Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else. You can catch City Editor Jess in the spin studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the YMCA in Oak Square.
Fortunately, Boston is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness around our city.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those looking for flexibility + variety
Equinox Sports Club, multiple locations
There is something for everyone at Equinox with signature fitness classes, personal trainers, spas, and an on-site cafe. There are a variety of amenities to enjoy at the different Boston locations, including an indoor pool in Chestnut Hill and a rooftop training area in Copley Square.
Republic Fitness, Two International Place
If you like classes that keep you on your toes, this is the place for you. Try the boot camp, barre, TRX, yoga, or cycling classes while also enjoying amenities.
YMCA of Greater Boston, multiple locations
A local Y membership supports the community and your fitness goals. With over 15 locations in the Greater Boston area, there is always a facility nearby for a group fitness class or open swim.
Barry’s Bootcamp, multiple locations
Half treadmill and half strength training workouts are held in all-red rooms and packed with exercises to build lean muscle.
Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs, multiple locations
This local chain offers a full range of group classes, state-of-the-art cardio equipment, and weight machines. Bonus: The original location across from TD Garden also includes Combat Sports Boston — an MMA academy.
Workouts at JP Crossfit can be so ruff.
Photo by @nico_thesheltie
For those who believe burpees are a lifestyle
Invictus Boston, 209 Columbus Ave., Fenway: 100 Brookline Ave. + Park Square: 116 Providence St.
The CrossFit classes are high-intensity, small-group classes designed to gain strength and develop cardiovascular health. Classes typically include a warm-up, a strength or skill portion, and end with a cooldown.
CrossFit Southie, 383 Dorchester Ave.
The South Boston gym offers 10+ classes designed for all ages and ability levels. Each class is structured to be challenging with cardio and weightlifting exercises. Bonus: The open gym offers all day 24-hour access.
Get Eastie Fit, 256 Marginal St.
Head to Jeffries Point for a variety of full-body workouts scaled for all abilities. If you want more guidance, ask about the Personal Training Program.
CrossFit Boston, 100 Holton St., Brighton
This gym offers a “Four Weeks to Fitness” program for those who want attending class regularly and focus on their nutrition. If you’re not sure if CrossFit is for you, your first month is unlimited.
CrossFit Iron and Grit, 1230 VFW Parkway, Boston
Dating back to 2011, this community fitness group wants to create a space for healthy and happy people who want to live their best life and by extension help the youth in Boston. The team and members volunteer to support local children experiencing homelessness.
CrossFit 617, 62 Hill Top St., Dorchester
Find your challenge at this 7,500-sqft open space with free weights, turf and lounge areas, full locker rooms, and child care area. The new state-of-the-art facility right on the Neponset River Pathway is open to beginners and experienced CrossFitters.
JP CrossFit, 54 Hyde Park Ave.
This Jamacia Plain gym is close to Forest Hills and offers a supportive community focused on accountability and supporting new members. Bonus: Check out the Friday evening Olympic Weightlifting club LiftJP.
For those who want to punch up their fitness routine
EverybodyFights, 25 Drydock Ave. + One Federal Street
This workout is a knockout — there is something for everyone with bags, mitts, cycle, and yoga options in addition to open gym time. Enjoy the recovery lounge after your session on the mat.
Peter Welch’s Gym, 371 Dorchester Ave.
This South Boston gym offers classes tailored to learning boxing techniques as well as focusing on strength and conditioning. Choose from a variety of classes like fighter conditioning, technique, self defense, or the six-week training camp.
TITLE Boston Club, 226 Causeway St.
Show up and be ready to sweat. TITLE welcomes boxers of all fitness levels and the coaches are in your corner ready to make your workout easy and fun.
Boston Boxing & Fitness, 100 Holton St.
Head to Brighton to find a full-time Olympic boxing training center. Boston Boxing is staffed with trainers who are 100% focused on your fitness and safety. The classes are taught by certified USA boxing instructors and are designed for all levels.
Back Bay Boxing and Fitness, Clemente Field
This boxing gym is dedicated to coaching boxing techniques, while improving your form and skills for all fitness levels.
Find a pilates studio like this one at Equinox Sports Club.
Photo by @kyliebrown103
For those eager to try something new
Evolve Bootcamp, 85 Beacon St.
Take your workout outdoors with this functional outdoor fitness program that runs all year, rain or shine. Check the schedule to sign up for the next four-week, bootcamp-style class.
Heartbreak Hill Running Company, multiple locations
This running studio by Bostonians, for Bostonians was named after the infamous hill on the Boston Marathon route. The community offers a wide variety of group run opportunities and plans to train for your upcoming race
The Handle Bar, multiple locations
The signature Cycle class is a cardio workout on a stationary bike that incorporates movements and hand weights to get a whole body workout. The class’ rides are 45 or 60 minutes and are offered at Charlestown, Fenway, Harvard, Kendall, North Station, and South End.
B/Spoke Studios, 101 Federal St. + 54 Old Colony Ave.
Get those legs spinning in cycle class while learning proper form and technique, then enjoy luxurious showers, complimentary shoe rentals, and towel service.
Asana Charelstown, 20 City Sq., Charlestown
No experience is necessary to check out this Pilates studio, which also offers barre and yoga classes. The sessions will use small weights and resistance bands combined with fast movements to really feel the burn.
Barre Groove, 52 Province St. + 208 Newbury St.
Expect a full-body workout with every class at Boston’s first trampoline fitness studio. The classes combine bounce cardio with barre, band, and sculpt resistance training.
For those getting regatta ready
Row Republic, 77 N. Washington St.
Check out classes at this North End studio for a high-intensity, low-impact workout program combining cardio intervals on the rowing machine.
Sweat Fixx, multiple locations
This sweat session will have guests using custom-made water rowers in a variety of classes. The trainers will guide you through rowing intervals with high-intensity exercises, strength training, and yoga.
Row House, 25 Lovejoy Wharf
This rowing studio offers views of the water — literally. In the early summer, classes are hosted outside with a view of the water as instructors lead the class through intervals.
Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.
