Cambridge Athletic Club

Got an email to retry CAC for a reasonable fee, no initiation fee. But when I went by to sign up they said there was actually a $99 initiation fee (or would that be re-initiation?) which they'd reduce to $50. I hadn't brought the offer with me, but re-checked it later and it clearly stated ""no initiation fee"". No luck so far getting the $50 back. Argh. I'll use my 3 months then find an alternative. Pros: decent equipment Cons: dingy locker room more

Facilities and offerings are lacking and out of date. Limited class offerings for working professionals. Membership team is slick and not interested in real customer service. Not worth the fees. Cons: hygiene, facilities, staff more

The newly renovated C.A.C. has a new group ex. room and a comfortable new yoga/pilates studio. The staff is very friendly,energetic, and helpful (especially in the morning) which keeps me coming back. The club is definitely a hidden gem in Kendall square tucked away in the Atheneaum building but with the free parking, it's very easy to get to. The basketball league is HUGE! This 20 something year old club looks brand new and as long as the parking stays free and the staff keeps smiling, I probably won't go anywhere! Pros: Free Parking Cons: Hard to find gym more

I've worked in the Cambridge area for five years even living in on the south shore - a 45-mile commute. I've tried and failed at many a gym until the CAC came along. The Cambridge Athletic Club was friendly, invited me in right from the start and there is nothing like the CAC. Racquetball, sauna, steam room, scheduled classes, and even a pretty extensive hoops league for every level of basketball player. While it may be small, there is nothing like this gym's staff - especially the trainers who are always willing to build a plan for you and help you stick to it - and the cozy atmosphere lends to the family feeling at the CAC. I've gone at lunch and right after work and have also played in the hoops leagues and never had a problem finding a machiine to work out on. They just re-did about 80% of the gym with flat-sceen TVs for every treadmill and stair-stepper for your own viewing. \r Find me somewhere better and I'll give it a shot - but I bet I always come back to the CAC. Pros: Staff, classes, basketball leagues for all levels of play Cons: Size of gym more

I've been a member for almost two years and I love this place! I travel quite a bit using other clubs and this is the best in many ways. I work at Mass General and live in Somerville and this club's best feature is the free parking which makes it so convenient compared to other city clubs. A friend that played squash recommended it to me. I started with a free week trial and the convenience, squash program and attitude made joining an easy decision. When I joined it was for the location and I have to admit it was an older club, clean but needing some improvements. They've recently done some great facility upgrades with lots of new equipment, TVs etc. so now I'm recommending it to my friends. I work out after work and never seem to wait for a treadmill and never get closed out of spin classes like at my last gym. The entire staff is friendly and helpful especialy Jeff. Pros: Free parking, squash, basketball, great staff Cons: 5 minute walk from parking when it's cold or raining more

For the money, their equipment and amenities are very outdated. The locker rooms are crammed into the basement of an old brick building with no windows so the ventilation is very poor and it tends to stink. The locker rooms are seldom clean to my standards. With regards to the workout facilities: if you want to work out after work or at lunch, you will likely have to wait in line for equipment, much of which i find in disrepair. There are several racquet courts but again, you need to book these in advance for peak hours. The staff seems generally disinterested. For the amount of money that you spend here, there are many other options in the city that have a newer, cleaner and friendlier atmosphere. If you want something equivalent, i would suggest the YMCA in Central square for about half the price. Pros: location Cons: Price, Hygine, parking, Smell more

Its 89 degrees out and the club has heat...the promised AC has yet to come...if looking for a new gym..ask about their plans for AC before joining..otherwise wait until winter. I go there..but only because I have been too lazy to move to another gym..and the upside is ..I have made some good friends there. Cons: No AC, Locker room more

CRFC changed my life!! I not only got in great shape, but met my closest friends and husband there! The staff is friendly and a lot of fun. They are dedicated to helping people of all fitness levels. They have so many different types of classes and equipment, I never get bored. They stay up-to-date with new fitness trends and their running club helped me to run my fastest marathon ever! Pros: lots of equipment, trained staff, relaxed atmosphere more

The make-up of the membership leans toward a professional, over 30 crowd. Very friendly and social without the atmosphere of a single's bar. The staff is helpful, qualified and interested in what your personal fitness goals are. The facility is clean and the equipment is well maintained. I have been a long time member and have not come across another club in the area that offers the same high level of service at a reasonable price. Pros: free parking, free towel service, not crowded more

With hoop, racquetball and features like surfing the web while you workout this club blows away the other ""clubs"" in the area. I've been there for years and it just gets better all the time. The staff cares and it shows. Pros: Free Parking, Friendly Staff, Great Classes more

I was pretty disappointed in my CR&F experience. I found the gym to be old and overcrowded. Contrary to what people are saying, parking is a problem. If you like long workouts, or tend to work out then shower, you're in trouble because you'll exceed the two hour limit regularly. The cardio equipment with the small TV's was always full. I'm not saying don't sign up, just be sure to check it out during peak hours before paying. Pros: Good Location, Towels Included, Sauna and Steam Room Cons: EXPENSIVE for value, Crowded, Mediocre classes more

the club offers all you need for fitness or racquet sports, but the FREE parking is great! Two hours right at the door step and unlimited on the weekends. I live in Brookline but work in Charlestown and this is the perfect place in the middle! Pros: Free Parkin, Ezone and NetPulse TV, Trainers are great Cons: Sometimes noisey more

Great Club! Friendly staff....great aerobics, spinning and Yoga. Liz' class is a constant in my day planner. Josh, my Personal Trainer is terrific and has helped me get great results! Good social scene as well as a great place to workout in the Kendall Square area. Pros: Free Parking, Best Spinning, Helpful staff Cons: Old locker room more