My wife and I have been doing CrossFit since 2012 and found KSCF when we moved here in 2018. We…read morehave been members since and to be quite honest it has become a home away from home, even after moving from Kendall Square to Davis Square where we have closer options available. Kendall Square CrossFit is a great location, a supportive and energetic community, and has great coaches that prioritize safety and range of motion/movement to heavy weights and maxxing out. Everyone is engaged, friendly, and supportive with no big egos or difficult personalities present in the classes no matter the level or how long you have been a member (we get a lot of drop-ins as well). Everyone is there to get better and achieve their goals and there is not a bunch of nonsense and power struggles that I have seen and experienced in other gyms. The equipment is well cared for and maintained and while not everything is present there for a dedicated games-style athlete, there is plenty of equipment to get your typical CrossFit-style workout in (except the assault/echo bike, but those things can stay in the trash where they belong :P). This is all managed despite a smaller space than some other gyms, but the coaches manage it so there is no danger of injury or overcrowding due to space issues. It's essentially two racquetball courts with a wall knocked out to give you an idea of the size of the space. It gives it a cool feeling with the vaulted ceilings but can carry a pretty heavy echo when instruction is going on... which also happens when the music is played which makes it really loud (which I like). Members also get access to the CAC amenities such as the locker rooms, showers, saunas, and other equipment. You seem to get more than you do for the same relative cost at other CrossFit gyms in the area where many don't have showers, saunas, or even lockers. We have been very pleased with our 7ish years at KSCF and despite having changing situations and evaluating options to go elsewhere, we never left or think about leaving. It is truly a pillar in our daily lives and the membership has led to many friendships in (and more importantly outside) the gym. I can't recommend KSCF enough to anyone in the area looking for a way to better themselves and not worry about how they are viewed while beginning or continuing their fitness journey, even if you are new to CrossFit or just want to see what it is all about!

I've been to my share of CrossFit gyms around Cambridge, but nothing quite prepared me for Kendall…read moreSquare CrossFit. Located in the heart of Cambridge's innovation district, this facility seems to have missed the memo on both innovation and basic maintenance. Walking into the gym feels like stepping into a time capsule -- one that's been gathering dust for months. Every piece of equipment wears a visible layer of grime, from the dumbbells to the rowing machines. When I asked staff about the cleanliness standards, I was told, matter-of-factly, "We clean, but dust flies around." It's the kind of response that makes you wonder if management has given up on the concept of deep cleaning entirely. The exercise floor mat tells its own story of neglect. Fraying edges and splintering surfaces turned my hands into pincushions during floor exercises -- a recurring issue that happened in nearly every class I attended. For a sport that demands athletes grab, grip and ground themselves constantly, having equipment that actively wounds participants seems counterproductive. Then there are the towels, which possess all the softness of medium-grit sandpaper. Using them feels less like drying off and more like an aggressive exfoliation treatment. I developed rashes that took days to heal -- hardly the post-workout glow I was seeking. The ventilation system appears to be more theoretical than functional. The air hangs heavy with the accumulated sweat of countless workouts, creating an atmosphere that newcomers will find overwhelming and regulars have simply learned to endure. It's the kind of environment where you find yourself taking deep breaths before entering, knowing fresh air will be in short supply. Space is at such a premium that peak-hour classes become exercises in human Tetris. Athletes regularly collide during movements, and navigating around classmates becomes part of the workout itself. Adding to the puzzling equipment situation: unlike every other CrossFit gym I've visited, this one doesn't provide jump ropes -- forcing members to bring their own or go without. The coaching staff presents the starkest contrasts I've encountered in fitness. Most instructors seem to view their teaching duties as an unfortunate interruption to their day. Jimmy Kuykendall projects such visible disinterest that his lack of enthusiasm becomes contagious in the worst possible way. Meaghan Shea displays a sense of deep apathy that permeates her instruction, making participants feel more like an inconvenience than paying customers. Stavroula Papdopoulos brings energy but delivers instruction that's often incomprehensible, leaving participants to guess at proper form and technique. But then there's Nery Amaya, who stands out like a beacon in this sea of mediocrity. Amaya demonstrates genuine expertise, offers clear instruction, and maintains the kind of motivational energy that makes the difference between a good workout and a great one. His presence raises an obvious question: how does such a skilled coach remain in an environment that seems designed to crush professional spirits? Having sampled other local options like Invictus and CrossFit Somerville, I can confirm that these standards aren't universal to the sport. Those facilities demonstrate that it's entirely possible to maintain clean equipment, breathable air, and engaged coaching staff. Kendall Square CrossFit feels like a missed opportunity in a neighborhood known for innovation and excellence. The gym charges competitive rates for what amounts to a substandard experience, saved from complete failure only by one instructor's determination to maintain professional standards. For potential members weighing their options, I'd suggest visiting during peak hours to experience the space constraints firsthand, and perhaps bringing your own towel -- and jump rope. For anyone with other options in the Cambridge area, I would recommend staying as far away from this facility as possible. Save your money, your health, and your time -- you'll thank yourself later.

My husband and I decided to drop in earlier this week. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated to…read moretake a class here since Invictus is known for having great competitive athletes. I was pleasantly surprised with all the friendly and encouraging members, and the fun and challenging WOD. I struggle with snatches, but Coach Heidi was super helpful in providing feedback about my form. I highly recommend Crossfit Invictus. We hope to stop by whenever we're in Boston!

There are a lot of great things about this gym, but I think my favorite thing is the people. As…read moreusual, I was the last person to finish the workout today and I was feeling a little embarrassed, but everyone actually clapped and cheered me on! That is such a good feeling . See below for all the other great things.

Been reluctant to restart a workout routine. This place is great because it teaches replicable…read moreworouts. The coaches are all great but each has their own style which I like. You may just take classes with a few you like. Simple online interface.

I worked out for a year here and was sad to leave as I was moving out of the area. I had been doing…read morecrossfit for a year before then, and for my year at Commonwealth my technique improved immensely. The coaches like Brian, Larry and Abby are sticklers for technique, but as a result help you build safer foundations for movements. For example, I hadn't realized that I was basically throwing myself at the wall for handstand pushups when there was a much safer way of getting up on the wall, which then later allowed me to complete hand stand walks! People at this gym are great as well, laid back and relaxed. It's a great place to work out!

Dropped in to two classes when I was in town for work, and I had a great experience. The coaches…read moreare friendly and very knowledgeable, and the community is great: welcoming and encouraging. Mel was great helping out with the drop in details and in general making me feel welcome and a part of the community. If you are in Somerville/Cambridge, I can highly recommend CrossFit Somerville.

Dropped into a 530am class when I was in town for the marathon…read more Well coached class warm up followed by strength and Metcon. If you like boxes with the small town feel, this is it.

I never thought I'd be one of those people who calls workouts "fun," but I just realized that now I…read moream! The coaches and the members create a very positive atmosphere, and it's always a great workout! The gym is also very well maintained, and offers lots of classes. And check out their nutrition program! I have been able to make sustainable changes in my eating habits with their help.

I've worked out at two other CrossFit gyms (in a different state). Neither can hold a candle to…read morethis place. The coaching staff is top notch and they offer more than just the WOD or open gym. They do great community events too. I worry that when I leave Boston I will never find another box that even comes close to how awesome this place it.

I started at Crossfit Lando in May and I take class twice a week. I am a beginner and this is the…read moreonly crossfit gym I have known so I have nothing to compare it to. Coaches Stacey and Aaron are Awesome. They break down all of the work outs and are incredibly attentive to your form and ability. They are great motivators and I never regret waking up in the morning to take one of their classes. The gym is only 6 months old so the facility and equipment are top notch. All of the people I've met while taking classes are really friendly and supportive. Its not a walk in the park, but you will thank yourself later. What can I say, I love this place.

I started day 1 in January of 2013 sight unseen because a friend had taken classes under both…read morecoaches at Crossfit Southie. He under sold them. You truly will look foreword to working out with coaches Stacey and Aaron. The positive energy is there EVERYDAY in the way they teach, personal interactions, and in their blogs. These people really love fitness and they want to share it with the world.

I've been to Boston twice and each time I've dropped into CrossFit Southie! The coaching is awesome…read moreand very welcoming. The space is huge, they have an abundance of equipment with plenty of room for the WOD. I definitely recommend a drop in for anyone who's looking to get a great workout in while in the area.

I've been at CrossFit Southie since 2014 and it has been an incredible experience! It is the best…read moreCrossFit in Boston! I'm so strong & fit! They have amazing owners, coaches, and programming, and work with each individual to scale the workout if needed and improve technique. The community is so friendly and inclusive and we have a lot of fun events. You will thrive here!

I came here for the first time while in Boston for a quick trip with my friend, and we had a great…read moreexperience. We took the Total Body class with Dan D and he kept the energy up the whole time. The music was great, the workout was challenging, and I left feeling accomplished. Dan was motivating and made the class fun. We also got a nice welcome bag, which was a thoughtful touch, and grabbed a smoothie after class that was really good. Everyone on the staff was welcoming and made us feel comfortable. Highly recommend!

Friendly staff, clean locker rooms, continue to come back for great workouts! Often find street…read moreparking for early morning weekend classes.

This CrossFit gym has its pros and cons:…read more Pros: Really nice founders and trainers. Everyone that runs or is employed by the gym has a good attitude and is patient with new people. I really get a good vibe from them! The gym is clean, there are plenty of bars, bumper plates, etc. The workouts are really good. I lost a lot of weight and got stronger for the couple months I went to the gym. They have a good progression and I have used what I learned there to train on my own. I learned a ton about good form in the most important exercises: Squats, deadlifts, etc. Again, everything I've learned I can carry on to where I train now. Also, there are all kinds of fun workouts like rope climbs and sprints that I never would have done on my own. Cons: The trainers vary in quality. There are some that will work with you on your form and others will just yell things out during the workout like 'you got it' or 'nice work'. I prefer the kind of trainers that give me very specific help rather than the generic kind. The people who train at the gym are not very friendly or welcoming to new people. I can't tell you how many times I smiled or said 'hello' to one of the other people in my class and they ignored me. I ran into a group of them having a beer after class once at a bar nearby and I said hello. Once again, ignored. There was another time they were talking about a book club they were having and I asked them what book they were reading. Silence. Not the friendliest CrossFit box if you don't fit in. Very cliquish. Also, many of the students are unnecessarily competitive. I guess that's fine for competition but what's the point in being competitive with some new people who joined to lose some weight and get stronger? In sum, come here for a great workout. I want to reiterate that the people who run the gym are great, but I can't say the same about the people who actually train there. Try all the trainers, pick your favorite and just put your head down and do the work!

CFB is an incredible community. I've been a member since Aug of 2013 and it has been a wonderful…read moreexperience. Quality coaching, good facilities and location (just across the street from HBS, plentiful parking), but most of all, the members are all wonderful. All inclusive, supportive members who care about your progress and your happiness. Neal is the original founder of CrossFit in New England. His network is expansive, and most gyms that have opened in Boston began as members of his gym. Most other gyms in the Boston area are much larger, many more classes, many more members. The more intimate size of the gym is why I keep coming back. Worth every dollar and minute.

Emailed the gym ahead of time to book my drop-in WOD and they were quick to accommodate. I was…read moretruly excited to experience the personal attention since they cap their classes at 10 and my crossfit home gym does not have a cap. Conveniently located near the hotel, it was short walk and easy to find. The gym is a the typical box, gritty and the look of a hard workout is about to happen here. I was the first to arrive and immediately greeted by coach Eric. He quickly checked me in and I made them aware of needing modifications on certain movements. He gave me some stretches I can use. The class was composed of warm up/agility, stretching, strength training and finally the WOD. The coach did not assume I knew the movements which I appreciated and he showed us proper form for every movement. We used agility hurdles to warm up with burpee penalty for knocking down the hurdles, which is good practice in discipline. I felt warmed up after the hurdles having to fulfill burpee penalties twice. Then we used foam roller, kettle bell and racquet ball to warm up and shoulder mobility. We spent a good 20 minutes for warm up and mobility which is helpful and much needed. Strength training was another 20 minutes of push press. The coach was helpful in making sure our form was correct and efficient. I felt more accomplished in getting the form right and he made sure of that. Finally, our WOD was a challenging chipper with 3 movements at high reps. It was daunting at first and I was gassed but I got through it with the coach's encouragement. The coach was motivating without being militant. It is obvious the gym does well in providing top notch instuction. Limiting their class size provides the individualized attention needed to avoid poor form and injuries. CFF is great for any fitness level and makes crossfit an attainable activity for anyone.

In response to COVID-19, some gyms acted well others did not. I was injured at Invictus when the…read moreperson spotting my bench failed to spot (they spend no time training members how to spot) and was laid out for several months after a 260 lb barbell hit my chest from 3 feet above me (the length of my arms). We agreed that my membership would be put on hold as I was convalescing. As soon as COVID-19, closed Boston Invictus reneged on that agreement and insisted that I pay $260 a month for a gym that was no longer open and knowing that I was too injured to work out. They treated the rest of the members similarly poorly by insisting that zoom classes were somehow the same thing by taking a widely liberal view of the contact for what it means to be a gym. Avoid.