South End Fitness Center — Local services in Boston

I’ll give it four stars for the value here. Especially with a student discount, the price can’t be beat in South End. I only go here because the main campus gym is too far. Also, note for newcomers, it can be hard to find if you’re walking there from the street. It will be on the fourth floor once you find the elevators.

I mostly just use the weights/power rack area. You kind of get what you pay for here. There’s just one of everything, and it’s all old. It all works fine, but only one squat rack? Really? I usually don’t have a problem, but I’ve had it where I and another guy show up, and we have to either wait or split time on it. There are so many old, useless machines that could be moved out in place of what people need (hint: power rack), but I’m sure this place does not have the money for such luxuries.

I have never set foot where the pool is, never used the basketball court, or much cardio equipment, but they never seem to be taken up, so I don’t see why they have them instead of more weight areas. Again, I figure money.

Facilities aren’t so nice, there is NO WIFI (including no reception to Xfinity), no central A/C (just small units at least in weight lifting area), but they do provide some good lifting belts, some wrist straps, weight belt chains, and usually have some lifting chalk. I just don’t get why they are aplenty on accessories, but slim on the actual machinery to execute the lifts and use those accessories (squat rack,...

It's good because the equipment is usually available. If it's busy you can always grab a bench and free weights to accomplish almost any exercise. Lots of cardio equipment 2 rooms full usually with 1 or 2 people max in either room. Also full basketball court and Olympic pool also usually empty or almost empty. Parking garage attached and is validated. Cold water bubbler. Towels for 1$, equipment cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and paper towels dispensers everywhere, a/c ,n full locker room with the YMCA vibe...

Best indoor pool in Boston, but the rest of the place leaves something to be desired. The locker rooms are saunas, but not in a good way. The pool deck probably gets cleaned once a quarter. The staff are not always kind. But, it’s the cheapest membership pool in the city that doesn’t...