Party meets pedaling at the indoor cycling gym’s three area locations. The workouts come with a high-energy soundtrack of everything from Justin Bieber to Skrillex. At the same time, the workouts are low-impact. “We get a lot of people who are runners who can’t run anymore,” says Nafisa Bangura, manager of the franchise’s newest area location, in Richmond Heights. During the 45-minute classes, you get a solid cardio workout without wear and tear on your joints. “And because you cycle to the beat,” says Bangura, “you get a good high-intensity workout as well.”
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Using the celebrity-beloved Lagree Method, PLNK instructors teach high-intensity, low-impact workouts on Megaformer machines in small classes or one-on-one sessions. “It’s all about alignment, but in different postures, but on a machine that adds intensity,” says owner Brooke Meek. “We incorporate flexibility and balance in every workout to work multiple muscles under constant tension. It’s really unlike anything else.” Adding to its original location (1560 S. Lindbergh), the hands-on fitness studio opened a second location in the Central West End (4643 Lindell) last September, and a Chesterfield location’s on the horizon.
Want to take your workout to new heights? Scale the 55-foot-tall wall at this rock-climbing gym to build your endurance, core, and grip strength. “You’re utilizing pretty much every muscle group but in a more fun, sort of programmed way,” says co-owner David Chancellor. Filled with brightly colored walls, climbing trails, classes, and more, Climb So iLL’s first location is in a former power plant near Lafayette Square (1419 Carroll). This summer, it’s expanding to St. Charles, opening in the Steel Shop building (650 N. Main Center), near the riverfront.
The national rowing franchise is opening six locations across the region; the first is coming to South County later this summer. Gym-goers are put on low-impact rowing machines, with water in the background, mirrors in the front, and dimming lights as a coach leads. “You feel kind of like you’re in a rowboat,” says co-franchisee Pam Wilke, who’ll operate three locations. “Everybody’s stroking at the same time, and you’re getting out of it what you’re putting into it. Anyone—across fitness levels—can really get a great workout and feel like they’re part of a team.”
Join St. Louis Magazine on June 29 for our 4th annual Be Well STL Boot Camp, a dynamic family-friendly fitness event for the whole family. Choose from a lineup of classes such as HIIT training, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, PiYo, Zumba, hip-hop fitness, cardio dance, Barre, Orangetheory, water rowing, and more. Classes are created and led by the region’s top fitness instructors, and each participant’s ticket includes lunch and a gift bag. Find more information and purchase tickets online.
