NEW YEAR WELLNESS GUIDE: Fitness Studios We Love
It may be February but the year is still young! And with a fresh start often comes a new set of goals for the year ahead. This year, we’re focusing on all areas of our wellness (considering the tumultuous time that was the year 2020) with the help of some of our favourite local and Canadian businesses. To kick off our wellness expedition: local fitness studios. Like other small businesses in 2020, locally-run fitness studios have been hit hard, with some having to shut down their physical locations altogether. But even though we can't visit these studios in-person at the moment, there are still opportunities to support them through online workout classes and online retail. So the next time you need to break a sweat, skip the Peloton and support our local studios by taking in some of the best workouts YYC has to offer instead!
1. RUMBLE BOXING STUDIO
If you’re looking for a serious sweat session that could also pair as a therapy session, look no further. Hit out your frustrations and feel empowered with a seriously badass team of motivators and trainers leading the way for on-demand and livestream classes, as well as virtual personal training for those really looking to amp up their game. And don’t worry if you don’t have a heavy bag - you’ll be amazed with how much of a sweat you’ll get, even without one.
Note: In accordance with AHS guidelines, Rumble will re-open for one-on-one personal training on February 8. If this is your first time trying out personal training, your first session is FREE. Book your session here!
Other ways to support: Visit their online store for your Rumble gear or pre-purchase your passes for when the studio is ready to open again.
2. YYC CYCLE
If you’ve ever strapped yourself in for a class at YYC Cycle, you know it’s a sure way to get your heart pumping. And with a club-like atmosphere of lights and music, it can also be - dare we say - fun. While they’ve had to close one of their locations, other studios remain for when they can operate safely again.
How to support: Pre-purchase passes or a membership for when the studio reopens and check out their online store for gear to help you ride in style.
3. HOTSHOP
After the past year, we could all probably use some yoga and meditation. Thankfully, this local studio has our backs with a variety of yoga classes and mantra meditation available on-demand. For those days you want to squeeze in some cardio, spin classes are also available. If you need some incentive to get started, the studio has put together a 30 day challenge so you can make the most out of everything they have to offer.
Other ways to support: Pre-purchase class passes or a membership for when the studio can re-open.
4. BARRE BODY STUDIO
Due to impacts of Covid-19, this much-loved local studio had to shut its doors (for now at least). But the good news is that they’re still offering live and on-demand virtual classes with your favourite instructors motivating you through the burn. If you’re looking for an extra push to kick off the new year, the studio is offering Elevate - an eight week program focusing on fitness and nutrition with registered dietitian, Sarah Remmer.
Other ways to support: Snag some cute BBS merch at their online store.
5. THE ACADEMY
If you love to switch up your workout routine regularly, The Academy is your ticket to a wide range of on-demand virtual workouts. Whether you want to work on cardio, strength or flexibility, there’s something for whatever your mood and skill level.
Other ways to support: Pre-purchase a membership for when they're ready to open their doors again.
6. CRUSH CAMP
Although this is another studio that had to close its doors (for now) due to the impacts of Covid-19, Crush Camp has continued to provide the same intense workouts from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. From strength training and HIIT-based classes, to Yoga flow, Crush Camp will give you a well-rounded week of workouts.
Other ways to support: Shop their online store for workout clothing, accessories, yoga gear, supplements and more!
7. JUNCTION 9
Who said you need any equipment to feel the burn? Junction 9 offers over 100 online, on-demand pilates and yoga classes that will continue to challenge you each week. If you’re missing the atmosphere of an in-studio class, you can opt for live stream yoga classes as well.
Other ways to support: Visit their online store for yogi-approved apparel.
