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[deleted] t1_izg0891 wrote

[deleted]

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anchordown16 OP t1_izgcdwj wrote

Thanks - seems like this is the only con that's showed up aside from it being busy...and I can walk there so I think I'm good.

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BuckyWunderlick007 t1_izg1odh wrote

The original owner (Pierre) sold out several years back. Before the pandemic I think, but I’ve lost all concept of time. I haven’t been there since, but it was great at the time.

Not too many other options in Central. I think all of the BSCs closed. Maybe someone will take their space eventually. Karma yoga toward HSQ had an upstairs gym that no one knew about and was pretty much private. They’re gone though.

Do you know anyone affiliated with MIT. Getting an MIT fitrec membership is a great option in this area. There’s always the YMCA in Central…

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adm7373 t1_izg2yyn wrote

There's also the Y in Central, but that is a VERY different feel from Vim.

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thisiscjfool t1_izg3qbt wrote

personally i prefer nano but i have limited brain capacity so i found vim too hard

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taggalito t1_izg4mth wrote

I wasn’t super into VIM. It always seemed relatively busy, there were a few pieces of equipment I really wanted that they didn’t have, and, to me, it always smelled a bit funny. Classes were generally pretty good though. The 2 locations is kinda nice, but they’re real close to each other. I bet if I went during off hours (if those exist) I would have enjoyed it more.

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killerdio t1_izh191w wrote

I hope they eventually fix the machines that rattle and install a water bottle filler, other than that it's fine. A bit on the pricey side compared to what BSC used to offer, but alas those are days gone past.

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alternativetowel t1_izh7yyt wrote

I like it! Been a member there on and off over the past 3 years.

Pros: The savings with the annual rate are pretty good. Try to get one of their no-fee or "x months free" sign-up deals. If you're ready to commit to a year, it can come down to ~$65/mo, which is really good around here for a clean gym, with pretty well-maintained equipment, that also has nice locker rooms with showers and towel service, plus group fitness classes included.
Proximity to the red line is great for not having to drive.
Shocking amount of equipment packed into a small space. They recently added 2 new power racks, which is relieving some of the rush hour pressure.
The second location is clutch when the first gets too busy, and not so far that you can't just walk over on a whim.
Overall excellent group fitness instructors.
Crowd is overall very courteous in the weight room, if occasionally lacking spatial awareness when walking around.

Cons: Can be stupid busy in the after-work hours. This got better when they extended their hours again post-pandemic closures, but you're still better off going off-hours if you can, especially if you want power rack or bench access.
Second location closes early.
Expensive for month-by-month memberships.
Shitty guest policy. 1 free guest per month, and after that they have to pay the usual day pass price of $20.
No dedicated parking. I think they validate at one of the garages? But honestly, take the T or walk.

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artificial_osler t1_izg62mz wrote

The Y and VIM both get the job done, but very different vibes. Boston bouldering project in Sommerville also has a full gym for about the price of VIM (trying to find a gym around cambridge is how I discovered climbing)

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crippledmark t1_izgocg3 wrote

I'm a member at Boston Bouldering Project and thought about added a supplemental Planet Fitness membership for $10/mo because BBP lacks a lot of machines.

I was a member of VIM when it first opened and loved it. I like my gym to have some vibe and be a place that I want to hang out in, which BSC certainly wasn't.

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xKimmothy t1_izgekat wrote

Vim was great and had company discounts for many larger companies in the area. Super easy to cancel as well when I moved. I completed an online form, didn't even need to talk to anyone.

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These-Assignment-936 t1_izhvki4 wrote

Been my gym since 2016. Super friendly, great equipment. Good mix of free weights, and machines. Membership gives you access to the basement location below HMart and the sister location further down Mass Ave.

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saltyeyed t1_izjjidd wrote

I'm a member and don't have any complaints. When you first join, they push their personal trainers pretty hard on you. but that stops soon after.

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