Tried the mat and chair class at Boston Body Pilates for the first time with a friend, and we had…read moresuch a positive experience! Our instructor, Julien, was fantastic -- super welcoming, patient, and helpful throughout the whole class. She made it easy to follow along, even as first-timers, and her guidance really helped us feel comfortable and confident. The space was clean and calming, and the vibe of the class was just the right mix of challenging and supportive. I'm definitely planning to come back and would highly recommend it to anyone curious about trying Pilates! 10/10 would recommend!!

I've been taking classes at Boston Body Pilates in the Waterfront for about six weeks now, and my…read moreexperience has been overwhelmingly positive--especially thanks to Valencia, one of their instructors. She's a Black woman, and having that representation in a Pilates space genuinely matters to me. Starting where I started and seeing how far I've already come with her support has meant a lot. She remembers my name, makes me feel included rather than out of place, and gives hands-on guidance that actually helps me understand and correct my technique. It's the kind of attention that makes you want to keep showing up. From my very first day, I've also felt welcomed by Courtney, who greeted me when I walked in, and by Mallory, who's been responsive and kind over email. There's a sense of attentiveness throughout the studio that I really appreciate--especially with all the current conversations happening around inclusivity in Pilates spaces. Now, for the real talk: Communication They do say on their website that email is the best way to reach them, and they mean it. Calling is... hit or miss. I've called before and gotten no answer, and I've talked to other people who've had the same experience. So if you're looking for a quick phone response, good luck--you're better off emailing. Schedule & Space They offer classes seven days a week, with options in the morning, afternoon, and evening, which makes it easy to fit into any schedule. I'm also looking forward to exploring more of the studio, because they have different rooms with different machines and setups. Parking It's the Northend--so yes, parking is rough. You're likely paying $28+ unless you luck out with street parking. Keep that in mind when planning your trip. Location They're a bit tucked away. If you're taking a Lyft or driving, note that you can't just pull up right in front. They're located on the other side of Joe's (the restaurant). Once you figure it out, it's easy, but the first time can feel like a scavenger hunt. Other Note From time to time there's a dog in the studio, but I've never had it roaming around during class. Just something to know if you're allergic or prefer pet-free spaces. Overall, I've felt supported, included, and challenged in all the right ways. If you're considering trying Pilates--especially if you value representation, community, and instructors who actually pay attention--Boston Body Pilates Waterfront is worth checking out.

i'm a new spin-er so my experience is only after the three classes I've been to but so far I've…read morereally enjoyed them. They are challenging for me but very fun! I've seen two different instructors and like them both a lot. I'm excited to keep coming. The girls at the front desk are welcoming and knowledgeable and the instructors are fun. The class itself is very intense, but I know that I'm getting a good workout in.

The Handle Bar has been my favorite cycling studio I've tried in the area! Switched to the Harvard…read morelocation after being a Charlestown regular because of the Hotbox studio update, and I've been so happy attending classes here. The studio is really spacious and I've loved every instructor I've tried. I give myself extra time to drive in so I can find parking but I've always been able to find decent street parking. Highly recommend Raisa and Courtney as instructors!

Called ahead because the Boston Marathon had the entire area shut down. They said they'd "wait two…read moreminutes", then locked me out anyway at two minutes. Didn't answer the door or phone. Petty, inflexible, and honestly embarrassing behavior from a studio that isn't even a high end studio. It's not discipline, it's a desperate power trip. They'd rather shut the door in a paying client's face than use basic judgment. The instructor was Emma Cammer so not sure if she's to blame or the studio itself

Now officially in the 250 club! I've been waiting for this day for a long time, especially because…read moreI lost one of my 100 club sock. PB was great to adapt to Covid, from reducing class size early on to quickly offering livestream classes. They initially offered livestream class through Facebook, and then set up its own website for recorded sessions. I've enjoyed the flexibility with livestream, especially I could take classes with instructors who I don't normally get a chance to! While I have been comfortable taking livestream sessions since Covid, it's only because I had plenty of in-studio experience, especially with modifications. I'd recommend anyone who is comfortable with going to studio take it in-person as opposed to virtual. The only thing is I wish the livestream is offered through Zoom. I talked to the instructors and inquired about Zoom as an option. However, because the class is so music driven, it's hard to get the correct microphone feedback over Zoom. The Boston studio is also located on the second floor of a building, slightly more tucked away than the Harvard Square location. It has two individual bathrooms and one changing room. Plenty of locker space and equipment for all. Before the pandemic, I've been here a bunch of times since you can take classes either at the harvard location or here. Now, you can take classes from any of the three locations: Brookline, Boston, or Harvard Square. Different instructors have different styles, and it will take you some time to find what's best for you. Angela is definitely popular here. I took two classes with Fiona, and loved her! I love Amanda, and am glad she is here temporarily for this summer! If you are brand new to barre, it will take you at least a week or so to fully adapt to its rhythms. The good news is they offer free Foundations class for new members, or you can always check out the intro class on YouTube to get a better idea on what to expect. The membership is not cheap, but comparable to other professionally owned gym or barre studios. They have membership sale from time to time (e.g., new membership for $99 for 3 months or 20% off of lifestyle membership), so definitely keep an eye on its marketing emails or social media and take advantage of that. I'd also recommend check with your work or insurance to see if you can get any partial reimbursement on fitness membership. Some other tips: 1. There is a 4-hour cancellation window, after that you will have to pay a late cancellation fee. If you are unsure of your schedule, you can always sign up at the last minute (if there is still room for the class). Also, be sure you are early or on time. Typically, you may be turned away if you are more than 5 - 7 minutes late for class, for safety reasons. 2. While some poses are hard, don't be afraid to modify them. Personally, I find myself better off without the weights for the weight section from time to time just to get the form right. Form over heavy lifting, as always. 3. Wear long pants! For top, I see a variety of sports bras or tank tops. While shorts are allowed, it is not recommended. Better with capri or 7/8 or full pants. Also, you can wear regular socks, but may find plank or other positions challenging. Most people have Pure Barre sticky socks (which I think is now $18 a pair). You can buy sticky socks on Amazon for a cheaper price.

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

The class was awesome! Challenging in a way that really pushed me. I wish there were showers, but…read moreotherwise the studio was nice and clean!

Took class here on my travel pass this week with Lydia. The class was practically empty through no…read morefault of Lydia's/the studio's. I will say the studio itself is in kinda weird location and it wasn't the most pleasant walk, but that's where my complaints end. Lydia was so nice and was a great instructor. Her choice of music was bomb and she did an excellent job with hands on corrections for newer students. She made sure that everyone had the correct form as opposed to just calling out instructions. The studio itself is gorgeous - personally I prefer the ones that have two rows of megaformers which this one does. The machines were in great condition (granted this is a newer studio). I woke up the next morning so sore, which is a good indicator to me of a challenging class. Obviously not local to the Boston area but if I were I'd be happy with this as my home studio.

This is a review of my first time trying out a Barry's class. The ambiance of this studio is…read morehonestly one of a kind. It was probably one of the most energizing and luxurious fitness class I have tried thus far, and I've tried maybe a dozen in Boston through Class Pass. Definitely pricey but you pay for the ambiance. I'm glad I got to try the Full Body strength class since it had a good mix of everything. Arrive early to use the massage guns. The treadmills were actually quite nice and comfortable, and the floor exercises were pretty standard and targeted the arms, legs, and core. The instructor Mike was excellent - he explained the exercises clearly, gave attention to each of us individually at some point, and overall really pushed everyone hard. It was a bit crowded in the class, but not as bad as some other classes I have been to -- the worst was the women's locker room in which it was impractical to have 15 people in a small room and only one bench. Maybe it's not as much an issue for the men's locker room. Other than that, I enjoyed the class a lot and will be sore the next few days!

I decided to try my first Barry's class and didn't know anyone there. As someone who works out a…read morelot and has been to different fitness classes, I did enjoy the workout, but there were a few things that didn't do it for me. First, it's definitely an exclusive type of crowd. Everyone in my class clearly had money and seems to be pretty cliquey. There is a smoothie bar you can order at to have your severely overpriced smoothie ready after your workout. It was actually kind of ridiculous. You'd be surprised how many of the people use it, which I guess good for them?! Anyways, from a first time perspective, I would not recommend to someone trying to get into fitness and looking for an accepting community. Not one person said hi to me apart from the worker who checked me in and the coach when I entered the room, and it didn't seem genuine, just basic customer service. I was fine and did my thing but that atmosphere can definitely be a turn off and it can be really intimating for new people. This vibe translates into the class too. There was a lot of platitudes during the class. Very much an air of fakeness to how the class is structured and how the coach interacts with people trying to make it seem like we're all part of a family. The class reminded my of OrangeTheory, going through high-intensity interval circuits and alternating between aerobic exercise on the treadmills and resistance training with weights and benches. The room is oddly dark/dimmed and the music is LOUD. They do offer earplugs in the front, but wow they pump the music. Like I said, I did enjoy the workout, but it wasn't something I would go out of my way for, especially at the costs Barry's charges...!

After telling myself I would go back to the gym for years, I have accepted I need to sign up for…read moreclasses for a structured workout I haven't done a spin class since college so I knew coming back would be a little tough. All of the workers and the instructor were helpful in getting me set up as it was my first time at Cyclebar. The class was guided very well and of course had the option to slow it down as needed for your body / needs. Im not into running so being able to cycle for a more intensive cardio is such a great and fun option. The music, changing paces, various movements and weights keeps the class fun! To access the studio you enter through a door on the side of the building that says "FITROW" and go to the second floor. Plenty of free parking (under 3 hours) and by the MGH green spaces if you need a cool down walk after class!

I struggle with going to the gym because I don't know what I'm going to do, and get super…read moreoverwhelmed with everyone there. I knew I needed someone to tell me what to do at a workout, or I won't have the motivation to show up at all. I was introduced to CycleBar and they offered a free class for first timers so I went with my friend! I was absolutely hooked! I think it's my 5th month now and after trying out several instructors, I found my personal favorites! I highly recommend Britt, Nicole, and Leah, and Ali! I love that every instructor has their own style and they are so encouraging in class. The space is always clean and they have free shoes to use! There's also a water bubbler, and towels for use at the studio. After taking classes at CycleBar, I tried other spin classes around Boston. They were fun but I love how CycleBar sends you your stats after every class, which most studios (if not all) don't. This motivates me to push harder and try to improve from my previous classes. Parking is also free (if parked under 3 hours) in the garage, which is a HUGE plus for me.

I've been attending classes here through class pass and I love it! The owner (Jonathan) teaches…read moreTabata BURN classes which are intervals of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest. Jonathan's class includes burpees and lots of lunges. I've never done so many in my life. I was sore for DAYS. Another class I attended focused on core. Awesome ab work out! I was late so I missed the 1st part which usually includes a more cardio oriented warm up. I've also taken a class with Sarah and she was extremely attentive. The class was definitely much easier than Jonathan's class but I still got a good workout. My only complaint is that the class is 45 minutes. It goes by so quickly. If you're a beginner then this class will definitely be challenging. I think it's great for intermediates! Any class can be turned into an advanced class if you up your weights. I tend to work out with lighter weights so I haven't been sore since my 1st class. They have free locks and enough lockers for everyone who attends classes. The bathroom is small but the studio is new and clean!

I took a BURN Pilates class here and was pleased to see that most of the other attendees were…read morebeginners as well. I was able to talk to the instructor beforehand about my physical limitations (spine surgery) which was also nice. As for the facilities, they're pretty average (not dirty, but not sparkling clean). The locker rooms are CRAMPED; which I tried to avoid by changing before I arrived, but it was the only place with storage cubbies. The class itself was challenging for a beginner, but I could see other students in the class who were breezing through the exercises and took up every opportunity to do a more challenging set. There were a lot of push-ups, planking, and abdominal work; all of which I tried to modify as best as I could considering my physical limitations and fitness level. There were a handful of exercises that I just couldn't do because of my spine surgery, which was kind of disappointing. However, I must have done the best that I could because my abdomen and legs were still sore a few days after the class! Overall, I probably wouldn't come back solely because I don't feel Pilates is best for my physically limited body. I would definitely consider another beginner-level class here though.