SCAM - DO NOT GO HERE !!!!…read more I've always been involved in fitness classes so I thought that coming here would be similar to every other experience I've had. WRONG. While I've done other classes, I've never tried barre before so I wanted to give it a shot with their free intro class to see if I would like it. The class was alright, but the manager of the studio along with 3 other employees all cornered me at the end of the class asking when I would start and continuously asking what my schedule is like. It was very uncomfortable and honestly they make it hard to even think about the classes clearly when they outnumber you like that. They told me that the second I leave the studio, there will be a $60 fee if I try to sign up for classes online and that giving a "free class" where you don't have to pay this ridiculous fee if you sign up right there is actually their "gift" to you. At the time, I agree to try a 4 class pack because I figured that the class was fine enough and worst case scenario, if I don't like it at the end of the 4 classes I don't have to continue. They rush in putting this payment through and ask for a code that is sent to your phone number. They also tell me that there is a 30 day cancellation policy, which is annoying in itself but that is the least of my concerns. What they DON'T tell you is that this code is meant for a contract that they sign for you and then don't tell you any terms of this "agreement." In this contract, they signed my name for me for a 3 month initial term that I did not ask for. After finding out their deceitful methods, I email them immediately to ask for a cancellation of this "membership" that I did not sign up for and ask for a refund as I will not be taking any of the classes anymore. They continuously fight me on it saying that I verbally agreed to it at a specific date and time and refuse to give me my money back with no real reasoning. I tried to just talk to them and simply cancel the classes because I don't support businesses that try to trick their clients, but of course they don't actually care.

I was looking for a studio that fit my busy work schedule & this was it! All instructors are…read morewonderful and challenge each individual in the room. I appreciate the modifications given during class. I signed up with pure barre during the free foundation class. I signed up for their discounted membership that is $159 for 3 months. The only thing is I wish the studio was cheaper but this is the average price for memberships in Assembly row and Boston area in general.

All the instructors here are so friendly and encouraging and really make an effort to learn…read moreeveryone's names. During class, they demonstrate each new movement for a few reps, and then go around the class to correct form. They also expertly and seamlessly control the music (I think on smartwatches?) to set the pace for each movement. Overall I highly recommend this studio!

Love the girls at barre and soul so much! The workout options are great; barre, yoga, Pilates. The…read moreinstructors are so nice and helpful, and the workouts are perfectly hard for all fitness types

Really disappointing experience here. Instructors are sub par, though Sunday restore class was ok…read more Front desk staff could not be any less interested in you - as a new student no tour, no friendly hellos, no instructions. Here is why I won't be going back to the studio - it was raining when I walked in, put my umbrella in the yoga mat bag, then shoes in shoe cubby then coat in top. Told front desk lady (who again could not be any less interested). Walked out of the class and some member moved everything to the other cubby zone - THIS UNACCEPTABLE! No one told me, no one stopped her. Why is someone touching my stuff and making a decision on where to move thing, when I specifically told front desk lady (who said nothing) that's that's where my stuff will be as otherwise I will likely forget the umbrella (that's why I put it in the yoga mat bag). No one asked for permission this other lady attending the class just made a decision to move without asking without announcing. I was asking where my stuff is when I walked out of the class, front desk lady had no idea. Again completely unacceptable - no one touches someone else's stuff without announcement or permission to do so! Especially post covid!

Love this studio. Beautiful, serene, clean space. Great shop! Plenty of space for stashing coats /…read morebags, etc. And changing rooms. Only annoyance is the bathroom is down a hallway around the back of the studio, it's a bit weird. Hand sanitizer pumps in the studio would be helpful. They make you take shoes off in the foyer, which is a tad annoying but does keep the place nice and clean. Water cooler to fill bottles. Staff is really sweet. The mom and baby classes are excellent - there's yoga on Tuesdays and barre on Thursdays and the instructors are terrific. Very relaxed classes, no big deal if baby cries or you need to nurse, etc. They also have special classes and series regularly, which is nice. Very accessible on the 92 or 93 bus line (runs downtown - Haymarket to financial district - to/from Charlestown). Not the cheapest - $20 for a drop-in. But I think it's worth it.

I love barre groove classes so much!! They are the most fun workouts I've ever done. I love the…read moreroutines, the more complex the better!

Such a fun, unique workout. I took Bounce & Barre, and this was my first time taking a trampoline…read moreclass. The barre portion was surprisingly difficult even if for shorter amounts of time. Our instructor executed the class flawlessly, was audible the whole class, engaged with us throughout the class, and she seemed to be enjoying herself the whole time too! If you're looking for a workout that doesn't feel like a workout, this is it! I came with a friend and would love to bring other friends too! The building is old but the space feels great.

Amazing fun workout with supportive instructors and lots of variety. I'm hooked! I think I'm…read morestronger now than I was in my 20's. Certainly more well rounded.

Finally made it to the 100 Club! And they rewarded me with special sticky socks! Woohoo!…read more I love PB Harvard Square. This studio, in particular, is open and bright. I have taken classes with Amanda, Michelle, Hilary, Angela, Liliana, Steph, Julien, Nada, Olivia, and Khrystyna. They are all very good instructors! Some instructors give more hands-on corrections than others, which is totally fine because some days I just won't want to work as hard. The classes are costly. If you are a Harvard affiliate, the MAC/HEM also offers barre (under group fitness) classes for a much more affordable membership price. The link can be found here, https://recreation.gocrimson.com/fitness/schedules The Harvard Barre classes are less intense and slower-paced when compared with Pure Barre. I went there for a year but ultimately started looking for specialty barre studios. I went to a class at Harvard Barre & Soul, the pace was good, but the studio was too stuffy/small to me. I also took an Intro class at The Bar Method. I didn't like how the music was more in the background, and the instructor calls out your name over the mic to give corrections. I also went to a Barre3 class but felt more like a yoga + cardio class than a barre exercise. I have to say after 100 classes, there are some movements and forms that I am still trying to get used to. There are a couple of positions that I absolutely do not like (e.g., flat back chair pose) and try to cheat my way through. If you want to get a good idea of what to expect at Pure Barre, check out its Foundation class on YouTube. If you are new, just know that you will be sore everywhere on your body for 2 -3 days after your first barre class, the key is to go back and get used to the routine and exercise. Even though I have taken the Harvard Barre classes, it still took me about 3 or 4 sessions to fully get familiar with what to expect at the class here. I normally wear sticky stocks because it is highly recommended. I have also seen other people wearing normal socks and they seem to be okay. There is no shower here (though I don't typically sweat too much after Barre classic, Barre Empower is a different story!), and only one changing room with one unisex bathroom. I also like the Harvard Square studio better because it is comparably less crowded than its Boston location. There are classes here with 20+ people say for a weekend morning, but other lunchtime classes are usually around 5-10 people. I'd highly recommend this location if this is convenient to you!

Come here to train and enjoy this place very much. The free weights/ gym area is very clean and has…read moreeverything you need, although it is a bit compact. They offer a ton of bootcamp classes and it's really a little family in here. There are 2 bootcamp rooms, one more designed for intense workouts, the other more so for yoga and dance classes. Downstairs there are showers and a cycling studio. Staff is very friendly and the owner is super nice. If you are in the area, I'd suggest you to come here. They take care of you here.

I need to update more when I've been to more classes, but on first impression - this place is…read morelegit. 35m high intense workouts for busy people? I have never been to a group class that is less than 1 hour unless it was a cross-fit class that is a weight training/paired with a 30m workout. But you get a great workout in that timeframe. Things to note: 1) Right off the Sullivan Square Orange line (so if you are coming from the back bay - it's convenient) or there are some parkings spots (3) and some street parking if you get there early. 2) Very clean locker rooms (2 showers and some products) plus towel service & lockers (bring a lock though). 3) You don't need to be in rock solid shape to go. The trainers are cool - especially Pat who is like the morning trainer and will adjust depending on your ability. 4) Workouts include ropes, TRX, pull ups, weights. 5) First 3 classes are free. And then you can get punch card or monthly options.This will cost you around $120 a month - but you know this is cheaper than cross-fit or the equinox. And I honestly hate gyms and I need a group environment to help motivate myself. They are doing a groupon or guilt city deal right not too. This is a local place, so if you are a traveling consultant, etc. - it does stink that it's not global. But always support the local communities! 6) There is a weight room for pre/post workouts 7) Someone rents a spin class studio room. God, I hate spin - but maybe I haven't been to a good one yet. 8) Awesome morning times, lunch times, and afternoons. 9) They have mommy plus stroller classes. 10) Outdoor classes at the bunker hill monument (45m instead of 35). But it's not convenient if u are not driving. Take orange to community college and walk like 15m. If u r in the area and looking for a high intense workout, you should drop in. People are super nice and it's a convenient location in Boston.

Good classes and instructors and staff are really nice. The rooms aren't very clean. The bathrooms…read moreare so gross! The same stall in the women's room has been out of order in months and the toilet paper stands are often broken. They have two locations. The one in kendall square is a lot less busy.

Great gym, but they will scam you when you try to cancel! Fill out a form to cancel my gym…read moremembership since I was moving away from gym. They said it never went through. Refused to give me a refund even when I contacted the same day I was charged. Don't leave the gym until you have proof you cancelled or they will rip you off. Horrible experience, why can't they just play nice with customers. I always recommended this gym to locals but I guess that wouldn't help anymore. Had to go to credit card company to dispute charges.

I came to BodyScapes for a spin class through ClassPass. The actual spin class was a lot of fun and…read moreeveryone there was really friendly. It was definitely pretty different from the spin studios in the area, which are dark and play loud music. This felt a little less professional and a lot more welcoming. I was impressed by the size of the gym, but it seemed like the space was a bit under-utilized. If you're looking for lots of space to lift and stretch, this is a great place. I was excited to see a sauna in the locker room, but it didn't actually seem to work. There weren't many people at the gym, even though it was a Saturday morning in early January. I'm guessing they get more of a weekday crowd, with people who work in Kendall Square. Next time, I'd like to check out the rest of the gym some more.

I joined BodyScapes for a brief period while working/staying in Cambridge. Dancy, the manager, was…read moreextremely helpful in finding me a short term package that would suit me. Gym going during the COVID precautions are not ideal, but it was easy to schedule my workout slot via their app and the gym has literally been spotless. I would recommend locals and/or anyone staying nearby for work, to check out BodyScapes!

I did not know much about Zumba, but decided to try this class since there was a special groupon…read moreoffer and its in a convenient location for me. I now love it! This class has gotten my gym-hating, mostly-lazy butt moving on a regular basis. Jess is really fun. She will teach you the moves over time, you will have fun but most importantly you will also get a good, big sweat-inducing work out. The class is good for both novices and experts.I still suck at many of the dance steps but it really does not matter and in just 2 lessons or so I have already picked up many.

I was slightly apprehensive to try Zumba especially since I may not be the most coordinated person…read moreon the planet, but my sister and friends who have taken Zumba before assured me I would be okay. I just went to one of the Saturday 11am classes and although I didn't get all the moves down pat, I had a ton of fun and had a great workout! Jess is fun, encouraging and despite the mirrored room, she doesn't call you out for messing up the moves. In fact, I felt better when she herself confused a step. She was really friendly too. I signed up for the class via Meetup and she recognized me when I walked in. I cannot compare this to any other Zumba classes because this was my first one, but the fact that there were so many regulars was a good sign. Also, I was nervous that other people would watch me and laugh every time I messed up a move, but you don't really have time to watch anybody but yourself and Jess. I can't wait to go back to another class! If you're a beginner, Jess recommends either the Tuesday night or Saturday morning classes btw. And don't fret if you are a man. There was a man in my class and he seemed to be having fun too! The only issue I had was finding the place and parking. But go through the door to the side of the building. It says Enterprise, but it's the main door for all of the businesses at 26 New Street. As for parking, the lot is tiny, but I saw some people park on the street even though there were signs that said "Tow Zone." I chose to park at the Danahy Park lot just in case and to get some extra walking in! :)

If you reading this review because you are thinking of purchasing a BuyWithMe/Gilt City offer, I am…read morewriting this to save you $59. I purchased the same BuyWithMe voucher last winter at the same price, which rewarded me three 45 minute personal training sessions. I should have known by first glance that this was a bad idea. This gym is located in a depressing parking lot and it gets worse when you walk inside. This place is in serious disrepair. We're talking faded, chipped walls and random garbage left in corners. If Ben Affleck decides to make Gone Baby Gone 2, he'd be wise to shoot the movie here if he wants to capture how depressing Boston life can be. I'm no Nancy, that my was my mother's name, so I can overlook the decor. My main problem with this place was the owner/trainer Norm. Perhaps a decent human being, but this man should not be a personal trainer or businessman. My first session consisted mostly of hitting a tire with some oversized mallet (probably stolen from a county fair), some kettle bell dancing, and jumping jacks. After about 25 minutes, Norm declared our session over and invited me inside his office. Once seated, I felt like I was at Ernie Boch Honda and about to get screwed. Norm gave me the hard sell on signing up for more sessions beyond the three I purchased. He questioned my commitment to fitness and asked why I was even there. I politely brushed off these statements and I said I'd decide after the next or last session. During the second session, Norm and I did exactly the same basic exercises. I barely broke a sweat. There was one new thing though. At the end of our brief (yep 25 of 45 minutes) session, Norm told me he wanted to show me something "special," and declared I should get on my back. Norm lifted my right leg, straddled it with his right shoulder and leaned in. HEAVEN. I can't even put into the English, the sensations I felt . Norm said that was "The Norm Stretch." If you happen to be reading this review after you purchased the voucher, the pleasure of the "Norm Stretch" can help make up for the lost money. It's the only reason I'm giving this place one star instead of zero, besides the fact you can't give zero stars on Yelp. Again, instead of giving me the full 45 minute training session, nearly half of it was dedicated to sales pitch. All I wanted to do was schedule my third pre-paid session, but Norm was like a Willy Loman that wouldn't quit. He tried to appeal to my emotions, painting a visual picture of a thinner, more muscular Nat, jet skiing on the Charles River with a few Harvard Hotties on my side. After that failed, he tried the insult route, saying the fact I wasn't signing up for more sessions (beyond the deal) was a sign I was not ready for fitness. He also added maybe I don't deserve fitness. While I should have been terribly offended, it was obvious Norm just did not want me to come for my third, pre-paid session. In the end, I decided to grant Norm's wish. There would be no third session, and of course no fourth or fifth. If Norm focused on the quality of his training sessions versus signing me up for a long term commitment, maybe I would have bought more. In the end, $60 for a regular price "45" minute session is just way too much to pay someone when the only value Trainer Norm offered was counting my jumping jacks for me.

I really let my health fall apart towards the end of college, and I'd never really done a proper…read morephysical training program. So I decided that some expert assistance was in order and, after shopping around, started training sessions at Fitness Together. Within a year, I'd lost that senior-year weight gain, built more muscle than I'd ever had before, brought my cardiovascular fitness up into the healthy range, and learned a whole lot about exercise. The trainers at FT were great at providing expert advice, encouragement, and an exercise program well tuned to my goals. The only downside is that one-on-one training is accordingly expensive (though reasonably so, and FT seems to offer a lower price than some places that offer training as a supplemental service). And, of course, training can be no better than the effort you're willing to put into it. But if you have some funds to spare and want the best effort multiplier for your fitness program, personal training is the way to go and I'd highly recommend Fitness Together.