I had my new client introduction with Celia. When I expressed discomfort about providing an…read moreexcessive amount of personal information, she insisted. Later, she apologized, saying she understood I didn't want to share details "because ICE is snatching people off the streets." That comment was offensive and inappropriate, it felt like racial profiling. Having an accent or not being white does not mean I'm undocumented. I simply didn't want to provide unnecessary personal information.

TL;DR: I used to hate working out, but I now go to Pilates 3 days/week and have lost ~15 in 4…read moremonths. I love Pilates & this Pilates studio in particular. Diane owns the studio, and Amanda, Cilla, and Kate are the instructors. All of them are amazingly kind and supportive for any newbies looking to try Pilates. They're all STOTT trained, and they all love the work they do and really care about helping you advance. I had tried Pilates a few times before, and I hadn't been able to find a place in Boston that I liked. (I have tried two other studios in the area and left feeling miserable.) But all of the instructors here are so patient and helpful, taking time to talk with me and understand what I am trying to get out of these sessions, and I have seen a dramatic change in my body since I started in October. My upper back doesn't hurt any more; my leggings are loose; my body is stronger; my energy is up; and my mood is better. Before you can take any group classes, you have to do the intro private sessions (I think to make sure you don't injure yourself...which was, at least for me, so very possible lol). I started with once a week then progressed up to three times a week when I noticed how great I was feeling. I have continued with a mix of private and group classes, and I love it. I can not recommend FitLab enough. In fact, I recommend FitLab to everyone in my life--friends, colleagues, everyone lol. It has really changed my body, health, and life.

I'm a really big fan of Turnstyle. They actually recently merged with The Handle Bar, another spin…read morestudio in the area. This specific location is really convenient, as it's located fairly close to the Kendall Square T stop. I will say that I think the layout of some of the other local studios I've been to have been a bit better and felt more spacious, especially because the classes are usually pretty packed. From my experience, all the spin instructors have been great. The spin studio is dark and the music is loud. It's a very specific vibe, but I find it fun!

This studio is small and in a dingy basement, but the instructors work with it and generally…read moredeliver a solid class each time. 3 stars for: (-) *weights (especially the 3-pounders in the bin by the instructor's bike) are getting worn and nasty *BO, as others have mentioned *inconsistently good teachers (though it seems they've just turned over a lot in the last 6-8 months and it's evening out (in a good way) again) (+) *very accommodating staff *free shoe rental *generally good music/playlists

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've practiced Pilates at Upward Spiral Studio for ~3 years and I'm really grateful for the…read moreexperience. Amy guided me from the fundamentals and helped me develop much better body awareness--alignment, control, and understanding what my body needs instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all workout. She's especially good at making smart adjustments on the spot (modifications, cues, and small changes that make a big difference). The vibe is friendly and professional, scheduling has been smooth, and the space is clean and comfortable. If you're looking for Pilates that's thoughtful, sustainable, and tailored to your body, I'd strongly recommend this studio.

I started Pilates with a student of Lolita San Miguel's so I have some experience with excellent…read morePilates teachers....We love Paula and the studio, relaxed atmosphere, without the sectarian feel. Definitely one of the better Pilates studios in the Boston area, there are so many teachers who took apparently a 2 months crash course in Pilates and know very little..... Not here: Teachers are knowledgeable and they have the super cool Gyrotonic equipment! I like to have flexibility when working out and do not always want to do the exact same reformer or mat routine. My body is very thankful!

Helena is an amazing Pilates instructor, and the hands-down best masseuse I've ever had. After…read moreworking with her weekly for almost two years (whoa, time flew) she would still find new ways and methods of exercise. My regular practice with her was a big contributor to my physical and mental well being during some stressful periods that I was not otherwise taking good care of myself. I did duets with her as well as individual classes, and some of her workshops. Helena is kind, funny, and honest. There aren't many people I can start my day with at 7 AM, but she is one. She pushes you to stretch your limits but also encourages you to listen to your body, and watches your body and listens to you. She invests in her equipment and is constantly taking trainings and lessons with other instructors to improve and bring the best back to her clients. She does trigger point massage, which brings the pain and the results. You know that feeling after you chop off several inches of your hair, and your head feels like and you know you look amazing? MY WHOLE BODY FELT THAT WAY. It's uncomfortable but effective. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about Helena, both personally and professionally. I would be a lifelong client if not for a cross-country move.

Helena is incredibly knowledgeable, creative and supportive. Therefore, each session is tailored…read moreto you just as you are at that moment, to help you become the person you can be. I look forward to every session, knowing I will feel stronger and more functionally able. Helena challenges me and, with skill and encouragement, she helps me get stronger, more flexible, more agile, more self-confident in movement. This is very important to me, as a 71-year old, with 2 total knee replacements and a spinal chord injury, who has lots of bad habits from years of obesity and underuse in my relatively recent past. I live in Los Angeles, but am regularly in Cambridge where my new grandson and his parents live. I was blest to work with Helena for 6 weeks straight around when he was born. Now I can't wait to work with Helena whenever I am in town, she is amazing -- and has made a huge difference in my life.

I've been working out with Rome for about six months in group and personal training and have yet to…read morerepeat an exercise routine. I look forward to each workout because Rome is always mixing it up so you'll never be bored and always challenged. In group training, he manages to meet everyone's needs by modifying exercises for beginners and for those who need a challenge. After working out with Rome, I feel stronger, more fit, toned, and closer to reaching my fitness goals. If needed, he also gives nutritional advice. Rome Fitness is as good as it gets!

If you're looking for a great workout, look no further! I've been working out at Rome's Fitness for…read moreabout two years. In that time I've gained strength and endurance. He always challenges his clients and because of that I never get bored. I actually look forward to getting my butt kicked(metaphorically)! I always go for the group training classes, which is great, because in a group setting we encourage each other. We challenge each other. Thank you Rome's Fitness for keeping me motivated! -Ms. Settles

I tried out OTF at the start of 2020(I know...) to introduce some cardio into my workout routine,…read morewhich was yoga or pilates. I liked it and was planning to take ~3 classes a week. Then, Covid happened. I think they did offer some workouts via the app, but running in place in my living room was not something I would have gotten psyched for, so I canceled my membership. Fast forward to 2021 and I was getting my only bathroom fixed and would be without a shower at home for 2-3 months. I called this OTF to see if their showers were open, and they were -- and they were offering a reduced-rate 3-month special offer to bring back old members. No-brainer! Over maybe 5 months, I: -started running (and once clocked a 7:27 mile which is WILD for someone who was winded walking that thing in elementary school) -learned to like lifting weights (and getting muscle definition) -dropped two pant sizes without trying This location is spacious, friendly, and welcoming. The classes (which are the same at all locations) are challenging but customizable. Their motto is "more life" and I do feel the workouts set you up to be healthy in the long term. We've had a lot of coach turnover but OTF Assembly Row always lands 2-3 really solid coaches. You'll end up taking with the same ones if you keep the same schedule week to week. You might even follow each other on instagram and get to know each other as real people outside the studio -- at just the right level, so you feel the relationship is professional but they care about you as people. Shout out to Em, Dan, Jenn, and Shannon, who are the top coaches here right now. And to Amanda, Jordan, Maddie, Brit, Ryan, Lauren, and probably a ton more who I'm forgetting, who also brought the motivation and made these workouts fun and rewarding. I go about 6 days/week (so I don't kill myself each day haha) and it's a huge stabilizing part of my routine.

We had such an amazing time at Orangetheory during our most recent posture screening event! The…read moreteam was so welcoming, and it was clear they care deeply about the well-being and health of their members. A great place to get in a great workout and be a part of an awesome community!

I enjoy coming to this planet fitness. Location is super convenient, staff is very friendly, and it…read moreis always kept very clean compared to other locations. My only complaint is that it usually takes quite a while for broken equipment to be fixed.

All the stand-up aerobic machines have tv screens in front of your face. Not good if you like…read morelooking in the distance while exercising. Requested a call back from a manager to ask if they could remove the screen from one machine. No callback. Lame. So off I go to VIM fitness because although they're more expensive, they have a few ellipticals without screens. Ridiculous to have to spend more for the privilege of not having a tv in my face!