VIM Fitness Central Square

I’ve been going here for over a year now and I absolutely love this place, so much that I’ve convinced two other people to also join. To be fair, I haven’t had to deal with the horror stories of other gyms since I joined VIM straight out of college, but VIM has been a godsend in helping me achieve my workout goals.
Long story short: it’s clean, convenient (right outside the Central T stop, 2 locations), and has plenty of classes (Barre, Bootcamp, Spinning, BollyX, Yoga, etc.) if that’s your jam. It’s also never crowded. Even during peak hours, I’ve never had to wait for machine. Major bonus points.
The price might seem a bit hefty at first, but compared to the other cheaper options around Central, it’s definitely the best one. Plus, it’s a locally owned small business so you can trust that they’re not some skeevy multi-​chain gym just trying to scam away your money.

VIM is striving to be great and sometimes achieves greatness. I’ve been a member since 2013.
University Park: Steam room works 3 out of every 10 times (just replace the thing!). Several elliptical machines are often out of whack: they click or are off balance. The yoga studio is nice (although a good yoga studio doesn’t have mirrors), the spinning room is fine (not very well ventilated). The big windows are great, the front desk folks are often friendly.
Central Square: It is mind-​boggling that few people comment on the smell. I joined VIM in 2013 before H Mart moved in. When they did, VIM began covering up the smell of fish with an intense air freshener that cannot be safe to inhale. My clothes smell like VIM until I wash them again. The manager at first tried to say it was «Eucalyptus,» but it doesn’t smell like eucalyptus at all. It hits you like a wall when you open the front door. I will say that the machines often work better than University Park and the Women’s locker room is nice. The weight room is spacious, and some fitness rooms are often open to stretch in. The look and feel of the Central Square location is great, but please please stop using that toxic air freshener.

I’m on the hunt for a new gym and had really high expectations considering the reviews and location of VIM fitness. Unfortunately it seems as though the staff does not have the knowledge or experience to lock in someone who’s really looking. I had emailed asking about how much the discount was for my organization (which is listed on their website) and was told that there was none — huh? After that correction, I asked to see if I could try out a class or a workout session and was told that it would be $ 20. What? Just to try it out for an hour? No thanks. I decided to take a tour (self-​guided since the girl behind the counter wouldn’t stop folding towels to even make eye contact) and was shocked by how empty it was. It’s definitely ‘cave-​like’ with no windows and very low volume music. I didn’t see any trainers or other employees there helping customers and the printed group exercise sheets showed significantly fewer class options than are noted on their website. Despite all of this, I would consider joining if there wasn’t a very obvious smell of rotten fruit in the back room. I asked what it was from and the front desk person said that they’ve been in a conflict with H Mart (the asian supermarket upstairs) about their trash disposal. Perhaps these smells are exaggerated because there is very little ventilation underground, but I think I’ll hold off signing up until the weather is a bit colder.

Just joined, already annoyed with the fact that the wifi doesn’t work– who wants to do a silent work out? This is something really elementary that shouldn’t be an issue with what the monthly fee is. The area by the bikes has no wifi, I won’t be returning next month if I have to drain my data every time I want to go on a run.

This is a very good gym and it’s hard to think of complaints (well, maybe they could get people to throw their towels in the bin instead of on the floor/​bench). Machines are in good condition, locker room is very clean, and the place has a great ambiance. I’ve never tried the classes.
VIM doesn’t get more than ³⁄₅ stars because of the price and parking situation. I don’t know what they could do about parking. you either don’t drive or you pay a few bucks each time. It’s definitely an obstacle to going ~100+ times per year.
And $ 730/​year is quite expensive if you’re just in it for cardio and a couple machines. Unfortunately I’ve decided to go back to rock n’ fitness next year… it’s inferior for sure, but at $ 300/​year (before $ 150 insurance reimbursement) plus free parking, it’s easily the better value.
Edit: VIM should definitely open a location in Union Square!

This gym is 2 power racks away from obtaining 5 stars (hint, hint)
Seriously though, it would be great if the 2 crappy squat racks could be replaced with something better

Vim is the perfect gym, and definitely worth the price (I have the full year membership). On a rough work day, sometimes a trip to vim is all it takes to pick me up again.
I frequent the gym for general working out/​using the treadmill on my own as well as for the classes (I’ve tried spin, chisel, Zumba, bollyX, kickboxing, boot camp, barre, tabata). Even on the busiest night, the gym is never crowded and I’m always able to get a machine if I want it. I have loved attending the classes and think that the instructors are great. There are also many options and times to choose from, so I’ve attended morning and night classes, whatever fits my schedule (and sleep needs) that day. The only thing that I think could be improved is the spin space. If it’s a full class, it can get pretty steamy in there, I don’t know if additional ventilation would help. When the class isn’t filled up though, it’s not an issue.

this review is solely for the class, not for the gym itself.
I took Dalia’s BollyX class for the first time tonight and it was invigorating! I sweat so much, didn’t know I could sweat this much. the room has AC mind you. the indian style dancing is great, bc it’s not just dance moves and cardio, it focuses on lower body strengthening also! You def get a great work out and feel so good about yourself when you leave! She will make you WORK for that 1 hour.
You can see her love and passion for BollyX, gives her 120%! You will be inspired to do 100% too. Give it a shot, wed nights at 6:30. She also teaches in other locations (MIT and Bos) on other nights. Love her!

This gym is like a second home to me. I actually look forward to my daily workouts here. That’s saying something.
As soon as you walk in the door, you’re greeted by what I like to describe as «aroma therapy.» Seriously, it smells so good! I don’t know what kind of air fresheners they use, but keep using them, VIM!
After you scan in, you can grab a towel and descend down the stairs into a nice, cool, cavernous, underground cave. AKA… the gym itself. I love that it’s underground; I think that that contributes significantly to how nice and cool it is down there, even on the hottest of summer days.
The locker rooms are clean, spacious, and fully stocked. You can pay an extra $ 30 a month to rent an overnight locker… But I don’t see why anyone would do that when there is always more than enough day lockers available.
The machines! There’s more than plenty of them. I’ve never had to wait to use anything. They seem to have pretty much everything a standard gym would have. Plenty of free weights too. And you can use either of the two really nice studios when they’re not in use for classes, if you want a bit more space to do your lifting/​stretching/​whatever.
Speaking of classes… the classes! VIM gets five stars based solely on the fact that they offer BollyX twice a week (anyone who knows me knows how important this is). They also offer Zumba several days a week (four, to be exact), with a few different instructors. Check out Haley’s class on Thursdays and Sundays. It’s a ton of fun. If dance fitness isn’t your thing (although I must say, I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be), they do offer plenty of other options to choose from, including Boot Camp, Piloxing, Tabata, Chisel, and so on.
I come here just about every day lately, either to workout alone, take a class, or both. I used to pay a drop-​in fee to come here solely for BollyX classes. But at 20 bucks a drop-​in pop, you better be rich! The monthly membership, at a rate of 74 dollars, is more than worth it even if you only go to the gym and/​or take a class four times in a month. As a member, you also get to bring in one free guest per month.
Sold yet? You should be. If not… well…I’ve got nothing else. In the fitness world, VIM is where it’s at!

I cannot speak to classes or the training staff. I do my own workouts.
This is hands down the best gym in Cambridge. I’ve been a member for close to 2 years and have always been satisfied.
Phenomenal equipment, towels, showers, lockers, equipment always available. Multiple squat racks/​benches so you’re not waiting around. No douchey meat-​heads but very athletic and trained people are members. Looks cool — it’s like a Japanese oasis (bamboo decorations on walls/​cool lighting) of strength and fitness. Love it. Attentive staff /​management. Easy to sign up and get started as well as ending your membership (I’m moving, wish I could take VIM with me).

I’ve been a member of this gym for about 10 months.
PROS
— Very clean and modern. Design of the gym reminds me of high end club or a Vegas hotel, which is kinda cool.
— I have gone to a few of the classes and they are pretty good. They offer them very often and there are a lot to choose from
— Variety of machines
— The crowd is pretty young, and there is a good mix of genders. Never felt like there were creepers or anything.
— Cheaper than BSC
CONS
— Classes at the central square location fill up pretty quickly if they are popular. When I first joined this gym 10 months ago the classes were pretty empty. I guess everyone found out about my secret awesome gym
— The location that’s closer to MIT is a bit more limited in machines and such
— The free lockers in central square fill up really quickly after work hours. It’s awkward because everyone squeezes up near the front of the room.
I will probably not renew due to the price increase and also my work is getting a gym installed, but I enjoyed being a member.

Loved the Vinyasa Yoga class with KB. Locker room and workout facilities at the Central Square location were modern and more like a spa than your typical gym. However, I think if I were there for anything but yoga, the low lighting might have sucked some of the motivation out of me!

This is the best gym in Cambridge for the reasons set forth below:
Machines: Exceptionally high quality. Diverse Assortment. And many of them.
Price: Lowest price in Cambridge — $ 58/​month if you sign up for the year.
Aesthetics: This place looks like a dojo out of The Matrix.
Busy-​ness: I have been a member here for a year and have never had to wait for anything.
Bonus Points: You don’t have to deal with the creepy guy in the leotard who works out at BSC.
As an aside: I live in a building with a gym in it and VIM’s recent increase in price is making it significantly more difficult for me to rationalize my membership.

I’ve been a member for close to a year and Vim is great. I use the Central Square location almost exclusively (just more convenient to my home). The gym is spacious, sleek, and uncrowded. I can always find an elliptical, treadmill, or bench and almost always without feeling pinched by the person working out next to me. I’m there 3 – 5 mornings a week and have rarely, if ever, have had trouble finding room in the locker room. The locker room facilities are clean and comfortable. I’ve also found a few really great instructors and classes. I think that, in part, I’ve found myself working out more because I find Vim such a comfortable place to be.
In terms of quality and comfort of the facilities, it’s head and shoulders above the neighboring BSC. It is also significantly less expensive. I’m really pleased that I made the switch.

Overall:
Great gym, $ 74/​month is definitely value for money. Large variety of group classes, great instructors, cardio and weight area can be busy during peak hours but wait times aren’t long, towel service is a nice bonus. Weekend hours could be extended.
Cardio area:
— I’ve never had to wait for a treadmill or elliptical machine, even during busier times like Monday and Tuesday evenings
— good variety of machines including various types of elliptical machines, stairmaster, stationary and sitting bikes
— all machines except the stairmaster and stationary bikes have TVs
Weight area:
— not well-​versed in all the different types of weight machines but never seems to be that busy that wait times exceed 5 minutes for a machine
— lots of free weights and adequate floor area for exercises
Group classes:
— one of the main reasons why I think it’s such great value for the monthly rate
— heaps of different types of classes and time options
— classes seem to be getting more popular and fill up quickly, there’s now an online booking system which is great to ensure your spot in classes
— instructors are fantastic and super friendly, especially love Michelle’s barre and pilates classes, Kevin’s yoga sculpt and vinyasa yoga classes, and Azure’s chisel class
Facilities/​extras:
— never used the showers so can’t comment on them but they provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Hairdryers and some hair products are also available in the change room mirror area
— towel service is convenient
— front desk staff are friendly
Improvements which could be made:
— would love if weekend hours could be extended

I’ve been a member here for about six months, and I am such a fan of VIM. The facilities are great, the showers and locker rooms are close to spotless, and the instructors are wonderful. The gym seems to attract a nice crowd, instead of intimidating meathead types. People seem to be very friendly and judgement-​free.
They recently raised the «resident monthly» rate from $ 64/​month to $ 74 per month, and I didn’t even mind. For that money, they’ve doubled the amount of classes, put in a brand new yoga studio at the University park location, spruced up the bathrooms/​locker rooms, and added a bunch of new equipment. There’s also some sort of construction happening at the front of the University Park location. I have no idea what it is but it’ll probably be pretty cool. And it’s nice to see your membership fees actually going towards visible improvements!
Overall, I think VIM is a much better value than BSC, which is right next door and kind of gross. You can tell that the people in charge at VIM really care about the place and their patrons. For example, in one of the classes I took, we complained once to the instructor that there weren’t enough dumbells and the rack that they were on was really messy and difficult to use. The very next week, there was an entirely new set of weights and rack to keep them on, just like that. I also had a billing error in which I was charged twice for my membership, and they were VERY quick to resolve it in just an hour or so.
On the cons side, they just started this online registration system for classes, which saves trees (yay!) but can be a little cumbersome and frustrating, since you have to sign up ahead of time instead of just showing up early to your class. Since it’s January and New Years Resolutions are in full swing, it’s frustrating to get locked out of classes that I’ve taken every week for months. But I’m sure the craziness will die down soon, and the instructors are usually very accommodating if there is space, so not too many complaints there.
Other than that, I wish you could bring a guest more than once a month, and I think it would be more reasonable to be able to have a free day pass to try the gym instead of paying $ 15 pending actually signing up, but I also appreciate that this policy keeps the crowding down during the peak season. Maybe it’s something to consider for non-​peak months, but then again, what do I know about running a gym? (Answer: nothing).
Overall, I am so so happy I joined here and would highly recommend it!

Gym is pretty good. Wifi is horrible. Doesn’t work at all near the elliptical a. I was told it was being worked on a month ago, but it still doesn’t work.
Also, there are never enough lockers for people who don’t want to pay extra. Everyone is bunched up in the free locker areas, basically on top of one another.
Machines are great and classes are great.

Wanted to update on my experience here since the owner fixed some previous issues.
If you have your own workout routine (weights, elliptical, treadmill) then you won’t find a better place at a better price in Central Square. I never did any of the classes, so I can’t speak about any of that. However, the showers were always clean and so was the locker room. Its got a pretty interesting ambiance to it, and it doesn’t feel quite as old as BSC which is a couple doors down. Has almost every piece of equipment you could think of, but I wish they had a preacher bench when I was there, maybe they changed that?

VIM is by far the best value you can get in the $ 60ish a month tier of gyms. It’s a clean, well-​maintained gym with plenty of perks like towel service, free soap/​shampoo/​conditioner in the showers, a multitude of classes to pick from, all without having to commit to a yearly contract.
Equipment-​wise there’s a ton of cardio machines — I don’t think I’ve ever seen the cardio area actually ever fill up, even at peak hours. The weight room is surprisingly comprehensive for how contained it is square footage-​wise — the only suggestions I could possibly make are maybe some round plates for deadlifting and maybe a hack squat machine would be nice, which are two absurdly nitpicky requests and a testament to how well-​stocked the weight room is (also, the cardio machines could use some upgrading of the iPhone chargers to Lightning connectors now that the new iPhones are coming out — but once again, these are comically minor criticisms compared to how other gyms actually have real, deeply frustrating problems and VIM just doesn’t).
Speaking of which, something I feel like the other reviews neglect to mention (and the reason this place gets 5 stars) is how completely on point the ambience of this gym is — I don’t know how much of it is specifically fine-​tuned and how much of it is just inadvertent luck, but every time I go to VIM the temperature is perfect, the lighting is just right, and despite not being a particularly spacious gym even at the peak post-​work hours of 5 to 7 pm, I rarely have to wait for a machine/​rack to open up and even then I don’t think it’s ever been longer than five minutes. Even the clientele all seem like chill people — no obnoxious bros, no alpha stock-​broker types, no creepy guys trying to hit on girls, just a lot of polite, normal folk looking to get a workout in.
Just about every other gym in the Boston/​Cambridge area I’ve frequented, even the ultra-​luxurious Equinox/​Sports Club LAs of the region, manage to screw up at least one of the aforementioned elements — it’s a borderline miracle that VIM somehow succeeds in pulling off all of them, and it’s why I’ve continued to keep going for nearly a year.

I’m new to the area and am looking for a gym to join. I went into VIM because it’s a 10 minute walk from my place, it has the equipment I want and is supposed to be really nice. When I got there and asked for a tour I was told I could just go wander around. Ok, I’ve never been to a gym that doesn’t try to point out what makes it better than the rest, but I thought it would be nice not to have a sales person pressuring me during the tour.
I go back to the front desk after my tour and wait around 5 or 10 minutes until a staff member finally showed up. I ask about prices, which were reasonable. I’m on the verge of shelling out the money for a membership, but would never do so without working out at my future gym first. You don’t buy a car without test driving it, right?
Well they tried to tell me that I’d have to pay $ 15 for a day pass if I wasn’t going to purchase a membership. Huh? I’ve never been to a gym unwilling to let you give the gym a test drive before committing for a year! I wouldn’t pay to test drive a car and Boston Sports Club gave me 2 weeks free to try to earn my business!
There must be something fishy going on here if they want you to buy without actually trying their product first. Do yourself a favor and don’t bother with VIM. Boston Sports Club is right next door.