BodyScapes Fitness

Thanks to one of the general managers Ashley, they were able to locate my original cancellation form, which had never been processed, and agreed to refund me. I am very grateful that Ashley took the time to locate the form, but the entire experience was frustrating and stressful.

OK facilities, but fundamentally dishonest service. Called to cancel my subscription during business hours, but was forwarded to voice mail and left a detailed message regarding my intent to cancel. The company failed to return my call, and continued to charge me. My credit card expired shortly thereafter, and I was threatened that the bill would be sent to a collection agency even after explaining that my account should have been cancelled. I provided proof of the call in the form of a screen shot. They still insisted on charging me two months cancellation, when the regular terms of service indicated I should have been charged one month. This is better than the original three months they wanted to charge me. I had very little recourse, because of their threats of sending the bill to a collection service. I was not going to have my credit ruined by a month’s bill. However, I would recommend everyone avoids this gym and if the need to cancel that they get their cancellation in writing because they may need it.
The honest thing would have been to honor the original cancellation date. I did not use the service after I cancelled, and thus they were out nothing.

There is no other reason to join this gym unless you work in the Longwood area. If you get the employee discount, you’re all set because it’s a great deal for a clean gym with decent facilities. There’s a good number of cardio machines. There’s a good number of weights machines, free weights and squat racks. No complaints really. The gym is a good one, but not a boutique one, as reflected in the price.
I have never had to wait to use a machine, but having said that, I avoid peak hours (pre-​work and post-​work hours). Even during those hours, it’s not *that* packed, there will always be something free.
Since the gym got bought up by Bodyscapes (formerly Fitcorp), many improvements for the better have been made. It’s clean, spacious, not usually stinky, you get free towels, there’s very basic el cheapo shampoo/​conditioner/​bodywash and body lotion in the locker rooms.
The classes are ok to pretty good. This was where I started to attend group fitness classes, and since I’d never really experienced group classes before, I thought it was awesome! Until I started to attend boutique studios around the city… There are some not so great instructors (eg Thursday night spin class after Leoni stopped teaching that one), but there are also some gold instructors on the schedule. Eg. Bob for Tue/​Fri am spin, Andree for yoga/​pilates and her amazing spin/​yoga class, Leoni because she’s Leoni. I hear Gerry’s group power is really great too (I’ve not done that one).
The vibe of this place is amazing. Everyone there is some kind of health science related person (MD, PhD, nurses, or medical school related jobs). So everyone is actually super smart and geeky but working it and working out. No meatheads here! It’s kind of funny/​cool how you’ll see super-​star professors working out in their gym gear all sweaty and pain-​faced.

After a year of shelling out $ 20 a month for a lesser gym out in the suburbs and never going, I decided to bite the bullet and upgrade to a gym closer to work. Nestled on the first floor of the Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Bodyscapes is the premier gym in the Longwood Medical Area, and it came highly recommended by basically every one of my colleagues. I first joined when it was still Fitcorp, and was definitely skeptical when it changed ownership a few years ago, but my fears have proven to be completely unfounded. While it’s true that you’re paying partially for the location, it’s worth it to have a clean, spacious and active gym within such close proximity if you work in the LMA.
The Longwood class schedule is a good mix of yoga, cardio and strength. I am the type of girl who is intimidated by new experiences, and I’ve always found the teachers to be extremely friendly and helpful to newcomers. In particular, Andree’s yoga and pilates classes are great; she strikes the perfect balance between accommodating your limitations and pushing you to explore your boundaries on the mat. If you’re looking for intense cardio with a side of invigorating motivation, check out Bob’s spin class — the man has more energy than a chihuahua on speed, and I’m constantly struggling not to burst into hysterical laughter while pushing up the next hill. If strength is more your style, check out Gerry’s Group Power class, which is similar to Body Pump — but make sure to register early online, because the class fills up incredibly fast… it’s THAT good!
Equipment-​wise, Bodyscapes has enough cardio machines and weights to accommodate their membership. Aside from the typical January rush, I’ve never had to wait for a machine. There is ample stretching space, as well as a good assembly of fitness equipment to help you get into shape. Amenity-​wise, they do provide towels, and the locker room is generally kept pretty tidy. The showers can get a little hairy (literally, in some cases), but the staff is great about taking care of any situations if you let them know. The sauna is also a great way to wind down after a serious sweat session. Your membership also entitles you to visit the Coolidge Corner location, which is very convenient if you live on the Beacon Street side of town.
Overall, if you’re looking for a good gym that’s convenient to the Longwood Medical Area and you can afford the membership fee, Bodyscapes Longwood is a solid investment. If you do decide to check it out, be sure to ask if they have a partnership with your institution — several of the schools and hospitals in the area give a discount with your employee ID.

Back in May 2013, I knew that I was leaving Boston, so I requested to cancel my membership. By July, I discovered my credit card was still being charged. Therefore, I immediately called to understand why. I spoke to Candy on the phone who said that 1) no cancellation form was submitted 2) Bodyscapes keeps a good record of these documents and does not lose cancellation forms 3) Unless I could provide a copy of the cancellation form, my cancellation is not effective and 4) the member ALWAYS receive a copy of the cancellation form.
I vaguely remembered that I filled in the form but never received a copy. On Saturday, I personally went to speak to the receptionist to show me the form I filled out. The cancellation form seemed familiar to me. Because the form was not the kind with carbon copies, I am positive I never received a copy. Fortunately, he found my folder and the first document was the cancellation form. At that point, I asked him to make a copy for me. He promised me that my cancellation would be taken care of.
Later, I emailed a staff to confirm the refund. Instead, Candy replied that the cancellation form was the one she filled out when I called her. Immediately, I went home to check my cancellation form, and, like I thought, I filled out the form on 5÷31÷13. If I hadn’t remembered that I filled in the form AND personally requested a copy of the form subsequently, this issue would never be resolved appropriately.
The way my cancellation was handled is unacceptable. While I understand that mistakes occur, the staff NEVER admitted her mistake until extensive prodding. During the call, she was adamant that a cancellation form was never submitted. Not only that, she TRIED TO COVER HER MISTAKE saying that the form was one she filled out. I was extremely frustrated as it seemed she never actually looked for my folder before making the claims she did. I felt my request to check on my cancellation was not taken seriously. While I understand everyone makes mistake, her integrity is questionable.
While I have enjoyed the facilities at the gym, for the price I was paying at your gym, I should not have to undergo this many obstacles to cancel my membership.

I go here about 3 times a week. I love the classes and the staff!
Instructors are great! Close to work and with the employee discount, i’m getting a great deal.
Classes I really enjoy are, zumba with Ana and Leoni, yoga with Tiffany and Andre, Ashtanga yoga with cycling with Christine. Muscle conditioning with Glenn gets you results but its a painful class but worth it.

This gym isn’t terrible, but the value (if you are not a Harvard student/​employee with a 50% discount) is dismal. I would never belong to it if I did not work in the same building. The equipment is fine, but the Purell dispensers, wipe dispensers, and towel stations are very often empty, so you have to walk 75% of the way across the gym to get something. You just don’t get what you pay for here, not even close.

I have been a memeber of this facility before when it was fitcorp. I am not really one for gyms: I prefer running and dancing as my excercise, and I am well eduated in nutrition. However, the one thing this gym offers is the group classes and those are a great deal, specially if you can get a low membership rate thanks to your employer.
The facility is very clean and I really like the lockers here: the have the large lockers available and you can put a your own lock that you then take away when you are done.
The group class room is large and has beautiful windows to let natural light in. This is a nice facility.

I joined here about a year ago and I’ve been maybe about 10 times or so. I like it. I never have to wait for machines. The weights area is good too, plenty of equipment and not much waiting.
Three things I don’t like so much (and why I’m only giving 4 stars):
1) in the stretching area where I was lying down there once was a guy beside me jumping up and down and quickly lifting large weights over his head– definitely well over 10 lbs. I was terrified in case he dropped one on me. I think there should seriously be more strict rules about what you can do in that area.
2) I’m not crazy about the carpeting. It’s a bit gross to have in the changing rooms (even though it always looks clean), and it also builds up static so I get little shocks off the machines– it’s not too bad though.
3) I’d like to be able to change the units on the machines to km instead of miles. It seems possible when you look at it, but it’s not that intuitive (to me at least!)
The shower area is always clean and there are plenty of towels. Staff are really nice and efficient. I haven’t done a class there yet but will soon!

Just some quick props. This place is great. My wife and I have been in for periodic visits with our son, who is undergoing testing/​treatment at BCH. This place has been our only escape.
I want to start with what has been the most important part — the staff up front has been very helpful. When I asked where I should go for a haircut, the woman (short/​shaved on the sides) gave my a gift certificate for a local salon. I didn’t have a lock — here you go. There is an African –American guy at the front desk, not sure if this is David Aldredge — his hair looks different on the site, but this guy should be the face of the franchise — he will make you feel like you have been a member for years.
The group fitness is fantastic. David Bergeron and Brian Castelluci (who both seem to be «Southies» who yell the right amount and coach even more. If I lived nearby, I would have signed up for a full membership already. A wonderful, clean, well run facility.

Wow, I have NEVER been to a worse Spin class. I asked them directly which instructors played what music. I was ASSURED I was not going to be subjected to country music and to expect to have a great experience with Cori. WRONG! Not only was there no core work (no jumps, just crappy little sprints), she played crap country music. The worst part was she had NOTES. Really, you don’t even know your OWN tracks? They need experienced people. Nobody should use notes to instruct a class, but to have notes for Spin, you need to give it up. NEVER AGAIN.

It used to be Fitcorp, which I loved, and luckily for me, they kept the teachers and classes.
The teachers are great. I especially like Group Power with Rania, and Spinning with Judylynn and with Leoni
Facility is nice and clean.
I’d like more Group Power classes in the afternoons.

If you work or live anywhere close to the Longwood Medical Area, BodyScapes Fitness is the gym for you. Located right in the middle of the Longwood Medical Area, BodyScapes has it all… great location (in the HMS NRB), great equipment (lots of cardio, free weights, kettlebells, etc… you want it, they’ve got it), great classes (my favs spin and core), amazing staff/​trainers, and a nice/​clean facility. Plus, the whole facility is about to get a huge makeover and with it, lots of new, top-​of-​the-​line equipment! It doesn’t get any better.
BodyScapes is a gym for everyone, no matter your fitness level, age, or goals. Everyone who steps in the door is treated with respect and welcomed as a member of the family. It is definitely not a gym of posers or meatheads, but that’s not to say that there aren’t lots of serious gym rats… there certainly are, but it is not an intimidating atmosphere at all. It really says something when you often find several middle-​age women on the weight floor right next to 20yr guys.

General Manager, David Bergeron, sets very high goals for himself and for his staff, and their dedication and hard work is evident in what a great overall facility BodyScapes Fitness is. The entire staff is incredibly professional, yet approachable and personable, and they take such a personal vested interest in all members. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do at the gym, or how in shape you are (or aren’t), everyone who comes in the door is welcomed sincerely. Usually within a few visits, they great you by name. This sort of atmosphere does wonders for making members feel like BodyScapes is a place they want to come to and be part of.
In addition to running a top-​notch facility, Dave is also a phenomenal personal trainer. With all the right credentials (degree in Exercise Physiology, two-​time All-​American in Track, etc), Dave is incredibly adept at using his knowledge of the human body and his motivational and interpersonal skills to help people achieve their fitness goals. Dave is superb at working with clients of all types. No matter if you are a recent grad hoping to shed those late-​night pizza pounds, a wanna-​be triathlete, a middle-​aged professional who needs the motivation and a plan to «re-​visit» your glory days, someone new to exercise, or a serious athlete yourself, Dave will help you reach (and exceed) your goals. Each session is well planned with your goals, abilities, and restrictions in mind. He is good about explaining each exercise and the results it will achieve, and is a stickler for form and not letting you do things halfway, which definitely helps improve results,. Dave really gets to know and understand you and as a result, he is able to push you beyond where you think your limits are, allowing you to achieve results you never dreamed you could and celebrates with you as you reach your goals. You don’t work out with Dave if you want to be babied and spoon-​fed a work out. You work out with Dave if you want to be pushed to your limits (and beyond) and want to get real results.
I cannot recommend Dave or Bodyscapes Fitness more highly. Give them a try… you won’t regret it.

I joined BodyScapes at Longwood about a month ago and love it! I’ve never had to wait for any equipment, it’s all functioning well, and the facilities are obviously well-​maintained. The staff are all friendly and helpful. As another reviewer mentioned, the weight lifting area isn’t at all intimidating, even when I’ve been the only woman there.
But the best part has been my work out sessions with Cori, one of the personal trainers. Cori has put me through challenging work outs that kick my butt but always leave me with a huge sense of accomplishment … in addition leaving me sore! Cori is positive, friendly and motivating, and has tweaked the workouts when I had specific requests, such as a workout I can do in a hotel room when traveling.
I haven’t tried any of the classes yet, but plan to soon. There’s a good variety of classes that are offered outside of normal business hours– and also quite a few that are during the day.
All in all, I’m very happy with BodyScapes.