BSC

[808.livejournal.com]

Someone asked here recently about the rates at the new Boston Sports Club.



Their rates are $54.95/month for a one year contract with a $59.95 sign up fee. After one year, it turns into a month-to-month rate and will go up a max of $3 per month, per year after that. I asked about negotiation (specifically about waiving the startup fee) but since these are "charter rates" they aren't flexible. For comparison: I know the Watertown BSC is around $70/month and the Allston one around $80/month, though you can usually negotiate them down $10 or so. Each have around $150 startup fees, which I was able to get down to $80 but no less.

The gym is scheduled to open Dec. 26. They were still setting up equipment when I went by but it looked largely done. The equipment is nice and modern (with private video screens) but overall the space is small, especially the locker rooms (but they still have private showers and saunas in each). I can see it being packed in January-February. There seems to be much more cardio equipment than weight equipment.

A nice catch now is that if you signup now they wont charge you until Jan. 1. But you can still use your account at other BSCs in the Boston area right now, effectively giving you 6 weeks free.

I'm currently torn. As a Tufts student, I get access to their gym but it's a worse gym than my public high school and I know it's about to be torn down from fall, 2008-2010 for much needed renovations. But $55 is still pricey for this graduate student. Happily, my health insurance will reimburse me for 3 months of that. but still.. $55 is still > 0... ouch!

Comments

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

^ You should check out the WOW near Tufts. Thats where I currently go and I only pay 29 a month. In January they are updating all of the eliptical machines to ones that have video ipod hookups and you will be able to see everything you would see on your ipod on screen. 29 is worth it...especially if you are looking primarily for cardio. *exits the BSC posting*

[countlibras.livejournal.com]

Also, if you sign up for the 3 sessions of personal training, the price drops from $99 to $79, but you have to sign up for training when you sign the contract.

I was just there this weekend. I work at Harvard, which is a ton! cheaper, but I hate having to work around the school vacation schedule. Plus, Davis is closer to my home than Harvard. So, I gave into it.

(I don't have a car - Work Out World is a pain to get to even though I live close to it.)

[soong.livejournal.com]

See also the YMCA at 101 Highland. I'm not a member there but I justwent by to check it out as an alternative to BSC and they have a few plans ranging from $20-$40/mo. Definately a no frills facility, but they have a pool and if they meet you needs and desires I honk it would be a good deal.

pool at the Highland Y

[ms-info.livejournal.com]

if you are interested in swimming, the Kennedy Pool (over on Sartwell) is far better than the Y pool. the Y only has three lanes and is less than 25 yards. Kennedy has 6 lanes, 25 yards and better locker rooms.

[dylanesque29.livejournal.com]

I go to the Y on Highland. Not the flashiest, but it's clean and they have a good variety of machines/facilities. A real bargain for $40 a month.

[unbelman.livejournal.com]

I went in this afternoon to ask about transferring a membership from another branch of BSC. They told me the intro offer was only for new members. They didn't say this, but it was pretty clear that one would have to cancel their membership at the other location and come to the Davis BSC as a "new" member.

[ron_newman]

Mr. Crepe has a pile of coupons for a free one-week BSC membership.