Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

If you’re looking to revitalize your body and mind, there’s no better place than Boston. This city is not only known for its rich history and vibrant culture but also for its commitment to health and wellness. Whether you’re a local or planning to travel to Boston, there are countless fun Boston activities that support a healthy lifestyle. From outdoor exercise to mindful relaxation, here’s how to spend a rejuvenating day immersed in the best of what the city has to offer.

Exercise at a Local Park or Health Club in Boston

The city’s abundant parks offer scenic settings for outdoor workouts.

  • Boston Common: Features walking paths, open fields perfect for yoga or bodyweight exercises, and the Frog Pond for seasonal skating.
  • The Esplanade along the Charles River: Provides a 3-mile stretch ideal for running, biking, or joining free summer fitness classes.

For those preferring indoor options, Boston’s fitness scene thrives with options like:

  • Equinox Seaport: Featuring harbor views and state-of-the-art equipment.
  • YMCA branches: Scattered throughout neighborhoods from Back Bay to Dorchester, offering budget-friendly options.
  • The Boston Sports Clubs: Offering multiple locations for convenient workouts.

Many local community centers also provide affordable fitness options, with standouts including:

  • The Kroc Center in Dorchester: Offering swimming pools, basketball courts, and specialized group fitness classes.
  • The Wang YMCA in Chinatown: Providing a similar range of fitness amenities.

Pick a Recipe and Buy Ingredients from a Natural Food Store

After working up an appetite with exercise, why not prepare a healthy meal using ingredients from Boston’s impressive array of natural food stores? Before shopping, fuel up at one of the best breakfast spots in Boston – perhaps:

  • The Friendly Toast in Back Bay: Known for their organic and locally sourced ingredients.
  • The Paramount in Beacon Hill: Serving health-conscious options alongside classic fare.

For grocery shopping, consider:

  • Whole Foods: With several locations throughout Boston.
  • Boston Public Market near Faneuil Hall: Featuring exclusively New England vendors offering farm-fresh produce to locally caught seafood.
  • City Feed and Supply in Jamaica Plain: Providing organic and locally sourced ingredients with a community-focused atmosphere.

The Boston area is also home to numerous community gardens, such as the Fenway Victory Gardens, where locals grow their own produce, offering inspiration for healthy, sustainable eating.

Try IV Therapy for Optimal Health and Wellness

If you’re looking for a cutting-edge wellness boost, IV therapy is gaining popularity in Boston for its ability to deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Many wellness centers around Boston offer personalized IV drips for everything from immune support to recovery and hydration.

Relieve Stress with Yoga or Massage Activities

Boston’s wellness scene includes numerous opportunities to unwind through yoga and massage.

  • North End Yoga: Offers classes with views of the historic neighborhood.
  • Down Under School of Yoga in Newton: Provides instruction from world-renowned teachers.
  • Many parks host free Boston activities like complimentary summer yoga sessions, including classes on the Esplanade and in various Boston community centers.

Massage options range from:

  • Luxury experiences at the Mandarin Oriental Spa.
  • More affordable sessions at the Cortiva Institute, where massage therapy students offer discounted treatments.
  • Mobile massage services that can meet you after exploring things to do in Boston today.

Improve Mental Wellness by Catching a Show or Art Exhibit

Art is therapy, too. Mental wellness deserves equal attention, and Boston’s rich cultural landscape provides ample opportunities for cognitive stimulation and emotional rejuvenation.

  • The Museum of Fine Arts: Offers “Mindful Mornings,” combining meditation with art appreciation.
  • The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Offers a lush courtyard providing a tranquil setting for contemplation.

For evening entertainment, consider:

  • Catching a show at the historic Wang Theatre.
  • Experiencing the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s healing harmonies.
  • Smaller venues like Club Passim in Harvard Square offer intimate performances that foster community connection.

If you only have one day to explore what to do in Boston, consider a walking tour combining the Freedom Trail with stops at wellness destinations.

It’s Never Been Easier to Improve Your Health and Wellness in Boston

From the annual inspiration of the Boston Marathon to everyday access to world-class facilities, Boston truly is a healthy city offering wellness options for every preference and budget. The city’s walkable design encourages physical activity, while its diverse neighborhoods provide unique health-focused experiences, whether you’re in Beacon Hill, Jamaica Plain, or the Seaport District. The Boston neighborhood guide to wellness highlights the city’s emphasis on community health initiatives, from farmers’ markets to public health campaigns. Whether visiting for a day or planning an extended stay, Boston’s health and wellness scene offers refreshing activities that will leave you feeling nourished, energized, and inspired.

 

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City
Boston Activities for Health and Wellness: Your Guide to a Rejuvenating Day in the City

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted