My Favorite Studios
Whether you’re a group fitness class person or not, there’s something on which we all can agree: not all classes are created equal. I’ve definitely tried out places and left thinking ‘I paid money to take that class?!’ While other places I couldn’t leave without asking about their membership opportunities. Today I’m highlighting my favorite fitness studios for you:
Pure Barre
Pure Barre is rightfully my favorite studio. I’ve been going since 2017, have been to multiple locations and loved every single one of them. The sense of community is so strong, and every one of the teachers are there to make sure you have the best workout possible. Honestly, I haven’t met a teacher I didn’t enjoy. Every one of them is as sweet as honey, but will also make sure you never leave a class without shaking muscles.
They have three different types of classes (so you’ll never get tired or bored): Classic, which is my favorite; Empower, a more cardio based workout; and Reform, which focuses intensely on abs and throws sliders into the mix! No matter which class you take, you’re guaranteed to lift, tone, and burn your way to your happy place.
As a bonus, the aesthetic of the studio itself is so perfect. It’s the right amount of homey, relaxing, and invigorating. I often make sure I get to the studio crazy early for my class so I can just hang out and enjoy the good vibes!
Orange Theory Fitness
Orange Theory is another one of my favorite studios. In fact, it’s so amazing it’s practically tied for first with Pure Barre.
While the studio isn’t as aesthetic, and the music can be a little dated, the community is still super strong, But that’s not even the reason I love it so much - the calorie burn and sense of accomplishment after finishing an OTF workout is phenomenal.
The class is split into three sections: treadmill (don’t worry, if you’re not a runner, you can power walk!), rower, and floor (which includes not only weights, but fancy stuff like a bench, bosu ball, TRX, resistance bands, and an ab dolly!). Everyone wears a heart monitor and has a little square on the screen. Your heart rate is divided into color spaces, and the orange zone is where you want to be the majority of the time. There’s science behind it; but essentially if you get at least 12 minutes (named Splat Points in the OTF universe) in the orange zone, your body will continue to burn a lot of calories even after your workout is done (this is called the afterburn). And get this: each workout is guaranteed different every day. You’ll never be bored because there’s never the same workout twice!
If you’re into intense workouts, you’re going to love Orange Theory - maybe even as much as I do!
Soul Cycle
Soul Cycle has a cult-like following for a reason, y’all. And even though I love Peloton, Soul is hands down the best spin class you’re ever going to take.
The ride is focused on the beat of the music instead of RPMs, and I swear; each instructor is practically a therapist.
If you just want a spin class where you’re going to sweat - take any spin class. But if you want a spin class that makes you feel, calms you down, and lets you sweat out more than just calories… you need some Soul.
Brrrn*
Brrrn is so much fun. It’s an adorable studio that offers three different types of classes: HIT, Slide & Circuit. Slide is by and large my favorite; because where else do you really get to use a slider board for fitness?
Brrrn’s principle selling point is that you workout in a studio cooled to 40-64 degrees, which causes mild cold stress, which in turn causes your body to burn more calories. Skeptical? It’s backed by science, too!
So if you’re over dripping sweat in a workout but still want to maximize the burn (pun intended), give this place a try!
*located in the NYC Area Only
Pure Yoga*
If you know me, you know I’m not exactly yoga’s biggest fan. I get too antsy and find it hard to relax. You may be wondering: “Sarah. Then why is a yoga studio featured on your top list?” And it’s on here for one very important reason: Hot Yoga. While traditional yoga isn’t quite my thing, I love hot yoga, and Pure Yoga has the best hot yoga class I have ever taken.
It’s long and hot, and the flow is the perfect speed (not too fast nor too slow). This is the only yoga place I’ve gone back to; which is why it’s definitely hailed as one of my top studios.
*located in the NYC Area Only
And there you have it! My top fitness studio picks. If you’ve been to any of these before, you definitely know why I love these places. If you’ve had yet to explore any of these wonderful studios - I urge you to do so!
xoxo, Sarah
