You Pick: Needham's Best Workout Spot
Cast your vote for the best local gym or fitness center now through Friday at 9 a.m.
The right gym can make or break a workout routine—find a place that's right and you actually look forward to sweating it out for the sake of health and fitness.
Luckily, Needham has quite a few options when it comes to exercise. Whether yoga's your thing, you want one-on-one time with a personal trainer or you just enjoy hitting the treadmill, there is surely something for everyone here in town.
Already with Patch's Best Of Needham - Readers' Choice, I've asked you to vote for your favorite sandwich shop, auto repair center and place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. This week, I want to know: Where's the best place to work out in Needham?
Cast your vote in the poll now through Friday, March 23 at 9 a.m. I'll reveal the winner at noon on Friday.
Because the poll is not scientific, it is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner, so your additional comments added at the bottom of the page—as well as reviews on the business listings in our Patch Places—will help me choose the winner. (Note: Please vote only once per survey, per Patch. See the complete contest rules in a PDF at right.)
Below is a list of local gyms and workout centers I've come up with, but if you feel I've missed a good one, please let me know by adding it to the comments or sending an e-mail to becca.manning@patch.com.
Click on any of these businesses to link to their listing for more information, and don't forget to vote in the poll below!
Fred Merk
2:42 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Koko FitClub is like nothing you have ever tried before! It turned a 'gym hater' like myself into a Koko Nut! Koko ROCKS!
Lisa Cooney
3:07 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Koko is truly a wonderful workout experience. Adam, Paul and Sarah and the whole staff are extremely helpful, enthusiastic and motivating. Their flexibility and openness to me bringing my kids has also made it more possible for me to fit exercise into my busy schedule. Thanks Koko!!
Julie Nations
3:12 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
KoKo FitClub is not only a great place to work out, it's a great group of people to surround yourself with. In addition to helping their clients achieve their tangible goals, these folks live their mission of helping normal/busy/overworked people be the best they can be. It might seem like a subtle detail but it makes for a really unique place that encourages healthy living and celebrates client success on a personal and heartfelt level. Great people, welcoming atmosphere, measurable results, honest support, no BS. Perfection!
Jodi Feeney
3:16 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Koko FitClub has made a huge impact in my life. I go almost every day and prior to this I never consistently went to the gym. I have seen real results in my fitness and love that they have made it so easy to stay healty!
Anne Finucane
4:13 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Koko FitClub is a fast, easy and convenient way to work out and the staff is excellent!
Louise-Marie Mennier
4:39 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
KoKo has friendly and welcoming staff and it's an efficient and fast workout. Great place!
Mary Gerber
6:10 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
The club owners and staff create a great atmosphere that motivate me to keep coming back. I love the Smart Trainer concept and how it has improved my overall strength with a relatively small investment of my time.
Eric Luskin
6:33 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Koko is a game changer. If you've been fooling yourself by belonging to a gym and not actually going, then you owe it to yourself to give Koko a try. I'm 22 months into my membership and still a regular. Am I svelt? Nope. But I'm fit, more aware of what I need to do to to keep weight off and fighting the battle!
Cynthia Hadley
7:13 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Having belonged to numerous gyms over the past 30 years I can say that Koko is absolutely the best. The workout is efficient, making the most of your time and challenging so that I can see continual improvement in strength and fitness. The staff is unbelievably supportive. Paul, Adam, Sarah, Mike and Luke are the greatest - genuinely interested in and supportive of each client's progress. Paul even helped me continue working out with a broken wrist by designing a program adapted to the injury. In the past I would have used this as an excuse to quit, but I'll never quit Koko!
Lisa Relich
8:21 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
I joined Koko over two years ago and I am still going so that says a lot! The workouts are always changing and you can get a good workout in less than an hour.
Rebecca
9:14 am on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Not only am I amazed by the VO2Max Fitness center I am totally amazed by the employees as well. I have never been into a gym before and felt so welcomed and cared about before. Their approach to fitness is one of the best Ive seen so far and I can not wait to start my workouts with them!
Rita
9:36 am on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
At first the idea of putting on boxing gloves was very intimidating. But with the help of the VO2max trainers I have learned combination punches, kicks, and have even done pushups wearing boxing gloves! My life has changed! I cannot wait to put those gloves on each time I train. Thank you guys!
Anne Wulsin
10:04 am on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Koko Fit has improved my quality of life! I've never liked going to a gym but this is a different experience. The program is very doable and effiecient. The atmosphere created by the staff and members is focused and at the same time easy going. There are opportunities for all levels of physical challenge which I can self-direct. My daughter dragged me to Koko to check it out and now when friends ask what's changed in my life I include Koko Fit workouts as a truly positive addition.
Carol Denker
7:15 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I love Koko Fit!! Even though I don't go as often as I should, it is still the only exercise place that I have stuck with for this long - almost 2 years. I love that I can be in and out in 45 minutes or less, that there are always enthusiastic staff members around to help, and that it's small, friendly and not at all intimidating.
Cathy
9:22 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
KoKo FitClub is my favorite workout spot ever . . . I've joined other gyms before but I've NEVER gained as much strength as I've gained at KoKo and with workouts that are so fast and efficient. I love the SmartTrainer!
Kevin Smith
2:44 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Kevin
B5 is my favorite gym by far, and I have tried many! It is big enough to have everything I need, but small enough that it feels very friendly. The trainers there are all excellent, but Broc and George are the best!
Fred Winer
2:48 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
B5 is the best. The equipment is new and always clean. Broc runs a great show with the nest trainers around. I always enjoy my workouts at B5.
Matthew Dupee
3:32 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
In response to the innapropriate and false assumption from "Costa" I would like to say that Vo2max Fitness and it's clients and trainers have worked very hard over the last year. While we may not have been at our studio in Needham Center until recently, we have built up a very large following of devoted fitness enthusiasts and friends and have reached out to all of our friends, family and clients to promote this contest. I deeply regret the negative outlook from "Costa" and I feel very sad that he or she has such a defeatist outlook. This is supposed to be a FUN contest. "Oh well...I guess that is to be expected with this sort of person." Thank you Needham for all of your support!
Costa
5:32 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Matthew:
As you may have noticed, as quick as my comment went up, I took it down. After thinking about again, I came to the same conclusion you laid out in your response. I commend you on your efforts and it's clear your client base is passionate. Your studio looks great and training style seems really cool. I will say that polls like this can occasionally get a little out of hand and, and my comment was directed more towards the lack of control these polls can sometimes have. I will say though, that without knowing me, I would appreciate you not labeling me as "defeatist" or anything else...just like I shouldn't have assumed votes from your club were not genuine. I wish you luck in Needham and in your future fitness endeavors.
Broc Jackson
5:33 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Broc Jackson
I built B5 fitness because as a trainer I was tired of gyms using my talents to get them rich. Most gyms take a high percentage of their trainers fees or put them on salary. B5 has one easy concept. You charge your clients what you want and you pay B5 20 bucks to use everything in the facility for one hour. No membership fee to the trainer or their clients. Everyone knows that the client/ trainer relationship is the most important one in the equation. So, why add a third party? There is over 20 independent trainers currently using the facility with their clients. I wish all the facilities listed here success. I'm sure everyone of them have there niche and serve a purpose. Also for all you trainers out there I am giving away 1000.00 dollars for the best client/ trainer success story. You can log onto B5fitness.com to enter. It dosn't matter if you train for a gym or at someone's house.
Lisa Carrier
5:34 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
B5 is the only training facility where trainers can bring clients without them having to be a member. Great equipment, always clean and the best group of trainers ready to whip you into shape!
Adam Landry
5:45 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Adam here from Koko FitClub Needham...this poll is off to a blazing start! So great to see that there are so many passionate and fitness conscious people in Needham! One thing is for sure, there certainly are some great local fitness businesses in this town. Good luck to all!
Bradley
10:57 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
B5 is definitely the best facility I have ever worked out at. Clean, comfortable environment with great equipment and trainers who really know how to help you exercise in a productive and safe way. Broc really knows his stuff and has created a great space! Go B5 and froget about it!
Clay
11:19 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I could not agree more with "Bradley." I have been working out for years and been to a lot of different gyms, but finally I was lucky enough to meet Broc Jackson (owner of B5 Fitness). His facilities are clean, spacious, safe and stocked with a variety of different cardio and weight-lifting machines. If you have yet to visit B5, there is also an upper room with a turf floor and pullup bars which gives workouts with Broc (and all trainers associated with B5 Fitness) an even wider range of potential exercises. Broc Jackson is the best trainer in town without a doubt and B5's facilities are easily #1. I strongly, strongly urge all, trainers and clients, to come and try B5 for yourself.
Clay
11:25 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Couldn't agree more, Bradley! I worked out today (it was maybe my 8th visit this month) and had a great time! B5 is a wonderful place for all sorts of clients and trainers, and Broc Jackson is a very considerate, thoughtful and very fun trainer!
jason
8:15 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I walked into Vo2max Fitness today and was immediately "awestruck"! There is no other gym like it. Friendly, understanding, accommodating and cool. I immediately signed up!
Mike
11:27 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I have never felt more at home then at B5fitness! That place is great!
Igor
11:36 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
B5 is by far the best place I have trained at in a long time. Besides the great facility its the other trainers there that makes it a fun high energy place to be.
Lisa Consalvo
12:39 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
After gold's/ wow closed in Needham I was wondering where I was going to go with my trainer. B5fitness is great!!! I't's SUPER clean, fun, and the owner gives you free water and coffee. Now not only do I not have to pay the gym membership but I no longer pay my 2 dollars for water everytime either. Thank you B5!
Jim
3:22 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
B5 is the BEST! The owners are always there, and the atmosphere is so upbeat! Broc has been a great mentor to myself, and many other trainers.
Carole
4:27 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I train with my trainer at B5!
Lorna graney
4:35 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I love the space at B5! Although with all the new stuff over there for my trainer to use as he tortures me I'm not sure why I like it lol.
kerri ward
4:48 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
My Trainer Paul and I both love it at B5. The owner is so nice to everyone.
Mellissa
5:11 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
My trainer asked me to comment on this site and after looking at all the others it seems to me everyone likes there place. I train at B5 with my trainer because like Broc said in his comment gyms no longer allow my trainer to train me there unless he works for them at there club. I think that is unfair to the trainers. I don't know if you can count Broc's place under the category of "gym" because he has no membership fee. Not only that he is telling the truth when he says he gives out water bottles and coffee. You feel at home at B5 you are welcome to go behind his bar to grab water from the fridge. You can also use his wii fi and computers and sit in his couches as you cool down. My workouts have been harder then ever at his place but what I like most is the cheers like kind of atmospher. I'm just waiting to hear someone call out "Norm".
Melissamelissajc1@verizon.net
7:16 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
GET IN SHAPE for women in Needham is BY FAR the BEST place to work out!!!! Awesome staff......trainers that know what they are doing, very educated in fitness & nutrition!! They are always there to cheer me on!! & Deb the manager always there to lift my spirits, weigh me in or talk nutrition!!!! The facility is top notch, very modern & clean!! I will be a lifer!! I LOVE this place!!!!!!!!
Betsy
7:24 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I just finished my workout at B5 and as always I laughed and sweat my butt off. Although I am very partial to my trainer Brian it seems like all the trainers there are very knowledgeable.
Rachel
8:33 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I love working out at B5 with my trainer! Always clean, pleasant people and great new equipment. Broc did a great job putting this place together.
Sarah
8:59 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
When Golds closed I was very upset wondering where I was going to work with my trainer. Then he took me to B5 and I was so happy to discover I didn't have to pay a membership fee and could still see my trainer 2x a week. Thanks B5!
Ashley
9:56 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
In addition to the clean, spacious facility, B5 has a wonderful team of trainers who have played a key role in my fitness goals. Plenty of equipment downstairs and a great space upstairs that has turf and a heavy bag for boxing! I always feel welcome there, and always friendly faces. Love this place!
Jetta panagopolis
10:12 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
B5 is my second home. I really enjoy the boot camp on wed night also.
priscilla
12:29 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Priscilla
B5 fitness is the place for my trainer and I !!!! The concept is great because everyone at B5 is working with a trainer. Sometimes when I used to train with a trainer at a gym we would run into people without trainers who would "work in with us" which would screw up my work out. At B5 this dosn't happen.
Barbara McTigue
5:30 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Get in Shape for Women is the best. Up until now I hated the gym and Debbie and the gang have really turned me around. I love working out, I love the support of the staff and I enjoy the company of the women who work out with me.
Sue
6:36 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Get in Shape is fabulous! The trainers, managers and women working out are wonderful. The complete package makes the program stand out - weights, cardio, nutrition and accountability. It works, I lost 30 lbs in a year and have kept it off!
Katie D
7:06 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
GET IN SHAPE FOR WOMEN! It works, you have to be committed to your goal(s) - but the trainers and manager are there to help you every session! I need the accountability - I"ve tried many gyms. I'm not leaving!
JS
7:21 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
The Get in Shape program works for me! I tried gyms but was pleased to see many women like me in the program working out along side women of many ages, shapes, and sizes, all getting the attention they need. Nutrition discussions are helpful and accountability keeps me on track. Thank you In Shape!
Sarah
7:30 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
My mom works out at Get In Shape in Needham. She looks fabulous and we are proud of her transformation!
Marie
7:45 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
I'm a lifer at Get In Shape! I know it's up to me to show up, work hard during my workouts, and eat healthy. But the girls at In Shape keep me on track, don't judge, and continue to keep me motivated and training hard. Thank you!
Kathy
7:49 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Get in Shape! It works!
Diane S
8:10 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Get in shape gets my vote. I was a member last year and reached my goal thanks to the team there. I changed my eating habits and still work out on my own, feeling great!
Pamela Gold
8:18 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Get in shape for women has THE BEST trainers and staff. The atmosphere is positive and supportive. They truly make exercise and staying healthy fun. They offer cutting edge nutrition advice and exercise training on an individual basis. I love my gym! Pam G
Jennifer
8:56 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
#1 studio = Get In Shape Needham
#1 Program = Get In Shape Needham
#1 Team = Get In Shape Needham
john
9:25 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
B5 is the best!
Joshua Dupee
3:56 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
VO2 Max brings a unique and refreshing workout that leaves you feeling like you made new accomplishments each and every workout. The staff is friendly and accommodating and they even help plan your diet with both owners vein certified nutritionists.
Joshua Dupee
4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
VO2 Max brings a unique and refreshing workout that leaves you feeling like you made new accomplishments each and every workout. The staff is friendly and accommodating and they even help plan your diet with both owners vein certified nutritionists. Joshua Dupee
Joshua Dupee
6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Verified not vein
They also sell the best protein blend I've ever had. I am a personal trainer and jar been "in the field," for over 4 years and have yet to see a health club like this.