Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone.
What’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else. Fortunately, Austin is home to many exercise opportunities, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout.
Use this guide as a resource for all things fitness in the Capital City.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those looking for flexibility
FS8, 3601 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. E
This brand new fitness center opens to the public this Saturday, March 2 with studio tours, a DJ, plus complimentary coffee and wellness shots. The FS8 daily workouts incorporate elements of pilates, yoga, and mat toning as a low-impact, high-energy exercise.
Black Swan Yoga, multiple locations
The donation-based yoga studio offers several types of classes — including candlelight slow flow and hot yoga — across five locations in Austin. Keep an eye on the studio’s events calendar for even more specialty classes and group flows.
Pure Barre, multiple locations
Get a full-body workout centered on deep strength work, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned barre attendee. Pro tip: The chain will kick off the Barre Stronger Challenge starting this Friday, March 1, encouraging participants to attend 20 classes in 31 days.
Pure Pilates Austin, multiple locations
Using Megaformer machines and the Lagree method, these pilates classes employ resistance and counter-resistance to provide strength training and sculpting.
Perfect your practice with one of Practice Yoga’s teacher trainings.
Photo courtesy @practiceyogaaustin
Practice Yoga, 1103 E. 6th St.
Engage in a sound bath meditation, a mindfulness class, or a vinyasa flow at this east Austin studio. The business also offers private yoga and yoga for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, and corporate groups.
barre3, multiple locations
Never tried barre? No problem. Try the first class for free, or opt for a week of unlimited classes for $59 and try them all.
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
Squatch Frontier Fitness, 701 Tillery St., Ste. C
You’ll feel like you’re in camp at Squatch, where outdoor workouts include yoga, boxing, HIIT, and more. As an added perk, this gym also has ice plunges and a sauna.
Dane’s Body Shop, multiple locations
Explore classes based on difficulty level and keep an eye on the gym’s events calendar for free community workouts. The gym also offers sessions with a nutritionist, physical therapist, acupuncturist, and sports psychologist.
TruFusion South Austin, 4211 S. Lamar Blvd.
Join the “TruTribe” at this gym offering heated and unheated classes in a range of disciplines, including barre, cycling, boxing, HIIT, kettlebell, and pilates. Pro tip: the first class is free.
Hyde Park Gym, 4125 Guadalupe St.
Community takes center stage at this decades-old neighborhood fitness center frequented by weightlifters, bodybuilders, and powerlifters. Try out the spot with a free seven-day pass.
Castle Hill Fitness, 1112 N. Lamar Blvd.
In addition to in-person cycling, pilates, strength, and yoga classes, Castle Hill Fitness also offers online and on-demand classes. Don’t miss the events calendar to see series and workshops like the upcoming 4-week pilates series and barbell training for women workshop.
Greater Austin YMCA, multiple locations
It’s fun to stay at the… you know the rest. The Greater Austin YMCA oversees 10 locations across the city, each with a fully outfitted gym and a slew of class options. In addition to group exercise, dance classes, personal training, and bootcamp-style workouts, the Y also offers swimming, basketball, youth programs, and senior fitness.
Barry’s, 408 W. 2nd St.
Head Downtown to try your hand at “the original HIIT workout” at the Austin location for this international chain, which is known for high-energy, fast-paced exercise. The Red Room workouts change day-to-day to focus on different areas of the body, but Barry’s also offers live and on-demand mobile workouts.
CrossFit Austin, 8708 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. C
The teamwork-centered approach at CrossFit focuses on a balance of hard work and recovery. New members must complete one-on-one personal fundamentals before headed into group classes to learn proper form and the CrossFit fundamentals.
F45 Training, multiple locations
This functional training facility offers 45-minute group workouts combining cardio with resistance-based strength training. New members can test out the space for seven days — for just $7.
SoulCycle Downtown Austin, 401 Congress Ave.
Get a sweat on while you ride to the beat of high-energy music — choreography is an essential part of the SoulCycle experience. Cyclers will need cycling shoes that can clip into the bike, but SoulCycle offers shoes for rent for $4 (or free, for first-timers).
For those who want one-on-one training
Atomic Athlete, multiple locations
Build strength and stamina at either the north or south Austin locations of this gym, with programs ranging from basic fundamentals to the “War Machine” package. Pro tip: sign up for a free session to test out the space.
Athletic Outcomes, 2301-A E. Riverside Dr., #50
The focus is on functional fitness at this eastside gym, which offers personal training, prenatal and postnatal training, and physical therapy. Athletic Outcomes also hosts small group training capped at six people per session.
Austin Simply Fit, multiple locations
Personal training sessions are 30 minutes long and conducted by a Certified Personal Trainer at Austin Simply Fit. To get started, clients receive their first workout, a one-hour consultation, and a body composition analysis for free.
Onnit Gym, 4401 Freidrich Lane, #301
This lauded local gym spans 10,000 sqft and offers both small group and personal training. Use unconventional tools like maces and clubs in your training at Onnit, and don’t miss the cold plunges and sauna for some post-workout R&R.
Big Tex Gym, 1921 Cedar Bend Dr., A130
The trainers at this north Austin gym — which also contains an infrared sauna — specialize in muscle gain, bodybuilding, and strength training.
Equinox Austin, 1007 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Go full luxe at this South Congress gym, which offers personalized personal training based on a one-hour fitness and goals assessment. Equinox also offers sleep coaching and “Tier X,” a lifestyle management program centered around movement, nutrition, and regeneration.
For those who want to dance it out
AKT, 2400 E. 6th St.
Spend an hour toning and strengthening through dance-inspired fitness at AKT. The gym offers on-demand workouts and dance, tone, and circuit classes — plus, the first class is free.
Ballet Austin, 501 W. 3rd St.
Austin’s ballet company offers instruction in a range of dances, including cardiofunk, hula, Broadway, pom, hip-hop, and of course, ballet. But that’s not all — attendees can also try out pilates, weights + resistance band exercise, and barre.
Mōtiv Fitness, 809 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. K
You won’t even notice how much you’re sweating at Mōtiv’s 45-minute dance cardio class. The sculpt-centered workout also uses hand weights, resistance bands, and sliders. Psst — you can also take several other classes at Mōtiv, including a Rebounder class with mini trampolines.
DivaDance, multiple locations
Although this fitness chain has locations across the country, the headquarters is right here in Austin on Airport Boulevard. Dancers of all skill levels can participate in these classes and workshops, which take place both indoors, outdoors, and virtually. Pro tip: new clients can try 14 days of unlimited classes for $49.
For those who want to punch up their fitness routine
South Austin Gym, 5700 Menchaca Rd., #365
Beginners can jump into a kickstart program to learn the basics at this south Austin fitness center. However, more seasoned athletes can also try out Science Action Sports boxing, Lethwei kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Austin Women’s Boxing Club, 2919 Menchaca Rd., #210
People of all skill and fitness levels are welcome at Austin Women’s Boxing Club, which provides authentic, community-driven boxing instruction. Beginners are encouraged to try out the Beginner Boxing Workshop, but this space also provides self defense workshops, private training, and a summer camp for teen girls.
Knockout Austin, 1211 W. 6th St., Ste. 100
Punch and kick your way to a great workout. Each attendee gets their own workout bag at Knockout’s kickboxing and boxing classes, which combine bagwork and bodyweight exercises.
Kollective, 200 Academy Dr., Ste. 100
Get out some energy on the gym floor at former NFL player Kenny Vaccaro’s fitness center, which includes multiple workout bags. The Kollective also offers ice plunges, Theraguns, and IV drips.
For those eager to try something new
Rō Fitness, multiple locations
Get in a low-impact but high-quality workout at this rowing center with locations on Lady Bird Lake and at Castle Hill Fitness. Programming alternates between Pace Week, Meter Week, Burn Week, and Speed Week.
Austin Bouldering Project, multiple locations
Learn to climb through classes or private instruction, but don’t miss everything else ABP has to offer. In addition to yoga classes, the gym also hosts circuit training, core workouts, barre, and handstand training.
Mesa Rim Climbing, 1205 Sheldon Cove, Bldg. 3
With 50,000 sqft of space and 55-ft-tall climbing walls, Mesa Rim is one of the largest privately-owned climbing gyms in the country. The gym is also outfitted with a yoga studio, a coworking space, and a sauna.
Life Time Austin, Multiple locations
In addition to traditional gym equipment and group fitness classes, Life Time offers pickleball, swimming, spa amenities, and youth programs.
Austin Sports & Social Club, Multiple locations
Miss the feeling of team sports? A rec league might be right up your alley. Austin Sports & Social Club offers co-ed adult leagues for baseball, volleyball, kickball, pickleball, soccer, and more.
Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.
