The Handle Bar | South End Location — Local services in Boston

Update: music is so loud my ears hurt several hours after class. Yes, I have tried the ear plugs. I was handed shoes that were so wet inside and I got hit with a horrible smell coming from them when they were placed in front of me. It actually convinced me to buy my own pair. Another time, I was given a pair right away and they said they had my size on file. Once I clipped in (and it was too late) I realized how tight they actually were. It was so painful. Once I took off the shoes at the end of class I found bruises on my feet and under my big toe nail (an injury). I asked, turns out the shoes they gave me were 2 sizes smaller than my actual size. They said someone wrote down my wrong size. Another time, they cancelled and renewed my membership, twice. Out of concern for my credit card, I asked the front desk about it. The employee didn’t even stop eating from her Tupperware to help. She told me to just email them. I asked for the email. She didn’t even know. I’m so bummed because I fell in love with this place but with each class I get more discouraged from situations like these. I was going to upgrade my membership but now I might just have it lapse. —- Been coming here for the last few weeks and I’m obsessed! As someone who has had three knee surgeries I had to give up running and struggled to find something to replace it with. This is it! It’s challenging, you break a sweat, it’s fun, and time goes by so fast! Not to mention it’s easy on the knees. Maggi’s Odesza class was the best! Loved the speed, intensity, variability, encouragement, and guidance. She knows exactly what she’s doing. And special shout to Jarred. His Taylor Swift Tuesdays get me out of bed! He’s a blast and I LOL every time. He’s hilarious....

The Handlebar is amazing!! Firstly, the classes are great, between spin and hotbox flow and even the strength classes, you will always feel so good after your workout. Secondly they have a killer newbie deal that I highly recommend! You get 2 weeks to finish 3 classes you purchased (at a lower than usual price) and then you earn 3 more classes to use in the next 2 weeks! When I missed a week due to being out of state and also being sick during this time, they were so kind and understanding and extended my time to use my bonus classes! So many places would never be willing to do that. I cannot recommend enough, if you’re looking for a place to workout, choose...

I love HB! The whole crew is incredibly kind, and the workouts are awesome. What I think sets HB apart from competitors is how welcoming they are to new joiners. My first time there vs with other companies was totally different -- someone showed me to my bike, help me set it up, helped me clip in, all the works. The instructors also help coach you through the choreography (e.g., what is position 1, crunch, push-up, etc.) vs leaving you out to guess what's going on. The owner, Tom, is also fantastic. I left a medication there after a class and he went above and beyond to help me get it back. Cant say enough good...