Google reviewers rate Retro Fitness 4.5 out of 5 based on 211 reviews, noting that the owner responds to 96% of feedback. Customers frequently praise the low monthly pricing, clean facilities, and friendly staff who assist with workout form and smoothies. However, recurring criticisms involve billing discrepancies and instances where staff fail to open the gym on time, leaving patrons without a way to contact management.
Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 211 reviews (83% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 211 Google reviews (184 with written comments, 6 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 96% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Gym serving Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Star ratings
211 Google reviews we collected
4.5of 5
5 stars17683%
4 stars73%
3 stars73%
2 stars63%
1 star157%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 184 written reviews
92%praise
Praise15692%
Complaints138%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude8550%
Price & value2917%
Would recommend2012%
Quality & results127%
Honesty & trust106%
Communication74%
Speed & response64%
What customers talk about
We read 184 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I’ve been coming here for 4 months now and it has all the equipment I need, and the staff there is so friendly and kind.”
“…his branch is a man with loads of arrogance , attitude and absolutely disrespectful to his customers.…”
“…ng this gym out if you are in the Boston area, this gym is extremely affordable starting at just 20 dollars a month and has all the equipment you need…”
“Lots of space overall, and not too expensive.”
“Great gym - some equipment could be upgraded but still 5 stars all around”
“I definitely recommend coming here, just be careful when signing up for personal training and don't make the same mistake I did”
“Owen was a big help and treated us with great service !”
“I’ve had a terrible experience trying to cancel my account.”
“Owen is one of the best workers at Retro fitness he honestly puts a smile on my face.”
“However, I found the business side to be very shady.”
“If you're straight/hetero sexual, the staff makes it VERY CLEAR, you are NOT welcomed!”
“Owen came and cleaned it up so quickly and made me another one right away.”
People customers mention
Owen6 reviews
John6 reviews
Gabby5 reviews
Boston4 reviews
Kyle4 reviews
Laura3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Tried to sign up for a trial pass, which can only be done on their website. The passes never come. Tried calling several times and after only getting voice mail, finally spoke with a kid who couldn’t even tell me the address!
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback, David. We’re sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced trying to obtain a trial pass and reach our Cambridge team. We understand how important a smooth and welcoming first experience is, and we appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention. You can explore membership options and sign up directly through our Cambridge club website at https://retrofitness.com/location/cambridgema/. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a better experience in the future.
K
Kayla Harrison4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kayla has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This place rocks. I’ve been coming here for 4 months now and it has all the equipment I need, and the staff there is so friendly and kind. 10/10 would recommend
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled to hear that our facility meets your fitness needs and that our team has made a great impression. It's fantastic to know you're enjoying your time with us. We look forward to supporting your fitness journey and continuing to provide a welcoming environment for all members.
B
Ben Kaufman4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ben has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This gym holds a special place in my heart because it has helped me achieve my goals. In the past year I've put over 100 lbs on my 5 rep back squat which has been an amazing ride. I'm not saying Retro is going to do this for you (consistency, eating more, and sleeping more probably helped the most), but if you’re thinking about joining Retro Fitness, here are a few reasons I’d recommend it.
- Price: Very reasonable
- Location: Great. Right next to red line, plenty of parking nearby, several Bluebike stations nearby. Plus, burritos right next door when you don't wanna cook dinner.
- Equipment: Great. Barbells, dumbbells, bands, treadmills when it gets too cold (sub 20F) in Boston. TURF WARM UP AREA. I think the warm up area is the biggest selling point that I didn't really consider when joining. You must warm up before working out and the turf area is great.
- People: Staff are polite and helpful, willing to give out some bro-science or "legit science" depending on what you're looking for. People going to the gym are great, most people are putting in effort and willing to work in with you. There are seriously some strong dudes here that are really motivating too see. I still remember one of my first days seeing a guy (later I learned his name is Kelly) repping 405 squats in crocs like a beast on the turf. Seeing this is definitely the exception rather than the rule here but it sort of exemplifies my experience at retro fitness -- people sending it at the gym, on a budget. Hell yeah!
Bottom line: Retro Fitness in Porter Sq is a great gym anyone can join. If you are looking for a place to improve most aspects of your physical fitness this place is hard to beat. If you are looking for a day spa/co-working space that happens to have fitness equipment, this is not the place for that.
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! It's fantastic to hear how Retro Fitness has supported your fitness journey and helped you achieve impressive gains. We’re glad you appreciate the reasonable pricing, convenient location, and diverse equipment options, including the turf warm-up area. Our team is dedicated to creating a motivating and supportive environment, and it's great to know that both staff and fellow members contribute to this atmosphere. We’re thrilled to be part of your fitness routine and look forward to continuing to support your goals.
J
Jung SeoLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jung has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
For $35/month for essentially two people is unbeatable for the area. I left a review/suggestion to make the water fountain colder and the GM actually responded and took the suggestion.
Can get busy during peak hours but that's every gym.
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled to offer such great value and appreciate your feedback on the water fountain. It's fantastic to hear that our team responded to your suggestion. We strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone, even during peak hours. Your support means a lot to us!
V
Viaki McQueenLocal Guide · 28 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Viaki has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great gym - some equipment could be upgraded but still 5 stars all around
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying our gym and that your experience has been positive. We strive to provide the best facilities and services. Thank you for your feedback!
J
Johannes Kratz11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Johannes has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Awesome gym, best in Cambridge. Awesome staff (Drew the manager is super nice and friendly), new equipment, clean, great smoothies. A+ all around!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoy our clean facilities, new equipment, and delicious smoothies. Our team, including Drew, is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members. We're glad to be a part of your fitness journey and look forward to seeing you reach your goals with us!
N
Nicklaus Pham-Kratz '271 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Nicklaus has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoy our gym. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all fitness levels. We look forward to continuing to support your fitness journey!
J
Joey Ribeiro1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Joey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Owen is actually the goat. Super down to earth dude, chill, typa dude u could meet and have a smoke sesh with. Great customer service.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team members are making a great impression. Our staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
S
Steve Hunt1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Steve has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Steve. We’re sorry to hear that the music volume impacted your workout experience. We understand that members have different preferences, and creating a comfortable environment for everyone is important to us. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will share your comments with our team. Please contact us directly at 617-644-0191 if you’d like to discuss your experience further.
