Women sick of being ogled by meatheads at the gym and tired of equipment sized and oriented for men's bodies -- these are the customers who have made Healthworks a smash hit. With outposts in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Salem, and Chestnut Hill, these women-only fitness centers offer more than 400 group-exercise classes weekly. Welcoming to gym neophytes and fitness freaks alike, Healthworks also tempts customers with day-spa services and master classes in specialty areas such as Gyrokenesis, which combines yoga, Pilates, tai chi, dance, and swimming. (You can't get more specialized than that!)

Never fear, men: you too have excellent options, as long as you don't mind sharing. Boston Sports Clubs has 19 locations in Boston and Cambridge, as well as west and north of the city. Not only do they offer options for both genders, but they factor in all ages, too, with kids' sports programs and even babysitting. While the kids are busy, the grown-ups make their own fun, with options in cardio training, flexibility, martial arts, cycling, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, and -- yikes! -- "boot camp" (an aggressive military-style circuit workout).

Healthworks, various locations, www.healthworksfitness.com; Boston Sports Clubs, various locations, www.bostonsportsclub.com.