With the start of the new year comes many people’s goals to become more fit. If you live in or near Midtown, I’ve listed some of my top picks of the best gyms and fitness classes in Midtown Atlanta. The good thing is that just in Midtown alone, you will find that there are several fitness options to choose from! I will admit — I am a bit of an exercising junkie. I love to do long-distance running, teach spin classes, and also hit the gym to do weights or take group fitness classes. So if you are debating on where to start getting into better shape, see below for some details about different exercising options in or around Midtown (surely there is an option for you!):
Atlanta Midtown Group Fitness Classes: Like working out with a group and having an instructor push you? If so, group fitness classes might be right for you. Here are some of my favorite group fitness classes in Midtown Atlanta.
MODO Fitness – Meets at Piedmont Park at Park Tavern (502 10th St NE). Todd Hancock is the instructor and he is such an inspiration. He has made it his full-time job to help others get in fantastic shape. I’ve done his classes before and it’s a great way to be outside while getting in shape. Think of this class as a boot camp style setting but without a mean guy yelling at you. But don’t worry, Todd will be pushing you and motivating you every step of the way. Todd does a fantastic job of mixing up the workouts on a daily basis. Get ready to run around Piedmont Park, bear crawl in the grass, perform numerous squats and lunges, sprint up a hill, and he will also bring his own goodie bag of fitness equipment to help get your muscles in tip top shape. If working out isn’t enough, you’ll also receive instructions on nutrition and tasty, healthy menu ideas. Even if you are dealing with an injury, he can help modify the exercises to your current needs. All fitness abilities are welcome.
Orange Theory – Located at 933 Peachtree St NE. If you are into high intensity workouts but don’t want to be outside, another option is Orange Theory. It’s also a class setting that emphasizes high intensity workouts. You’ll be rotating between stationary rowing, running, and doing weight training. Technology also plays a big role in this workout routine. You are able to monitor your heart rate so that you know when you are working in the “orange” heart-rate zone. The pricing for membership or even a single class is on the higher end (think $140-$170 range), but if you are motivated and enjoy a structured workout, this could be a good fit for you. Also, it should be noted that you need to sign up for a class in advance and if you would fail to attend the class, you may be charged $11 for not showing up.
Flywheel – Located at 1180 West Peachtree St NW. If you like to cycle indoors on a stationary bike along with some energetic music and high-energy instructors, then take a stab at Flywheel. The price for a single cycling class is $25, but you can buy packages to make the price/ride slightly cheaper. FYI…you can usually try a class out for free before committing to purchase anything.
Atlanta Midtown Running Clubs: If you enjoy running, check out a couple of different running groups in Midtown Atlanta. The best part is, they are free! All you need is a good pair of running shoes and you’re good to go.
Big Peach Running Company Midtown – Located at 800 Peachtree St NE. I personally love running with this fantastic group of people that meet up here each week. The employees of this store are always friendly and are enthusiastic about running. Every week, they have planned short group runs on Thursday (3-5 miles in the early evening) and a longer distance run (3-10+ miles on Saturday morning) and during the spring/summer months, they hold speed workouts early in the morning (6-7AM). They also hold special events on occasion, anything from special yoga sessions, to anniversary parties, and weekend trail running adventures. You can like their Facebook page and sign up to be on their email distribution list to always be in the know of what is happening each week. All paces are welcome. (View full running schedule here)
Phidippides – Located at 1544 Piedmont Ave NE (Ansley Mall). Another running store that hosts group runs is Phidippides at Ansley Park. You can sign up to be on their email distribution list to receive current news of different training plans they host throughout the year. Some of their weekly runs include a womens-only run that meets every Tuesday evening and a general group run every Thursday evening. All paces are welcome. You can stay on top of the events by liking their facebook page.
Atlanta Midtown Gyms: Sometimes it’s just great to belong to a gym to have a bit of everything. Most Altanta gyms host a variety of fitness classes (strength training, yoga, spin, etc) or if you like to do your own thing on cardio equipment or lift weights, a gym is a great option. Don’t forget that most gyms will give you a free trial for a week before you commit to any membership.
Urban Body Fitness – Located at 500 Amsterdam Ave NE. I personally go here and have enjoyed it. You can’t beat the location (just behind Piedmont Park off of Amsterdam). There is everything from group fitness classes to cardio equipment and weights. Want your own personal trainer? There are several qualified trainers to choose from. If you take a tour of the gym within this next year of 2015, just keep in mind that the owner is planning on replacing all the cardio equipment and spin bikes by the end of this year. I am super excited about that!
Urban Body Studios – Located at 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE. Owned by the same owner of Urban Body Fitness is Urban Body Studios. What’s the difference? Urban Body Studios focuses on pilates, yoga, barre, and trx training. It’s located right along the Beltline too, which is a nice perk.
LA Fitness – There is one located in the heart of Midtown at 75 5th St NW and also one at Ansley Mall at 1544 Piedmont Ave NE. These gyms probably offer the best price for what you get. Fitness classes are always offered here as well as the weights/cardio equipment that you’d expect. It’s pretty much your basic gym: clean, has a bit of everything you’d expect at a gym, but nothing super fancy.
Exhale Spa– Located inside the Loew’s Hotel on 11th & Peachtree. If you are one that likes a higher-end facility, this could be for you. It is pricier than most gyms (think over $200/month) but the facilities are top-notch, you get a monthly therapy session from their spa menu, and you feel like you are in a spa every time you arrive. They provide several yoga and barre classes as well as cardio/weight classes and cycling classes. Cardio equipment and weights are also provided too. The locker rooms are very nice and have excellent shower stations. The one downside about going here is that you have to park several stories up in the parking garage, ride an elevator down to the lobby, switch to another set of elevators, and make your way back up to the Exhale gym on the 7th floor. You’ll definitely need to add in some extra time for the logistics of getting here.
Other Fitness Options in Midtown Atlanta:
If you just aren’t ready to commit to a gym or spend any money on classes, you can always take advantage of some of the great running opportunities around Midtown. For one, take a jog along the paths in Piedmont Park or jog around the park (which is about 3 miles). Or, hit up the beltline at the corner of Monroe and 10th Street. The Beltline Eastside Trail is currently a 2-mile stretch (one-way).
Also, if you live in a condo or are considering purchasing a condo, don’t forget that many condos (typically newer ones) in Midtown offer their own gym facilities (which are maintained in your monthly HOA dues). To view all Midtown condos for sale, CLICK HERE.
Best Gyms and Fitness Classes in Midtown Atlanta
