When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
Cambridge Athletic Club
Why Cambridge Athletic Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cambridge Athletic Club (CAC) offers an exceptional fitness experience across four unique locations in the vibrant Kendall Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. With a high rating of 4.7 from over 90 reviews, CAC stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and comprehensive fitness amenities that cater to a diverse membership. Each club features spacious workout areas with state-of-the-art cardio machines, free weights, and weight training equipment, alongside well-designed locker rooms equipped with showers and dry saunas at select locations. Members appreciate CAC’s flexible month-to-month membership plans that accommodate busy schedules without long-term commitments. CAC’s multiple locations—215 First Street, 600 Technology Square, CAC Express at 101 Main Street, and OKS in One Kendall Square—offer accessible fitness options with varying hours, including extended early morning and late night access at select sites. Highlights include CAC Express’s convenient 24/7 access with secure badge entry and riverside views, and the Technology Square location’s natural light-filled spaces and complimentary towel service. The club’s close proximity to transit hubs like Lechmere and Kendall Square stations makes it an ideal meeting spot for friends looking to combine socializing with wellness. CAC also welcomes corporate members, students, seniors, healthcare workers, and families with discounted plans, enhancing its community focus and accessibility.
Here's what people think of Cambridge Athletic Club
As of recent, Cambridge Athletic Club holds a 4.7-star rating based on 91 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Cambridge Athletic Club for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and convenient locations with flexible hours suited to professionals and residents alike. Positive feedback highlights the club’s welcoming environment where trainers interact personally to help members meet their fitness goals. Many appreciate the variety of equipment available, from cardio machines separated by personal barriers to weight machines and free weights, accommodating all fitness levels. Members also value the spacious gym layouts and additional amenities such as saunas and locker rooms with showers. Moreover, the clubs’ easy access to public transit and multiple locations adds to the appeal for busy members. Negative reviews tend to focus on smaller operational details such as occasional shortages of exercise bands or equipment placement, suggesting improvements like relocating TRX stations for greater exercise variety. Some members desire expanded group fitness classes or increased equipment availability during peak times. Despite these minor issues, the consensus is strongly positive, with many members expressing satisfaction with the quality of service and facilities offered. Overall, the reviews position Cambridge Athletic Club as a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive and community-oriented gym experience in Cambridge’s Kendall Square area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alexander Cheung
Great gym, clean facilities, and super friendly and accommodating employees. From the front desk to Jonathan (ops director), this gym is worth going to just for how you’re treated alone. Weights and machines are in great condition and the garage parking is a really nice perk. When the garage isn’t available (certain hours) the street parking usually is free. Had to cancel temporarily for personal reasons but the team made it extremely easy to pause. I will 100% sign back up with them again.
Yassine Chihi
Very clean and nice gym. Staff is super lovely and everything about this gym is great. I made the right choice to switch my old gym by CAC. One other very good aspect is they are open during holidays, albeit shorter hours. A very big plus for gym addicts like myself.
Angelica
My housemates and I loved this gym! It was always well cleaned and machines were up to date. The classes offered are fun as well, shout out to Julie from Body Balance. It is a little cramped, but they do their best to space out machines/classrooms, exercise space. Women’s gym was well maintained and full of machines/equipment. The only reason we cancelled is because we’re all moving out of Cambridge, and the cancellation process was straightforward. Hoping to find a gym as good as CAC next!
Charles Liang
Gym has everything I use: Locker rooms with plenty of space/storage, well kept machines, and plenty of space during the off peak hours I use the facilities. I tried a few classes and thought they were fun, but not for me. I would highly recommend this gym for people who love fitness classes or for people who live in the area and just need a no frills fitness space.
Jonathan Carey
I love the gym - it's in a cool building and has all sorts of amenities like towel service and wet/dry saunas. The staff maintains the equipment very well - if a machine breaks, it's never down for long.
Alexander Cheung
Great gym, clean facilities, and super friendly and accommodating employees. From the front desk to Jonathan (ops director), this gym is worth going to just for how you’re treated alone. Weights and machines are in great condition and the garage parking is a really nice perk. When the garage isn’t available (certain hours) the street parking usually is free. Had to cancel temporarily for personal reasons but the team made it extremely easy to pause. I will 100% sign back up with them again.
Yassine Chihi
Very clean and nice gym. Staff is super lovely and everything about this gym is great. I made the right choice to switch my old gym by CAC. One other very good aspect is they are open during holidays, albeit shorter hours. A very big plus for gym addicts like myself.
Angelica
My housemates and I loved this gym! It was always well cleaned and machines were up to date. The classes offered are fun as well, shout out to Julie from Body Balance. It is a little cramped, but they do their best to space out machines/classrooms, exercise space. Women’s gym was well maintained and full of machines/equipment. The only reason we cancelled is because we’re all moving out of Cambridge, and the cancellation process was straightforward. Hoping to find a gym as good as CAC next!
Charles Liang
Gym has everything I use: Locker rooms with plenty of space/storage, well kept machines, and plenty of space during the off peak hours I use the facilities. I tried a few classes and thought they were fun, but not for me. I would highly recommend this gym for people who love fitness classes or for people who live in the area and just need a no frills fitness space.
Jonathan Carey
I love the gym - it's in a cool building and has all sorts of amenities like towel service and wet/dry saunas. The staff maintains the equipment very well - if a machine breaks, it's never down for long.
Alexander Cheung
Great gym, clean facilities, and super friendly and accommodating employees. From the front desk to Jonathan (ops director), this gym is worth going to just for how you’re treated alone. Weights and machines are in great condition and the garage parking is a really nice perk. When the garage isn’t available (certain hours) the street parking usually is free. Had to cancel temporarily for personal reasons but the team made it extremely easy to pause. I will 100% sign back up with them again.
Yassine Chihi
Very clean and nice gym. Staff is super lovely and everything about this gym is great. I made the right choice to switch my old gym by CAC. One other very good aspect is they are open during holidays, albeit shorter hours. A very big plus for gym addicts like myself.
Angelica
My housemates and I loved this gym! It was always well cleaned and machines were up to date. The classes offered are fun as well, shout out to Julie from Body Balance. It is a little cramped, but they do their best to space out machines/classrooms, exercise space. Women’s gym was well maintained and full of machines/equipment. The only reason we cancelled is because we’re all moving out of Cambridge, and the cancellation process was straightforward. Hoping to find a gym as good as CAC next!
Charles Liang
Gym has everything I use: Locker rooms with plenty of space/storage, well kept machines, and plenty of space during the off peak hours I use the facilities. I tried a few classes and thought they were fun, but not for me. I would highly recommend this gym for people who love fitness classes or for people who live in the area and just need a no frills fitness space.
Jonathan Carey
I love the gym - it's in a cool building and has all sorts of amenities like towel service and wet/dry saunas. The staff maintains the equipment very well - if a machine breaks, it's never down for long.
Alexander Cheung
Great gym, clean facilities, and super friendly and accommodating employees. From the front desk to Jonathan (ops director), this gym is worth going to just for how you’re treated alone. Weights and machines are in great condition and the garage parking is a really nice perk. When the garage isn’t available (certain hours) the street parking usually is free. Had to cancel temporarily for personal reasons but the team made it extremely easy to pause. I will 100% sign back up with them again.
Yassine Chihi
Very clean and nice gym. Staff is super lovely and everything about this gym is great. I made the right choice to switch my old gym by CAC. One other very good aspect is they are open during holidays, albeit shorter hours. A very big plus for gym addicts like myself.
Angelica
My housemates and I loved this gym! It was always well cleaned and machines were up to date. The classes offered are fun as well, shout out to Julie from Body Balance. It is a little cramped, but they do their best to space out machines/classrooms, exercise space. Women’s gym was well maintained and full of machines/equipment. The only reason we cancelled is because we’re all moving out of Cambridge, and the cancellation process was straightforward. Hoping to find a gym as good as CAC next!
Charles Liang
Gym has everything I use: Locker rooms with plenty of space/storage, well kept machines, and plenty of space during the off peak hours I use the facilities. I tried a few classes and thought they were fun, but not for me. I would highly recommend this gym for people who love fitness classes or for people who live in the area and just need a no frills fitness space.
Jonathan Carey
I love the gym - it's in a cool building and has all sorts of amenities like towel service and wet/dry saunas. The staff maintains the equipment very well - if a machine breaks, it's never down for long.
How to reach Cambridge Athletic Club
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Why Cambridge Athletic Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering a group of friends or family for a meetup calls for a venue that offers engagement, variety, and comfort — the Cambridge Athletic Club excels on all these fronts. Located in the historic Athenaeum Building at 215 First Street in the vibrant Kendall Square neighborhood, this fitness destination is much more than a gym; it is a buzzing community hub where friends can energize together, share healthy activities, and build lasting memories. With a stellar rating of 4.7 from over 90 reviews, the club’s dedication to quality service and a welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for group meetups.
The club's spacious layout caters perfectly to groups, boasting a full-sized basketball court, squash courts, and multiple group exercise studios including cycling and yoga. Whether your group craves high-energy workouts, relaxing yoga flows, or competitive sports, Cambridge Athletic Club can tailor the experience to everyone’s preference. The inclusive environment welcomes guests, with options to bring friends for a modest fee, making it convenient to host dynamic meetups without logistics hassles. Plus, amenities like free parking validation and towel service ensure comfort and ease throughout your visit.
Importantly, the club’s array of group fitness classes and wellness services means you and your friends can engage in shared activities that foster both physical health and social connection, enhancing your meetup beyond the usual dining or movie plans. It’s a place where fitness and fun meet, creating the perfect backdrop for friends to rally and recharge together.
What types of activities does Cambridge Athletic Club offer for groups?
Cambridge Athletic Club offers an extensive array of activities designed to engage groups of all fitness levels and interests, making it a versatile choice for a group meetup. One of the highlights is the variety of group fitness classes available, including popular options such as BODYPUMP—a strength training workout set to motivating music—and RPM™, an indoor cycling class that challenges you to conquer hills, sprints, and interval training in unison with your peers. These classes foster a team spirit as participants encourage each other through high-intensity workouts.
For those who prefer a more dynamic and strength-focused session, there are special weight-lifting classes in partnership with Kendall Square CrossFit, where groups can push their limits together under expert supervision. The club also offers LES MILLS GRIT and SPRINT, intense interval training classes that combine strength, cardio, and power training, catering well to groups that want to sweat it out.
If relaxation and mind-body balance are priorities, the yoga and BODYBALANCE classes are excellent choices. Yoga here focuses on breath control and smooth transitions between poses, ideal for groups wanting to unwind and improve flexibility collectively. BODYBALANCE integrates yoga, tai chi, and Pilates to help enhance core strength and tranquility.
In addition to these classes, the club boasts a full-sized basketball court and two squash courts available for member booking, perfect for groups that want to engage in friendly competition or simply enjoy sport-based fun. The wide range of cardio options, including treadmills, ellipticals, spin and recumbent bikes, stair climbers, and steppers, also means groups can create customized circuits or workouts suited to everyone’s pace. This diversity in programming ensures that every group member, regardless of fitness preference or skill level, can participate in meaningful and enjoyable activities.
Why is Cambridge Athletic Club the perfect venue for a group meetup?
Beyond activities, Cambridge Athletic Club excels as a meetup venue due to its thoughtful amenities and group-friendly policies that make the experience smooth and enjoyable. The club’s location in Kendall Square provides convenient access along with free garage parking validated during peak hours and weekends, reducing the usual stress around transportation and parking when meeting a large group. This accessibility encourages punctuality and convenience for everyone attending.
Inside the club, the atmosphere is designed to make members and guests feel comfortable and valued. Full-amenities locker rooms equipped with dry saunas offer luxurious post-workout relaxation, allowing groups to extend their meetups into social time after exercise. The towel service, showers, and ample locker space simplify preparation and freshening up, so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together without hassles.
The club also hosts a women’s-only fitness studio, adding a layer of comfort and inclusivity for female members and guests who prefer a dedicated workout space. The basketball and squash courts promote camaraderie and friendly rivalry, activities that naturally stimulate conversation and laughter, fostering deeper connections.
Moreover, the club operates a rewards program packed with perks for members, incentivizing participation and regular visits. Guests are welcome for a reasonable fee of $15 per visit, making it easy to invite friends without requiring full membership—perfect for occasional meetups or introducing new people to the club’s community feel.
The professional staff, including personal trainers and nutritionists, are available for discounted consultations and fitness evaluations, giving groups the option to take their health and bonding experience one step further with expert guidance. This combination of facilities, services, and supportive culture makes Cambridge Athletic Club more than a fitness center—it is an environment where groups can engage, motivate each other, and create shared memories that go well beyond the workout.
What does the group fitness class experience look like at Cambridge Athletic Club?
Group fitness classes at Cambridge Athletic Club are crafted to be inspiring, energetic, and inclusive, fostering a sense of community while helping participants work toward their health goals. Classes are led by knowledgeable, motivating instructors who bring fresh energy and expertise to each session. For example, RPM classes are synchronized to dynamic playlists and involve simulated cycling terrains with hills, sprints, and interval challenges, making even tough workouts enjoyable when done with a group.
BODYPUMP classes engage participants with weight-based resistance training set to powerful rhythms, a perfect class for those wanting to tone muscles collectively while benefiting from a supportive group atmosphere. LES MILLS CORE strengthens the muscles around the core to enhance overall stability, appealing to groups aiming for functional fitness improvements.
There is also LES MILLS GRIT, a high-intensity interval training program that is perfect for groups eager to push their limits together through strength and cardio exercises. The group setting generates camaraderie and encouragement, making the challenging workouts more manageable and enjoyable.
Yoga and BODYBALANCE classes offer a different kind of group experience, emphasizing calm, flexibility, and balance as participants flow through sequences guided by their breath and instructor cues. These classes create a peaceful, shared space ideal for groups to relax and recharge together.
The class schedule is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit diverse schedules, and some locations also feature on-demand classes for added convenience. Booking is simple via the club’s online system, ensuring groups can easily coordinate their sessions. This well-rounded group class program ensures that whether your friends seek high-energy cardio, strength training, or restorative movement, everyone finds something that fits their mood and ability.
What amenities and features contribute to a great group meetup experience at the club?
Cambridge Athletic Club offers numerous amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience, making it ideal for group meetups. Cleanliness and safety are top priorities, highlighted by upgraded ventilation systems, regular sanitation, and prominent hand sanitizing stations to provide peace of mind during workouts.
The club’s towel service removes the hassle of bringing your own, and full locker rooms with showers and a dry sauna allow groups to arrive fresh and leave clean and relaxed. These features support longer visit durations, perfect for groups intending to workout followed by social time or meetings in a comfortable environment.
With a full weight floor that includes free weights, machines, kettlebells, squat racks, and lifting platforms, groups can casually explore strength routines or engage in personal training sessions designed for their collective goals. The cardio deck’s wide array of machines supports individual or group circuits, reinforcing the flexibility and tailored nature of the workout experience.
The presence of a basketball court and two squash courts provides opportunities for team sports and friendly competitions, which are excellent for socializing and bonding in an active context. Parking validation covering club peak hours and weekends eases the hassle of getting to the club, crucial for group logistics.
Finally, the inclusive community atmosphere combined with member perks and discounts—such as for personal fitness evaluations or nutrition consultations—empowers groups to extend their meetups well beyond the gym floor. Whether celebrating fitness milestones or simply enjoying quality time together, Cambridge Athletic Club’s amenities serve all facets of a successful group gathering.
In summary, Cambridge Athletic Club combines a wide spectrum of group-friendly workout options, premium amenities, and a welcoming environment, making it a thoughtfully designed destination for friends or family meetups. The club’s balance of fitness, fun, and convenience creates an exceptional venue for rallying with friends to pursue health, relaxation, and social connection under one roof.