Exhale Back Bay

Loved my facial here. Second time with heather. Very professional treatment in an upscale atmosphere with a fair price for the service.

I have, for many years, been a devotee of Exhale. David Magone’s Pranavayu is among my favorite yoga classes anywhere ever. I first tried yoga with Davie about 8 years ago, and since have done yoga regularly during my stints in Boca/​Delray/​West Palm Beach and NYC– he remains my favorite instructor. Classes are challenging, varying, and his meditative savasana is literally the only one I enjoy. I also thoroughly enjoy the Core Fusion classes. Highly recommend Exhale for yoga/​core fusion.
I recently had my first exhale spa therapy as well. I’m received a Cool Beam Facial with Ella– I literally was blown away. My facial was 2 days ago and I’ve already convinced two friends and my mother to book this facial as well.
The cool beam facial is perfect for someone such as myself — I’m circling 35 (next month) and can use help with some fine lines/​wrinkles as well as anti inflammatory effects of the laser. Not only did this facial make me look radiant, it was the most luxuriously relaxing therapy I’ve had in a while– including the many fancy massages I’ve had recently. During the 1hr facial, you will also get a lovely back, shoulder, and facial massage, as well as hand massage/​warm lotion treatment.
If you can only choose two things to do in any given week: Pranavayu and a cool beam facial all the way.

I am in town for work and attended a 6am Core Fusion Cardio class using Classpass. I found the layout of the spa confusing and would have appreciated more guidance from the staff; thankfully fellow gym-​goers were helpful. The space itself was really relaxing and appreciated starting my long day at the zen studio. I found the class to be moderately challenging — but could see how I could scale the class to make it more of a challenge. On this day I appreciated having the ability to scale down. If I am back in town for work I’d definitely look into atteending a calss here but am not sure I would make this part of my regular routine.

Exhale is awesome, right by Arlington T Stop. The studio is beautiful and offers a steam room, teas, full shower facilities etc. The Core Fusion Cardio Express class with Molly is my favorite. Molly is amazing — she pushes you and is enthusiastic and inspiring. I also did the Core Fusion Barre with a different teacher (Julia, maybe?) which was challenging in a good way. I have yet to try the Cardio + Barre combo with Molly as well as Molly’s Thighs and Glutes class, but I’m looking forward to both of those :)

3.5 stars for Core Fusion Barre /​Core Fusion Yoga classes.
Came expecting rigorous barre /​yoga classes, as I’m a fan of the Core Fusion pilates series and technique. Was unfortunately disappointed by both, esp. the barre classes. Barre instruction was fairly methodical/​average and not at all challenging, with minimal modifications to intensify sequences/​exercises called out. While class level is beginner-​friendly, I might just head to a gym barre class for the equivalent. Power yoga was also fairly run of the mill, good if you’re just loosening up, but not terribly effective at deepening/​challenging your practice.
Was tempted to sign up for monthly membership/​packages, but would rate this place higher as a spa than a fitness destination.

I LOVE Exhale! I just thought I should update my review. Again, this place is pricy, but if you sign up for their email updates, they have good promos scattered throughout the year. Be sure to take advantage of all the amenities (steam room, shower, etc.). The yoga studio is also gorgeous.
and finally. DAVID MAGONE’s classes make the price totally WORTH IT! His classes are AMAZING! Super challenging and fun! I specifically bought a class pack to only to take his class. Haha. He’s hands down one of the best yoga instructors in Boston. I always leave feeling refreshed and sweaty!

When you need some zen in your life, Exhale is the place to be!
On the ground level, they have barre classes and a mani-​pedi nail salon. Once you head to the elevator and take it to the lower ground level, it transforms into a zen zone. This floor is where yoga classes are held.
The whole experience and ambiance is perfect and zen. There are plenty of lockers in the bathrooms. You can lock your stuff up before you do yoga. You can use their towels, sandals, and bathrobes. There is also a steam room in the changing room which is my favorite spot! I usually spend around 5 – 10 minutes in there after my yoga sesh. They also have shower stalls.
Stepping foot in the yoga room will immediately calm your mind. The front wall is lit up and has a Buddha shrine situated on the wall. It helps bring out my inner peace while I practice yoga. I like how they provide you with yoga mats, blocks, straps and other equipment. Depending on the instructor, the classes can be very different. My favorite is the core fusion yoga. It is more fast pace and I feel like I am challenging myself.
In the waiting area, they have different tea selections for you to enjoy for free. Perfect way to end my yoga sesh!
After a stressful day, I look forward to my yoga classes here. I definitely recommend this place. Namaste!

I visited Exhale for a Core Fusion Sport class via ClassPass, and I will most certainly be back here on ClassPass as often as possible (I will actually be doing Core Fusion Cardio tomorrow morning).
I took a morning class and was shown where to go by the front desk woman (who did actually lead me to the wrong place first, but was very apologetic and it was not a big deal). Then, once I found my class, because I’d never been there before, I was definitely a little nervous about what I would need for class and such. Luckily, Laura, the instructor, was super helpful and awesome. She let me know what I would need and gave me a brief overview.
The class was a combination of leg and abwork, cardio with weighted medicine balls, pushups, other strength training, and some stretching, and I was most definitely sore for 2 – 3 days after (in the best way possible!) I cannot say enough good things about my workout. I’m used to running 3 – 4 days per week, and decided to join ClassPass and start mixing up my exercise, and the classes at Exhale are EXACTLY what I’m looking for.
Not to mention the tempting array of workout clothing in the front lobby, the clean and cozy atmosphere, free water/​towels, and great music!

I purchased a 60 minute massage & facial for $ 199 — as the previous reviewer mentioned, this was an October deal. I had Rich for my massage and Ella for my facial. I thought Rich was fantastic and very friendly. Ella on the other hand is the reason for my 2 star review. Her nails were a little too long and I believe she realized this in the middle of our session and began filing them down (?) while my mask was setting. Overall, that portion was a complete waste of money as I truly believe she pretty much half-​assed the entire facial. In addition, I had quickly checked the time when I was back in the locker and noticed that I was not given the proper hour time allocated. What a shame.

Yesterday was my first time at Exhale for my spa day. There was an October deal for a 60 minute massage and a 60 minute facial for $ 199. I shopped around at a few other spas in Boston and found this to be the best deal. I arrived early as requested and checked in at the front desk upstairs. The girl was not friendly and seem irritated. I noticed this again with a different girl when I checked out. I was given a tour and led to the locker women. The locker room felt cramped and lockers are small. Nice they provide you with robes and sandals for the day. After changing, I waited in the zen room for my masseuse. It is a dark room that has cushioned bench and lots of pillows with tranquil music playing in the background.
This was my first time having a male masseuse. Rich was friendly and asked how I wanted my massage. He uses the right amount of pressure and worked on some of my knots.
Afterwards, I went back to the zen room and waited for my facial specialist. The room was crowded and I had to wait for a decent amount of time. Finally Galina arrived and we began my facial. It was good and loved the products she used.
I like how she also does the neck area and arms/​hands.
My friend told me to use the showers afterwards because they were really nice. Luckily, I did not have to wait for a shower. They have Kiehl products and a rain shower head. The shower floor looked dirty. The blow dryers did not work well.
I went to check out and the one lady told me that she would be right with me even through, there was another girl just sitting behind the desk. She seemed irritated when I asked her for a receipt and about my bill.
I had a good experience her minus the 2 front desk girls. I

The best barre workout in the Boston area and amazing customer service. The spa services are also amazing. Overall I will definitely return to try more classes and spa services!

Probably the hardest barre class I’ve ever taken. Plus (since I live in DC), I went to one class, and then another a month later, and the instructor actually managed to remember who I was! Which was seriously impressive.
Always look forward to going when I’m in Boston.

I have been coming to the Core Fusion classes (Barre, Cardio, Sport) at Exhale for the last six months as a member of ClassPass and through discount packages I buy from Gilt City.
What I like most about Exhale, is that they offer more than one type of class so you get a variety of workouts and don’t get bored. The instructors are all awesome! I always think I have a favorite, but then I change my mind. Also, the playlists for the classes are great.
The barre room seems a bit dated and sometimes gets a bit crowded during popular classes. The locker room is is spacious and clean with great amenities! While I don’t find that a necessity for working out, it is nice to have it as an option.
I highly recommend trying out the Core Fusion classes at Exhale!

I have taken a few Yoga classes here through Class Pass and the thing I most enjoy is the amenities. Through the class you have access to the gorgeous locker rooms with a steam shower, luxurious robes, amazing products, tea etc which is really nice to look forward to after a class. They also provide mats and everything you will need for a class which is nice so you don’t have to lug your gear across town. The vinyasa class is just okay but the chill yoga with Scott is awesome, very calming and a great intro to Yin Yoga, highly recommend!

I first started taking classes at Exhale in Back Bay in 2005, and I was hooked instantly! I knew that this type of workout was exactly what I needed because it really worked out each part of my body especially targeting all of the common trouble areas. After three weeks I was seeing results and feeling amazing. I took Barre on a regular basis and transformed and sculpted my body head to toe.
I was also a runner and suffered from a hip injury and needed to find something to take place of the cardio and that’s when I discovered Core Fusion Sport, Cardio and Bootcamp classes. These classes took my fitness to the next level and I got the leanest I have ever been in my experience of working out. I mixed it up between all of the classes and this kept me in tip top shape for years!
After becoming a veteran at Exhale I recently decided to try something different and I became a member at a gym and got a trainer. I worked out with a trainer 3 times a week and did some workouts on my own 2 to 3 times a week. I did this for three months and could not believe how out of shape I felt and the difference in the appearance of my shape. I realized I made a mistake leaving exhale and decided to become a member again.
It has been about 6 weeks and I’ve been taking classes 4 to 5 times a week and I’m noticeably smaller, all of my clothes are fitting again and not to mention I feel fantastic! I still have a ways to go before I am back to where I want to be, but seeing the results so quickly is giving me the motivation I need to keep going and to keep working hard. This is the best workout! I have tried it all and the classes at Exhale are the only workouts that really made big changes in my body!

I have been going to Exhale through Class Pass for about 3 months now. I tried a Core Fusion Barre class on my first visit, which was a great workout. I then tried a few flow yoga classes and completely fell in love. I go to the Tuesday night class with Larisa and loved it so much I go back every week. She is so kind and helpful. She doesn’t do much demonstration through the class but her ability to instruct through her words only is brilliant. I could close my eyes the entire 90 minutes and know exactly what to do.
My only criticisms are that classes tend to get overfilled (especially the core fusion classes). I would suggest cutting off the enrollment at a lower number. It makes for a more pleasurable experience and less anxiety about running into other people. The studio could use a little updating but I wouldn’t call it run-​down. Also the reviews about the unfriendly receptionists is unfortunately true. They’re usually short and not very friendly, but my enjoyment of the yoga class helps me see past the cranky employees. ;-P
Give it a try, especially yoga!

The quality of the Exhale studio classes are excellent — it goes without saying.
This review is in regards to their FANTASTIC massage service. I have now had two massages with two gentleman masseuses, and although slightly different experiences, they were both amazing.
My first massage was with Anthony — go to him if you want an overall amazing fusion massage with medium-​firm pressure from someone with really manly hands. That sounds weird, but there’s going to be someone who reads this and appreciated that I included that.
My second massage was with Josh — he focused on the areas where I hold the most tension and did exactly what I asked to do: give me a reset. He worked in my upper and lower back and also my IT band area for a massage that hurt just enough to know it was working. It was also amazing.
The amenities are amazing at Exhale. Come in 15 minutes early so you can relax, and put away your stuff. After your massage, relax in the steam room, take a shower, and be on your way. Also, I took the Core Fusion Extreme class before my last massage, and that definitely made me feel like I deserved it so much more. I highly recommend anyone interested in their classes at Exhale does the same.
One side note: During my last visit, I had the nicest guy help me at the front desk — so sweet. However, the time before, I was turned off by the catty, borderline rude woman working the desk who made me feel like I did something wrong for never being there before, and had me wait around while she helped other people.

Ow, ow, ow– that’s what I have to say about Exhale. I’m a member of ClassPass and have taken classes at Boston Body, Life in Synergy, and BTone, and used to be a member of the Pure Barre on Newbury Street. The core fusion classes at Exhale are excellent, and definitely intense. They’re probably consistently the hardest pilates/​barre classes I’ve taken. The instructors are attentive and the class moves quickly and really challenges your core. Like most of the great studios in the Boston area, if it weren’t so expensive to actually be a member here I’d give it five stars.
Sidenote: I love their grippy socks. They back end is a little long so it protects the back of your heels when you wear them with boots.

LOVED every minute of it. I had come once before and remembered liking it but now I want to just come back tomorrow! (JK, I’m in college, so that’s not happening anytime soon)
Emily did my massage and Leila did the facial. Both were very knowledgeable about their work and were ah-​mazing!!!
The facilities are beautiful and I recommend taking a steam and some time for tea before your appointment. Getting to ease into the space is relaxing. And they play really nice music throughout the salon. It was a great morning!

Love, love, love Exhale. The classes are really great with top of the line instructors. The Core Fusion Cardio classes are tough with non-​stop movement from beginning to end. The room is usually warm so get ready to sweat! I’ve seen dramatic improvement in muscle definition in my arms because of these classes!
I’ve recently come to love Barre classes — mostly because of Exhale. I find that the movements here have intention and the instructors do an excellent job of clearly explaining each exercise and applying corrections. These classes fill up, but I’ve found that each instructor makes an attempt to get around to everyone a few times.
I’ve been frequenting Exhale because it’s on ClassPass, but I’m totally convinced that buying a package with the studio would totally be worth it. Classes are expensive but I am loving the results from these classes.

The mani/​pedi were fine but the front desk is just rotten. Staffed with people who don’t have a clue about customer service.
If they or their manager bother to read, here are some tips:
1. Say hello to the customers who walk in the door
2. Smile. These people are the reason you get paid
3. Stop the chit chat and the texting while people (customers) are waiting
4. Do your busy work somewhere else
5. Pay attention. Don’t make customers repeat details three times
6. Say thank you, come again, we’re so glad to have you
7. Understand that this job does not mean you are a rockstar. You aren’t. You likely never will be.
I’d add 8. Be smart. But that’s pushing it.
Tip: blonde gal is much more clues in that the brunettes.

I did the new member special: a week of Core Fusion/​Yoga classes for $ 30.
I have tried the following:
Core Fusion Barre — More work along the bar on this class, with a higher focus on leaning out the legs through tip-​toeing and squatting.
Core Fusion Sport — You use the core ball and stretchy band for most of the exercises. Expect a lot of push-​ups and ball work.
Core Fusion Cardio — There are usually many sets of plank runs and push-​ups.
Core Exhale Yoga — I only took one yoga class while I was here for a week. It wasn’t too intensive, and the room was beautifully set-​up. I think this type of yoga is definitely to stretch and relax your muscles.
All of the Core classes consist of some cardio, leg work against the bar, and the last 10 – 15 minutes of core work (I really want to die during this part). The class is an hour, but you really should take the time after to do more intense stretching on your own. Your muscles will feel REALLY tight.
After your barre class, you should definitely utilize the shower/​steam room in the basement. The shower is stocked, along with blow dryers, q-​tips, lotion, and mouthwash in the bathroom. There are also slippers, bath robes, and fresh towels for you to use. I always went to the steam room before the shower and I always felt really refreshed.

Came back here for a massage and facial. The spa services are solid but the staff is really mean and nasty.
The changing area is fine but most gyms have nicer amenities. The men’s locker room has been designated for women since the women’s locker room is undergoing maintenance, so there are urinals wrapped in garbage bags (fancy!) and only one toilet stall.
The actual massage and facial were solid. I had Emily for massage and Debby for facial. The massage felt very deep tissue and got out all my knots. The facial was relaxing, extraction was great, and the shoulder and hand massage was fantastic.
I really contemplated making regular monthly appointments but the customer service was so awful I’m never coming back here again. I’m really fed up with the staff at Exhale.
1. When I checked in, I was given a different esthetician than I had requested. There was no record of my request even though the receptionist had confirmed with me when I made the appointment. They did fix the issue, but it didn’t get my spa day off to a great start.
2. When I made my appointment, I confirmed that my Gilt voucher would be accepted. Upon checking out, I was told I owed about $ 300. Suddenly, soothing spa receptionist became hostile, then insisted I had already redeemed the voucher earlier this year. I find it really offensive that the receptionist accused me of trying to redeem the same voucher twice, in front other customers.
Before I could purchase the products my esthetician set aside for me, I was sent upstairs to the front desk. The front desk receptionist was really difficult, claimed she couldn’t find the Gilt voucher in my records, and gave me a ton of grief insisting my voucher wasn’t valid even though I had confirmed that it was on my record and that I could use it for its full value when I made the appointment. Any relaxation I felt (and paid $$$ for) was pretty much eliminated and the situation was stressful and embarrassing.
The receptionist finally said she would accept my voucher «just this once.» Well, after atrocious customer service like that, I am never, ever returning to Exhale. This place charges the prices of a high-​end, customer service-​oriented spa, but it treats customers terribly.