★ 5

I liked everything SOWA had to offer. The equipment the vibe and the staff were all great.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love SoWa and in particular, the personal training team!! I’ve been training with Gabi since April and have seen results and progression despite being pregnant and postpartum. Her programming is thoughtful and effective. She excellently navigated my prenatal workouts and has already helped me make progress ten weeks postpartum. I highly recommend training with the team at SoWa!

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is such a gem! I love the high end touches everywhere, the variety of included classes, and so much space to really allow people to spread out. It truly feels luxury and vibrant and like a “third space” to move in whatever way for fitness that I’m in the mood for. Beyond grateful for this place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent gym. The best in the South End.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym and friendly staff!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been a member since early this year, and it is hands down one of the best gyms I've been to in Boston (used to belong to Equinox)! The staff is super friendly and the facilities are incredible. Notably, I love having access to the Hyperice recovery room, the cold plunge/sauna, and the golf simulator. They recently expanded their space with a state of the art upstairs facility. They invited all members to the expansion party earlier this month and it was such an amazing event. I'm so grateful to be a member here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in Boston! Lucky to be a member here. It’s such a clean, community oriented space, and the staff are so friendly. Never found a gym I love this much!

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Cheidy as my personal trainer has been a fantastic experience. I have been going to the gym for years and therefore was reluctant to start any personal training as I thought I already knew what was best for me. However, only after working with him for 3 months, I have shed fat and gained lean weight, making advances that I haven't seen in years. I am constantly impressed by his knowledge and his enthusiasm - I could not recommend him any higher.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

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 them instead.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Cheidy exemplifies what it looks like to be both a wealth of knowledge, and a lifelong learner in your craft. He is a straight shooter who demonstrates enthusiasm, professionality, and intelligence like no other during each PT session. Cheidy is committed not only to delivering his best work, but meeting the unique needs of each client. If you're looking for top-notch personal training that gets you excited to get back in the gym, Cheidy is your guy.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great facility with options for everyone! I have to highlight Nicole’s spin class - best instructor with incredible energy, incredible playlist and everyone should ride!

Source: Google

★ 5

SOWA is by far best gym in Boston. Clean facility, incredible staff, and brand new equipment makes it a no brainer - especially in a city with limited gym options. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I came here on a day pass while visiting boston and the facility is absolutely mint. The weights are racked, the equipment is new, the areas are well thought out, the locker rooms are clean and the sauna is such a perfect way to end your training. 10/10 really wish they had something like this where I lived

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve belonged to Equinox & Lifetime, but Sowa Health and Wellness has the homegrown charm and high quality aesthetics (steam room, cold plunge, and golf simulator) at a fraction of the monthly price. The Techno Gym equipment is brand new and the facility is always clean and well put together. Heather and Justin create a very welcoming environment for all members, especially at the monthly social function, equipped with food and drinks. I purchased a personal training plan with Taylor, and she was instrumental in designing my new fitness pla; I looked forward to our 1:1 training sessions each work as I moved closer to my fitness goals. If you’re in the South End, Back Bay, or Southie neighborhoods, then this your gum.

Source: Google

★ 5

Thanks to Dana, I actually look forward to Sunday morning spin class. She made it fun and motivating.

Source: Google

★ 5

Beautiful gym, including first-rate cycle studio from the bikes to the lighting. Shoutout to Dana a star instructor: great music, motivation, choreography and banter. Check out her Sunday class. I can’t wait to go back.

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained with Cheidy. His knowledge about the workouts and work ethic is really impressive and he is very much data driven and results oriented. He keeps you motivated towards the entire journey and I suggest training with him at SoWa.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great facilities at SOWA Health + Wellness. Always clean and never overcrowded. The facilities are only outshined by the personal training staff. Working with Sara for a number of weeks I've progressed in a way I would not have predicted. Her program and instruction is customized in a way that makes progressing goals challenging but achievable. Highly recommend personal training at SoWa H + W.

Source: Google

★ 5

SoWa Health and Wellness is my favorite gym in Boston by far! Sara F is an amazing trainer and I couldn't recommend her more. She's attentive to your goals, always focused on improvement and progress, and, most importantly, she makes the sessions fun! She takes the time to explain why we do a certain exercise, which muscles it works, and the correct form. In addition to our sessions together, Sara writes workouts for me to do on my own time so I know what to do when I come to the gym. This, especially, has been a big help to me.

Source: Google

★ 5

SoWa Health + Wellness is one of the best gyms I've come across, with a great selection of equipment, friendly staff, and well-maintained amenities.

I also highly recommend Brenden to anyone looking for personal training at SoWa. I've been his client for almost a year now, and he goes above and beyond to tailor our sessions to my specific goals. He's constantly learning on behalf of his clients and is both a fun and dedicated trainer.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the third gym I've been a member at since I moved to the South End and they are HANDS DOWN the best. Staff is friendly, it's never overcrowded, they have all the equipment I need, and PARKING...omg the parking. SoWa Health + Wellness, please never get rid of this perk. My favorite part is that I don't get the annoying marketing and spam that I've gotten from the chains where I've been a member. It truly feels like a community gym. Thank you for existing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

If you live in the south end, back Bay Area look no further...The gym has everything you need

Source: Google

★ 5

SoWa Health + Wellness by far is the best gym I’ve ever been to! Hands down a top-tier, upscale experience.

After experiencing this gym it will be extremely hard to workout anywhere else due to the lovely customer service, exceptional locker rooms, infrared sauna, recovery room, cleanliness, wide range of classes, variety of machines and workout equipment, and so many more perks!

As a first time guest, I loved every bit of what the gym has to offer and will highly consider getting a membership in the future because SoWa Health + Wellness is simply the GREATNESS.

If you’re visiting from out of town be aware of the parking situation and ensure you don’t spend over three hours or your parking ticket could cost you a solid $40.

Above all, I highly recommend this gym for gym goers in and out of town! You won’t regret it!

Whether you chose a day pass, weekly pass, or become a member of the gym— it’s worth it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a great gym in terms of facilities. But it is the greatest gym in terms of staff and clientele. Tara does an amazing job of building camaraderie among members and ensuring a range of great instructors, variety of classes and more!

Source: Google

★ 5

Much better than BSC. A little pricier but you get that special treatment...

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. Super sweet and professional front desk. High-end equipment and facilities. Redundant machines, weights, and equipment, so you're never waiting or asking to jump in . Best complete gym I've been into in a long time. I'm here for Christmas, and I thought I would have to settle for a gym chain. Nice unexpected surprise

Source: Google

★ 5

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. Join join join!

Source: Google

★ 5

I did personal training with Gabi and have seen amazing results! She’s helped me develop a routine that I understand and can do on my own. I highly recommend this gym. It’s got great benefits, beautiful sauna and locker room area. I’ve tried out many gyms around Boston, this is by far the best.

Source: Google

★ 5

I recently joined and love the gym for the following reasons: 1) cleanliness 2) extremely large and has 5x the # of squat racks and machines as the local equinox in back bay and downtown 3) large and clean locker rooms with enough space to get ready 4) wide variety of free classes.

What I would improve (and these are small suggestions): 1) they need smaller increments of free weights for women. So we need 17.5, 22.5, etc. It’s a huge jump to go from 20 to 25 pounds for women. Be more women friendly in that regard. 2) the pulley machines are missing half weights as well so you have to jump in 5 or 10 pound increments. Again very tough for women. 3) I wish they had Les Mills classes like body pump. Some of the weight and circuit classes are just so so.

Source: Google

★ 5

Way better value than Equinox. There’s so much space and equipment that it never really gets crowded. I haven’t taken any of the group classes but PT with Gabi has been excellent.

Source: Google

★ 5

this gym is AWESOME! it has everything you need: saunas, spin rooms, pilates, cold plunges, boxing gym etc.! All the equipment also seems brand new and high tech. I personally love workout classes so I was so happy to see that Sowa has many options to choose from. Staff are also so friendly and helpful.

Source: Google

★ 4

The space is beautiful (but the stretch area is often too crowded before 9:30 a.m. or 4-6 pm) and it is very clean. The Personal Training team is terrific, especially Gabi - she pushes you hard but in a way that makes you WANT to do the work. It is a bit pricey and there was some miscommunication about pricing when I signed up as a Founding Member. Unfortunately, ownership was unwilling to honor the commitment made by the person who signed me up.

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined when the gym opened last fall and unfortunately had a leg injury that kept me sidelined for the better part of this year so far. Despite that hiatus, the SOWA team, and Heather M. in particular, has welcomed me back and was considerate enough to pause my membership dues while out and make sure that I had all that I needed from their staff to support my re-entry. Beyond all that, the gym is pristine, equipment top-notch, and everyone seems to have a great community ethos about them that will make me want to keep coming back despite me not living right around the corner. This is the type of place that I'll gladly travel 30 minutes for because it's that good of a wellness destination.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym in Boston, best equipment, best showers, best sauna, worst music ever!

Awesome gym, bring your headphones, cause the music in this gym is straight up terrible.

Idk why we’re listening to 90’s grunge power ballads in 2024 while sweating it out. Other than that, this place is the best. No one’s perfect 😂

Source: Google

★ 5

I started going to SOWA earlier this year, particularly for the personal training program. I have been working with Gabi Brummett since the very beginning and she is fantastic! Going to the gym is fun with her (!!) and I leave feeling accomplished. SOWA's facilities are at the very top and in comparison to other luxury gyms in the area without feeling exclusive or cliquey. Discounted parking ($1 per hour) is an added bonus in the city.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love it here!! It is a huge gym with all high-end equipment, amazing classes & instructors, clean and spacious locker rooms, and saunas. Everyone who works there is super friendly too. Feeling really awesome about my health after going here for a year and am so glad to have this neighborhood gem!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, great vibe, great instructors, great clases, great community. Without. doubt, the best gym in Boston. Equipment is top in class and every detail is well taken care of, the gym is not a chain so they actually invest in the community and in improving the space, unlike other expensive chains, such as Equinox, where they take a lot of money and take forever in even repairing damages. I take many of the classes and absolutely adore all trainers, big kudos to Nicole and Tara!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing gym! Love it here

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Initially, I was unsure about joining because of the cost, but after taking a tour and seeing all the amenities and benefits, I realized it's totally worth it. The facilities are top-notch, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and the variety of classes (included in the membership) is impressive. This is easily the best gym I've ever experienced, and once you try it, you'll find it hard to go anywhere else.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym - has everything I need and more. The space is always super clean and the staff is awesome, especially Chris, who always goes above and beyond for me!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. Super clean. Great equipment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

10/10 for everything.

I moved to Boston in 2020. And then to an apartment across the streetin 2021, with the BSC across the street as a major incentive. I was sad when it closed. The BSC on Boylston is a graveyard.

Last December of 2023, I was in a major accident abroad during an art residency. I broke 14 bones, had a TBI, shattered both my wrists, had to have my ear sewn back on, it was a disaster.

I really attribute this establishment to how quickly and efficiently I’ve recovered. I graduated PT months ahead of schedule because I was in this gym every other day because this gym made me WANT to be in it. I can't thank you enough for creating such a beautiful, sleek, place that I felt comfortable in to get back to my former health.

Thanks for everything. I am moving out of the country in a couple of months and I am going to miss this gym IMMENSELY.

Source: Google

★ 5

SoWa Health and Wellness is truly a 5-star gym experience. Equipment is top notch and staff is friendly, welcoming, and always helpful. Spacious and plenty of amenities, I'd recommend SoWa to anyone is the area. Make sure to speak with Chris Lamar, who was willing to go above and beyond to ensure a high quality member experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym is excellent. It’s beautiful and clean. Everything is brand new, spacious, and not crazy busy during prime hours. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

A fully-equipped, clean gym with friendly staff.

Source: Google

★ 3

Great Club, albeit showers with low water pressure and Luke warm Sauna. They cant or wont fix either. Great Ride (spinnning) gear and instructors, but only 1-2 short 45 min sessions in the early mornings (7:15 Tuesday Nd Thursday and 10:30 on Sunday for atheists)

Source: Google

★ 5

My team works to produce content for SoWa on regular basis. I’m constantly impressed by their commitment to provide first class service to their gym members. They are always innovating and adding top-of-the-line equipment. I highly recommend you check out this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

SoWa Health & Wellness has a huge selection of both free weights and high-end machines for all lifters, a great selection of cardio machines, and a spacious turf stretching area. They offer many fitness classes to choose from, with my favorite being the Tuesday morning spin class with Nicole which is a great workout and full of energy and great music. After my workouts, the sauna and recovery options are a great way to recoup and the locker room amenities are top of the line and very well stocked and clean. Would recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best gym ever!! So many amenities and staff is very friendly. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 1

I was disappointed with my recent experience at this gym. The website advertised a 3-day trial membership, so I called to confirm this offer. A gentleman assured me that first-timers could obtain the 3-day pass either by visiting the gym or online.

I chose to visit in person to get a feel for the gym. However, when I arrived, the front desk attendant seemed more interested in her cell phone than helping me, and she informed me that she could not sign me up in person and that I should complete the process from my computer at home.

It did not make sense to me to go home to sign up for the 3-day pass only to return to the gym, so I suggested completing the process over the phone. I entered my information, but it did not appear on her end.

We spent 15-20 minutes trying to resolve the issue until another front desk attendant overheard and helpfully suggested manually adding me as a new guest.

By the time this was resolved, I had lost my desire to work out and decided to leave. The time wasted and the initial lack of assistance made me lose interest in checking out the facility.

My experience highlights how important it is for staff to be helpful and efficient. Unfortunately, my first impression of the gym was negatively impacted by this encounter.
.

Source: Google

★ 5

I moved to the area 2 weeks ago and was looking for a new gym. Popped into SoWa for a tour and Chris showed us all around. He’s super helpful, provided all the info, and we were probably his easiest sell haha. SoWa is by far one of my favorite new spots! The facilities are super clean and well maintained. Has a wide variety of equipment and I haven’t had to wait to use any of it. My favorite part has been the classes- restorative yoga, vinyasa, dance w/ Jess, ladder & group sets with Angela… the instructors bring unreal energy & motivation and the workouts fly by. Locker rooms are awesome w sauna, showers, lockers. Also big shoutout to the rest of the staff (Gio!) for being approachable and answering all my questions. It’s truly an oasis, especially since I work from home. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Huge gym with great facilities and amenities. Never overcrowded. Great price for membership as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely pristine and well equipped facility with a very helpful and friendly staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and joined a month ago and we love this gym. The place is brand new, the equipment selection is amazing and offers whatever you want from free weights to high tech “AI” machines and cardio. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

Really stunning and high-tech gym! It’s very spacious and clean, and there’s an abundance of everything so it never feels crowded or that people need to wait. I also appreciate how you can just use the studios when there are no classes (eg yoga/barre and boxing room with loads of heavyweight bags). The price is a bit steep ($190/mo base package) for me as a resident currently who wouldn’t be able to go often / use all the perks, but I can definitely see how this is worth it for so many people! I’m doing a 3-day trial right now, and would recommend checking it out / taking a tour with Chris, who’s really friendly!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing space and amenities

Source: Google

★ 5

Definitely the best gym in Boston. Absolutely top notch amenities, equipment, and staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing gym! Very clean and has parking which is a huge plus for me.

Source: Google

★ 5

i am a former member of both equinox and lifetime. in terms of value, i consider sowa health + wellness to be the best gym i’ve ever seen. i’ve seen nearly every high-end gym in greater boston and nyc, and i have never seen a gym with such a dense inventory of top quality & well-maintained equipment. the locker room is spacious and always clean and fresh, stocked with the best toiletries & the nicest towels you could ever ask for. however i would consider this gym more oriented towards young professionals rather than families. you still can’t be the value of this place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing gym, just what the South End needed

Source: Google

★ 5

This is an absolutely beautiful gym!
Top-of-the-line equipment, state of the art recovery and relaxation amenities, a golf simulator and immaculately clean.

They also offer group fitness classes ranging from weights, cardio, Pilates, yoga and boxing.

They offer a free three day pass!

Do yourself a favor and check this place out.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great facility ..friendly team members...

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Beautiful gym and friendly staff !

Source: Google

★ 5

Incredible gym—everything is top quality, great sauna, team friendly and attentive. Great value, could not imagine finding a better gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent place for workout, most modern health and wellness Gym

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve worked out here for the past month pretty consistently. I didn’t do any of their classes or golf simulator so can’t speak to that. But I really really enjoyed their equipment and facility. It never really got crowded so never really had to wait. Free weights were great, machines were high tech so I enjoyed that too. Showers and saunas were great and kept clean. Staff were very accommodating and friendly. Overall, one of the best gyms I worked out at and definitely worth the cost in my opinion

Source: Google