BOSTON WORKOUT SPOTS
Places to check out for your next workout
By Hollie Shuler
There are around 1000 fitness studios in the greater Boston area, which may seem impossible to navigate for students trying to find a place to work out off-campus. Luckily, we have spoken with several executive board members of the Boston University chapter of CHAARG, to help you get an idea of some great spots to work out in Boston.
CHAARG is a health and fitness community that works with local fitness studios to try out new workouts every week. Their goal is to empower, support, and welcome people into the fitness community.
Handlebar
HandleBar is an indoor cycling studio that is instructor-led, music-driven, and low-lit. It is female-owned and operated, with locations in Back Bay, Harvard Square, North Station, Fenway, and South Boston.
CHAARG event coordinator Hannah DeGraw (Questrom ‘23) said she “love[s] HandleBar!”
“They have a student discount that makes it more affordable than other cycling studios and they don’t charge for shoe rental,” DeGraw added.
Students and teachers receive a $10 discount for their classes, making this fitness spot a fun and economical choice for those interested in cycling.
Sammie Duggan (CAS ‘23), also a CHAARG event coordinator, loves the North Station Handlebar location.
When asked what draws her to HandleBar rather than other places in Boston, Duggan said, “I never really understood the hype around spin, but HandleBar has given me a newfound appreciation for it.”
“I love the opportunity to move to good music and get in touch with myself during the class, and I love the inclusive environment at the North Station HandleBar location,” Duggan explained.
Down under yoga
Down Under School of Yoga has a mission of giving comfort, inspiring reflection, and igniting movement through the power of yoga. They have locations in Brookline, Newton, Porter Square, Harvard Square, and South End.
CHAARG secretary Abigail Sloot (CAS ‘24) loves Down Under Yoga because “the instructors are really experienced and each of their classes are so different from each other so it’s always a new experience.”
“They make you feel very safe and comfortable, and I have learned a lot about yoga and connecting with my body,” Sloot said.
Additionally, the Harvard Square location, which recently opened, is in the same building as Life Alive Cafe, so it’s a great spot to refuel your body and mind.
Orange theory
Orange Theory Fitness is a heart-rate-based HIIT (high-intensity interval training) total-body group workout. It combines science, coaching, and technology with the goal of charging your metabolism for more caloric afterburn.
Orange Theory has locations all across the world, so, if you get a membership, you can go to classes in any branch. In Boston, there are locations in Brighton and Back Bay.
When asked what her favorite fitness studio to attend in Boston is, the CHAARG treasurer Annalise Karolitzky (Sargent and KHC ‘24) said “Orange Theory Fitness Back Bay because I feel part of a community there, the coaches are awesome, and I feel like a badass under the orange lights.”
Boston is full of spots to workout, each with their own styles of exercise and goals. Whether you are looking for a low-intensity workout, or one that will hype you up for the rest of the day, there is definitely a spot for you.