White Wolf is the best! I joined in August and am so happy I did. The group strength classes are…read morechallenging but manageable and the trainers are always there to provide feedback and corrections. Joe, the owner, is almost always around and the trainers he hires are knowledgable, supportive, and friendly. I started weight lifting at home with some dumbbells during the pandemic and was a little nervous about joining a 'real' gym but I didn't need to be - I really appreciated how welcoming everyone was and how it really feels like a community, even when you're brand new. I also worked with one of the trainers, Theresa, specifically on nutrition. She rocks as well!

Food and fitness is not always a harmonious marriage, but they go hand in hand. For the last month,…read moreI've been an official member of White wolf gym in Salem. After giving birth to burrito last year Phil and I rediscovered our love for food on the Northshore. We realized we were eating out almost every day and decided to capitalize on it by documenting our meals and experiences. The more restaurants we visited and reviewed, the more we wanted to share with our friends and family. This quickly became part of our routine. After doing this for several months, I realized this was supper counterproductive to losing the baby weight and overall health. I started going for 30min walks every day, and when that became super boring, I signed up for planet fitness, and when that didn't yield any results, I started taking yoga classes sporadically. I wasn't able to keep up with any of these for one reason or another, so I decided to move on to something new. As our blog grew and the length of time I spent on Instagram increased, I started to notice this gym pop up on friends' pages or in my feed sometimes in other friends' stories. White wolf seemed to be sending me subliminal messages. I spent weeks creeping and basically stalking their content before I finally decided to DM Joe, the owner. He invited me in to do a 2-week, and the rest is history. Phil and I are still working out some kinks in our routine, and the struggle to attend classes consistently is still there. But there's nothing like taking one of Joe's classes. This gym is the embodiment of Cross training. And Joe always keeps it interesting. I have yet to be bored or come out of a class feeling like I wish I never came. What does happen is your motivation is ignited. I'm continually hearing other members talk about how much stronger they are since coming here or sharing words of encouragement to stick with it and be consistent results will occur. When something in your life is changing you for the better, I feel like you have to share it!

I remembered my Yelp login information and have spent the past few minutes re-reading old reviews…read more I thought it was time for a revision and more accurate review of the Y. This location has definitely seen some improvements in the almost seven years I've been living in Salem. This past summer the women's locker room received a much-needed, and really nice facelift. I'm a swimmer and I have spent the past two years using the pool to train for upcoming open water swims. (happy to say the aforementioned weave on the bottom was eventually removed). I like how the pool stays open almost as late as the regular part of the gym. I try to go for the last hour, it's usually when it's least crowded, ie. empty. I've recently been taking spin classes on Mondays - noon time is with Beth and the 7:15 is with Freddi - both are awesome and their classes are tough! The Y is still a little on the high end for my budget, but they do offer financial aid and I am in the process of filling out my form to see what I qualify for now. You are also able to use your membership at almost any other YMCA (though not a WMCA as I found out), and that was really helpful when I temporarily moved to the south shore earlier this year. I'm happy to upgrade my review and to continue being a member of the Salem Y.

This is a solid YMCA. The Hawthorne hotel gives free passes here. The front desk staff were super…read morenice. Lots of good machines and not too crowded on a Sunday morning.

A+++ highly recommend LifeTime Fitness. A super fitness and wellness center in the Heart of the…read moreNorth Shore. My sister took me today for my 50th birthday celebration and it was out of this world great! We worked out in the fight fitness class, then did the hot tub, steam room, cold pool and lunch. We finished with the capper! A 90 minute massage from their master Masseuses in the fabulous LifeTime Spa. I highly recommend requesting Caroline, who was expert level! A great facility with fantastic customer service, expert training and wellness professionals. I look forward to returning on future trips back to Massachusetts.

1/5 -- Luxury Gym, Questionable Leadership…read more After nearly two years working at Life Time Fitness, I can confidently say that the facility is luxurious, but the way employees are treated behind the scenes is anything but. For a company that prides itself on health, wellness, and community, it's remarkable how little of that philosophy seems to extend to the people actually working there. Let's start with compensation. Nearly two years without a single raise, despite having a master's degree, previous experience in higher-level positions, and taking on responsibilities beyond my job description. I conducted membership tours, worked difficult closing shifts, and consistently contributed to front desk operations. Apparently, the expectation is to provide a luxury experience while being compensated as though employee development is an optional amenity. Management also seemed to have an unusual fascination with minor infractions. Whether it was sitting in a chair, having the wrong footwear, or occasionally checking a phone during an otherwise empty closing shift, you would think we were under investigation for a felony rather than working the front desk of a gym. God forbid an employee be comfortable. I came to work at a health club, not audition for a prison documentary. And apparently, requesting a chair or discussing workplace comfort requires a level of paperwork and scrutiny that could rival a government security clearance. For a business built around physical well-being, the irony is almost impressive. I understand that policies exist, and I certainly wasn't a perfect employee. However, there is a difference between maintaining professional standards and creating an environment where employees feel as though every minor action is being monitored in anticipation of the next warning. At times, it genuinely felt like there was a target on my back. What makes this particularly disappointing is the lack of meaningful communication. I repeatedly raised concerns about scheduling, compensation, and opportunities for advancement. Rather than feeling heard, I often felt dismissed or left waiting for answers. The grand finale was especially memorable. I requested a one-on-one meeting with my manager to discuss my pay and scheduling. Instead, I arrived to find the general manager unexpectedly joining the conversation, only to be informed that the company had decided to "part ways" with me. Apparently, asking for a conversation about compensation comes with a complimentary surprise exit interview. At least that was one benefit they didn't charge extra for. After nearly two years, I would have appreciated some transparency about the actual purpose of the meeting. Instead, I made the trip expecting a productive discussion and walked out unemployed. I fully recognize that employees should be held accountable for their actions. However, accountability should extend to leadership as well. When employees repeatedly express concerns about scheduling, compensation, workplace conditions, and communication, perhaps the solution isn't always another warning or another replacement. I've watched several employees leave in recent months, and I genuinely hope management begins asking why. When turnover becomes a recurring theme, eventually you have to consider whether the problem is always the employees. Life Time has no shortage of expectations for its staff. Unfortunately, in my experience, the same standards of communication, empathy, and professionalism weren't consistently demonstrated by those in leadership. The members and many of my coworkers were wonderful, and they made the job worthwhile. My disappointment is not with them or the facility itself, but with the management culture I experienced. For a company that charges premium membership prices and promotes an exceptional lifestyle, perhaps some of that investment could go toward employee compensation, retention, and leadership development. A luxury facility doesn't automatically mean luxury leadership. And when a company spends more time policing employees than supporting them, perhaps it's time for management to look in the mirror instead of constantly looking for the next person to replace. I wish the employees who remain the best. They deserve to feel just as valued as the members they're expected to serve.

In the past 8 years of my time in Crossfit, I've lived the life of a Nomad. I've been a member to…read moremore boxes I can remember, coached a few athletes, and met so many awesome people in my journey. I moved into Salem because of work and had to find a box to stuff myself in. If you want to get my bottom line, then skip my review to the last paragraph. Otherwise I'll break things down to the following: Coaching, Programing, Facility, Climate. These are the facets that make up a Crossfit gym. Coaching and staff: The coaching staff is stellar, they are always watching and ensuring that members are safe, extremely knowledgeable, provide guidance to improve, they are encouraging, and concerned for the well being of the members. This is one of the few, boxes I've ever been to that will genuinely ask you how you're feeling, and not in a motherly way. More of a friendly way making sure that your comfortable with the movements and Wods. The coaching staff is the foundation of any Crossfit gym and I say that Crossfit Iron Spider is resting on solid bedrock!. Programing: This is the meat and potatoes that develop the athlete. Some boxes will lean towards movements like Olympic lifting and some will lean towards gymnastics or strength. The core of their programing it seems to me is primarily balanced the way it should be. Daily Wods involve Strength and Metcon that will challenge you. There is plenty of variety and sometimes off the wall stuff that will keep you on your toes. Facility: The gym is big with ample room and there's a lot of great qualities about it. First everyone wants to know what the bathrooms are like. Well, this is one of the few gyms I've been to that has showers! Three of them to be exact! The men's bathroom (I haven't been to the ladies locker room sorry) has plenty of room to move around complete with two toilet stalls and one urinal. Now on the the equipment. They use a Rogue Infinity rig and have several Oly stations for those of you what want a solid floor to work on. This is also one of the first gyms I've been to where all the rowers actually work! Good on them maintaining their ergos! I've haven't had to share my equipment or break down the Wods in heats just yet so there's plenty of toys to go around for everyone. The only thing that bothers me about the facility is the entrance of the facility. When there's a run involved in a Wod the entrance/egress is a bottleneck and has a case of metal stairs. a maximum of 2 people can pass through the door so it can be a challenge at times. Last of all parking, yes it can be a major concern but not here. Plenty of parking for all. Right outside the door! Climate: Every Crossfit gym has a pulse, and Crossfit Iron Spider is no exception. It's friendly here and everyone I've met here is very supportive. There is also a collection of awesome athletes so if you're looking for some friendly competition, you'll find it here. If you're curious about Crossfit and want to give it a try, or if you're a veteran athlete, and you want to be challenged then look no further. If you live in Salem or in the surrounding towns, it's a no brainer. You wont be disappointment and it may help change your life. Crossfit Iron Spider is one of the best gyms I've been to!

Steve Dion is simply an amazing personal trainer. He has been customizing workouts for me over the…read morepast 3 years that increased my strength, stamina, and flexibility despite limitations caused by spine surgery and diabetic neuropathy. At 65, I'm still in the game thanks to Steve. Highest recommendation.

If you're looking for a great place to work out, with amazing people and a great coach, this is the…read moreplace for you! Jane is incredibly knowledgable and approachable and she will work with you to ensure that you can safely challenge yourself in every movement and workout. Dont be afraid of working out there because your think it's to hard. The truth is yes, it's harder than sitting home on your couch or in regular gym doing an ineffective and boring workout. These workouts can always be done at the level you are at the day you walk in. You will surprise yourself, build strength and confidence, and become an overall happier person. I go early in the morning and I feel full of energy all day long.

Jane is truly amazing and not only a great trainer, but a cheerleader. She is always in your…read morecorner, helping you achieve your goals . You tell her what your goals are and she will literally sit next to you if she has to until you get it. Small group training is where its at. doesn't matter what your ability is - everyone can do something and Jane will get you there. It is a positive environment with awesome results. You will feel better, be stronger and as Jane says " Be better than yesterday" . You will not be disappointed.

The Salty Buddha is this little warm slice of yoga heaven in downtown Salem. It was a little hard…read morefor me to find my first time -- it's in the "Hawthorne Building" (not to be confused with the Hawthorne Hotel across town). It's the building with Bank of America on one end and Starbucks on the other (Walgreens is on the back side). It has a large parking lot with metered and 4-hr spots available. You enter through the main door in the very middle of the building, next door to Beijing Herbal Foot spa. Stairs are on the left, elevator on the right. On the second floor, it's an adorable little one-room boho chic zen escape, perfectly warmed and big enough for plenty of yogis to have a comfortable practice. Toni and Jacqueline are amazing... truly yin and yang! But they both are SO welcoming and have made the Salty Buddha feel really well-established even though it's pretty new. You can book everything online -- the MindBody app is a dream -- and I have yet to have any issues with the logistics of signing up/attending a class. Classes are at great times; I especially like the later evening ones because I work in Boston and getting to a 5:30pm just isn't a reality for me most days. Having an 7pm some nights, and an 8pm option is perfect! They are running a new student deal for $25 for two weeks, which is literally impossible to beat, so if you like yoga/haven't done it before/need to up your flexibility or fitness or self care -- come down and check it out! You will LOVE it!

I had the pleasure of taking a few different classes here and even checked out their Mills 58…read morelocation. I'm super grateful for connecting with Nikki, Kelli, and Mona. All beautiful Goddesses! The Zen Buddha with Mona was lovely. I definitely recommend taking a class at either one of their locations. The vibes are everything! We even got a tarot card at the end with a massage of essential oils at the Salem spot. They have super cute merch too!! When I come back to the east coast, I will def take more classes. Wonderful way to reset and connect to the breath and body. Absolutely love the Salty Buddha!!

After a day of exploring Cape Ann (Gloucester and Salem), it was time to hit up PF for a quick…read moreworkout and a shower. This one is open 24 hours, even on weekends, and that's pretty awesome as many are not open in the evenings on weekends. It is a larger location than others I have been to. Today, it was pretty quiet at 5pm with no waits on any of the machines. The locker room was tidy with no trash on the floor. The shower was one of the largest I have used in any Planet Fitness https://www.yelp.com/user_details_review_search?q=planet+fitness&userid=hWDybu_KvYLSdEFzGrniTw with a small shelf for my shampoo and razor. Plenty of room for toweling dry before going over to the lockers to dress. The only complaint I have is that the hot water ran low towards the end of my shower. A minor problem. [Review 17873 overall - 1127 in Massachusetts - 1394 of 2022.]

Big planet fitness with a good amount of machines. I went at 4pm on a Saturday, and it was…read morerelatively busy, especially the treadmills. It's very possible that this is classic January busy-ness, but if you want a less packed gym, I'd recommend checking the app to see the crowd level. About 90% of the gym goers at the time were men so the women's locker room was very empty and all showers were available (4 showers which is more than some other locations). Overall the locker room was clean and the facility was nice, although the locker area was quite dark. The bathroom had some wet paper towels scattered around which was odd since there was no dispenser for them, but was otherwise relatively clean.

I rarely leave reviews but wanted to in the support of the best teachers and care providers we ever…read morecould have asked for in our community. Erolynn in Room 4 has been an instrumental educator for our wild and very extroverted 2 yr old. He comes home having learned new skills, song, words, animals, good behaviors, etc that I know for 100% have come from her style of gentle nurturing and support. If it was possible to keep him in her class through his daycare years I would, and I've tried:) She has taught him how to interact "gentle" with his peers and others, giving him and his classmates so much love it's expanded his horizons exponentially. He rushes to see her every day and has meant so much. As we enter into the last week of a wonderful year, I couldn't imagine leaving a review without recognizing the amazing staff that greet every family with so much enthusiasm and vigor each day, Ms Patty and Ms Andrea bring the kids in pumped for a fun day where they feel so loved. Abby and Joan and Ally in the preschool class are exceptional at nurturing young minds and young big emotions with our 4 yr old, helping him articulate and express his interests, make friendships and be respectful to themselves and others. Finally the swim staff, Brendan & Danielle who have helped generate a love of the water, safety, fun and excitement are incredible. There have been so many wonderful people that are a part of this place, we are so grateful.

Pulled my kid from one classroom because she was being emotionally abused, and then I thought she…read morewas ok for a year, but come to find out she hasn't spoken all year in her class. She is basically mute, and they didn't tell me or ever once encourage her to speak. I told the director, Stephanie about the multiple OTHER policy violations I noticed and she did absolutely nothing about it, so I pulled her out, reported them to the state, and I'm sending my kid to therapy. Don't send your kids here, there is an investigation forthcoming. I have seen other small children being pulled up from the floor by their arms and being called names. This place is rife with abuse.

I have been doing group exercise classes for 12 years now - everywhere from downtown Boston,…read moreDallas, Denver, Austin....though Reck is a small gym in Beverly it's packed with the best equipment and some pretty awesome instructors. The classes I have taken (both in person and online) are right up there with the big, well known studios like Barry's BC, Orange Theory and Equinox. Of course, every instructor and every gym have their own style, but these instructors always set you up for a killer workout, you just have to put in the work. What sets Reck above the rest is the ownership. Find a gym where the owners know every member and take the time to personally respond to any inquiry or question within a few hours. These days, with so many options out there, quality and service is imperative. I can assure you, you will find both here!

Came here for a free hour long fitness class for their grand opening, so I can really only judge on…read morefirst impressions. For the Bootcamp class, they put us in groups of 4 to rotate around stations. 2 in the group would do the primary exercise while the other 2 would do a secondary exercise. It was a setup I hadn't come across before and it seemed like an excellent combination of individual working out with a sense of camaraderie. It was a pretty challenging class and they had a lot of machines I'd never used before. I do wish the class was a little bit more strength focused because it was very cardio heavy. They do have an upstairs open gym where you can work out, and you can work out downstairs if they have no classes going on. However I do think it's a pretty small gym for the monthly fee of $129. But bonus points for the huge adorable dog who hangs around there! Summarizing, the instructors and variety of machines as well as the convenient location are great but it seems quite pricey for what it is.

I was going to give them a bad rating, but I don't want to deal with the Lynch mob, so I won't…read more I was going to say no to the stranger with candy in the parking lot, but I ended up getting in his Van. I was going to use the Loo in the lobby, but it was busy, so I had to use the Otterloo. Very interesting YMCA which was almost 99% Caucasian in terms of employees and patrons (which is a negative, obviously, as diversity is always better and I hope you agree) by the looks of it, on the day I was here, but then the North Shore is a bit like that. This is also is one of the busiest YMCAs I've ever been to in the sense of there was nothing that wasn't being used. At least they have lots of benches to compensate for the fact that they have so many people using it but still extremely busy. The woman at the front desk was not too friendly but at least she let me in without demanding identification. I appreciated that but definitely some attitudes on the way in and the people inside the gym where hit or miss in terms of their attitudes as well. A couple of nasty individuals indeed, but I have that at my gym too in Buffalo, even moreso in Houston. Great views and a beautiful location close to the beach - you can't really ask for much more than that. 4 stars only because it's farrrrr too busy

Very disappointed with how things were handled today at the Marblehead YMCA. All last summer and…read moreeven this past week, our kids were allowed to go down the slide without issue. Suddenly today (July 13 around 1:30 PM), we were told our daughter couldn't use the slide without passing a swim test -- something we were never informed about, and something that's not listed anywhere online. What's worse is that the rules seem to change depending on which lifeguard is working. When I asked for a full list of pool rules (just like I previously asked for slide/indoor pool hours), no one -- not the lifeguards or front desk staff -- could give me any answers. The so-called "manager" on duty refused to give her name, was incredibly rude, and wouldn't explain why the rules had changed or where I could even find them. Her only explanation was, "New year, new rules." That's not an acceptable - she was extremely unprofessional, disrespectful and rude! For the record, I even called in June to ask specifically about the indoor slide and was told nothing about swim tests or new restrictions. YMCA members deserve consistency, transparency, and basic respect. Right now, that's not what we're getting at the Marblehead location.