Bally Total Fitness

Bally's has come a long way, since I joined the Porter Square club in 1990! Although still pretty busy, they have added many more machines recently. It is full service, pleasant and you only pay around $250 a year. Less than a dollar a day. And now they are offering drop-in PILATES classes again! We pay $5 per session - non-members are welcome for $7. Where else can you find that price?? Currently there are only 2 classes per week, but if more people come, they will open more sessions. You can also "buy" a session of Pilates Machine classes. I give them a strong recommendation.

The plans at this club are tricky and very deceiving. You are presented with one price and after months of service you are tricked with the fine print of the agreement. BE CAREFUL. READ all the fine print.

The club is also very crowded. It is hard to get a machine. It has a convenient location right outside of the porter sq. train station. Parking is limited. The equipment is up to date and easy to use. STaff is friendly and accomodating.

This overcrowded, dreay gym was a certain disappointment. Before I moved to Boston my boyfriend visited the gym to check it out for me, but of course I didn't sign up sight unseen. When I moved and went in myself, the manager kept telling me how I'd really missed out not signing up through my boyfriend because I missed a really good deal. Well, thanks, that makes me feel really good. The classes were crowded, the locker rooms unimpressive and cold and the scene is like you are in a gray garage underground. The people at the front desk seemed confused and were unhelpful. Even though they offer free valet parking, you still have to wait 10-15 minutes some days for the attendent to take your care.

...it may as well be at this Bally's. With a three lane pool, spinning studio, and a exercise room, this Bally's is the best one I've found in the area. The locker rooms are clean and there is always space to put your stuff. Not a great deal of stretching room in the gym, but for the ladies there is a women's only room so you can work out with confidence. Located in Porter Square, this club has plenty of classes throughout the week in both the mornings and at night. There are yoga classes every day but Friday, and step classes all week as well. If you signed up for Bally's this is the club to go to.