SoWa Health + Wellness — Local services in Boston

Review update: To the owner - Can we have a brief discussion about this? I don't want the money back anymore, I just want to make peace. My experience was different than what you wrote below but I think it's best if we both move on. I see that you viewed by LinkedIn profile months after this situation occurred which makes me feel strange and uneasy. I was upset about the situation but now I am ready to move on from it and I'm sure you are too.

Original Review: I expected a premium experience. I got corporate greed.

I joined SoWa with high hopes. I was recruited by a trainer I trusted and was excited about what seemed like a high-end, community-driven gym. I bought a package of personal training sessions specifically to work with that trainer. This worked for some time until they fired him. I had four sessions left - worth nearly $600 - and asked for a refund.

They refused.

Despite knowing I joined solely to train with this person, they hid behind “policy” and wouldn’t return a dime. They treated me like a transaction, not a person, and made it clear that protecting their bottom line mattered more than doing the right thing.

This isn’t what I expect from a gym that markets itself as boutique and community-oriented. It’s what I expect from a giant corporate chain that’s lost touch with its members.

And while they charge premium prices, here’s what you’re really getting: • Water fountains that barely work • Overcrowded workout areas during peak times • An app that feels outdated and clunky • And policies that don’t adapt to real-life situations

There are so many better, more ethical small business gyms in Boston. Ones that value their members, treat them fairly, and don’t rely on fine print to get away with questionable decisions. Support...

Fully worth the monthly cost, I highly recommend becoming a member of this gym! I've been a member of SoWa Health + Wellness for 6+ months now so I feel I can finally/truthfully post my review. The facility itself is massive, and amazing. The amenities are great (sauna, showers, the woman's locker room is always stocked with all the getting ready products you'd need). Every staff member is welcoming and kind. This is my first time going to a gym but I have never felt uncomfortable or like I don't belong. Their personal trainers all seem great but I am lucky enough to work with Taylor M.- she’s absolutely phenomenal. Taylor continues to curate creative workouts based on my goals and the best hour of my week is my session with her! I’m in awe at how fast my strength and mobility have improved with her help.The classes they offer are very diverse and it's incredible they are included in the total monthly cost. I have never felt the gym is too crowded (even at peak post work hours), and I've found that everyone who belongs to the gym is kind and respectful. Once a month they have a social with free food which is a unique element that I appreciate. The parking is a huge benefit as well! $1 validated parking and the lot is large. All of the perks, the cleanliness, and the location of this facility make the monthly cost a no brainer....

I showed up today to purchase a 1-week pass for $95. I asked to pay in cash, which is a perfectly valid form of payment, and my request was refused. As a traveler, I explained that part of my budget is in cash and I expected to be able to use it for my gym access during my stay in Boston. I mentioned that this was unacceptable and that I would leave a negative review about this policy.

After my workout, outside the gym, one of the partners (Marc, if I am not mistaken) confronted me and clearly did not appreciate my comment. I explained again why I couldn’t understand why cash was not accepted. He then decided to cancel my weekly membership — which had already been charged to my credit card.

I went back to the front desk to clarify and asked for proof that cash is not accepted. The discussion with Heather Mileka quickly became unpleasant and disrespectful. Then Marc came back and handed me $100 in cash, telling me I was no longer welcome.

This is unacceptable. They charged my card, then refunded me in cash against my will, and told me to leave. I don’t think it’s legal or professional to handle clients in this way. To me, this looks like an attempt to silence my dissatisfaction rather than solve the issue.

For a fitness center in Boston, I am...