Skip the treadmill and explore some of the fun and unique workouts the Lou has to offer. From aerial acrobatics to rooftop yoga, there’s something for everyone. Spice things up with some of our favorite gym alternatives to make 2017 your most fit year yet.
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New Year’s Resolution: I’m in shape, but I need a break from the workout machines and weights. I need something where I can let off some steam!
Solution: Zumba
Where: Consuming Kinetics Dance Company
Dance is a great way to get in shape and shake off tension. Zumba builds stamina and improves coordination while tricking you into thinking you’re exercising, when you’re really having a blast groovin’ to some John Legend. At Consuming Kinetics Dance Company, you can choose from a variety of upbeat classes that combine all elements of fitness. It’s more than intense cardio. Dance improves balance and flexibility while toning muscles throughout the body.
460 Whittier, 314-546-1477, ckdc.org. Drop in for $12 or sign up for a class card.
via Yoga Six
Yoga Six now has two locations in St. Louis: Forest Park Highlands and Des Peres.
New Year’s Resolution: I will work to find balance in my life-mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Solution: Diversified Yoga
Where: Yoga Six
Strengthen, condition, and align body and mind with the ancient, invigorating, and empowering practice of yoga. Whether you’re a novice at namaste or the next Rodney Yee, Yoga Six offers challenging and rewarding classes for all levels focusing on specific body benefits within each of their different disciplines: Deep Stretch, Flow, Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and Boot Camp. Leave the mat feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the new year.
Multiple locations, 314 802-7447, yogasix.com. New students get one free week of classes.
See also: 5 yoga poses for the holidays with Yoga Six's Ana Llewellyn
Photograph courtesy of TITLE Boxing Club
New Year’s Resolution: This year, I will be in the best shape of my life. I want to build my endurance and push myself...but have fun while doing it.
Solution: Kickboxing/Martial Arts
Where: The Boxing Gym
Burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes when you work out at The Boxing Gym. Switch it up with a variety of fun fitness classes in Cardio Boxing and Kickboxing, Boxing Blitz, and Fit Camp. In addition to group cardio, The Boxing Gym offers personal training and online classes; it’s also home to The Seven Corner Road (Fight Team). Get your gloves on with a workout that will keep you healthy, active, and totally BA.
4166 Olive, 314- 534-9200, theboxinggym-stl.com. $15 for a single class or sign up for a membership. $20 7-day trial.
Heidi Dean
"I find I’m very good at flipping upside down. I’m surprisingly comfortable hanging there, maybe because I feel as joyful as when I did handstands as a kid."
New Year’s Resolution: This year, I will do one thing that scares me everyday.
Solution: Aerial Acro
Where: Bumbershoot Aerial Arts
When it comes to getting in shape, the sky’s the limit at Bumbershoot Aerial Arts. Intimidating as it may sound, getting yourself upside down and in the air might just be the workout you’ve been searching for. Aerial work is an unexpectedly fun and daring way to build upper-body strength, improve flexibility, and develop gymnast-like grace. Instead of viewing your daily workout as a constant effort, think of it as getting back in touch with your playful side. Ditch the blood, sweat, and tears and trapeze yourself towards total transformation.
2200 Gravois, 314 669-5754, thebombershoot.com. Free trial class offered every Saturday from 4:00pm-5:00pm.
See also: We Tried It: Silks Class at Bumbershoot Aerial Arts
New Year’s Resolution: 2016 was all about the derriere. Time to tone!
Solution: Barre Class
Where: Barre3
Tone muscles like ballet dancers and pilates instructors do with a workout designed to lengthen and lean. Working at the barre is a popular and relatively new science-backed workout that pumps up the heart rate and delivers fast results. Barre class emphasizes the importance of both mind and body transformation. At the barre, you will feel more energized, powerful, and aware of your body and its strengths through isometric strength training. Intended for those who want to de-stress and feel good about themselves, barre work is great for bringing balance to a hectic life schedule. Feel the burn and melt the stress away at Barre3 with classes for every level.
Multiple Locations. 314-909-4769, barre3.com. 3 classes for $40 for new clients.
New Year’s Resolution: I need to get outside more. Time to get in touch with nature.
Solution: Nature Bike Rides & Rooftop Flow
Where: Castlewood State Park & Urban Harvest STL
What’s great about biking? Well, for starters, it’s free. It’s also the perfect exercise to clear the mind and appreciate the quiet beauty of the great outdoors. Biking at Castlewood is the zen way to get moving across eight trails full of uninterrupted nature. If you’re looking for a little more structure, we recommend signing up for Farm Flow Yoga at Urban Harvest in downtown St. Louis. Located atop St. Louis’ first rooftop garden, Farm Flow is a fun and beautiful way to see the skyline through some much needed savasana. Reserve your spot online.
1401 Kiefer Creek,. 636-227-4433, mostateparks.com/park/castlewood-state-park. Free.
1335 Convention Plaza. 314- 810-6770, urbanharveststl.org. $15 per class. Classes start May 4. Buy tickets online.
See also: Gear Up: A beginner's guide to St. Louis mountain biking
