Getting out of bed at 6 a.m. to make your HIIT class? Not a happy moment, we know. But once you actually get moving, those exercise-initiated endorphins will be with you all day, especially if you do your workout at one of these fun fitness studios.
Spin Society
Fans describe Spin Society as “super welcoming for first-timers,” so if you’ve never clipped into a bike before, this is the place to go. Fun music themes like “Millennial Cringe” and “Coachella Recap” make the rides fly by.
Where: 1332 Granville St. and 229 Kingsway
Arc Studio Space
Don’t be intimidated by the crazy contraptions in this East Van gyrotonic Pilates studio: they’re there to help you, not hurt you. Expect lots of breathing and stretching of muscles you didn’t know you had.
Where: 1707 Grant St. | arcstudiospace.com
Barry’s
This circuit-training gym comes direct from West Hollywood and whips you through an intense 50-minute full-body workout under red lights. (While research is still out on the health benefits, evidence shows you do look way cooler on the treadmill.)
Where: 1035 W Pender St. | barrys.com
Turf
Get your heart rate up in one of the Kitsilano studio’s signature Meta classes. There’s always a lot of spirited jumping and dancing in between turn-your-legs-into-jelly work on the mat. Grab an oat-milk matcha latte in the attached café afterward: you’ve earned it.
Where: 2041 W 4th Ave. | ourturf.com
Thunder and Lightning Athletic Club
The coach-run fitness club has managed to take something that feels traditionally intimidating (CrossFit and powerlifting) and turn it into an incredibly accepting, warm-hearted and community-centred space.
Where: 427 Granville St. | thundernlightning.ca
