Here Are the Cheapest Places to Work Out in Boston
The price tag may be small, but the health benefits are not.
Boston is not known for having small price tags…on anything. A recent study found that a Bostonian would need to earn $78,477 per year, just to live on their own in our crazy expensive housing market. Yikes. It’s not surprising, then, that many gym memberships in town cost well north of $100 a month.
We found eight gyms, however, that won’t break the bank. If you are looking for salt-infused steam rooms, eucalyptus-scented locker rooms, or spa-like amenities, the below gyms may not be for you. But if you just want a great workout with updated equipment and a low price tag, read on.
South End Fitness Center basketball court. Photo via Facebook.
1. South End Fitness Center
The South End Fitness Center offers preventative health services in addition to regular gym amenities, and has partnerships with the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Medical Center, and local nonprofits. The gym has the usual weights, cardio equipment, and group fitness classes, and a full-size indoor basketball court and a swimming pool. Memberships are $360 per year, which comes out to only $30 a month. Discounted rates are available for students, senior citizens, and select others.
785 Albany St., Boston, 617-534-5822, bphc.org.
YMCA Oak Square pool. Photo via Facebook.
2. YMCA Oak Square
The Oak Square YMCA is $54 a month for adults, with no contract and only a $25 sign-up fee. The Oak Square branch boasts recently redone locker rooms, a new spin room, a pool (typical for YMCAs—who doesn’t remember the chlorine smell from childhood?), and a full-size basketball court. The membership fee includes all of its group fitness classes, and grants you entry to most other branches in the region.
615 Washington St., Brighton; 617-782-3535, ymcaboston.org.
Regan’s Motivated Fitness. Photo via Facebook
3. Regan’s Motivated Fitness
This family-owned gym is located in a storefront in the heart of Southie. It offers all of the basic equipment you need, and has a full array of group fitness classes. Prices are $49 a month for a regular membership, plus an additional fee if you also want to take classes. While this isn’t the cheapest gym on the list, the facility is always kept spotless, and it’s a (relatively) hidden gem.
315 West Broadway, South Boston, 617-269-5555, regansmotivatedfitness.com
4. Fit Choice
Since this gym is open 24/7, you’ll really get a bang for your buck. You’ll pay $59 per month with a 12-month membership, or $69 per month with a six-month membership. Those prices include use of cardio equipment and weights, plus three weekly interval training classes. Couple and family memberships are also available.
4170 Washington St., Roslindale, 617-942-2560, fitchoice247.com.
Gym It interior. Photo via Facebook.
5. 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 photo provided
6. 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.
BSC Studio on Boylston Street/Photo by Jamie Ducharme
7. Boston Sports Clubs
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.
8. Women’s Fitness of Boston
This ladies-only gym offers trendy classes including drumming-inspired Pound and the Boss Chick Dance Workout. If classes aren’t your style, take advantage of cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment. A monthly membership costs $59.99, while a 12-month membership costs $599.99, breaking down to $50 per month.
27 School St., Boston, 617-277-1221, womensfitnessofboston.com.
