 617-248-3877, and other locations, planetfitness.com.
Boston Sports Club
Each of this gym’s 13 Boston locations offers group fitness classes as well as cardio and strength equipment, and some have pools, basketball courts, or squash courts. Single-club membership starts at $59 month-to-month (prices vary slightly depending on location), while a Passport membership, which permits access to any BSC location, costs $79 month-to-month. Prices drop slightly with a one-year commitment. Locations throughout Boston, bostonsportsclubs.com.
Asana Charlestown / Photo provided
Yoga Studios
Acorn Yoga
If you want your workout to double as Instagrammable content, you can’t miss Acorn’s Glow Yoga Fusion classes. Students wear white, cover themselves in body paint, and incorporate glow sticks into their practice under black lights.
$22/two weeks of unlimited yoga, 576 Washington St., Brighton, 617-208-8201, acornyoga.org.
Asana Charlestown
Whether you’re looking to sweat it out or stretch it out, this Charlestown studio’s got you covered. Asana not only offers a variety of yoga classes in it’s floor-to-ceiling windowed studio, but also counts barre and Pilates among it’s offerings.
Starts at $45/two weeks unlimited classes, 20 City Sq., Charlestown, 617-413-8434, asanacharlestown.com.
Ashtanga Yoga
This is the place to learn Ashtanga yoga, which is considered a vigorous form of yoga, where poses are performed in a set sequence with movements connecting each position. For extra focus, try a Mysore-style class, which is practiced in total silence.
$50/one week trial, 8 Inman St., Cambridge, ashtangayogaboston.com.
