If you’re looking for a new way to sweat—besides from the summer heat—Mount Pleasant has plenty to offer. Whether you’re a beginner or a gym rat, there’s a fitness class to suit everyone’s needs. Discover what’s right for you and get moving.
1. SPINNING
If you’re looking for an intense cardio workout in a high-energy environment, spinning may be just what you’re looking for. Spinning combines high intensity cycling with upper body exercise for a full body workout. Each class is led by enthusiastic instructors and set to heart-thumping music with nightclub-style lighting. Give it a try at CycleBar (1601 Palmetto Grande Drive, Suite I-7), MethodRide (2700 Hwy 17 N.), or Journey (1168 Basketweave Drive).
2. YOGA
Exercise the mind and body with a yoga class. Though each style is slightly different, each yoga class incorporates postures to stretch and strengthen with breathing and meditation. Plan to leave class with your muscles drained and your mind refreshed. Discover different styles from hot yoga to meditative yin classes at: Gaea Yoga (730 Coleman Blvd, Suite M), Bikram Yoga Charleston (1973 Riviera Drive), Charleston Power Yoga (857 Houston Northcutt Blvd), and Satsang Yoga Charleston (320 W Charleston Blvd).
3. BARRE
Barre classes may look like they’re intended for ballerinas, but you don’t have to be a dancer to join in. Each class combines mat work (think planks and push-ups) with a sequence at the barre focusing on small, isometric movements—no rhythm required. The result? A full-body workout that will tone muscles and improve posture and alignment. Give it a go at Barre Evolution (320 W Coleman Blvd., Suite B), The Barre Code (1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 1500), Pure Barre (919 Houston Northcutt Blvd.), or Barre South (735 Coleman Blvd.).
Barre South fuses ballet, pilates, and yoga to strengthen and tone targeted muscles – www.barresouth.com/
4. PILATES
Build strength in your core and develop flexibility with a Pilates class. Classes follow the same series of movements, either on a mat or using special equipment. You’ll use your own body weight and focus on control of your breathing and muscles. Try a group class at Breathe Pilates Studio & Spa (624 Long Point Rd., Suite I), Pilates of Charleston (720 S Shelmore Blvd. Suite 100), Mt. Pleasant Pilates (320 W. Coleman Blvd.), Lowcountry Power Pilates (3313 Barkla Ave.), and Praxis Pilates (1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd. Suite 102).
5. CROSSFIT
If your favorite part of group fitness is the competition, consider trying CrossFit. Each CrossFit gym—or box—offers a workout of the day that focuses on functional exercises like squats, pull-ups, rowing, push-ups, and sprints. The whole workout is done against the clock, so the atmosphere is ripe for a little friendly competition. Give it a try and learn the basics with an introductory course at one of Mount Pleasant’s three CrossFit boxes: CrossFit Wando (517A Wando Ln), Lowcountry CrossFit (910 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.), CrossFit Park West (3400 Turgot Lane).
6. INTERVAL TRAINING
For a fast and efficient way to burn calories and build muscle, group interval training offers the attention of a personal trainer coupled with the high-energy atmosphere of a group fitness class. Expect high-intensity circuits that include sprints, rowing, and weight lifting. Give it a shot at: Orangetheory Fitness (695 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard) and HY/LO (880 Allbritton Ave.)
High Intensity Class at HY|LO Fitness – www.hylofitness.com
7. CAN’T DECIDE?
To sample a little of everything, try out some classes at one of Mount Pleasant’s full-service gyms. Check out the schedule at 02 Fitness (G320 Coleman Blvd., 3301 Stockdale Street, 910 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.) or Pivotal Fitness (627 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.).
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