Arlington Health and Fitness

If you are looking for a clean, no frills, easy parking with top notch equipment this is your place. I have been coming here for a few years now and the best word to describe it is Consistent. Please leave your attitudes at the door as there is no place for it here.

Lots of cardio machines that seem to work okay, small stretching room that is sometimes used for classes — the yoga instructor is super sweet by the way and it’s an excellent cool-​down type class. One rower if you want to change up your cardio. In the free weights area, there are two squat racks and only a handful of people that actually use them, so you shouldn’t have to wait long and most people are friendly, so you can ask to work in. I haven’t really used the machines, so no comment there. People are mostly nice, staff sometimes disappear from the front desk, but you probably don’t really need them around unless you are trying to join or cancel.
Relatively small, but not dirty and the equipment all serves its purpose for a good rate in this area. Nice that it’s not a chain globo nonsense gym.

It’s a gym. No frills, no BS, great rates. Just the good people of the area putting in their time at the gym.

I worked out at this gym using their free trial promotion. I was handed a paper fee schedule that differed from the advertised rate on their website. The payments were to be made by «EFT.» I asked if that meant through my bank account, and I was told no, through credit card. That is not what EFT means in my place of business, but whatever.
I was told to complete a form regarding my personal information and then … nothing. I stood there. So. Do I just look around? Yeah. (Every other gym I’ve used provides a brief tour.) Is there a locker room? Oh, yeah, way down over there. The locker room was dingy but not super gross.
There were perhaps five people working out, the doors were open, and it was really hot in the gym. Once in a while a small blast of cool air hit me. The cardio equipment is raised up on a platform. Heat rises. I struggled to find a working pair of stationary bike pedal straps. (Just FYI, AHF… they cost about 10 bucks per pair online. Might want to look into getting a few new pairs).
I don’t think I’ll come back to this gym because of the poor BBB reviews, the lack of a stretching area, the heat, and the confusion over the fee schedule. The question is, what reasonably priced Cambridge area gym isn’t a complete mildew terrarium housing broken equipment and dependent upon shady pricing and cancellation practices?

Nice family place. Not intense but will satisfy most gym rats. Overall a pretty good gym while a bit barebonesed. Not a ton of equipment but everything that you need. Stay away from the yoga classes. I attended two and if you have done yoga before — you will be disappointed. The place has the potential to be great, but till its yoga improves, I will give this a 3.5.

Been going here a while, great small gym, good service, love how they had the trial to allow me to try out the gym before actually signing up, would reccomend this and will be continuing to go throughout the year!

This has been a great gym for me, I unreservedly recommend it to my Arlington and Cambridge friends. Easy to walk to or bike to, I sometimes access it from the Alewife Brook trail, and there’s always plenty of parking. They also have A/​C, and I knew when I passed another gym and saw people sweating in front of fans in July that this was a must-​have. In the 2 years I’ve been going here the equipment has been frequently updated, including the stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines.
The environment is normal folks going for a workout. As a lady giving lifting weights a try, I was very pleased with how friendly everyone was. Folks are serious about getting their workout done, but not intimidating at all.
Great value for money, great hours, free classes, weights are always re-​racked, and everything is very clean.
What really makes this place go from a gym to a pleasure, is the community of regulars you see, the personal trainers say hello to everyone, and the staff (Dave, Mark, Scotty) are genuinely friendly.

Arlington Health and Fitness has been my gym for about 2 years. I was never into weight lifting before signing up, and had planned to just use the cardio to stave off the winter un-​activity. However, the fellow who owns the gym (Dave) was so inviting and relaxed about showing me some lifting techniques and form that I slowly got into using the free weights. The results have been good and the Mrs has given some complements.
I work out in the morning and the gym isn’t crowded by any means then. There is never a wait to get on the cardio machines and almost never a wait for any weight equipment. The place has mostly a local Arlington crowd (Hey Lou!), and a great sense of community.
The price is reasonable. It is more expensive than Work Out World or some such, but the weights are actually re-​racked and it isn’t depressing as hell (sorry WOW). It doesn’t have a pool or sauna, but the locker room and showers are totally serviceable.
I’d recommend it without reservation. It is a great example of a gym that is focussed on getting/​staying fit and having a welcoming atmosphere.

I originally signed up for AHF for a $ 19.99 special offer I received in the mail. Awesome! What a great deal. And an annual plan? Awesome!
Three months later, I check my bank statement, Im paying $ 21.99? I ask the service why the spike in membership fees? They say I shouldve been notified by the gym. I check my mail, nothing. I contact the gym, they said they contacted me by mail — I ask when the letter was generated, hung up on. OK. I call back. They say the hangup was an accident and say Ill get the generated letter in the mail. I never did, so I ask when was it sent approximately? They have no idea. OK.
Im locked into a contract so I stay anyway. About 50% of the time I dont need to scan my membership card when I walk in because… no one is there. It is one smallish floor (you can stand in the doorway and see everything) of ½ cardio machines and ½ weights and the exercise classes space, and just $ 22 a month. Should be $ 19.99 but hey maybe I threw out the notice, someone slipped, or the planets werent aligned, whaddya gonna do. Just $ 3, right?
But just to be sure they have the right address & email address, I review my online profile — generated by the gentleman who sold me my membership. II see my gender is marked as «male». As I had a human fill out my application and Im not male, I took the burn, but it shouldve been ominous foreshadowing.
Surprise! A few months later, I’m paying $ 29.99 a month? Again, I signed a $ 19.99 a month contract. I re-​read my contract to ensure no senility — yea, $ 19.99/mo unless contacted prior to any billing changes. So, again, I contact the billng service, they say I shouldve been notified and theyre just a thirdparty billing company so please contact the gym. Understandable. I contact the gym, they say they mailed me an update. I ask about the address they have on file — it is correct. I ask how I keep not getting notices for billing changes. They seem confused. I ask if I can just get a paper copy of it or just have it faxed to me. They seem baffled but agree. I wait on a fax for a week. Never get one. I call again and ask and the person says theyll fax it over that moment — no fax. I call back, get someone else who doesnt know what Im talking about. OK. So I go in to ask for the billing update that they said they mailed — they seem confused. So, I never get either. I went to the desk and confirmed my address twice with two different sets of employees and ask for the billing updates each time — nothing. I ask if perhaps i was emailed it, they say «maybe!» I check the email they have on file — nothing. I even email the owner, he says I shouldve been contacted but cant say when or has a copy of the update.
Allrighty then.
About 11months in, one month before my contract ends, Im now being billed 39.99 a month. For the listeners just tuning in, I originally signed for $ 19.99 and had a copy of my contract saying that was the amount Id be billed per month until the end of the contract year. My address or phone number or emergency contacts never changed, so no reason not to inform me, but I never was informed despite both the billing vendor and my contract saying Id be contacted before any billing changes. So my fees doubled without notice in a year. That’s uh wiggity wiggity wack.
Ill say I couldve put up more of a fight or tantrum, but I think what AH&F has going for it is… it is one of the few (only?) gyms in East Arlington. So it cornered the market and costs what it costs notice or no notice for basically… just for being a gym in Arlington. And I took it. Leaving the contract wasnt that difficult but you do have to do it IN PERSON. And CONFIRM it is completed after doing it in person. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to confirm cancellation.
Ill say Im usually a supporter of independent businesses and Im sure Arlington’s rental fees are ridiculous… but $ 40/​mo for basically a smaller Planet Fitness but with deceptive billing practices and less hours? Uhhhhhhh, yikes, not the best way to stay competitive with PF swallowing small gyms up across Massachusetts.
3 stars is for:
–Always clean and brightly lit locker rooms
–Wide array of cardio machines (not super modern but definitely variety)
–Spinning classes were ferocious and always full, go early for these, definitely the highlight of AH&F
–Windows and large doors near the cardio equipment — so air circulates well and doesnt smell in that gym-​smell kind of way
–It has increased its weekend hours since i had my membership
Beware of:
–Those postcard advertisements. If you move to or live in Arlington, theyll snag your address and mail these frequently. Perhaps they updated their contracts since I was a member a few years ago (Id hope so), just IME. a $ 19.99 deal can become $ 39.99 if you dont watch your membership carefully.
–Limited weightlifting, calisthenics, and stretching equipment
–It costs $ 40 only because it is Arlington, not because of its facilities

This is not a good gym. The only thing it has going for it is the price (compared to other local options). Equipment is outdated, and the restrooms are only sometimes clean“ish”. Two specific incidents that led me to post this review:
1) Lock on the men’s bathroom stall has been broken for months. MONTHS. I’ve brought this up to staff several times — they haven’t done anything.
2) I lost my wallet a few months ago and forgot to change my cc info with the billing company. One payment was missed, I realized I had to change my info and did so, brining my account fully up to date. Several days later I receive a threatening email from the owner saying that if I didn’t pay he’d send me directly to collections. It was rude and agressive, completely uncalled for.
This gym does not give off good vibes. Please review all the filtered reviews that mention extreme difficulty in canceling memberships and fraudulent charges.

Arlington Health and Fitness is a great gym at a great price. There’s plenty of free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment (and never a wait on the cardio equipment… even during peak hours). In my experience the staff was always friendly, courteous and professional. I was a happy member for almost seven years. The only reason I quit was because I had to move. I had no problems canceling my membership; however, I did make sure to discuss my plans with the staff about a month or so before leaving.

I’ve been going to this gym for about 9 months now without a contract. It’s close to where I live, affordable and has what I need to workout. I’ve never been into group fitness classes, or workout machines so I am not much help there. I’m pretty sure they have enough machines to get the job done though. There are plenty of free weights, kettlebells, physio balls, medicine balls, jump boxes, and shoulder bands. There aren’t any olympic weight lifting platforms but thankfully they have two squat racks. The racks can be a bit in demand depending on the time you go. Not a deal breaker. The cardio machines are great as long as you don’t require your own personal television. There are treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles and even an erg! The only cardio machine I really wish they had was a rotating stair climber but I’ve never had to wait for a machine. The only complaints I have would be in the past I have called the gym and the phone kept ringing with no answer. Sometimes there is no soap in the women’s bathroom, and I wish the pull up bars had a better grip. Other than that all the staff is very nice and I enjoy working out here. After reading the filtered reviews i will remember to go inperson to cancel my membership when the time comes.

I notice that 26 reviews of this gym were «filtered» by Unilocal,including mine. I’ve read Unilocal’s filtering policy, and it seems reasonable (so that fake reviews don’t get posted, ruining a businesses rep). However, I can assure you that mine wasn’t fake. I posted as a service to those who may think to join this gym, so am slightly annoyed that I’m now one of the chosen filtered ones.
All I can say is if want further proof visit the BBB website.
I certainly don’t wish to bring down his business, but perhaps the owner will consider a change in cancellation policy and shady billing practices (if not additude) once he reads how many people think he STINKS!!!

It’s a good gym, no problem with that. I joined a year and a half ago, moved one year ago and called to say I had moved. They asked me to come in and fill out a form, i explained I was not in the area and couldn’t do that. They said «no problem, we’ll end you membership after 30 days» which is the agreement (30 day notice). I just learned they continued to charge me for the past year and have no intention of honoring their promise to end my membership. The person «Dave» I spoke with was abrupt, kept saying «you signed the form» and didn’t want to hear that his employees had told me they had taken care of things. He can see I’ve not checked in for over a year, I was a good customer for 6 months and even bought extra services. He said he can’t put the money back on my card now as it’s closed … I said «you could send me a check» … he said «have a nice day» and hung up the phone.
Bad business!

I’m giving this one five stars because this gym has been good to me over the past four years that I have been a member. This is an excellent place to go if you live in Arlington or North Cambridge and your looking for a simple, inexpensive place to get a work out in. I don’t ask for alot, but there are three things that are important to me in a gym. 1) good hours. 2) well kept equipment 3) friendly considerate staff. This place has all three.
Another plus is that the clientele is very diverse and pretty much anyone would feel comfortable here. There are old folk and young folks, body builders and people just looking to lose a few pound and stay in shape. Everyone has always been friendly and considerate without being overly friendly to the point where they interfere with my workout.
With all this said I should note that if your looking for cedar lockers, lavender scented towels and a smoothie bar you should probably look else where. If your looking for steroids and you scream like your giving birth every time you bench press this is probably not the place for you. But if your looking for a low key, inexpensive place to work out regularly I would recommend it.

I’ve had so many billing issues with this gym, and unfortunately they’ve never gotten back to me, returned my phone calls, or exerted themselves in the slightest to resolve the problem, so I’ve had to pursue this with my credit card company. It’s the worst customer service I’ve ever had.
Basically, they charged my card the normal monthly membership, then there was some accounting error on their end that said the charge hadn’t gone through – when it had. Then they charged me a returned check fee, (when no check was returned) and a late fee (when I wasn’t late) on top of the regular monthly charge (which I had already paid). So, THEY STOLE MY MONEY. I called them, I went in person, I left a letter, I left a copy of my receipt for the transaction that I printed out from my bank account, and I called multiple times over the next few days leaving messages and asking for someone to call me back. I was completely ignored. It’s been a hellish experience, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Now I have to try to fix this problem with my credit card company, and possibly cancel my card just because they refuse all contact with me. It’s horrible.
Also, be aware that when you sign a contract with them it doesn’t end automatically. If you sign a one year contract they keep billing you for the thirteenth month. Then when you cancel, you have to go in person, and the cancellation takes «30 days» to go into effect. So as soon as you cancel, you will still be required to pay an extra month.

I’ve been a member for a number of years but never used it that much. For one reason I belonged to a nicer gym in Boston and would use AHF on the weekends. For the price, the gym has almost everything you want… except for a dedicated place to stretch. Some people may argue there is a room to stretch. However, if there are classes going on (which is usually when I am there) there is no place to stretch. This has always annoyed me about the place. At least get a StretchMate or something for people to use. It is also clear that this gym is used by the local high schooler. Not an issue just pointing out the clientele.
I would agree with some of the other reviews that the place is not that clean. The women’s locker room is passable but the toilets are disqusting.
You get

I joined and have really been pleased. Definitely a decent gym for such a low price. Friendly people, machines always available great hours (extended). I’m a satisfied member.
Still not the place for group fitness buffs. Only drawback for me. I would love an aerobics or pilates class now and then.
PS It is not stinky — was the guy next to me that first day, perhaps!

I enjoy this gym. It’s small, yet never over crowded. They offer daycare for mothers like me, have a great locker room, and an abundance of my most favorite machines.
Other pluses include: it’s not a meat market, nor is it a safe haven for 18-​something college freshman who just walk around, and don’t workout, and I never leave smelling like a dirty sock — all for $ 20 a month (no contract. I repeat — NO CONTRACT).
Sold.

Only been a member for 2 months now but I can attest absolutely that this is a very good gym. Prices are exceedingly reasonable, even at peak hours (EVEN right after new year’s!) I don’t have a problem getting a machine. The crowd here is very normal, no meatheads or gymrats. Folks of a variety of sizes and fitness levels working out.
The bathroom/​locker room for women is always very clean. The staff is very friendly. The facilities are welcoming, well-​lit, well-​maintained. Oh yeah, and plentiful parking, even during peak hours. A great neighborhood gym all-​around.