South End Fitness Center image

South End Fitness Center

Gym

Fitness center featuring strength & cardio equipment, plus a lap pool, basketball & classes. People often mention pool, court, basketball, equipment, Great, price, weight, small,


Address

785 Albany St 4th floor, Boston, MA 02118

Website

www.boston.gov

Contact

(617) 534-5822

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (73 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 8 AM to 3 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: pool (17) court (10) basketball (9) equipment (9) Great (9) price (6) weight (6) small (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Daniela K. 2 years ago on Google
    Best indoor pool in Boston, but the rest of the place leaves something to be desired. The locker rooms are saunas, but not in a good way. The pool deck probably gets cleaned once a quarter. The staff are not always kind. But, it’s the cheapest membership pool in the city that doesn’t limit swim times.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Christian A. 5 years ago on Google
    I’ll give it four stars for the value here. Especially with a student discount, the price can’t be beat in South End. I only go here because the main campus gym is too far. Also, note for newcomers, it can be hard to find if you’re walking there from the street. It will be on the fourth floor once you find the elevators. I mostly just use the weights/power rack area. You kind of get what you pay for here. There’s just one of everything, and it’s all old. It all works fine, but only one squat rack? Really? I usually don’t have a problem, but I’ve had it where I and another guy show up, and we have to either wait or split time on it. There are so many old, useless machines that could be moved out in place of what people need (hint: power rack), but I’m sure this place does not have the money for such luxuries. I have never set foot where the pool is, never used the basketball court, or much cardio equipment, but they never seem to be taken up, so I don’t see why they have them instead of more weight areas. Again, I figure money. Facilities aren’t so nice, there is NO WIFI (including no reception to Xfinity), no central A/C (just small units at least in weight lifting area), but they do provide some good lifting belts, some wrist straps, weight belt chains, and usually have some lifting chalk. I just don’t get why they are aplenty on accessories, but slim on the actual machinery to execute the lifts and use those accessories (squat rack, benches, etc).
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard N. 3 years ago on Google
    Love love this little hide out gym. Not as fancy as the others, but its full basket ball court and Olympic pool..its perfect!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stuart A. 3 years ago on Google
    The basketball court here is top notch. The weight room is small, but if you go in the morning, there is no problem with crowds. Also, this is no Equinox, but SEFC is one twelfth the price of Equinox and does the job quite well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 EJ x S. 2 years ago on Google
    Barely any weights if that's what you're looking for and the membership prices are way too overpriced and long of a commitment. They do have a pool and basketball court though. The neighborhood is as bad as any neighborhood could ever get
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve D. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is fair it is easy going and it provides a meditative environment without it I'd be completely lost, the staff and security are real people, great people, mad respect to this place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Damon N. 4 years ago on Google
    Don't remember but nice
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kim C. 1 year ago on Google
    I think this place has been turned into a shelter for men.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna V. 1 year ago on Google
    Best value in Boston. No frills but it has everything, it all works, there’s free parking, and I’m often the only one in the pool in the late morning. Hidden gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Griffin B. 6 years ago on Google
    Perfect barbones gym. Everything is in working order, and it's not often crowded. Equipment isn't the newest, but it all works well and is clean. Locker rooms leave a little to be desired, but can't beat the price.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scotty D. 4 years ago on Google
    Best pool in Boston .... The guy that runs the place uses the pool so you know it's kept up 💯 .... Awesome spot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kris C. 3 years ago on Google
    The location of this gym is perfect for me, there is free parking nearby. Reasonable price, clean. Everything suits me perfectly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nelson C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great gym without bells and whistles. Can't be the price, especially in the south end. Free parking is nice too. Highly recommend it
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 A N. 7 years ago on Google
    zero stars for cleanliness- assure you that the equipment/floor has not be wiped down in years but there are always machines available if you dare

  • 3/5 Rob M. 7 years ago on Google
    Very inexpensive.

  • 3/5 Not An Everyday T. 3 years ago on Google
    Its all good old skool weights swimming pool treadmill tbh But I think the receptionist tried to call the police on me. -2 stars

  • 4/5 David J. 2 years ago on Google
    Great facility with pool.

  • 5/5 giovanni s. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome!

  • 5/5 Patrick 5 years ago on Google
    Their basketball court is well maintained. Clean, bright, big. Weight/exercise room is a bit small but have enough weight and machines for a good workout. Staffs are friendly. The only down side is that access to the bathroom is a bit far.

  • 2/5 Ian M. 1 year ago on Google
    Chronically short staffed, erratic hours. Old equipment.

  • 5/5 S 4 months ago on Google
    The small weight room gets busy at times but people are nice and there’s a huge pool and basketball court.

  • 4/5 Walsh P. 8 months ago on Google
    It's good because the equipment is usually available. If it's busy you can always grab a bench and free weights to accomplish almost any exercise. Lots of cardio equipment 2 rooms full usually with 1 or 2 people max in either room. Also full basketball court and Olympic pool also usually empty or almost empty. Parking garage attached and is validated. Cold water bubbler. Towels for 1$, equipment cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and paper towels dispensers everywhere, a/c ,n full locker room with the YMCA vibe hot and weird.

  • 1/5 unknown d. 6 months ago on Google
    Torn equipment, and not enough of it. Overall terrible place.

  • 5/5 Jaylen's basketball c. 5 years ago on Google
    Great i go here everyday

  • 3/5 Christopher C. 4 years ago on Google
    Gets the job done and is relatively quiet

  • 5/5 GEORGE V. 5 years ago on Google
    Heavy bag, speed bag, swimming pool, plenty of equipment and free weights.

  • 5/5 Tom D. 7 years ago on Google
    For the price this place can't be beat. It's bare bones no frills but it's cheap and there is a 6 lane pool. Great deal

  • 5/5 Aaron C. 5 years ago on Google
    Love this place it's like being back in your high school gym again!!

  • 5/5 Diane S. 5 years ago on Google
    Love the pool, I always get a complete workout swimming!

  • 4/5 Anthony G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to get your workout session in

  • 5/5 Josme F. 3 years ago on Google
    This gym is perfect for me, especially for the student membership discount. Small but useful.

  • 5/5 Samantha D. 3 years ago on Google
    I love the swimming pool

  • 4/5 S D. 4 years ago on Google
    Affordable and conveniently located. Could benefit from upgraded equipment and more space. But overall great place.

  • 3/5 OC S. 7 years ago on Google
    The basketball court is great but really long. Takes some getting used to. Workout area is small.

  • 4/5 Brian B. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place

  • 5/5 Ivan A. 6 years ago on Google
    Get big

  • 5/5 Seth W. 6 years ago on Google
    Great basketball court

  • 4/5 William S. 6 years ago on Google
    Got everything you need, but is a little run down.

  • 4/5 Andy S. 6 years ago on Google
    A little hard to find but everyone is very friendly!

  • 3/5 Michael M. 6 years ago on Google
    Real no frills spot but gets the job done

  • 4/5 Felipe B. 6 years ago on Google
    Great value! Nothing fancy but effective.

  • 3/5 Shawn J. 7 years ago on Google
    It is cheap for students. Not the most modern facilities, and questionable cleanliness, but it gets the job done.

  • 4/5 Edwin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great basketball court but small work out area. Another perk, parking is free if you're there under two hours.


Call (617) 534-5822 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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