Maybe you’ve noticed: Austin is a good looking town. The locals take care of themselves, which might have something to do with combatting the BBQ and Tex-Mex that’s always on the menu. Also, our weather doesn’t require us to put on that “extra layer of fat” in the winter months. It’s fantastic.
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Austinites are obsessed with supporting local businesses. We keep it close to home. Personally, I keep it literally as close to home as possible because I don’t own a car. So when I started looking for a downtown gym, I thought I’d be out of luck in terms of finding affordable, locally-owned options. But I was wrong. I found three downtown group fitness classes I’ve come to love.
#1 Kor180: Reform + Ryde = New You
Kor180 Reformer Class (Credit: Ashley Love)
Get your ha breath on while toning up at this Pilates and cycling “anti-gym.” With a location across from Don’s Depot on 5th Street and a new center on North Burnet, Kor180 is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. They offer intense reformer sessions, spin classes and a fat-burner, which is 30 minutes of cycling followed by 30 minutes of reform.
The instructors are highly trained and they show you exactly how to get results quickly. After just two weeks, I developed inner thigh muscles I’ve never seen before! Kor180 also has a wellness team on staff and they’ve raised over $40,000 for Austin causes and non-profits.
How Much?
Being part of this community focused fitness establishment will cost less than you think. Kor180 offers an introductory free week of unlimited classes and KorKitchen recipes, which are mostly plant-based. Memberships start at $99 per month, or you can purchase class passes. They now offer personal training sessions, as well.
1611 W. 5th St. and 11005 N. Burnet Road – Official website
#2 Castle Hill Fitness: Options Unlimited
Group fitness classes at Castle Hill usually feel like a party!
(Credit: Caroline Fothergill)
If you need choices, give Castle Hill Fitness a spin (class). They offer group fitness sessions for just about anything: cardio kickboxing, target toning, circuit training, Tabata, barre, basic conditioning, sculpting, and a variety of yoga and Pilates options.
Although the instructors are entirely intimidating to look at [READ: hot!], they are motivating and push you to your fullest potential.
How Much?
For locals, Castle Hill Fitness offers a $39 two-week trial membership that gives you access to unlimited group fitness classes, as well as cardio and strength-training equipment. If you go every day, that’s less than $3 per trip. A 20-class card is $240 ($12 per class). But if you own a GoLocal Austin card, you get 10% off, which equates to $10.80 per class. They also offer Community Classes at an even deeper discount: $80 for a 10-class card. Amazing value!
1112 N. Lamar Blvd. – Official website
#3 Blue Honey Yoga: Stay Grounded, Get Lifted
Acroyoga at Blue Honey Yoga (Credit: Madeleine Tilin)
If you’re an adventurous yogi and/or a runner, check out Blue Honey Yoga on West 6th Street. They offer group yoga sessions in a variety of styles, from Hatha Flow to Power Vinyasa.
In addition to yoga, you can sign up for Pilates, barre classes and bootcamps, or join other members for a 5K run on designated mornings.
How Much?
Blue Honey offers a special for new clients: unlimited classes for only $30 for two weeks. That’s a little over $2 per class if you attend every day. After that, a monthly membership to Blue Honey Yoga will cost just $75 for unlimited classes. If you make it to just three sessions per week, that’s only $9 and some change per class!
If you’re the non-committal type, you can purchase class pass packages. A 10-class package is $110; a 20-class package is $180. Discounts are available for students, teachers, state employees and military.
1211 W. 6th St., Suite 100 – Official website
@TheAustinot wants to know:
Have you been to these gyms? If so, what was your favorite group fitness class?
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