Nutrition Services Cambridge MA Neighbors Can Book in East Cambridge Eating well is hard when your week is already full. Picture a Cambridge resident who commutes to Kendall Square, eats lunch at a desk, and keeps promising a reset on Monday. If that sounds familiar, your search for Nutrition Services Cambridge MA may lead to our door. At Cambridge Athletic Club, a registered dietitian meets with members and non-members at our First Street club in Cambridge. If you typed "nutrition services near me" from a Cambridge address, here is the honest answer. We do not have a Cambridge club. All four of our clubs are in Cambridge, in Kendall Square and East Cambridge. What we can offer our Cambridge neighbors is a registered dietitian, a free first conversation, and a virtual option for the weeks when the commute is the obstacle. Quick Answers About Nutrition Services Near Cambridge Question Direct Answer What do your nutrition services include? Sessions with a registered dietitian, in person or virtual, built around four focus areas: enhanced performance, better sleep and mood, fat loss and maintenance, and increased energy. Do I need a membership? No. Our nutrition services are open to members and non-members. What does the first visit cost? The initial 30-minute nutrition consultation is complimentary. Pricing after that is not listed on our site, so ask when your dietitian follows up. Is insurance accepted? Our nutrition page lists Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, and Cigna. Coverage depends on your plan, so confirm your benefits with your insurer. Where are sessions held? At 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, or virtually. Who Will You Actually Meet at a Nutrition Appointment? Who is the dietitian, and what is her approach? Nicole Bodin, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and certified fitness instructor with a master's degree in nutrition from Boston University. She has taught fitness classes at our club for ten years, including BODYPUMP and RPM, so she knows what a busy training week looks like. Her stated focus is realistic, maintainable lifestyle changes and a positive relationship with food and fitness. You can read her full profile on our meet your dietitian page. What Can You Work On Together? What should I bring to the first consultation? Bring a question, not a perfect food log. Our nutrition page lists four focus areas, and each one starts with a different kind of question. Focus Area (From Our Nutrition Page) A Question to Bring Class Ideas to Try Enhanced Performance What should I eat before and after hard sessions? RPM, GRIT, strength training Better Sleep + Mood What does my eating pattern look like across a full day? Yoga, BODYBALANCE Fat Loss + Maintenance How do I eat in a way I can keep up after the first month? Group classes, InBody testing Increased Energy Where do my afternoons fall apart, and why? Group classes, strength training Our page also mentions help with grocery shopping and kitchen time. Sessions are not medical treatment, and nothing here replaces advice from your own physician. Personal Fitness Coach Cambridge MA: Do You Need One Before a Dietitian? Should I start with food or with training? Either order works. If food is the nagging question, start with the dietitian. If you do not know how to start training, a coach may be the first call. Our personal training page describes programs for beginners, intermediates, advanced and elite athletes, and people returning to training after injury or illness, led by trainers it describes as exercise physiologists and certified professionals. Many people also like a baseline. A Personal Fitness Evaluation includes an InBody scan at no extra charge, and the InBody testing page explains that it measures body fat, lean muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, water retention, and segmental muscle mass. A standalone session is $50. The page lists cautions for people with pacemakers or who are pregnant. Personal Training Gym Cambridge MA: Where Nutrition and Training Share a Floor Does nutrition coaching work better when your gym knows about it? We think the conversation is easier when your dietitian and your trainer work in the same building. Our 215 First Street flagship is a three-floor club in the Athenaeum Building. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, so appointments can fit around a Kendall Square workday. You do not have to join to see our dietitian. If you want the whole setup later, month-to-month membership at First Street is $94 a month with a $99 enrollment fee, according to our Join page at the time of writing. Personal Training Cambridge MA Plus Nutrition: A Four-Week Starting Plan What does a realistic first month look like? Here is one way to sequence it. Adjust the pace to your own schedule, and keep your doctor in the loop if you have a health condition. Week Action Why It Works 1 Request your free 30-minute nutrition consultation and note your top two questions. A short, free first step removes the pressure to commit. 2 Meet your dietitian in person at First Street or virtually from Cambridge. A virtual session saves the commute on a tight day. 3 Book a Personal Fitness Evaluation with an InBody scan. A baseline gives your food and training plans a shared starting point. 4 Try a class, then review what felt sustainable. Habits stick when they match how you actually live. For general background, the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a useful reference to read before your appointment. Fitness Classes Cambridge MA Residents Can Pair With Nutrition Coaching Which classes work alongside a nutrition plan? Classes run through MindBody, with separate schedules for First Street and Technology Square. Class Format Length BODYPUMP Barbell, light to moderate weights, high repetitions Standard, or 45 minutes GRIT Strength, Cardio, Athletic High-intensity interval training 30 minutes YOGA Flow-based, breath-paced movement Not stated BODYBALANCE Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates blend Standard, or 45 minutes Not sure about committing? A $20 day pass works at 215 First Street or 600 Technology Square, and it is applied to your enrollment if you join within a week. Fitness Center Cambridge MA Searches: Which Cambridge Club Fits? Which of your clubs is closest to my routine? If you searched for a fitness center near me from Cambridge, here is where we really are. Our First Street club is described on our site as a quick walk from Lechmere Station and Kendall/MIT. Technology Square sits between Central Square and Kendall/MIT, and CAC Express is at 101 Main St. Check the route from your Cambridge address before you plan your week. Nutrition sessions are listed at First Street. Reach us at (617) 491-8989 or through our locations page. BOOK YOUR FREE NUTRITION CONSULTATION AT CAMBRIDGE ATHLETIC CLUB Your first 30-minute conversation with our registered dietitian is complimentary, in person in East Cambridge or virtual from Cambridge. Request your nutrition consultation at Cambridge Athletic Club Closing Summary Nutrition Services Cambridge MA searchers can book a registered dietitian at Cambridge Athletic Club's First Street club in Cambridge, with no membership required. The first 30-minute consultation is complimentary, sessions can be in person or virtual, and the nutrition page lists Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, and Cigna as accepted insurance. We have no Cambridge location, but classes, personal training, and InBody testing sit alongside the nutrition service. Key Takeaways Cambridge Athletic Club has four clubs, all in Cambridge, and none in Cambridge. The initial 30-minute nutrition consultation is complimentary. Nutrition services are open to members and non-members, in person or virtual. Our dietitian, Nicole Bodin, MS, RD, has taught classes at our club for ten years. Our nutrition page lists Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, and Cigna, so confirm your own coverage. A Personal Fitness Evaluation includes an InBody scan at no extra charge. A $20 day pass lets you try 215 First Street or 600 Technology Square first. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I see the dietitian virtually from Cambridge? Yes. Our nutrition page says sessions can be in person or virtual. A dietitian follows up after you submit the nutrition form. 2. How do I sign up for the free consultation? Fill out the nutrition form on our nutrition page. A dietitian will follow up. You can also email nutrition@cambridgeathletic.com with questions. 3. Will my insurance cover a session? Our site lists Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, and Cigna. Coverage varies by plan and benefit, so call your insurer to confirm before you book. 4. Is the InBody scan required? No. It is optional. It is included free with a Personal Fitness Evaluation, or you can book a standalone session for $50. 5. Is the service only for athletes? No. Our focus areas include sleep, mood, energy, and maintenance as well as performance. Beginners are welcome.

By Josh Vecchio, Certified Personal Trainer at Cambridge Athletic Club B.S. In Biology, Minor in Exercise Science Contact: joshvecchio@cambridgeathletic.com If you only lift or only do cardio, you're leaving some of your health and fitness potential on the table. Maybe you avoid cardio because you think it will “kill your gains.” Maybe you prioritize cardio for fat loss and assume strength training is only worthwhile if you want bigger muscles. Perhaps your preference has nothing to do with physiology. You might enjoy lifting but rarely make time for cardio because it’s “boring.” Or you feel comfortable on the elliptical but aren’t sure where to begin with weights. Whatever your reasoning, strength training and cardio offer unique benefits that complement one another and generally lead to better health and fitness outcomes than either one in isolation. That's why, for most people seeking better health and well-rounded fitness, a combination of the two deserves a place in your week. Let’s unpack what each contributes, whether cardio interferes with lifting, and how to implement both into your routine. Strengths of Strength Training Fat Loss I wanted to start with fat loss because a common belief is that cardio is for losing fat and strength training is for gaining muscle. While cardio does burn calories and is great for overall health, strength training offers a unique fat-loss benefit that cardio can't deliver at the same level: building muscle. Why does that matter for fat loss? Because having more muscle mass increases your basal metabolic rate (the number of calories your body burns at rest), which is a key driver of sustainable fat loss over the long-term. Strength training is also valuable when your goal is to lose fat while maintaining strength and improving your physique, because you probably want to lose the fat while keeping (or building) muscle underneath it. If you’re focused on fat loss, don’t overlook strength training in that equation. Muscle and Strength This is the obvious candidate, which is why I put it after fat loss. With consistent training and gradual progression, your muscles can become stronger and grow larger (3). Those benefits extend beyond how you look. Carrying groceries, lifting a suitcase, and getting up from a low chair all require strength. You don’t need to master every barbell lift to get started. Start with movements you can control, learn how to perform them, and gradually increase the challenge. Bone Density Strength training doesn't just challenge your muscles. It also loads your bones, providing a stimulus that can help maintain, and sometimes improve, bone mineral density in a way that cardio can't replicate (4). That becomes particularly important as you age, when declining bone density can increase your vulnerability to fractures. Weight-bearing cardio activities like running can also benefit bone density, but not to the same extent as strength training with weights, so resistance training is a useful complement (4). Limitations of Strength Training If you're strength training properly, meaning, using the right lifts under the right parameters with enough intensity and effort, two to five strength sessions is all you need. But depending on the number of days you strength train, that leaves several other days in the week where you're not exercising at all. That's where cardio comes in. Cardio can fill in the gaps on the the days you don’t lift, or alongside your strength sessions, keeping you burning calories through exercise consistently throughout the week. You'll also derive the unique health benefits cardio offers that conventional lifting doesn't (more on those in a moment). Another perceived “limitation” of strength training is that it is much easier to do wrong than cardio. Hopping on an elliptical and pedalling away is pretty hard to mess up. A deadlift on the other hand can mess you up, if you mess it up. But not knowing how to strength train is a poor reason to avoid it. That would be like avoiding driving because you’ve never learned how to drive. Once you learn, you have another way to get to your destination. Thankfully, there is a “driver’s ed” equivalent for strength training. It’s called personal training. And I offer it right here at CAC. So if you want to derive the health and aesthetic benefits of strength training but you don't know where to start, shoot me an email (joshvecchio@cambridgeathletic.com) and I'll show you how to implement strength training into your routine. Strengths of Cardiovascular Training Before moving forward, we need to define our terms. Cardio includes activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and running, and these can be performed at different intensities that correspond with different heart rate zones. For this article, the focus is aerobic cardio: activity that relies substantially on oxygen-dependent energy production at a moderate effort over a sustained period of time (usually 15-60 minutes). A practical way to define "moderate" intensity is the “talk test”: you should be able talk out loud without gasping, but still be breathing hard. During high intensity activity, you generally cannot say more than a few words without pausing for breath (6). While lifting can benefit cardiovascular health, getting your heart rate up during a hard set isn’t the same as training your ability to sustain activity. Cardio develops aerobic fitness (your body’s ability to deliver and use oxygen) more directly than conventional strength training (5). That matters whether you’re running, cycling, playing a sport, climbing stairs, hiking, or keeping up with your kids! Regular aerobic activity also supports heart health and can help lower blood pressure. Its contribution to energy expenditure can support weight loss too (3). Does Cardio Blunt Strength Training Results? All too often, gymgoers looking to maximize muscle growth avoid cardio because they fear it will “kill their gains”(gymbro speak for undermining muscle growth). To the contrary, research consistently shows that cardiovascular training does not disrupt muscle growth or strength development, provided that cardio is additive and doesn't replace strength training volume (meaning, you're not reducing the number of lifting sessions you perform per week to make room for cardio). A 2022 review of 43 studies found that adding aerobic exercise to a matched strength-training program did not significantly reduce whole-muscle growth or maximal-strength gains. None of the variables below influenced the results: Type of aerobic training (cycling vs. running). When aerobic training was performed (before or after strength training). Frequency of aerobic training (> 5 vs. < 5 weekly sessions). Training status (untrained vs. active). Mean age (< 40 vs. > 40 years). The review did find a small negative effect on explosive-strength development, particularly when both types of exercise occurred in the same session (7). Explosive strength is your ability to produce force quickly. It matters for activities like vertical jumps, short sprints, and power cleans. The translation is that unless you're training to maximize how high you can jump, fast you can sprint, or how much you can olympic lift, cardio isn't going to interfere with the strength training adaptations most people care about: muscle growth and overall strength. That said, if explosive performance is a high priority, consider separating demanding cardio and strength work rather than performing both in the same session (7). What I’ve Noticed Training Others and Myself In all my experience as a certified personal trainer, I've found that clients who also do some form of cardio outside of strength training (whether they be runners, cyclists, combat sport athletes, squash players, etc) display much better strength training performance than those who don't They don't need to rest as long between sets. They can perform more reps. They can make it through an entire session without getting totally exhausted. They recover better between sessions. And importantly, they are better at staying focused (which is one of the most overlooked aspects of training), probably because cardio requires a sustained focused effort. My observation maps onto my own anecdotal training experience as well. When I stay consistent with cardio, I don't get out of breath as easily, and I recover my breath faster. The “burn” takes longer to show up and subsides faster. I can do supersets (alternating between two exercises) with less rest in between, making my strength training sessions more efficient. I also notice that I'm less mentally “shocked” by the intensity of strength training — I can maintain my composure better in the midst of a hard set. As an aside, if aesthetics are a high priority for you, cardio will absolutely enhance your vascularity (how much your veins show). My observations illustrate a practical benefit: aerobic fitness can make the experience of strength training feel more manageable. Why Both Matter for Long-Term Health The benefits of combining lifting and cardio extend beyond how you look or perform in the gym. Longevity research reinforces combining both strength and cardio. In a study following more than 416,000 adults, adding muscle-strengthening exercise to aerobic activity was associated with a lower risk of premature death than aerobic activity alone. Research also shows that regular exercise of any kind reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers (3). Together, strength and cardio training support your ability to stay active and capable for life, while helping to protect you against the chronic diseases that are the leading causes of death in our society. The practical takeaway: train both your strength and your endurance. Each contributes unique mechanisms that support a broader foundation for long-term health. How to Combine Cardio and Strength Training For general health, current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination. They also recommend strengthening all major muscle groups on at least two days (10). If you’re currently doing much less, build toward those amounts gradually. Some activity is better than none. Here’s one example: Monday: 45–60 minutes of full-body strength training. Tuesday: 30–60 minutes of moderate cycling. Thursday: 45–60 minutes of full-body strength training. Saturday: 30–60 minutes of moderate swimming, cycling, or another activity you enjoy. Throughout the week: Six 15-minute brisk walks. That provides 150–210 minutes of aerobic activity, assuming the cardio and walks meet moderate intensity, alongside two strength sessions. If you already enjoy training six days per week and recover well, here are a few ways to divide those days: Muscle gain: Four days of lifting and two days of cardio. Balanced: Three days of lifting and three days of cardio. Endurance: Two days of lifting and four days of cardio. You can also lift and do cardio in the same session. For example, you could do 30 minutes of strength training followed by 30 minutes of cardio several days per week. Adjust the duration to your goals, workload, schedule, and recovery. My practical recommendation is to perform the activity you most want to improve first. If strength is your priority, lift before demanding cardio so fatigue is less likely to compromise your performance. There isn’t one perfect split for everyone. Choose one that you enjoy, supports your goals, fits your schedule, and allows you to recover adequately. If you’ve been avoiding either lifting or cardio, start by adding one manageable piece of the missing activity this week. And if you want help putting the pieces together, shoot me an email and we can set up a complimentary Personal Fitness Evaluation for you at CAC. We’ll discuss your goals and training history and identify practical next steps for building a routine that works for you. By Josh Vecchio, Certified Personal Trainer at Cambridge Athletic Club B.S. In Biology, Minor in Exercise Science Contact: joshvecchio@cambridgeathletic.com References 1. Lopez, P., Taaffe, D. R., Galvão, D. A., Newton, R. U., Nonemacher, E. R., Wendt, V. M., Bassanesi, R. N., Turella, D. J. P., & Rech, A. (2022). Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 23(5), e13428. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13428 2. MacKenzie-Shalders, K., Kelly, J. T., So, D., Coffey, V. G., & Byrne, N. M. (2020). The effect of exercise interventions on resting metabolic rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(14), 1635–1649. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1754716 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December 4). Benefits of physical activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html 4. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023, May). Exercise for your bone health. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/exercise-your-bone-health 5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical activity guidelines for Americans (2nd ed.). https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December 4). How to measure physical activity intensity. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/measuring/index.html 7. Schumann, M., Feuerbacher, J. F., Sünkeler, M., Freitag, N., Rønnestad, B. R., Doma, K., & Lundberg, T. R. (2022). Compatibility of concurrent aerobic and strength training for skeletal muscle size and function: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(3), 601–612. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01587-7 8. Lundberg, T. R., Feuerbacher, J. F., Sünkeler, M., & Schumann, M. (2022). The effects of concurrent aerobic and strength training on muscle fiber hypertrophy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(10), 2391–2403. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01688-x 9. Coleman, C. J., McDonough, D. J., Pope, Z. C., & Pope, C. A. (2022). Dose-response association of aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity with mortality: A national cohort study of 416 420 US adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-105519 10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, December 20). Adult activity: An overview. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html

The Most Researched Performance Enhancer You're Not Taking As a professional in the exercise science field, I've seen countless supplements come and go, but creatine stands out as the most scientifically validated   performance and health enhancer  available. Despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits, myths and misconceptions still prevent many people from leveraging this powerful (and natural) compound. Creatine was first identified in 1832 by a French scientist, but it didn’t become popular as a sports supplement until the 1990s—thanks to Olympic athletes using it to boost performance! In reviewing the research and working with clients, it’s clear that creatine isn't just for bodybuilders - it's a game-changer for anyone seeking improved physical and cognitive performance. In this guide, I'll break down the science behind creatine, dispel common myths , and explain why it might be the most important supplement you're not taking. What Exactly is Creatine?   Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps quickly regenerate ATP, the primary energy source for muscle contractions, improving strength, power, and high-intensity exercise performance. It also supports brain energy metabolism, enhancing memory, cognitive function, and mental fatigue resistance. Your body already produces creatine, and you can also get very small amounts of it from foods like meat, fish, and eggs. Physical Performance Benefits Increases muscle strength and power Enhances muscle growth Improves high-intensity exercise performance Accelerates muscle recovery Helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss Cognitive Benefits Improves brain function and memory Potentially reduces neurological disease risk Supports mental clarity and processing speed May help manage depression and brain-related disorders Understanding Water Retention   When you start taking creatine, you might notice a slight gain in weight. This is due to increased water retention in your muscles - not fat gain. This extra intramuscular water aids muscle performance and is a positive component of creatine. Dosage and Safety Recommended daily intake: 3-5 grams ~ 1 flattened tbsp Safest and most studied form: Creatine Monohydrate No significant side effects in healthy individuals Safe for long-term, continuous use Numerous studies have confirmed creatine's safety, even at high doses and over extended periods. Contrary to outdated myths, creatine does not damage kidneys in healthy individuals. Who Should Take Creatine? Athletes and fitness enthusiasts Individuals seeking cognitive enhancement People looking to preserve muscle mass Adults of all ages interested in performance optimization The bottom line: Creatine is safe, effective, and incredibly well-researched. It offers benefits far beyond just muscle building. Stay tuned for my next edition on creatine, where I will take a deeper dive into the cognitive benefits  as well as its specific benefits to Females References: Kreider, R. B., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 18. Avgerinos, K. D., et al. (2018). Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review. Experimental Gerontology, 108, 166-173. Chilibeck, P. D., et al. (2017). Effect of creatine supplementation during resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscular strength in older adults: a meta-analysis. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 8, 213-226. Candow, D. G., et al. (2015). Low-dose creatine combined with protein during resistance training in older men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47(9), 1987-1995. Smith-Ryan, A. E., et al. (2021). Creatine Supplementation in Women's Health: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(3), 877. By Darwin Anderson (CSCS, CNC, CF-L1, PhD Student)

Join Cambridge Athletic Club in Somerville, MA for a gym membership that fits your lifestyle. Enjoy top-notch facilities and a supportive community! Home: Welcome Ready to get started? Join CAC Today LUXURY FITNESS CLUBS IN CAMBRIDGE With four gyms conveniently situated across Kendall Square and East Cambridge, you'll have access to exceptional amenities, state-of-the-art studios, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Tour The Clubs GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES Ignite your passion for fitness as you immerse yourself in a curated selection of group classes led by inspiring instructors. From heart-pumping cardio sessions to mind-body connection practices, each class is designed to elevate your fitness journey and unlock your full potential. View Class Schedule TRAIN WITH US, TRANSFORM YOURSELF From comprehensive assessments to customized exercise routines, our personal training sessions provide the guidance, motivation, and accountability you need to reach new heights in your fitness journey. Discover Personal Training Fitness Center in Cambridge MA: Designed for Community and Performance At Cambridge Athletic Club, we create a space where every workout feels comfortable, motivating, and supported by a welcoming community. Our fitness center in Cambridge, MA, is conveniently located just around the corner and offers well-equipped spaces suited for all experience levels. Whether you’re getting started or continuing your routine, our welcoming atmosphere helps make fitness a lasting part of your life. Flexible Gym Membership Options Near You Our gym membership plans include access for students, seniors, frontline workers, and affiliated professionals. Tailored for busy lives, they offer the structure and flexibility gym members need to maintain consistent, purposeful training routines. From early morning workouts to weekend sessions, members enjoy clean, modern spaces and a strong sense of community. Each location also provides helpful staff to assist with questions, equipment use, or guidance during your fitness journey. If you're looking for a gym near Somerville, MA, you can easily access our four locations in Cambridge. Group Fitness Classes That Keep You Moving Our rotating schedule of fitness classes gives every member something to look forward to. Led by professional instructors, these sessions focus on strength, cardio, and endurance in an engaging group setting. Gym members often find renewed drive and connection through these classes. Each class is designed to support a consistent routine, helping members stay accountable while enjoying variety. Explore our schedule and see how a local fitness center near Somerville, MA, can help you stay consistent, committed, and strong. New members are always welcome—stop by or contact us to get started today. Keep Training. Recover Smarter. Personalized rehab and performance coaching for active individuals who want to stay moving, navigate pain, and reach their goals. Learn More Check Out Our Latest Blog Posts Nutrition Services Cambridge MA: Meet the Registered Dietitian at Cambridge Athletic Club Lifting vs. Cardio: Do You Need One, the Other, or Both? Beyond the Gym: Creatine’s Lesser-Known Benefits for Cognitive and Women’s Health TRUSTED BY

CAC's Youth Basketball program helps young athletes develop their basic fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Youth Basketball Programs In our Youth Basketball Program, kids will develop basic basketball knowledge and techniques through drills that will allow them to practice their dribbling, shooting, and passing. While the kids are developing their handles, we will also be working on their communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills in order to be stronger teammates. Our youth instructors will provide an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for kids to learn and have fun. The Fall League Starts September 15th, 2026 at the Cambridge Athletic Club 215 First Street location. We can’t wait to see you and your athlete this season! Enroll in Winter 2026 League Need help? View the Youth Basketball Enrollment Tutorial . Questions? Email Josh Oliver. Beginner Basketball 5-6 Year Olds, Co-Ed Beginner Basketball (Saturdays) Saturdays from 11:00am - 11:45am Dates: Starts December 5th - January 23rd Skipping Dates: December 26th, January 2nd In our Beginner Basketball program, we will provide each of our athletes with fun skills and drills as we introduce the main concepts used on a basketball court. We will go over how to properly shoot the ball and how to dribble the ball. We will teach them what defense is and how to properly play it. The main focus of this isn't to be competitive, it is to provide them an understanding of basic fundamentals needed on the basketball court. Junior All Stars Basketball 7-8 Year Olds, Co-Ed Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm Dates: Starts December 2nd - January 20th Skipping Dates: December 23rd, December 30th In our Junior All Stars Class we will work closely with the fundamentals of basketball. Teaching our athletes through more in depth drills and activities, ball control, jump shot techniques, different types of passes to each other. As well as putting them in a team simulation working together to accomplish a certain goal before time runs out. But still, keeping a heavy focus on creating a fun atmosphere where kids continue to be excited each week! Senior All Stars Basketball 9-11 Year Olds, Co-Ed Fridays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dates : Starts December 4th - January 22nd Skipping Dates: December 25th, January 1st In our Senior All Stars Class we will work closely with the fundamentals of basketball. Teaching our athletes through more in depth drills and activities, ball control, jump shot techniques, different types of passes to each other. As well as putting them in a team simulation working together to accomplish a certain goal before time runs out. But still, keeping a heavy focus on creating a fun atmosphere where kids continue to be excited each week!

Explore expert personal trainers in Cambridge. Receive personalized guidance for fitness goals with our dedicated team. Start your journey to a healthier you! Personal Training Staff Mail Jared Jalbert Fitness Director & Kendall Square CrossFit Head Coach Jared has been coaching athletes since high school, cultivating a passion for working with people to help them better themselves. Whether that means improving their athletic performance or even just brightening their day, he utilizes his expansive knowledge base to encourage healthier living. Jared holds a Bachelor's in Exercise Science from Springfield College, in addition to several accreditations including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS), USA Weightlifting (USAW), and CrossFit-Level 2. Jared's mission, both as a professional and a person, is to extend his outreach to as many people as possible; his philosophy emphasizes self-awareness and self-accountability in order to promote a healthier, more holistic lifestyle. Learn More Mail Louis Aleen Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor Say Hello to Louis Aleen He's from Atlanta, GA, and is an ACE-certified trainer who has been personal training & instructing fitness classes/training sessions for 8 years! Louis has an athletic background in football, basketball, and boxing and approaches personal training with an emphasis on functional workouts. He looks at more than just muscle strength, focusing on agility, mobility, "muscle health," and balance to get practical, efficient & injury-free results. Louis wants to be a valuable and reliable source regarding health/fitness. He offers versatile training options ranging from recovery programs, boxing conditioning, and strength training programs. He works with individuals of ALL fitness and health backgrounds. Reach out today and SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION. Learn More Mail Vicky Baican Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist Vicky obtained her masters degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Babes-Bolyai in Romania where she is from. Since moving to America she has studied at the International Sports Sciences Association where she obtained her certifications as a Personal Trainer. She is continuing to obtain certifications as well, her next one being in Nutrition. When training clients, Vicky focuses on form and helping clients achieve their goals and fitness dreams. She also believes fitness is life and teaches her clients how to stay toned and how to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Vicky's own focus is on strengthening and glute workouts and she strives to teach her clients movements for injury prevention as well as sports performance and strength. Vicky has played sports her whole life and has always maintained a healthy, fit lifestyle. She played volleyball, soccer, table tennis and gymnastics. In her free time, she likes to read, listen to stoicism, watch movies and documentaries as well as take walks and hang out with friends. Her favorite hobby though is helping people in need by preparing boxes of clothes to send to orphanages in her home country Romania or the Salvation Army. Learn More Mail Stavy Papadopoulo Personal Trainer & Crossfit Coach CPT, CES Stavroula received her education in her home country of Greece. There she received the Diploma of Professional Specialty, Education and Physiologist Training. She also received her certification for AAPT (American Academy of Personal Training.) In addition, before and after her graduation, she worked at the AAPT school and did individual personal training. Stavroula tries to motivate and coach people to improve their physical fitness through training techniques and skills. She assesses form, technique, and physical ability and then develops a program that best targets a client's needs and makes adjustments to the program to meet the client's goals. She teaches her clients how to remain safe and free of injury by following good form and safe practices. Stavroula also suggests ways to further improve and maintain good health by educating clients on nutrition, lifestyle, and weight control. She specializes in corrective exercise which means helping to keep clients injury-free. Additionally, she likes to monitor her client's progress so they can see the progress they've made. Demonstrating exercises and routines to her clients is also important to her as well as motivating and encouraging them. Favorite free time activities of her's include: meditating, traveling, reading and listening to podcasts. Stavroula believes that it's important to travel to different places that make you happy, and make memories that will last long. Learn More Mail Chiara Rego Personal Trainer MA, CF-OL1 Chiara holds her Master's degree in Applied Exercise Physiology from Columbia University- Teachers College as well as a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience from Villanova University. She has close to 10 years of coaching experience including gymnastics, group fitness, CrossFit, and personal training. Chiara’s love for fitness started at a young age with gymnastics; following that she began CrossFit as well as Judo (in which she holds a green belt). Chiara is passionate about educating her clients so they understand the preventative, rehabilitative, and functional importance of exercise. Due to her educational background and her own experiences as an athlete, Chiara focuses on ensuring her clients' programs are best tailored using evidence-based practice to their goals whether that be for weight management, injury prevention, sport-specific training, improved functionality, or more! When she is not at the gym, Chiara can be found reading, attending concerts, or tackling her newest endeavor, rock climbing! Learn More Mail Meaghan Shea Personal Trainer & Crossfit Coach Meaghan holds a Master's degree in Applied Exercise Physiology from Columbia University-Teachers College as well as several certifications, including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS), Medical Exercise Specialist (AAHFRP-MES), Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT), Pre/Post Natal Trainer and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1). She discovered her love for fitness while playing collegiate softball and fell into the industry shortly after graduating. She was a practicing fitness professional in New York City for 13 years before recently moving to Cambridge and joining the team at CAC. While in New York, Meaghan grew to be the Director of Education at a school for aspiring fitness professionals as well as for a staff of 20+ trainers, overseeing curriculum and instructing on the science and application of exercise science to professional personal training. She has also had roles in fitness media, previously serving as a Fitness Editor and contributing writer for several fitness magazines. It was through these many different roles that she came to appreciate the underlying importance of education and communication to helping people achieve their goals – whatever they may be – and she continues striving to emphasize these attributes to each of her clients. After over a decade in NYC, Meaghan is excited to continue her fitness career in her home state. She hopes to also find a local softball league and continue playing the sport that originally sparked her love of fitness. Learn More Mail Josh Vecchio Personal Trainer If you’re unsure how to train or how to stay consistent, Josh brings clarity, structure, and accountability to help you reach your goals. His philosophy centers on sustainability: making fitness a lasting part of your life. Josh takes a holistic view, considering training, nutrition, sleep, mindset, and work–life balance. A dual major in Biology & Exercise Science, he authored an award-winning thesis on male reproductive health, making him a strong resource for busy men concerned about low testosterone. A four-year starter for Endicott football, he led by example on three championship teams and applies the same standards to his coaching. After earning his MBA, Josh completed his NASM Personal Training Certification, turning scientific knowledge into practical, results-driven programs. He stays competitive through Jiu-Jitsu and Spartan Races, informing his hybrid approach: athletic development for function, plus bodybuilding principles for muscle and fat loss, so you both perform and look your best. Learn More