VIM Fitness

The staff here are extremely friendly and extremely helpful. I love that. And in direct contrast to the underground cave-​feel of Central Square, this location at University Park is bright and sunny. But at the end of the day, the facility itself pales in comparison to the Central Square VIM.
For starters, there are fewer machines, and they’re crammed really close to each other. So, if you or your neighbor REALLY smells while you’re sweating away on the treadmill… Well, there’s no escaping it. However, I do like that the treadmills and ellipticals are facing out the huge windows. People watching while running is a lot of fun! I suppose it was indeed a welcome change from the underground dungeon that is the Central Square VIM (though I love it there so dearly!).
No weight machines! I was deeply saddened and appalled by this. Plenty of free weights… But I definitely prefer machines.
The locker rooms are clean and very nice, just like the ones at Central Square. But they’re tiny! And there’s literally one small bench that you gotta fight over during busy times of day.
No dance fitness classes here. Enough said. :-(
Overall, this location sufficed as a substitute while Central Square is closed due to flood repairs. But I don’t think I’ll be coming here regularly.

I signed up on a one-​month trial basis for VIM, which ended up being $ 99. My work was one of the special locations that could get you a discount, but that discount was only available if I signed up on a monthly auto-​renewal plan and included a couple-​hundred dollar signup fee. I went on the regular month-​at-​a-​time plan — most of the people I spoke to balked at the exorbitant price, but I was happy to pay due to the volume and variety of classes they offered. Mostly, I wanted to try barre!
Signing up for the classes ended up being kind of difficult and needed an app that crashed quite a few times for me. The biggest disappointment, though, was how quickly the «good classes» (mainly barre) filled up. I tried for a few weeks to get into a barre class, and was never able to take one. Other, I guess «less desirable» classes didn’t fill up quite as quickly, but I guess ultimately I was surprised and disappointed at how many classes didn’t really fit what I wanted, and the ones I did want to take were totally unavailable. Probably won’t end up spending that much money to come back to VIM.

Love the gym, but can’t join without childcare. VIM, get childcare and I can guarantee you three new memberships.

If this location were big enough to house the amount of patrons you have, it would be better. If I didn’t have to run half naked for all of Central Square to see, it would be better. If you had clean towels available in the locker room… ever, it would be better. And if EVERY WOMAN didn’t piss all over the toilet seats, it would be better.
Other than that, pretty cool to have a spa/​salon/​snack bar/​gym altogether. But I think I’ll be sticking to Central Square from now on. It’s the only location I can *really* get a workout in between 5−7p…

I just purchased a yearly membership to VIM and couldn’t be happier. My employer (Harvard) is in the corporate discount program so it was $ 400/​year which is an amazing deal, especially for such a nice gym. The facility is very well kept, the machines seemingly brand new and the locker room is beautiful and well-​equipped with a steam room and sauna. It’s a little out of the way for me (10 min drive from work and 25 from home) and street parking is hit or miss, which is why I’m not giving 5 stars.
I’ve been an athlete my whole life but since college my fitness level has plummeted. As a result I am very intimidated and insecure at gyms. I have access to 4 gyms for free at my work but I just can’t get myself to go to any of them. They are always crowded and/​or full of skinny college girls that just make me feel like crap about myself. VIM puts all of my insecurities at ease. The zen atmosphere is so relaxing and motivating. You can tell by reading the company’s website that they are a wellness company — not just a gym — that is dedicated to the overall well-​being of the person, including mental and spiritual wellness — not just the physical part. This really excites me. I am looking forward to trying out some of their many classes, even though I’m a total beginner.
I found VIM through their Aveda salon/​spa just around the corner. I’ve had several services there and the salon/​spa is awesome as well. The massage was one of the best I’ve had. The Aveda fitness-​spa concept is SO cool and I’ve never seen anything like it.
Overall I am really happy to have joined this gym and am looking forward to continuing my relationship with VIM.

This is just for the spa…
Worst brazilian wax ever! I hadn’t had one done in years, but I was going on a beach vacation and didn’t want to have to think about shaving. Everything seemed to be going as I remembered and the girl was pleasant enough. However, she declared she was done before ever getting to back area and while doing the front she never reached for tweezers. Every time one or two hairs were missed, she slapped on some more wax. Ouch! The worst part is, when I got home, I realized she didn’t remove any hair that wasn’t readily visible and I hadn’t realized at the spa because of all the moving around she had me do. I paid at least $ 60, maybe $ 65 for a brazilian that was only half done and I regrettably gave the girl a 20% tip. Again, worst wax ever. I will never go back to this salon.

Bought a Groupon voucher for massage mani/​pedi. I had to wait 4 months before they had an appointment available.
I had a hard time finding parking, so I called to let them know I’d be just a few minutes late. They were fine with it. What I didn’t know is that they were docking me for it. Upon my arrival, the receptionists must think it’s really cool to be there and uncool for me to be late because they were so rude. When my masseuse finally came out she told me because I was so late I was only getting a 45min massage even though I paid for 1hr. I got a deal, so I let it go.
The massage was rushed and the walls so thin or the staff so obnoxious that I could hear everything outside the room.
My mani/​pedi were the worst I’ve ever had. There’s only space for two people at a time and the space is so small and uncomfortable that even the nail techs kept hitting the walls and each other everytime they moved. My nail tech was disgusting. She was messy and creepy. She kept staring awkwardly at me without smiling or saying anything. When she started to masage my feet I closed me eyes, but when I realized she stopped massaging I opened them and saw that she was dozing off! Foot massage lasted 5mins. When she did my nails and knicked the crap out of my cuticle I told her it was fine and even when it started bleeding she insisted that she didn’t do anything and that it was me who did it before I came in. I asked her to please stop working on my nails, but she wouldn’t. So, I had to sit through until I was left with more bloody fingers and uneven nails that were cut way too short.
I can’t believe how much they charge people for such mediocre services. I can’t believe they allow people like this to work in their salon. This is another place that was a gym and decided they’d probably make some money with a salon, but know nothing about catering to it.
I hate you, VIM.

So disappointed with this place, it had so much potential!
Just redeemed a groupon for this salon — hour massage and mani/​pedi for $ 69. Great deal, right? I thought so, until I went…
The massage was so-​so. Therapist was very nice, but not that great. I get a lot of massages on a regular basis, and this one wasn’t that awesome, but I wouldn’t base my review on that… it was just «sub par», but not terrible. Very nice girl…
But the nails!!! 90 minutes for a mani pedi? 90 minutes? No special services like a scrub, lotions… nothing! She didn’t even cut my cuticles! She just worked sooooooo slowly, and with terrible results! Both my nails and toes CHIPPED WITHIN 2 HOURS! I get my nails done all the time, and this NEVER happens! Terrible pedi chair, no fan for the nails (or UV drier…)…I do a better job at home when I do it myself. DO NOT GO HERE, regular price for these services is $ 60!!! Unreal!!!
So disappointed… I had so much hope for this place. Boo.
ps — took 4 months to get an appointment… I have no idea who would WANT to come here.

VIM has been the best gym experience I could possibly hope for. Why?
— Immaculate, clean, zen-​like workout space. Great lighting, hardwood floors everywhere.
— Never crowded. I have never, ever been unable to find the machine I want here, and rarely ever have to wait, even at peak times.
— Super friendly and helpful staff.
— Nice saunas, clean showers, towel service, friendly staff.
I never did any classes, but my girlfriend loved them. I can’t say enough nice things about this gym. I recently had to move out of Cambridge to NYC, and I’m heartbroken to leave VIM.
If you’re in Boston/​Cambridge and you’re just kind of ‘blah’ about your gym, check this place out. Also, when I joined, they let us work out for free to try it out.

I can’t actually speak for the physical location itself, because although I’ve tried to get in — and essentially give them my money — I’ve not been able to get an appointment… even worse, the process has not only been difficult, but also involved a less-​than helpful or sympathetic «customer service» person at the spa.
Like many people, I bought a Groupon for a massage and mani/​pedi. When I tried to make an appointment, I was told the next available time was more than THREE MONTHS from now. I asked if I could upgrade to get something sooner, thinking that they might be more apt to accommodate a «real» customer. (Which, of course is a ridiculous notion; they should treat Groupons as cash– or better, since Groupon users are MUCH more likely to share with their friends.) The response? If I «break them up» they could get me an appointment in only THREE MONTHS!
Are you kidding? Either they were grossly unprepared or they don’t understand service. Hire an additional therapist; extend your hours; do ANYTHING to get these people in and make them happy! Groupon users are loyal, and share their experiences– as I’m doing now. I’ve been looking for a good spa in the Boston area, and this clearly is not it. Not only am I going to return my Groupon, I definitely will not be going to this spa in the future, and will recommend my friends avoid it as well.
I’ll also be sending a note to Aveda; as a concept salon this is far from the service expected for something associated with the Aveda brand.

I’ve been a member for a while and I do like it a lot. It’s always spectacularly clean, and not crowded at all if you come in the morning. The music they play is also surprisingly good! I have taken several fitness classes and enjoyed those too, although sometimes they can be crowded.
I wish there were more classes on weekend and longer weekend hours, but all in all its a beautiful little gym with great machines and equipment.

Using groupon — IMPOSSIBLE to get an appointment.
I called THREE times and left my number/​name and the receptionist said the manager will call me back.
Still no words.

I joined the gym at VIM last Friday (woohoo! go me), but I had a BuyWithMe that I was using since December. The location is convenient, the gym is clean, and it isn’t particularly small or big. There are a decent number of treadmills, bikes and ellipticals, a stretching area, weight circuit room, an area for free weights, and a studio room where they do classes– mostly yoga, pilates and the like. The gym does get crowded around 5:30pm, but the rest of the time, it’s not bad. They also have a steam room and a sauna. I pay about $ 60/​month (but it is cheaper if your company does a deal with VIM).
The clientele is a bit eclectic. The first time I went here, a guy approached my friend, told her he had been staring at her since she came in, and then asked her to go a concert with him. When she said no thanks, he accused her of being racist (he was Indian). Awkwardly unfounded, especially since a. he was being super creepy, b. she is Asian and has been dating someone for 5 years, and c. who asks random people they don’t know to a concert? Anyway, I’m just going to say the clientele is a bit unique and leave it at that.
My favorite part of this gym: most of the treadmills and ellipticals are lined up right in front of the window, so people walking by on Mass Ave can stare at you working out, and you can stare back at them. While some people may hate this, I actually love it. It’s hard to give up on a run when a bunch of people waiting for their bus are watching you workout. It also makes me enjoy working out at odd times, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings. While hungover hot messes lurch by the window and gape at me exercising at 10am, I feel a sense of superiority and think these kinds of thoughts: «Yeah, you’re hungover and going to stuff your face at brunch, puke it back up and then go back to bed. In the meantime, I am on a treadmill RUNNING INTERVALS cause my life is so much more put together than yours could EVER BE.» (Conveniently forgetting the roles are often reversed).Then I run twice as hard to be doubly impressive. Some of us have to find motivation to work out where we can, you know?
A few complaints:
— The locker room is teeny tiny and gets crowded. Any more than 2 – 3 people in that space is awkward/​uncomfortable, especially if some of them are changing.
— The gym is always a few degrees too warm for me, although I suppose that’s not bad when you’re working out.
— Limited hours. They close at 9:30pm during the week and 7pm on the weekends. While it’s not horrible, if I can’t get to the gym til 8 or 830, that means my workout can only be 1 – 1.5 hours long. An extra hour or two would be great.

I wish I could give zero stars. I’ve been there three times now. First of all, I had a massage next to the salon area, so all
I heard was gossip and hairdryers while trying to relax. Not to mention, the masseuse wasn’t that great and talked the entire time. But the WORST part is the woman at reception. She is rude and snarky, and she messed up my appointment and then blamed me for doing so. It’s overpriced for no reason. Go anywhere else.

This is a review for the spa portion and not the gym. First of all I cannot rave about the Nuriel, the masseuse I followed from a previous location she worked at, Nuriel is without a doubt a 5 star masseuse. My only minor criticism keeping this from being a 5 star establishment (and maybe I’m being too picky) is that I could hear too much backround noise from outside my room where I was getting my massage, in prior places I’m used to complete silence.

I came here as part of my «Groupon yoga tour.»
Classes
As tends to be the case with gym yoga classes, the classes here felt athletic and the routines predictable (think sun salutations without much variation from class to class). I’ll usually go to beginner classes when I’m not feeling 100% physically, but in this case, I did not see any real variation in the level from class to class. All classes are 1 hour long.
Atmosphere
The gym is small but very nice/​modern. No yoga atmosphere here.
Props
Mats, padding mats, straps & blocks are available.
Facilities
Locker room is tiny, but there is a small sauna (bonus). The yoga room is also relatively small.
OK overall, but the classes did not hold my interest.

This review is based solely on the gym– have yet to try the spa & salon.
Gym is very clean and has all the basic machines/​equipment I need. While it gets crowded weekday evenings after work (6−7pm), I have always managed to get a treadmill without waiting, so capacity seems to be just about right. Love the separate weight machines room in the back — it has never been crowded there.
Only complaint is the small locker room. The locker area is half the size of my friend’s back bay studio apartment, aka tiny. Like I said, only an issue if you work out right after work.
Otherwise, I’m a fan of the simplicity and cleanliness of VIM!

I bought the buy with me which is what orginially got me to go here. It was a fabulous experience for sure. It’s a bit pricey when you don’t have the coupon but my girlfriends and I will definitely be going back when we want to splurge on ourselves! The staff is nothing but nice and helpful and I definitely can be the annoying one asking all the questions. Only downside is right now if you both want to get a facial you have to wait one after the other. There’s not enough room for you both to go at once.
Overral definitely a great place to get a facial!

The Spa and Salon has a separate entrance from the gym, which is not that obvious. . it’s on the side street to the left.
And it’s teeny tiny — the hair station is right on top of the waiting area, making it a bit cramped, but all is well once you pass the curtain into the massage/​facial rooms.
Best $ 40 facials, ever (they even offered a «Groupon» for $ 20, which was a total steal). Of course, they do push their products to really address those «problem areas,» but not too aggressively.
Their eyebrow waxing is expensive compared to other salons, but Jessica did an really excellent job with the shape.

I recently joined this gym despite having access to a gym for free (I teach spin there). VIM is right near my office and offers us a great discount. Joining was very simple, which I appreciated – in and out in about 5 minutes. Having worked in the fitness industry for a few years, I can tell you that most gyms are staffed by sleazeballs, but that is definitely not the case for VIM, everyone is very kind and there is no pushiness.
My old gym routine was taking me too long because I had to go back home to shower because i’m pretty sure i’d get full body herp if I went anywhere near that gym’s showers. VIM has beautiful, clean, well maintained showers with complimentary towels and shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash. It has revolutionized my life. I can sleep until 6, get in a 2 hour workout and get to work on time. Score!
VIM is also above ground and not a sketchy basement, which is awesome. There is some cardio equipment — treadmills, ellipticals, one erg — and a small weight area, as well as a large room of nautilus machines.
I really only have a couple of complaints:
*There are only 3 PRECOR ellipticals and all of the rest are LifeFitness. I doubt anyone else cares, but I really like the PRECORs and get bummed when they are all in use by people who are just cheating and leaning on them anyway.
*There is limited weight equipment — no decline or incline benches, limited cable machines (I miss my cable flys), one squat rack, some kind of awkward free weights.
The lack of weight equipment and ellipticals is mitigated by the fact that the gym is never crowded, at least when I am there.
I highly recommend VIM as a clean, convenient, well staffed gym.