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Boston Sports Club
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Gyms [Edit]
1 Davis SqSomerville, MA 02144
Neighborhood: Davis Square
(617) 776-0086
- Nearest Transit:
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College Ave @ Highland Ave (89, 94, 96)
Holland St @ Dover St (87, 88)
Davis Square Busway (87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 96)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 5:30 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
68 reviews for Boston Sports Club
68 reviews in English
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Review from Ann C.
San Jose, CA
4/19/2012
I'm only putting 4 stars because I only came to this gym twice for the Hunger Games workouts, which were open to non-members. In fact, the main reason I'm writing this is because I want "Katniss" to read this (I'm sorry I don't know your real name!)
The trainers for this class were amazing. I really liked that they opened it up to nonmembers. The first time I came here, I was an observer because my sister wanted to try the class while she was visiting on vacation. While I was waiting in the lobby, this girl was leaving the gym and made fun of the class, which really pissed me off. I don't think it's "lame" for people to work out in any means. The class wasn't for delusional people who really believed in the reality of world of "The hunger Games," it was all for fun! Sometimes people need a class like this to motivate them and inspire them to work out, and I think it was perfect for doing just that.
I'm not the skinniest person, and I was highly anxious for attending the class myself because it seemed high-intensity. Where the workout wasn't for the weak, "Katniss" was SO encouraging. "Peeta" was great too, in a quieter, helping out sort of way. At the end of the class, "Katniss" went around saying nice things about each and every person. It was a really wonderful class, and if I lived closer to this gym, I'd definitely would have signed up for more (I live in downtown Boston, it took me like 45 minutes to an hour to get there and come back).
KATNISS: I was the "dancer" from last week (and yes, I was a dancer in high school, but not exactly from San Francisco, from San Jose nearby). I mostly wanted to post this for you because I really really wanted to be there today, and as I'm typing this I'm dressed out ready to go, and you can check the time stamp of this review. Even though my friend wasn't coming, I was still determined to come by myself. I hate to admit it, but I managed to hurt my neck while putting my hair in a pony tail this morning. I know it sounds like a line, but I'd hurt my neck earlier this year, and I guess it was the way my head was positioned because my whole body kind of shivered and then it popped, and now it hurts. I was still playing with coming, but the crunches and getting up and down weren't looking too appealing. I don't want you to think I didn't come back because I didn't like the class or something, and in fact, I was mostly coming back just because you had been so encouraging and I didn't want to disappoint you. I want to thank you for being so awesome, I know I'd definitely die if it were the real Hunger Games, but, at the risk of sounding cliche, you made me feel like a winner. -
Review from Kevin K.
Boston, MA
4/22/2012
The facilities are fine, nothing great. The gym is small, the locker room is small. The hours are awful - open til 10pm M-Th? And closing earlier every other day? That alone makes me want to find another gym.
I pay $29/month a student rate. I wouldn't pay a cent more.
At least it's usually not ever too crowded in the weight room. -
Review from Mike O.
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Relative to other locations, this BSC falls short on many levels. First of all, they've got this place setup more like a Planet Fitness than a BSC, what with all the cardio equipment and very little in terms of free weights or nautilus machines. I'm not saying that cardio equipment isn't useful, not at all, but there is an overabundance and when you see more than half are usually vacant and lines for the cable station or at benches, one has to wonder if they did an appropriate amount of member demographic assessment when they designed this space.
The layout is fine, quirky and all, but that's not why we go to a gym - is it? The locker rooms are clean and there's not too much of an issue with congestion to that regard so there's very little to complain about in this aspect of things.
The group exercise room is a dump! I have never been more demotivated to work out in my life, well except when I was at.... Planet Fitness. The floors are scratched to hell, almost as badly as Government Center (that's bad!) and the space is not all that roomy. I took a Pilates class there recently and listened to a substitute instructor, who admitted to having never taught/taken Pilates in his life, berate all aspects of it as a productive means to achieve results. Instead of asking what would normally be done or doing a quick Google search before class, he proceeded to put everyone through a high intensity boot camp style Total Body routine, all of which was very unwelcome.
These poor ladies had not nearly the physical strength required to perform what he was asking of them but instead of recognizing that he simply barked louder for them to push themselves beyond the pain and told them that it was because they were used to ineffective exercise why they couldn't possibly do what he was telling them to do. Four of the seven in the class, including myself, ended up leaving before he had a chance to wrap things up. No music, no knowledge, no motivation. But hey, he sure felt a lot better afterwards - or at least his ego did!
I'd probably try another class here if I was in the area; I know that the normal instructor is very good a what she does. There's also a very good Yoga instructor that works on Wednesday evenings. Who knows, maybe even Captain Dipwad's regular Spin class is worth ago but seeing as though I get my Spin on with the infamous Danielle during the week, it's not likely I'd take that chance with him... -
Review from aja m.
Somerville, MA
4/23/2012
I absolutely love this gym, I've been a member for over 2 years and it's definitely the best gym in Boston. Very clean facilities, always bright and sunny and a pleasure to be at. During rush periods it can get busy, but I've never had trouble getting a machine or finding room on the mats. Staff is slightly distant but very helpful if you have questions. Locker rooms are always very clean and nice smelling, compared to other "discount" gyms this place is stellar. It's definitely pricey, usually $70 a month, but totally worth it.
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Review from Alex T.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
2/29/2012
Yay, I'm a fan. Yes I'd say so. Gyms really have to find the balance between being too tidy, too squeaky clean and the dingy, dungeon stuff you find at the YMCA. If it's too clean, you feel like you can't be yourself and let loose. If it's too dingy, you just wonder what's growing on that bench press.
All this is to say that BSC is pretty badass. Clean, but it also has some grit. I mean it feels like people are actually working there. And that makes a difference.
Um, yeah, works for me! -
Review from Tim S.
Cambridge, MA
3/6/2012
Normally I'd give this location 3 or 4 stars, but tonight they dropped the ball. Checking the schedule online in the course of the day helps me plan which class to take at which BSC location. After a long day I wanted to at least take a class and push further than I would on my own.
The class ahead of the posted 8:30pm abs class was full and people looked like they were enjoying a great workout and an instructor who had game. When a few of us entered into the exercise room after the class and started milling around the nice instructor of the previous class chatted us up and apologized saying that the class was cancelled back in January. Yet every week people show up expecting it. She was quite nice and shared that one person really jumped ugly on her once.
The attendant at the front desk could not explain why no instructor even though the class was posted.
What really burned me was exiting the gym and right at the entrance to the club someone took the time to post a nicely-design a March Madness-like bracket promotion and mount it on a freestanding sign. Do they pay as much attention to their online class scheduling as cheeky promotions? -
Review from Lauren B.
Cambridge, MA
5/4/2012
Yes it's expensive, and the towels are so over-washed they're more likely to cut you than dry, but I like the gym. Besides the great location, there's space to stretch, good yoga classes (for a gym), and one of the personal trainers (Campbell) was very helpful in showing me how to use the foam rollers, and even gave me a good IT band stretch when he found out that I have IT band issues. I usually come in the middle of the day when it's empty, so I can't complain about not being able to get on a cardio machine.
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Review from Brindey W.
Boston, MA
1/20/2012
I joined BSC just because I heard such AMAZING things about Jessica's spin classes - and they are even better than I expected. She teaches mostly at the South Station location, but I jump around to Davis as well to catch her classes over there, too. They are upbeat, fun, have great music, and a great workout. I highly, highly recommend this gym for spinners.
Aside from that, the staff is friendly, there are plenty of machines, and the bathrooms are clean and well stocked.
One tip - always call ahead to get on the class list. -
Review from Sascha S.
Somerville, MA
1/16/2012
PROS: Lots of machines, multiple floors, clean sauna. Also, many weights and lots of leg stretching devices. The classes are great (if you can get in them), and lots of other students go.
CONS: Not a lot of trainers on the floor to ask questions, classes fill up fast and in my past year of membership I have noticed that the bathrooms are kept progressively less clean. Bummer.
OVERALL: For the student membership rate, this gym is great. After I am done being a student, however, I am looking to a gym that does not purport to have the frills BSC does but is also cheaper. -
Review from Karina L.
8/28/2011
Pros:
- Clean, respectful fellow gymers. No crazies, just a bunch of nice working professionals/students.
- Nice selection of channels for the TV on every cardio machine. It makes me feel better when I see how many other people (guys included) watch E!.
- AWESOME classes. Especially Erica's zumba class (make reservations for her Saturday AM class!). I didn't realize how amazing she was until we got a sub who made us make claw hands and howl during Shakira'a She-Wolf. Traumatic.
- It's never been crowded, and I usually go from around 6-7pm.
Cons:
- Teeny tiny group class room. An unusually crowded abs class had me essentially lie on top of my neighbor while doing crunches. The gym is quite small in general compared to other branches like Allston.
- If you get out of work later than most people (like me) around 6, most of the classes are before that.
Overall, a solid gym. The staff is polite and helpful, but aren't too overly-friendly. -
Review from Alec S.
Medford, MA
2/26/2012
I joined BSC because I was simply not motivated enough to go to the Tufts gym. I figured if I knew I was actually paying for membership I'd be forced to drag my butt and put some effort into it.
The core membership (meaning Davis Square BSC only) is, I believe, $69 a month. I joined right at the end of summer when they were having a sale: one month free and the $150 sign-up fee was waived. Sweet. Some higher power is telling me to join this gym. I've never actually been a member of a gym so I couldn't tell you how this compares to other joining rates. They also have a student price, which I think is $20 a month but with restricted hours.
The gym itself recently expanded, and now takes up two full floors with one studio where pilates, yoga, zumba, boot camp, etc. classes take place, and where they have a punching bag if you like to take out aggression like I do. Upstairs there's another studio solely for spinning, which I avoid since I threw up halfway through a spin class when I was fourteen. Not here, for the record. Anyways, there's tons of equipment, most of which totally baffles me, and I've never had trouble snagging a treadmill or elliptical, even during peak hours - by the way, they have TVs on each of the treadmills and ellipticals. I don't think I can ever run without watching The Biggest Loser again. There are plenty of free weights upstairs and downstairs, and space to stretch/do/abs/lie on the floor and die (don't poke me if you see me). As far as I can tell, everyone is there to get a workout in, and I've never been bothered or irritated with a fellow exerciser.
The people that work there are, in my experience, super-friendly and helpful. I'm going often enough that some of the check-in people recognize me. Once, after I hadn't gone for a while, one of them totally called me out on it which was embarrassing. I did personal training with Steve P., who was fantastic, totally put up with my whining and occasional tears, and unfortunately has since left (my tortured body is somewhat grateful yet misses him desperately at the same time). The other trainers on the floor have been helpful with questions or adjusting equipment.
In conclusion, if anyone's still reading, I've had nothing but positive experiences at BSC. Again, I don't have much in the way of comparison, but I would definitely recommend at least giving the trial membership a go. Just don't take my treadmill. -
Review from Anna W.
7/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I only joined after they expanded, but it sounds like this place was tiny and cramped before...
But, now that they're bigger, it's fairly nice inside. Most of it is still brand spankin' new. The locker room is small (it has something like only three showers and four toilet stalls... REALLY?). Every time I go retrieve something from a locker, I feel like I have to walk over or around someone, and that someone is usually another chick, so that makes for an incredibly awkward first-time encounter.
The third floor is almost always empty. The spin studio is up there, but there's also ample stretching space and a few weight machines. There's also lots of exposed sunlight, which is nice. If I need to stretch or do something, I usually head upstairs so that I can avoid the madness that is the first floor.
With that being said, the first floor is filled with machines, often right next to each other or back-to-back, and it's always crowded. If you're headed there after work, prepare to wait for a machine. The stretching space downstairs is practically non-existent.
The class studio here is ample-sized, but not huge. The mirror in the classroom doesn't stretch all the way across the room, so if you're on the far left side of the room, you can't see yourself in the mirror. Hence, you have no clue what's going on or what you even remotely look like while trying to do a dance or yoga move. There's unintentional comedy right there for ya, folks! But, even though the room is a little cramped, I do have to give props to BSC for the quality of classes at this location. They have some great instructors and class offerings. Every class I've ever taken has been jam-packed! They should add more classes, especially the popular ones, like Zumba and Power Yoga. There doesn't seem to be nearly enough offerings of either of those classes.
The clientele here is a good 50/50 split of men and women. Most are collegiate or post-collegiate yuppies. The staff is friendly. The flight of stairs on the way down post-workout are a killer if you've just come from a class or intense workout. Oy! -
Review from Alex K.
East Lansing, MI
1/8/2012
I go here because it's right next to where I work and being able to take a midday break to lift something heavy really perks me up. Despite this, BSC is overpriced and its equipment selection, while not as awful as Planet Fitness, is far from ideal. I've never tried the personal training but the rates are even more ridiculous. If you don't live or work next door, try Gold's Gym - it is bigger, better-stocked, and far cheaper. I'm sure there are plenty of other, better places within a reasonable distance as well.
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Review from Chris M.
Updated - 1/20/2011 46 Check-ins Here
So. I took a little holiday hiatus from the Davis BSC. It happens, there was Christmas, then snowboarding trips... my routine just got pretty out of whack.
I made my return to the Davis BSC this week, and really got annoyed at the fact that their locker room towels are pretty much no bigger than hand towels. I wear a 34 pant, it's in the Large side of things, but not anything abnormal. Someone with a 36 or 38 just shouldn't even bother w/ the towel
Don't get me wrong, at home, when I take my dirty towel down with the laundry, i'll forget to bring a new one, and be forced to use a hand towel, or wash cloth to dry my whole body off. I do this out of last resort, not, enjoyment.
Yeah there are work arounds, such as: bring a towel from home, which adds to the more stuff I carry to and from work.
tie towels together to make a super towel, which I don't really want to do, I'm there to work out, not to be crafty
don't shower at the gym, which I do when its warm out, but when its wintery, i don't like walking home or re-layering up in my warm clothes when i'm sweaty.
I think Woburn also has the tiny towel syndrome... but other BSC's don't have that issue. They charge enough in membership, should be able to get a towel that has a few more inches around it. I just want some coverage, i don't think that's too much to ask for.
So until the bigger towels -1 star.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/16/2010
The Davis BSC is much more a cardio gym than a lifting house. The perks of the floor to ceiling… Read more »
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Review from John S.
2/8/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Spacious, airy and multi-floored, this BSC puts my old one (Central Square) to shame. There's a lot of natural light, plenty of classroom space and a wealth of free weights and machines for your lifting pleasure.
The price is a tad on the prohibitive side, but I've worked out in other gyms before and I'm willing to pay for the clear benefits that the BSC gives that other clubs do not (cleanliness, towel service, etc).
Overall, I can recommend the place strongly. -
Review from Kristina B.
Somerville, MA
8/31/2011 20 Check-ins Here
And now for a comparison to every gym I have ever been to in the Boston area!
Price: As of August 28, the regional passport rate at this location was $74 and the single gym rate was $69. Exhale is more than Hemenway is more than BSC (same price as Hemenway but more locations) is more than RevFit
Location: 5 stars. It's steps from the Davis Square T. Equal to BSC Central and Exhale. Better than Healthworks (a little farther from Back Bay T and a hike from Arlington St T). Better than Hemenway (a hike from Harvard Square T).
Scene: Lots of yuppie 20somethings, some prancing and meat market behavior. Haven't gone to spin, yoga or zumba yet so I don't know if there is any bitchiness. Very crowded in the evenings.
Compared to other gyms:
BSC Central: Lots of 20somethings and 30somethings. Equal gender mix. Not as much prancing and it feels like people are mainly there to get their workout on (with the exception of this chick I sometimes see on the treadmill yapping on her iPhone).
Revolution Fitness: Mostly guys (varying from South End yuppie, hardcore Crossfitter, old dude lifting in a '70s outfit). Not crowded at all, even in peak hours.
Healthworks: I hated this scene, and do not recommend all-women gyms. One of my best friends belongs there but she's quitting because of the high price and declining quality & customer service. There was way too much competition to get into the exercise classes (e.g., Sean R.'s Body Defined) and snooty attitude.
Hemenway: Coed mix of mostly Harvard Law students. Lots of anger and uptightness over getting on the time-limited cardio machines and prancing in the weight areas (guys).
Exhale: Mostly women, usually richer than Healthworks clientele but there are some normal folk using Rue La La or Gilt deals (like me). Lots of Lululemon, some bitchy cliques but I find a lot of people to be reasonably friendly.
Classes: To Be Reviewed. Not much can compare to Exhale's Core Fusion, which can humble even the most confident marathon runner/soccer player/athlete after an hour. The Lululemon-clad SAHMILF regulars could break a Navy Seal's neck using only their thigh muscles and then scratch "I will cut you" into the dead Navy Seal using their ridiculous engagement rings. I will do the BSC spin Bodypump-style classes and make a more accurate comparison later. Supposedly, Erica is amazing for yoga and the Zumba is always crowded.
Space: 4.5 stars. It's two floors with multiple studios and ample space for lifting and stretching along with the cardio machines. Not as big as Healthworks and the layout of stuff can be a little awkward.
Cleanliness: 4.5 stars. There are ample disinfectant stations and towels, and the equipment is always clean.
Cardio Machines: 3 stars. Not enough for peak hours, and the tvs are sometimes broken. I do like that they have the Precor treadmills that give average speed (since I like to make games of reaching certain average speeds during runs).
Weights & Strength Training: Big selection of machines, free weights, resistance bands, kettlebells, BOSU balls, and foam rollers. I love the foam rollers.
Locker Room: Not as nice as Exhale (only Equinox beats that). A shade under Healthworks, which has better amenities (free tampons, better shower gel, shampoo, conditioner) but similar shower creepiness. Equal in niceness to BSC Central. The only shower that I have ever been able to walk in bare feet in was at Revolution Fitness (RIP). -
Review from Gianna L.
Cambridge, MA
6/30/2011
Really dig this gym!
I recently purchased a BuyWithMe for a 30-day pass for $25 and I'm so glad I did! This BSC is clean, well-lit, with ideal amenities, including daily classes, a cardio area, a weights area, a stretching area, two class studios, and fresh/clean locker rooms. This BSC is taken care of well -- it never smells, machines aren't tacky or dirty, locker rooms are pretty much impeccable, and the layout is efficient. In addition to tons of cardio equipment, there is a large free-weights area, and stretching zone that includes lighter weights, Bosu balls, resistance bands, stability balls, foam pads, the works!
I wish that they had more "girly weights" (as I call them) i.e. the ones that are from 2lb - 15lb since gym goers tend to be using them a lot when I'm there. I also wish they'd crank up the AC a little more, but hey! I'm all about green practices.
Very pleased with this gym. -
Review from Rachel S.
Somerville, MA
11/29/2010
I love this place. It''s a great and wonderful thing to love your gym.
Their student rate is fabulous. If you're a student and 22 or under you should look into it. It's $20/month. I KNOW.
This location is newly renovated. It's not huge, but I have never had to wait for a treadmill. The locker rooms are nice and feature saunas. The only downside is that the cardio machines aren't fixed that quickly. It never seems to be too much of a problem though because there's always another machine you can hop on.
Everyone is very friendly. When you leave, someone at the desk always yells "Have a great day!" I love that.
The best part of this gym is Erica's Zumba class on Saturday mornings. I've done Zumba before and was bored at the trying-so-hard-to-be-young pseudo-dance moves. Erica actually has a background in dance, so her class is much more legit. It's fun and a great workout. I feel really empowered as a woman shaking my stuff in a safe space, instead of at some skanky club with some stranger trying to get all up on me.
Which brings me to another point. I like how this gym isn't like a meat market. There are no lecherous guys staring at my or anyone else's asses. It all feels very wholesome.
Overall: A+ -
Review from ashley a.
Somerville, MA
7/10/2011
I've been a member of BSC in Davis Square since November 2009. I had toured before they opened up the 3rd floor but didn't end up joining so I was glad to see that they had the new spin studio and space upstairs when I actually wanted to sign up. Now we live right around the corner, so its super convenient.
I never have any problem with it being busy because I'm never working out in the 5-7 PM time frame. They would earn 5 stars from me if they had more classes - especially in the morning or mid-day. They have a small handful of really great instructors who I really enjoy their classes - then there are some classes that I've found are not worth going to.
Staff seems friendly when you check in. Overall, I've been pretty happy with my membership here. -
Review from Shannon F.
San Diego, CA
2/22/2011
I moved to Davis in August. I'm a grad student at Tufts but didn't want to walk to their student gym everyday so I decided to join the BSC. I opted for a year membership at about $70/month. As a grad student, this pushes my budget and was sad to discover they don't offer student discounts after age 22 (I'm 24 and A LOT more broke than I was as an undergrad). Ah, C'est la vie.
The gym itself is great, especially if you don't work a typical 9-5 schedule. It's never very busy (outside of the month of January). The staff are super friendly and always say hello and good bye. The only cons are the towel sizes and sometimes their Tvs go down and you have to switch to a different machine, too--no biggie though. Also, be aware that an outside collections agency handles their billing so if your card is declined for some reason you'll have people from India calling around 7:30am to bug you.
Overall, a good place to work out. -
Review from Meg K.
Somerville, MA
11/2/2010 9 Check-ins Here
The Good: Super Clean Neighborhood Gym! The employees are very friendly. It seems like here are always new toys to play with.
The Bad: It can get crowded, and it never seems like there is enough mat space. There is also no parking, unless you have a resident permit or feed the meters. -
Review from Colleen S.
Corvallis, OR
8/16/2010
The facilities at this place are legit, the trainers are qualified, and the location in Davis Square is quite convenient. I do recommend this gym but I rate this place A-OK because they're gypsies. I will provide two examples.
(1) I know I should have been more assertive but I paid $68 per month which felt too high. I know you can get a lower monthly rate, so do it!
(2) I showed up a month before I wanted to cancel my membership and asked to cancel for the following month. I know this is acceptable procedure because it worked beautifully for my girlfriend at BSC Watertown. However, they told me I was in too soon and I'd have to come back. I couldn't come back until the 7th of July, it was the same manager, he actually said "You again? What is it this time?" Seriously? So rude. Anyway, they actually charged me a prorated amount for 7 days of August. Gypsies.
Overall - good gym but be prepared to be assertive so you don't get ripped off quite like I did. -
Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
Just when I thought my gym was the bee's knees, they go and renovate, adding an upstairs and more machines, building a spin room and working more classes into the schedule. With a brighter space, more room to stretch and even less time to wait (especially if you have no choice but to go during the peak hours) there's little reason why you'd choose to go anywhere but the Davis Square BSC.
It was a nice surprise after finally making a triumphant return to gym following a near 8-month absence. Perhaps now I will make this a regular occurance.Listed in: Enjoying Some "Me" Time, Neighborhood: Davis Square, Workin' it Out in Boston!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2009
Being smack dab in the middle of two BSC gyms, I have my choice. Central or Davis. Of course, with… Read more »
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Review from Benjamin S.
Brookline, MA
Updated - 8/21/2009
I was getting ready to exit the locker room today, when a naked man approached me and asked if I could do him a favor. "Um -Maybe?" was what I came up with. He informed me that he had locked up all his stuff by accident, and wanted me to get help from the attendants.
Not a problem.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2009
I wanted to wait to write this review until I could adequately describe how much childlike glee I… Read more »
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Review from Devon M.
1/14/2008
I have to say, nicer location than the others. It purely has to do with the fact that it's newer; it still has that new gym smell. Not like sweaty butts. Yet. I stopped in here today, and I enjoyed it. It's upstairs, so there's tons of light, which is nice. Down side? No steam room, and the sauna is super tiny.
All the equipment was good, and made no noise (my pet peeve) and the tv's seemed to be newer models (attached to the machines) than at other locations. I will definitely be coming back to this location when I am not working or am randomly in Davis. -
Review from Ashley F.
Somerville, MA
7/22/2008
The BSC is the local big fish of the Boston gym pond.
They will not give membership rates over the phone. If you're trying to get some fast comparisons, you're going to have to physically go into the gym to find out how much money you get to pay them every month. When shit like this starts cropping up, you know that this company relies on "the system" and will not bend to help out their customers. This should send off red warning lights.
I've witnessed devious sales tactics on the part of the BSC sales pitchers. When I signed my contract for my membership, I specifically asked if there was anything I needed to know about it. The lady said she'd been over everything important, and told me that I could stop my gym membership at anytime I wanted. Well what she said did not line up with the contract I signed. The contract was for several years membership (I think that's a pretty important point), and I couldn't get out of it anytime I wanted. So the sales rep from BSC committed an illegal bit of fraud. Lovely. Just the type of company I want to give my money to.
Their facilities are clean and they have a variety of machines (though they are usually overcrowded). Their staff are friendly, even if they are fraudulent. But you can find these things at other gyms with out the corporate bullshit that comes out of BSC. -
Review from Matt H.
Somerville, MA
9/14/2010
Start with the pros: Clean, well maintained, staff is nice, facilities are good (adequate number of lockers and showers).
Cons: very expensive, very very expensive. I was paying almost 80 dollars a month. This is a lot for a gym that is too crowded to use for a large portion of the day. The equipment wasn't really what I was looking for, but that will vary for every individual.
If you are just looking for a place with treadmills, some group classes and dumbbells, then this might be right for you, assuming you live really close. I wouldn't make much of a commute for it though, given the price, and the availability of other gyms in the area. -
Review from Jamie C.
Somerville, MA
1/21/2008
I have to agree with the previous review that this place is nice, clean, new, and does not at all smell like butts. Very much unlike my old gym, the Bally's in Porter Square which is old, stinky, sometimes smells worse than butts (more like a combination of butts and garbage), and has no windows. The BSC has nice new machines with TVs, new clean weights, and the space is just really, really nice and bright, AND you can people watch in Davis which is a nice distraction.
The downside is that it is TINY. Very tiny. They've done their best to cram a bunch of things into a small space, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a really small space. I would not be happy dropping twice as much money as I used to for Bally's to get to the gym and not be able to get an elliptical machine (which has happened...twice)! Fortunately for me my home BSC is the one at Wellington (5 stars!), and I only go to the Davis BSC occasionally on the weekends. I'm just not sure that I could justify paying BSC prices for such a small space, where you may not always be able to get the machines/weights/mat space you want.
I'd definitely recommend checking it out though, especially if you're planning to go during off-peak times (not 3pm on a Saturday, for instance :-)).Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Dave F.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2010
I'm a big fan of this Gym in Davis square. I've been a member of Fitcorp for a couple years before I transitioned to BSC and I don't regret the move. Most the trainers are super cool, I've had the pleasure of hanging with a couple at parties and outside the facility and yes, they do have clothes that don't say Personal Trainer on them. They have great attitudes and don't give you that downward look outside the gym. Well, one does but he's my trainer, i guess thats okay.
Everyone at the front desk is very nice, one man in particular has made it a point of remembering my name; and yet i still don't know his. Its the thought that counts. The Facilities are very nice and the recent expansion to two floors helps. I think they remodeled the showers too with solid swinging doors which is way better than the hanging plastic sheets.
All that stuff said, the music selection does suck most of the time but It sucked at Fitcorp too so I'm not really holding it against them. Thumbs up BSC! -
Review from Chris L.
Updated - 2/12/2009
When the line for cardio machines is ten deep on a regular basis, it's time for a new gym. I'm sick of the one squat rack, the miniscule free weight area, and $73 payments.
I'm done.
I told the guy in charge that I was leaving and he offered me a free month. Then, the girl next to me said she also wanted to cancel her membership and the guy offered her two free months and free personal training sessions. Both of us ended up cancelling. Four free months wouldn't have kept my business. I'll be joining the Tufts University gym next month.
I loved BSC Watertown.
BSC Davis Square is horrible.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2008
This BSC branch is f-ing wizzzeak!
I started coming here a few days ago after moving to Somerville.… Read more »
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Review from Cwot W.
Boston, MA
8/28/2010
Nice gym,
has everything you need and a lot of equipment that you don't need but make you feel like you are getting your money's worth.
Clean and people are nice.
Only weird thing is the women dress like they are into fitness and the guys dress up like Zoolander. I'm used to gyms with guys screaming, sweating and putting their fists through walls. This gym is full of a bunch of 'Ron's' wearing abercrombie and fitch designer clothes and looking at themselves in the mirrors.
Not the gym's fault, and it does make me want to lift more so I don't become Derrick Zoolander. -
Review from Svend E.
Brooklyn, NY
3/3/2008
3.5 stars.
Yes, this gym is small given the large number of people in the Davis area who opt to use it.
It doesn't have enough equipment to match the number of gymgoers. Sixteen treadmills. Only two bench press benches. People often have to wait for a treadmill, other cardio machine, or free weight bench or chair.
The gym seems hastily and unintelligently constructed, with an emphasis on frugality. The entryways to the men's and women's locker rooms face one another, such that one inevitably sees partially inside the respective locker room when leaving. The sauna in the men's locker room is laughably small: it has two benches on the back wall that comfortably fit three people, no benches along the side walls, and the door has a two inch gap at the bottom that must be blocked with a towel to conserve hot air. The machines, while visually appealing, seem of poorer quality than those at other BSC locations, and likely will become dilapidated and break fairly quickly.
A huge placard is pasted over the panoramic window, blocking the sunlight and depriving gymgoers of people watching in Davis.
I think the designers really underestimated the number of locals interested in using this gym.
Otherwise, the gym is very convenient, its main draw. It's bright. Doesn't smell (yet?). And has an abundance of clean towels. -
Review from Erin E.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 11/11/2009
Love the expansion. All the trainers seem super smiley and the people who swipe your card are friendly too. No more waiting!
I had a spinning teacher (Ira) who made me cry by singling me out and yelling at me during his class (twice), and post-class he offered some incorrect nutritional advice to everyone (eat WHATEVER YOU WANT eat LOTS AND LOTS for the next FOUR HOURS!!! It will GO RIGHT THROUGH YOU!!!). The other group exercise instructors have been cheerful and well-informed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2009
B There is no better BSC when it comes to Brightness: due to wall-to-wall windows on two sides, this… Read more »
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Review from Peter S.
Somerville, MA
2/17/2009
This club is nice, sunny, new equipment; but WAY oversold. Don't even think about going on a Monday night. I was told when I joined they would expand to another floor-- that would help.
Worst thing is the music: Rihanna and Timbaland till you want to scream. I wouldn't care, except it's so loud you can't block it out with your ipod, so some idiot is always rapping over your music. It's hard to imagine who they're targeting with this, since the clientele seems to be entirely adults.
Hours are weirdly limited. They close at ten, when often every treadmill is in use at 9:30. I know, this is Mass. and the sidewalks roll up early, but still, 8:00 on Saturday and Sunday?
One other complaint-- who thought carpeting would be a good choice for the locker room floors? Ewww. -
Review from Scott M.
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Davis Square BSC is smaller. It has less equipment so you may have to wait. The lockerroom is clean. They have some mystery funk going on near the free weights area. Bring quarters to feed the parking meter, unless it is after 8 then no worries.
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Review from Hogger K.
Belmont, MA
3/4/2011
Note: in my previous review of this BSC, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars for several reasons. As BSC has addressed most of these problems, I have changed my review to 5 stars. I will discuss how BSC dealt with the problems:
Problems:
1) a significant number of treadmills were broken and the running surfaces needed to be changed.
- BSC has fixed all of their machines and started to replace the running surfaces with new ones.
2) For the Express Weight Circuit, only a few of the machines actually have the extra pin for small weight adjustments.
- BSC has now put the pins at each machine
3) too many personal trainers work in the same area with clients.
- the trainers now seem to space their clients around the facility better
4) Rarely do the trainers put equipment or mats back after their private clients finish using them.
- in the past couple of weeks, I have noticed trainers putting stuff away and keeping the workout areas clean. Major kudos to them.
CONTINUED PROBLEM:
1) The lateral pulldown machine for the Express Weight Circuit has a problem in that you cannot put the pin in the machine when you want to change by 10-pound increments. I heard another member complain to the staff about this over a month ago and the problem continues.
SUGGESTIONS:
BSC should have a wall set up with the names and pictures of their trainers. I can't believe that this hasn't been done already. Not only does it create a more friendlier environment, but it also increases the chance that someone might sign up with a trainer.
ORIGINAL REVIEW (3 out of 5 stars)
I have been to every BSC in Boston.
This BSC is exceptional in one way: it has great natural sunlight and unlike others (e.g. Central Square, Hynes, and Boylston), it is not located in a basement.
There are a few problems:
1) Too often a significant number of treadmills are broken. This week 5 were broken at one time. Also, unlike the BSC in Watertown, it seems that this BSC waits until the running surfaces are worn paper-thin before replacing them.
2) For the Express Weight Circuit, only a few of the machines actually have the extra pin for small weight adjustments. When I used the circuit today, only 2 of all the machines in the circuit actually had the pin for smaller weight changes.
3) The lateral pulldown machine for the Express Weight Circuit has a problem in that you cannot put the pin in the machine when you want to change by 10-pound increments. I heard another member complain to the staff about this three weeks ago, and the problem continues.
4) Too often, there are too many personal trainers working in the same area with clients. This creates a very crowded area, especially on the 3rd floor.
5) Rarely do the trainers put equipment or mats back after their private clients finish using them. The 3rd floor is crazy enough, but all the weights and mats that get left on the ground makes the place a little chaotic.
6) Several times I have seen people lifting who don't know what they are doing while one or more trainers watch the person. I understand that the trainers want private students, but giving a little advice every once in a while would make the club feel friendlier.
Now, there are other great things about the place:
1) The front desk staff is usually cheerful.
2) They have one of the best cleaning staffs I have ever seen. They really keep the place clean.
3) The studio on the second floor and the spinning room on the third floor are nice.
4) The stretching area is also good.
Some people complain that it's small. People have to understand that not every place can be as big as the BSC in Boylston. Honestly, natural sunlight while working out is a big plus. The BSC in Boylston, Hynes, and Central Square are too dark and depressing.
Okay, there's no pool, but again, it's not enough to deter most people from going there.
I live much closer to the one in Central Square, but that BSC is so disgusting that I will travel the extra 10 minutes on the train to go to the Davis Square BSC.
If the Davis Square BSC can fix the problems above, I would easily give it 5 stars. However, I was shocked the other day to hear a trainer talking to a client about how certain BSC's like the one in Boylston get a larger budget to fix things. The trainer went on to say that this is the main reason that stuff at the Davis Square BSC stays broken. I hope that's not true, but the fact that it takes a long time for anything to be fixed there makes me think that the trainer was being honest. -
Review from Sarah W.
Knoxville, TN
4/17/2008
Yeah, it's small, and thus limited, but I don't mind because I work out early in the morning--not much demand for the machines. I also hate that it doesn't have a racquetball court, but then most gyms don't.
So the gym is pretty cool for me.
The machines are all new. The staff is nice. It's free towel service (I hate when you get charged for towels). And I love the 9:30 a.m. class on Saturdays (not sure what it's called).
All in all I'm pretty happy with this gym. -
Review from Ryan T.
Somerville, MA
7/23/2008
The Pros - Clean, new equipment, good location
It gets three stars because of how small it is. Not enough treadmills and usually at least one is broken. Unless they expand to the empty floor above them, I will not be renewing my membership. Makes me miss Bally's. Sure it was smelly and such, but hey, it's a gym and it was bigger and less costly. -
Review from Rebecca R.
Somerville, MA
4/23/2009
Wow. I can't believe the amount of gripes this place has on Yelp. I would like to rebut some of the complaints mentioned in previous reviews.
1. Sure, this BSC location could be bigger, but honestly, its size is probably something every member noticed while they were being taken on the introductory tour. If you can't put two and two together and realize a limited space smack dab in the center of Davis across from the T is going to get crowded during peak hours, you probably haven't lived in Boston for very long.
2. Yes, it's slightly annoying to wait for cardio machines after my commute home, but I've never stood in line for more than five minutes. And for those reviews that say there aren't signs posted giving time limits, there are clear messages in front of the treadmills and at the front desk asking patrons to keep their runs to a maximum of 30 minutes during rush hours. If you exceed your 30 minutes and there is a line forming, staff will politely ask you to end your workout.
3. The $75 monthly fee seemed a little steep to me as well -- until I started taking classes. Seriously, their Club Strength class is the biggest kick-in-the-ass sixty minutes ever. If you're in a workout rut, I would highly recommend taking this class. You will cry tears of pain while the trainer is yelling at you through crunches, weight lifts, and minutes of the dreaded plank position, but your body will thank you. BSC also offers yoga, an abs class, and kickboxing, all included in your membership fee. Before I joined the gym, I considered just signing up for yoga classes, and that alone would have run me $40 per month.
4. I have been to some nasty, moldy gyms locker rooms, and Davis Square BSC is the complete opposite. Immaculately cleaned, always stocked with towels, lotion, tissues, and all other sorts of amenities. Oh, and there's a sauna.
There you have it. I like my gym. I'm kind of glad so many others seem to hate it -- less of a line for me. :-) -
Review from Scott M.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2008
A great gym -- sparkling clean and brand-new, having just opened on January 1, 2008. Best to work out during off-hours, if you can, like mid-morning or early afternoon. (If you work nearby, the lunch hour is a good time to stop in.) From 6:00-8:00 every night, it's kind of a mad house, but even then you can usually find a machine.
Downsides: No pool, no steam room, and a soundtrack that leave a lot to be desired. We all have different tastes, but I'm just not into the whole Gwen-Stefani-and-crossover-Christian-rock scene. You can try to drown it out with your iPod, but unless yours is waterproofed, you still have to listen to it while showering. Oh, and speaking of the shower, I've been banned from using the provided shampoo and conditioner, as my girlfriend says that they smell like urinal cakes. Bring your own shampoo.
Minor gripes though -- this gym is far above and beyond anything else in the area except for maybe Healthworks (which won't let me in).
