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Healthworks Fitness Centers For Women
Rating Details »
Category: Gyms
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton920 Commonwealth Ave
Brookline, MA 02215
(617) 731-3030
39 days for $39 at Healthworks
Get healthy during the holidays with this limited-time, exclusive, offer and pay only $1 a day for 39 days. http://tinyurl.com/otmb67
Announced 6 days ago- Nearest Transit:
-
Saint Paul Street (b) (Green)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 5:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- No
68 reviews for Healthworks Fitness Centers For Women
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
8/14/2007
Updated - 9/24/2009
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
LOVE IT. I just switched from my current gym (see my reviews, you'll see why!). There are so many classes I want to try out, I hear their instructors are great.
The locker room is amazing -- I actually don't mind getting ready here! Which is more than I can say about most gym locker rooms.... The showers are clean and they have an affordable towel service ($10/month for 1 towel per visit). Plus, there's shampoo/condidioner/body wash in the showers, great plus! Less things I have to bring with me the better.
Tons of equipment, and it doesn't seem like there's ever a real wait. There are plenty of TVs to watch, and movies playing downstairs.
Can't wait to try out their cafe!
HA! There are so many people who have reviewed HFC saying it was fantastic and they miss it. Add me to the list. I thought the price was rather high when I was a member, though 100% worth it because it is such a rockstar gym with endless amenities. Now that I am paying literally DOUBLE per month at a gym out here in Arizona that has exactly the same amenities I long for my days in Boston, and my hours at Healthworks.
So it's been a while, but my favorite aspects of Healthworks were the immaculate cleanliness, the diversity and frequency of classes, the locker room and the pilates reformers. The staff was friendly too, though I rarely interacted with them.
I miss you Healthworks! sob...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/4/2006
best gym ever. contest over. gold's can just close down and bsc and take their 3 lane pool and drink… Read more »
I know everyone here thinks Healthworks is the bee's knees, but I was not impressed. Now, I will precede this review with the disclaimer that I only attended a few times via a Groupon that got me a discounted membership for 20 days or so. However, even from my first encounter I would have been able to tell that it was not for me.
First and foremost, I understand that as a Groupon-er, I was not technically a full member. However, it's not like I was on a free trial - I paid for my Groupon, so I expected treatment at a tier above. Now, some may think this is a trivial detail, but towel service was not free for people using Groupons. Um, aren't you supposed to be courting me to become a real member? Do you know how inconvenient it is to bring your own towel to the gym? And hell no I am not paying for a towel, when every other gym I've belonged to has free towels. I really think that was a major faux pas that put a sour taste in my mouth immediately.
When I went to sign up, I figured it would be a fairly fast, in-and-out process - but I was dead wrong. Even though it wasn't at all busy, I sat in their lobby for nearly 30 minutes before they took me into one of those little sales offices. Then, I sat there even longer while the HW employee typed my stuff into the computer (did I really need to be there to witness that?). When she was finally done, she looked at me like, "ok.... you can go now" before finally realizing that I was a new "member" and stating (not really asking) "I suppose you want a tour."
After taking me through the most unenthused tour ever, I went back to the front desk to ask about the pilates reformer classes. The Groupon included 5 classes, which are typically an additional fee and require that you sign up in advance. I asked the girl at the desk, "which schedule is for the pilates reformer classes?" She looked at me like I had ten heads. "Let me ask someone" she said, grabbing another employee. "Hi, where are the schedules for the pilates reformer classes?" I asked again. She said, "the FOCUS classes?" - as though I knew they had a special name. "Uhm, I don't know. I'm looking for the pilates reformer classes," I said. "The pilates reformer classes ARE the FOCUS classes," she retorted, throwing me a schedule. And that was that - no asking me if I needed any more help, no informational walkthrough of how they work and how to sign up for them, nada. I came to find out later that you can only take the regular pilates reformer classes once you've taken the intro/beginners session. That would have been helpful information - but was certainly not given to me by the front desk.
Finally, HW is effing expensive. I took a few classes and they weren't really anything I couldn't find at another, cheaper gym, and I don't really care about being at an all-women's facility. I will give it props for cleanliness, spaciousness, and a wide variety of classes - but sorry HW, that's not enough to convert me to a member.
I really, really miss Healthworks. The only reason I am no longer a member is because I moved out of the general area in which they were located. For the money, it has been the best gym I've joined in my years here in the Boston area. They have plenty of cardio machines, plenty of equipment (circuit and non-circuit training) and plenty of classes. The sauna and hot tub in the (very clean!) locker room was another plus. They even have a rock climbing wall! And a cafe! The attached parking garage costs 50 cents with a validated ticket (perfect if you need to drive here for one reason or another). I actually used to want to come here (!) and always left this gym relaxed and feeling fantastic.
(oh, and spa services on site for reduced member prices?? who can beat that?)
I know you've already read it about 100 times, but I too am in LOVE with Healthworks. I used to be a member a couple years ago and it was probably the only gym I've ever looked forward to going to.
Cardio equipment that is new, clean and in great working condition. Great classes. (I love the spinning ones!) A rock climbing wall?! New movies playing on the TV's everyday. A computer sitting area, a sauna, nice showers, free lotions, shampoo in the showers, etc, etc, etc.
The only reason I can't give it 5 stars, is that it is so expensive now I can't bring myself to buy a membership. I want to so badly, and maybe in a few months, but when I called they said it was going to be $90 a month! I used to pay $60 and thought it was kind of pricey, but well worth it. $90 is just so much! Especially in the recession!
I hope that one day soon I'll be able to put it in my budget, but for now, I just can't make it work! :(
Pssst... I have to tell you something.
Come here... a little closer... that's it... are you ready?
I. AM. IN. LOVE!!!! L-O, L-O, L-O, L-O-V-E, L-O, L-O, L-O I'm talking about LOVE!
I have been waiting to write this review to see if it was just lust, but no... it is love. Head over heels, I want to shout it from the rooftops love.
So many wonderful classes, awesome instructors, steam room, sauna, hot tub, rock climbing wall, movies, personal TVs, trainers, cafe, internet lounge area, super nice staff, towel service, nice shampoo/conditioner/body wash in the showers, carpeted changing area, hairdryers with nice big mirrors... oh man, I could go on and on!
Honestly, I have yet to find a flaw with this place, and I don't think that is going to change any time soon. If your gym membership is going to be up soon, or you're looking for y our first gym to join in Boston, check Healthworks out! They have a few locations around Boston, all are super nice... you won't be disappointed!
I miss Healthworks. I credit them with waking me up to how exercise is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle, because I'll be honest, I was a total sloth before joining. They gave me a one month free trial and I was sold.
I loved the nice locker rooms, the abundance of equipment, the cool decor that never made me feel like I was really at a gym, and those classes! Thank you, Body Defined, for giving me sexy thighs for once.
I left because I moved away from the area, but now that I'm back, I can't swing the $50 a month membership fee. In a perfect world, the fees would be cheaper, but I wouldn't even ask that of them because here, I feel like you really get more than what you pay for anyway.
I love Healthworks. I have never been a "gym" person as they always feel like meat markets. I immediately felt comfortable when I started working out. I have taken some classes, worked with a personal trainer, bought pilates sessions, completed bootcamp, etc. They offer so many ways to exercise that you never get bored. I just recently got into their RIDE class (spin) and I love it now. I feel like I would never have explored another gym's options as much. My personal trainer is great and she even got me into yoga since she became certified.
I have a guy friend who works out at Planet Fitness and when I describe what I do, he wistfully states that he wishes his gym had half as many things.
Before I started going to Healthworks, you couldn't my name and the word sweat in the same sentence, much less belonging to the same body. Healthworks makes me want to sweat and I judge the effectiveness of a workout by my post-workout stinkiness.
I live and breathe the classes. I can find one for each day of the week to suit my fancy. I love to sit in the steam room post-shower and recollect that all I am doing is good for me.
Join Healthworks, do the classes and you'll go home happy!
This gym is amazing. It's a playground for women.
I used to go to a gym in my hometown, but I got bored of it quickly. Sitting on a treadmill for an hour is the most boring thing to me. When I moved to Brookline, I decided that it was time to get back into shape, and when I saw the selection of classes, I knew that it was time to man (woman) up and take a couple of them.
I'm hooked. I'm in love with taking classes, especially yoga and spin. No more boring ellipticals for me! Carrie and Leoni are awesome spin instructors - Carrie is super high-energy, and Leoni is chilled out and motivational. Sara's yoga classes on Thursday push me to my absolute limit. Power yoga, and even Slow Flow, are challenging. Gravity classes are a lot of fun as well, despite the additional price.
Overall, Healthworks has changed my negative feelings toward exercise, and I'm in amazing shape now.
If you are a student, get the membership now for $50 and ask no questions! You of course could be a part of a college that has an awesome gym (BU, NU, etc) -- but sometimes you are not (like meee).
Basically compared with a student rate of $30 per month for the ghetto YMCA that's crowded and has more kids than a gym should have AND a crappy gym I was paying $40 for in Watertown, this is a steal at $50 for all the amenities. Hot tub, steam room, iced cucumber slices for tired eyes, roomy lockers and locker room, an immense number of machines (effective calorie burn ones, not the ancient ones) and weight stuff (weighted sticks, half balls, etc -- just come and see)-- I thoroughly enjoyed my workout. Did you hear that? I ENJOYED it. I am the kind of person that takes two months to get to the gym and once she is there she loves it. It's spectacular, that's all I got. I feel rejuvenated, relaxed and like a human being after leaving healthworks.
Ive been a member for 2 years (as long as I have lived in Boston) and although I can't compare this to any other local gyms I have been a member of (because that number is zero) I can attest that I, being one of the stingiest people out there, had done my research before joining. Probably the most comparable gym would be BSC in Allston, which is similarly priced, stinky, and in a garage. Add 10 dollars to your monthly cost, and you have a gym that is clean, large, gorgeous, and has enough amneties to call it a second home. I mean, you can work out while watching a movie, go grab a really healthy snack or dinner in the cafe, check your email on their computers, and then relax in a sauna or jacuzzi before showering and taking advantage of their individual vanities and blowdryers. Thats what I mean by it can be turned into a second home.
Sadly, the cost has gone up ($84 with my corporate discount) and I have become more busy, so I cannot justify being a member here anymore. But when shopping for a gym around this area keep in mind most are around the same price and for a little extra $ you get a lot of pluses you wouldnt get in other gyms. But if you are coming in for a half hour on the elliptical whenever you can fit it in your schedule, you should probably go to ballys.
I love this gym. I recently transferred from back bay because this one's closer to my job.
Steam Room? check!
Sauna? check!
Hot Tub? check!
Rock Climbing? check!
Three TVs, two of them playing movies? check!
MTs? check!
Cafe? check!
Internet Lounge? Double-Click... I mean.. Check!
Yoga, Spinning, Gym Class, Bosu, Strength Training, Boxing and Step? Check check check check check check check!!
Plus, their staff is amazingly awesome and sweet. Everyone should be a member.. well... every *female* at least. =D
Ack - I posted this review to the wrong location!! I didn't mean it, Brookline. I love you!!
I was a member back in grad school, but moved out of range; I finally decided to go back when they had a really good promotion. Believe it or not, Healthworks is only $7 more than Beacon Hill Athletic, and the perks are astounding. No cell phones. Movies on 2 of 4 cardio screens. Classical music in the locker room, which is totally stocked with lotions, body wash, hair driers, etc. Every workout now ends with a whirlpool, or a sauna. Free computer/internet access. The best low-fat cafe ever.
Sigh. So happy to be back!!
So far I am in love with this place. I used to go to the Kmart of gyms and now feel like I've made the right choice!
I wasn't crazy about the registration/intake process. The lady who signed me up was aggressive and not friendly. The lady who signed my friend up was really nice- shout out to Jane!- and has recognized us since then, have asked how we are. A gym with real people! Amazing!
I love all the classes they have available! I have been all about Taking as many as I can. Love it. I can Zumba twice a week, the girl who teaches that class, Lauren, can keep the energy high, and steps challenging, but fun to follow.
The food is even good at the cafe. The locker rooms are clean, and they have natural shampoo/conditioner/body wash in showers. A steam room, wirlpool and sauna. Computers in lobby to check the email, whathaveyou. I have the healthworks bug.
I'm actually getting overexcited writing this review because I'm so obsessed with Healthworks.
At the time of my Healthworks membership, I worked in the restaurant (Sunset Cantina) below the gym, and was known to spend more or less entire days in the gym-restaurant complex. Before Healthworks, I honestly thought I would never shower in a gym locker room. By the end, I found myself holing up there when I didn't feel like cleaning my apartment.
Healthworks is bomb. You want to go there. Here's why:
Lobby--Free wifi and public computers.
Spa--Never went, but it exists, and there always seem to be deals or something going on
Locker room--Fucking sweet. Stocked with lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and actual functioning hair dryers. Whirpool, sauna and steam room...and a little bowl of iced cucumbers for your eyes. Aww.
Classes - Free!! Often way too easy, occasionally way too full, but overall worthwhile. If you've never tried spinning, try it here. It's fucking hard.
Machines - New and in working order! And never, ever overcrowded. OH and MOVIES on four big screens. That's right, MOVIES, like Pretty in Pink, or Scrubs season 1, or The Truman Show. NOT Nancy Grace on repeat all day like in every other gym in the world. So, hooray for that.
Weight room - Slightly under-stocked, but you know, it's an all women's gym, what are you gonna do. They do have those half-balls to stand on. I like those.
Cafe- Way beyond Power Bars (like whole wheat pasta with chicken and vegetables type stuff) and not overpriced.
Parking - Garage adjacent to gym. REMEMBER TO VALIDATE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE GYM (for some reason I found this impossible) and it's like a quarter an hour.
Price-- Yeah, it's kind of expensive. But it's seriously worth it. There are discounts for students (and people who work on Comm Ave)...don't know if this still exists but I had a membership that allowed me limited hours (it only cut out like 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) for a lower price.
If I've forgotten anything, just assume it was good.
Oh um....if you're accustomed to a college gym, the locker-room nudity can be a bit...jarring. It'll all be okay. You may scoff now...but you'll be one of them before you know it.
Susan D. says:
I spent a while looking at gyms in the Back Bay/Brookline area before deciding on Healthworks, a women's only place with several locations around here. The one I go to in Brookline is always spotless and friendly and frequented by girls and women of all ages and sizes and levels of fitness.
Equipment: Unlike many women's-only places, they have plenty of it of all types and it's all in excellent condition. Seriously. I have never had to wait for a machine. (I go during day. Don't know what it's like in the evening.)
Locker-room and Spa facilities: quite pleasant with nice clean showers and complimentary good quality shampoo, conditioner, and body gel and lotion, a wonderful huge jacuzzi with very powerful jets for your aching muscles, a Eucalyptus steam room, and iced cucumber slices to chill your puffy eyes They have big fluffy towels and little gym towels and good-sized lockers, plenty of big mirrors and hairdryers and "stations" for doing your make-up.
Trainers: They have three or four levels of trainer expertise, and what you pay is determined by the education and experience of the trainer you choose. There are lots of trainers there and I work out with one, Ann, who is terrific. She pushes me as hard as is reasonable, but hasn't hurt me. I've had a chance to see lots of them working with other clients and they're all ones I would be willing to work with if Ann weren't there. But Ann is really special.
Massage: They have several massage therapists there and the one I see pretty often, Randi, is excellent. I think she specializes in athletic type pain, but is also wonderful for me with fibromyalgia.
Classes: They offer all kinds of free classes every day and they are always well-attended and appear to be fun. I haven't done any yet, but hope to get in shape enough eventually to last through one without dropping. There is a charge for some of the classes, I think, but it seems like most are free with membership.
Other things I like:
- garage attached to the building with a good discount for members
- attended playroom for little ones while mom works out
- very comfortable lounge area with easy chairs and two walls of desktop computers for members
- a great little cafe that serves all kinds of stuff for breakfast and lunch
- plenty of bathrooms with complimentary tampons and pads, etc.
In the end, I chose this place because I feel very welcome there. It's clear that the staff want you to succeed and respect you for trying. Being out of shape is not a problem; it's what you're there for and they all seem eager to help.
It's kind of like a full-service women's club more than just a gym. A lot of the young women seem to hang out here for several hours a day. Take a class, have some lunch, jump on an elliptical machine, have a lemonade and read a magazine, check the email. And most people are doing these things alone. It's not a cliquey place at all.
Also, they have a foundation which is funded by their profits (and gifts that members make) to provide fitness opportunities for homeless women. You know, there but for the grace of God go any of us. Healthworks really seems to take women's empowerment seriously.
Totally awesome. I love this gym. I can't lie, I don't go quite as often as I should, but I never feel awkward when I come in and hand in their card when I know quite well that I haven't been there in six months. They just smile and say: "Welcome back." Haha.
They're always changing up the layout of this place, but it's okay because it's a nice change every so often. The place is clean and well managed and it's really nice.
Funny story: Since this is a female-only gym, plenty of females walk around naked in the shower area where there is also a jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. People do everything naked here and I'm totally fine with it. Anyhow, so one day, I wanted to hop into the jacuzzi after my long workout and as I went into the shower area, there was a lady there who was ready to get out. I was excited since I'd have the jacuzzi to myself. I'm about to hop in and she stands to get out and oh my goodness, lets just say she was incredibly unkept down there. It was to the point where it was only an inch from her belly button. So I pretty much just turned and walked for the showers. Ugh. I still get goosebumps thinking of it.
Anyhow, careful for awkward encounters like that, but besides that, this gym is really awesome though I do wish they had a pool. Oh well...
I once stayed on the elliptical for 1 1/2 hours because of the movie they were playing. Ok, actually I did that on three separate occasions.
Basically what I'm trying to tell you is I wouldn't work out if this place didn't exist.
I love this gym. The trainers are friendly and very helpful, and someone is always available on the floor for questions. The day spa is kept very clean and ending your workout with a dip in the complimentary whirl pool or sauna rocks. The little cafe is a great place to stop for a quick bite and i love the smoothies. There are tons of free classes (I've yet to take a bad one) and the focus training sessions are definitely worth the money (BURN is the best workout ever).
I go to the Brookline branch 5 days a week. I go before work on weekdays. The staff is great and there is plenty of equipment and a "decent" selection of classes. I especially like the 6am spinning classes on Tues and Thurs (Go Catherine and Sharon!) although I don't love the switches they made to the Monday and Weds 6am classes. The Monday class is okay but I hope they bring back an advanced weight class on Weds. I never have trouble using the equipment I want to use. The vanities, bathrooms and showers are always clean and tidy and the hampers are never overflowing with towels. I also love the parking fees in the garage--you can't beat 25 cents per half hour! Oh, and Danielle gives a great facial if you haven't had one yet!
i LOVE healthworks. i was never a gym go-er before i joined, but as a dietician, i fig'd i should try out this exercise thing i preach to my patients.
joined with a friend, for the student discount @ $74/mo. slightly pricey, but not outrageous... somewhat on par with other equally nice clubs.
they have tons of cardio equiptment (i got at all different times, including "rush hour", and never have to wait for a machine), weight machines, and other awesome equiptment- bands, bosus, physioballs, etc etc. they also have a excellent class schedule and variety, which changes every few months.
the best part about healthworks is the STAFF... for group exercise Cedar + Julie are AWESOME. Cedar can motivate me through any class, no matter how much i am dragging ass when i arrive.
i also trained with Sarah Anderson for 3 months (unfort, I needed to give my bank account a break). it was perfect, because i was new to the gym/exercise and she taught me SO much during that time. she gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to continue regular workouts on my own. SARAH IS AWESOME! she's sweet, personable, motivating, unintimidating, understanding and amazing at her job. she knows everything about fitness, the body, movement, positioning... she is totally worth the $, if you can afford her!
thank you healthworks (and sarah) for making an active person out of me!!
I really went back and forth about whether to write a review, having only set foot in Healthworks once in my 5+ years in Boston. But, I had such an interesting experience, that I feel I need to share. So, maybe this is more about me than about all of you out there, but hey. Whatever.
Many of my closest friends are Healthworks members and LOVE it. I am a member of another area gym, but am thinking about changing for a number of reasons. I was happy to be able to join my friend to try out Healthworks on New Year's Day - she had two free passes for guests. She took me and my sister-in-law.
The workout experience is a lot more "fun" than my current gym - the cardio and weight training machines are more up-to-date (i.e., a treadmill that is not all worn down), there are TVs playing Netflix movies, and it's a super-clean, nicely maintained environment. The locker room is phenomenal - clean showers, big changing space, whirlpool for my sadly blistered feet, sauna, lotions, hair dryer w/diffusers for us curly girls, etc. There was also some free food (bagels) and coffee, which is so nice (like a bank, but not lollipops!).
But, I don't think I will join Healthworks. I was TOTALLY turned off by the extreme pushiness of the sales reps. We thought we made it clear that we were trying out the gym and were under contract at another gym. But, we were chatted up by no fewer than 3 sales reps, including the freakin' sales DIRECTOR. The promotion of the day was supposedly the waiving of the $200 enrollment fee, but I know for a fact that they do that all the time. (Thanks to yet another friend who sold me out by giving them my e-mail!)
I'm not sure that spending close to if not exactly $100 a month is really worth it. I despise pushy people, already pay for Netflix and have an iPod, and (surprise!) have a shower at home. So, we'll see where I end up. In life, I find I am often an outlier, not willing to be a little sheep herded into the masses. If it turns out I'm not a fan of Healthworks, I'm okay with it.
I love this place, and I'm really going to miss my Wednesday night yoga class.
Jolyon is the best yoga instructor...ever!
Unfortunately, my workplace is not only relocating later this year, but I've broken my leg. So I have to cancel. I'm not looking forward to it though. I don't think you could find a better gym in Boston. Staff is wonderful and all areas are super clean and good smelling.
Warning: it gets a lot pricier the longer you're a member, but I think that's the typical gym racket.
I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about Healthworks. Yes, it's pricey, but not much more (if any more) than comparable gyms in the area. At Healthworks, you get an insane value for what you pay, provided you take advantage of it.
I never went to the gym. Ever. Not even when BU built a gym in front of my apartment building. I joined more for the yoga classes and wet area than any intention to actually work out. However, after I joined Healthworks, I genuinely enjoyed (and still enjoy) going to the gym. Everything is spotlessly clean and the locker rooms and wet area typically smell amazing. You have the option of going to one of many classes or working out on the machines, and I've always had my pick; it's never been crowded when I've gone. I'm more a fan of the classes than the machines (they bore me to death, one of the reasons I never worked out before), but it helps to have a good movie or some trashy-yet-addictive TV show playing on one of four plasma screens. I took yoga classes for a few years before taking the classes here, so the Gentle Yoga's a bit too gentle for me, but great for beginners. The trainers and instructors are friendly and helpful and the atmosphere's very positive and supportive. If you want to shell out some extra cash, they always have additional programming (boot camp, pilates, gravity, etc.) as well.
As for NOT getting the use out of it, well...I felt as though I wasn't going enough to justify spending the money, so I suspended my membership for three months and again, the staff couldn't have been nicer about it. After that, I got back on track; if Healthworks can't motivate me, no one can!
I've been a member of Healthworks Brookline for almost a year, and I think it's a great place to workout & de-stress! They have a wide array of cardio machines, weight machines, workout rooms with free weights, bosus, and other fitness equipment. Some might care that this is a women's only gym. I don't mind working out with guys around, but I must admit that the atmosphere at Healthworks is more comfortable and relaxed than others. The classes are free, and are usually quite good. I haven't found a yoga class/teacher that I like there yet, but I haven't tried them all. I've been to better. If you have the money & time, the trainers & group training classes are highly recommended. I have also taken the opportunity to try out their massage, facial, & waxing services. All are convenient, but nothing that I would rave about. However it is nice to workout, sit in the whirlpool/steam room/ sauna, shower and then have a massage or a facial all in the same building. The cafe is pretty good too!
Not signing up now..but did a three day pass. Loved it. The machines are smaller, so it works 100X better for toning up. Not completely luxurious like the Back bay location, but pretty clean. Sales person was crazy, totally rushing and high pressure sales. Turn off. Everyone basically minds their own business. Showers not to clean, hate how the shower is a cloth curtain, not glass. HATE that. Hard to change. But hours go by quickly. Costly, like $79-89 per month, locker $10 and towel $10 a month ALL SEPARATE like $110 a month! rip off! Is it worth paying this much to not be checked out by men while in your sweats? You decide! i plan to join, but my own towel please!! :)
Healthworks is the first and only gym I have ever belonged to and I do believe that it has spoiled me for life.
What other gym offers just released movies playing on plasma screens while you run, state of the art equipment, great classes, fully stocked locker rooms, a healthy cafe, a computer lounge, spa services, and 2 free personal training sessions?
Not any that I've found.
Healthworks, you've ruined me. Now and forever I will only have eyes for you.
I recently joined and I love this place! No intimidating guys and super friendly staff. TONS of classes, lots of cardio machines, weights and much more.
One of the nicest gym locker rooms I've seen and they don't have those crappy gym hair dryers either. Love the whirlpool.
The fee can be high, but there's lots of different options membership-wise, so def check it out.
So i really hated my personal trainer she had absolutely no personality. But i had a great massage here and i really needed an eyebrow wax so i booked an appt. BIG MISTAKE.
i had an eyebrow wax done here by Danielle and its truly horrendous it took all the strength i had to not cry when i saw what she did. they aren't even the same shape. I explained to her before she even touched me that i just want them cleaned up and i like them full still. MEGA BUMMER. AAAAAGH. as a gym everything else is fine but i strongly suggest not getting waxed here.
I LOVE THIS GYM. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
I first thought, what?! an all girls gym?! pfft! BUT now I can't stand to be in a co-ed gym. And no other gym could compare to healthworks. I joined in the summer and became addicted to going to the gym. I love the classes here and they really challenge every part of your body. The kickboxing really works out my hips, muscles that I didn't know I had. The strength, body defining classes are always a challenge every week. And all the classes increase your heart rate, incorporating cardio & strength! Then some days, I would spend 15-30minutes just sitting the sauna. The shampoo, conditioner, body gel, tampons, lotion, q-tips, and cotton balls in the locker rooms are extremely convenient. The only problem I have is the price...I am paying about $80/month for the membership and it's only for off-peak hours too. For an additional $10, I could go at any time..., but I'm trying to save where I can. Even with the price tag, I joined this gym because I will not work out anywhere else and would not work out at all if I didn't join.
Oh yeah, now I'm at the back bay location and am still trying to get use to the set-up. I think I like the brookline/brighton one a little better.
The most fabulous gym I've ever been to. Personable, clean, amazing classes, amazing service, member-friendly. Definitely not cheap, but totally manageable (it costs me $69/month, which is steep. But I only paid $25 to join. Other clubs, like BSC, can charge over $100 to join).
Group exercise is by far the best draw. I usually take the spin class, where it's challenging and you feel like the instructor is connecting with you and really looking out for you. Definitely take the classes, they're top rate.
The equipment is up-to-date and new-user friendly. The free personal training sessions that come with membership are essential.
Having an all-female environment also helps if you're self-conscious like I am. While I do miss oggling be-muscled gentleman, this gym makes up for it in other ways. Besides, I live near a BSC, so if I need a tank-top-clad-bulging-muscle-sexily-dripping-with- sweat-(if that's even possible)-grunting-with-the-sheer-exertion-of-a-la t-pull-down man fix, I can always loiter there. I mean... go to this gym, it's great.
To update, I had my first complimentary personal training session with Frances and she was wonderful! So friendly! (And honest). And that day, the woman at the reception was also quite friendly. While I can't give them 5 stars because of the registration experience (Sara asking me what keeps me so busy when it was she who did not respond to my email) and the fact that overall I've belonged to gyms that had a friendlier atmosphere, it is better than I originally thought. And they have sooooo many things to offer!!
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7/24/2009
So, after moving to the city and finding out the gyms around me were around $100 a month, I found… Read more »
Very nice gym. The best women only gym I ever been too. Only issue I have with this place is the price. It can be very expensive and they don't have any Healthworks in the South Shore area. They should put one in the quincy/braintree area.
I just want to add that this place have such good food. I love their salads, sandwiches, soups, everything...and it's healthy.
UPDATE: I'm knocking HW down a few stars. I find it to be absolute bullshit that I pay $80/month for a semi-limited membership and for a gym that is so insanely crowded all of the time that it's sometimes difficult to find a locker - and forget about taking classes.
Plus this location seems to consistently cut down on the number of classes offered - and the best ones, like belly dancing, cost an extra fee and are available only during the day. Awesome - way to cater to yuppie stay at home mothers and trust fund baby BU girls.
No thanks - i'm about to cancel my membership. I can spend my money better elsewhere - and I can work on the eliptical at work free of charge.
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Joined a month ago and I absolutely love it. The instructors are great, facilities are soo comfortable (I actually wore my spandex work out pants NOT in the privacy of my own home), and the classes are really fun. I love, love spinning (and the vegan food in the cafe).
Only downer for me so far? Belly dancing isn't offered at this location :(. Oh well--guess the Rock wall, VH1, and Schwinns will have to make up for that...oh, yeah, and they don't have recycling either--weird considering the masses of water bottles emptied throughout the day.
Oh, and check with your insurance provider--many, such as HPHC, put money towards your Healthworks membership.
I'd been using this gym for 9 years when I left because I felt it was too expensive and I wasn't using it enough to justify the cost...I didn't work out again for whole year...I joined another women's gym in Brookline and besides the day I joined, I went 2 times...it was awful. The equipment was difficult to use (you needed a walkman to watch TV while on the treadmill), there were 4 small TV's mostly turned to SOAP OPERAS!!!! Really, soap operas...anyway, I'm back at Healthworks because it is the ONLY gym in town worth anything...lots of classes at times when I want to work out (none between 10am & 4pm at the other one). It's clean, beautifully decorated with real flowers and real art...computers (Mac's) for anyone to use, a lovely little restaurant...and cheap parking too.
Best gym ever. I love individual televsions on the treadmills. Running is still painful but at least I can watch Flavor of Love whilst torturing myself for 40 minutes.
My favorite class used to be kickboxing on Friday nights...the instructor that taught it a couple years ago would whip even the clumsiest of girls into shape, and the guy who is there now must be on speed. You will lose 10 lbs just by sweating. Gross, but true.
Sadly, I have decided to cancel my membership because it's easier for me to go to a gym near my work. But if could move into Healthworks' fabulous locker room to keep my membership, I would be packed up and ready to go by the 1st of the month.
I've belonged to or visited almost every gym in Cambridge and Somerville (and a few in Medford and Arlington) and this is the second nicest place to work out (if you can put up with the all-women vibe which doesn't appeal to me). You'll find a great selection of cardio machines, all in top quality. They also offer all the weight machines I'd ever use. But two things that really set Healthworks apart are the classy and clean locker room, and all the great classes that they offer.
This place is pricey (and they charge extra for towels for showering) but you get a clean, high-energy place to work out, and this can make all the difference between making time for the gym and making excuses for why you couldn't get there.
Recently, I had a discussion about "expensive people" with someone, and so, ended pondering what it really means to be an "expensive person," and whether I was one. An expensive person: a person who not only likes pricey items, but recognizes quality and chooses expenditures wisely. I'm expensive about a few things, and one of them has to be my gym. So, I shell out what, I think , is exorbitant amounts of money to go to this gym, and a little extra to be able to use all of its locations.
I mean, ladies, seriously, I was sold the minute I walked in. Sure, you've got your spacious and bright cardio area with plasma screen TVs, extensive class schedule, spotless locker room with sauna, steam and whirlpool. But the best part is, wait for it: cucumber slices for your tired eyes, and free tampons in a basket! Man, I feel like a woman!
This location did not renovate their showers yet, but generally the place is sparkling, and sports a rock climbing wall, which I have never used, but it's nice to know it's there, if ever I decide to get in touch with my crunchy side. They are constantly improving and working on getting the best and the newest equipment.
Now, my earlier review of the Back Bay location is a bit disgruntled, but hey! It's Rosh Hashanna, I've got the day off, it's a gorgeous September afternoon out there, and I just yoga'd, steamed and whirled for the entire morning! Five stars for everyone!
I recently joined this gym after nearly a year gym-free. I had a tough winter physically and had started panting after just one flight of stairs, so I thought I wouldn't survive a more active summer without a gym again!
The customer service people and trainers alike are friendly and don't look down on people of different sizes or abilities. Which is nice! I've taken two classes - a BURN class and a Gravity class - both free. The first I was on the lower end ability-wise, but didn't feel ashamed of it. The free-ness to it was wonderful but the (even though somewhat small amount of) one-on-one time with the trainers in both cases was great. Just to caution: I took the Gravity class one week ago. It made me feel very energized, but I couldn't exercise my legs for two days afterward - I was just that sore. And my stomach is still a little on the tight side. Just a warning - you might want to do a focus on the obliques, abs, and back before the Gravity class to prep yourself.
