Like a tree house, a gym never lets non-members inside and always deflects frogs fired from the neighborhood bully’s slingshot. Hurry up the rope ladder with today's Groupon: for $25, you get five visits to Gymnasium, located in West Newton (a $100 value).

Gymnasium combines traditional, results-oriented fitness methods with contemporary exercise science. Gymnasium's essential philosophy emphasizes holistic well-being as much as it does verifiable science, so workouts harness quickly efficient equipment such as ropes, kettlebells, and sandbags. Attempt freeform fitness in In-n-Out Workouts, or attend a group session, such as the Sweat-Shop complete workout (balance, core, strength, cardio, and mobility), Forest Yoga for All, or Medieval Fencing and Combat, which gives sword fans a low-impact workout and practice for future basilisk encounters (see the schedule for class days and times). The dedicated, friendly staff is happy to help first-time worker-outers find a perfect routine to achieve a sound mind and body just in time for the office's swimsuit-karaoke contest that will determine the next round of promotions.

Reviews

Seven Yelpers give Gymnasium a perfect five-star rating:

• It's a great place to be and the people there are all wicked chill. With the variety of classes and general exercises available, you'll never want to go to a "real" gym again. – Jessica S.
• I am not a gym person - but I love this place! It is warm and welcoming to people at all fitness levels. – Claudia S.