Best Gyms in Medford, MA
You were going to do it, you swear. Maybe it was a New Year’s resolution that you never got around to starting, or the plan to shed pounds for summer that didn’t quite come together. Maybe the “freshman 15” caught up with you, and it’s time to take control, or you’re just trying to get the mental and emotional benefits of an exercise routine going for you. Whatever the reason, the solution is simple.
You need to find a gym near you.
We’ve taken a look at some of the best gyms in Medford, MA, to give you the edge when it comes to meeting your fitness goals. While there might be no such thing as the “best” gym in Medford, there absolutely is a best gym near you and for you: and between these different options, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Fit In New England
Location: 44 A High St, Medford, MA
Free To Try? Yep: a 30 day trial membership with two 45 minute personal training sessions, and two small group classes
Check Out This Gym If: You’re looking for a personal trainer-led gym experience
If you’re looking at personal trainers, Fit In New England (affectionately abbreviated F.I.N.E.) has an excellent reputation for being easy to work with, and getting results. Supportive, passionate, and accommodating, each of F.I.N.E.’s coaches has a four-year degree in kinesiology at the minimum, and according to F.I.N.E.’s members – only referred to as “athletes” in this gym – the experience they bring makes a difference when it comes to results.
Fit In New England is really focused on personal training, either one-on-one, or in small groups. This isn’t a place you hit up to listen to a podcast while on a stationary bike: this is a coached, hands-on, goal-oriented training center. So if you’re looking for a laid-back, walk in when you feel like it gym experience, F.I.N.E. is probably not for you. But if you’re looking to work with somebody to achieve your fitness goals, well: they’re one of the most highly rated gyms in Medford, MA for a reason.
WOW! Work Out World of Medford
Location: 200 Boston Ave, Medford, MA
Free To Try? Yep, you can get a free day pass at their web site
Check Out This Gym If: You want 24-hour access in a friendly neighborhood gym
With a wide variety of free weights and cardio equipment, the Medford Work Out World is a great spot if you like to work out at odd hours, or just need a gym that runs on your schedule. They also have personal trainers on staff, and ther do run group classes, from Zumba and Power Vinyasa Yoga, to kickboxing and the ever-popular “Time To Shred,” but the big selling point remains that sweet, sweet, 24-hour availability. It's the gym near you that you can take advantage of on your own terms: just remember to bring your own towel.
Brazil-021 Boston
Location: 4000 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford, MA.
Free To Try? Yep, contact them first
Check Out This Gym If: You’re looking for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, taught by an active competitor
Brazil-021 does one thing – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – but it does it oh so well. Anyone who’s followed mixed martial arts competition at any level knows the value of BJJ in combat sports. But for those of us who aren’t stepping into a cage match anytime soon, it’s also a stellar way to keep your body in peak condition. Fitness, discipline, flexibility: all the good stuff you’d expect from martial arts training.
Originally hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Professor Anderon “Sinho” Silverio, is a 4th degree black belt, registered through the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). BJJ is this guy’s passion, and it really shows.
Brazil-021 is located inside the Gold’s Gym at 4000 Mystic Valley Parkway, but you don’t need a Gold’s membership to enter. As for Gold’s Gym itself, it’s a different fitness experience, though the facilities are nice enough on their own. However, Brazil-021 has no such issues: it’s good from top to bottom. If you’re looking for martial arts gyms near you, Brazil-021 is a fantastic option.
Blink Medford
Location: 465 Salem Street (Route 60) Medford, MA
Free To Try? Yep, requires filling out a contact form
Check Out This Gym If: You like a low-stress, zero-judgment, affordable gym that puts “mood over muscle.”
Making their name in Manhattan, Blink is a fitness chain with a bright, clean outlook: and gyms to match. In their words, “exercise isn’t just about how you look: it’s about how you feel” Body-positive and accommodating, Blink Fitness goes out of its way to make members feel comfortable. And starting at $15 a month, membership isn’t going to bankrupt you anytime soon.
Blink also has an app – free for members – that acts as both a workout planner, and a sort of fitness aggregator, delivering customized video coaching, guided meditation exercises, healthy recipes: all geared towards helping you achieve your fitness goals.
Crunch Medford
Location: 295 Middlesex Ave, Medford, MA
Free To Try? Yep, 1-day pass. Requires filling out a contact form
Check Out This Gym If: You’re looking to save cash without compromising on quality
With plenty of options, Crunch memberships start at $10 a month. Another gym that strives to be judgment-free, Crunch is going for an accessible, empowering vibe: and hits the mark more often than not. It’s bright, friendly, and has cool options like hydromassages if you’re looking to expand your horizons.
Ultimately though, the big draw here is how much gym you get for your money: it’s just a ridiculously good deal.
Finding Your Gym
As you can see, there are a lot of fantastic gyms near you. But how do you go about deciding which gym in Medford to join?
The first thing to consider is accessibility. You need a place that is close to home, or work, or the other places you spend the majority of your time. It can make a lot of sense to invest in a modest gym located down the street, rather than splurge on the equivalent of Ivan Drago’s training center in Rocky IV that is located 20 minutes away. Some gym-goers need to be able to work out at irregular hours, others need services like child watch, and still others need a less-crowded facility so they can do more in less time. A gym membership does you no good if you never walk through the door, and that’s why you need to make getting to the place as easy as possible.
The second step is to ask yourself what you want and need out of the facility. For serious weightlifters and bodybuilder types this is usually a no-brainer; they want heavy weights and a lot of available equipment (mainly to cut down the wait time between sets). Novices and people getting back into fitness may do better with a gym that comes with personal trainers; while frequent yoga classes or an indoor basketball court might make sense for someone else. Just like you have to make sure your gym is accessible, you also have to make sure that it will keep you coming back for more.
You’ll also want to get a feel for the overall vibe. Some people, especially when they’re trying to get fit for the first time, might find a bodybuilding-focused or MMA gym intimidating. On the other end of the spectrum, someone who has been hammering it out in the gym for years might do better in a more intense setting. Again, be honest with yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Ultimately, the perfect gym is the one that gets you the results that you want, in an environment that encourages and excites you. Finding that perfect fit can be the difference between meeting your fitness goals, and making a new year’s resolution next year when you really mean it this time.
What are your thoughts? Any gyms near you that belong on our list? Any features you just can’t live without? Sound off in the comments, and let us know.
Also, as you’re resting between sets, check out Medford Pads. We’ll give you the inside track on the hottest homes, condos, and rental properties in the city of Medford. If you have your eye on the greater Boston area, hit up Boston Pads.
