With an ample supply of fitness studios in Dallas, there's no excuse to miss a workout. If anything, North Texans might have too many options.
That's where we come in. We've narrowed down Dallas-Fort Worth's six hottest workout classes right now. And we've also stripped away any chance for fear of commitment. These individualized studios have pay-per-class options. Which means you can love 'em, leave 'em and move on to the next one.
Alex Bjornnes, a self-declared class junkie, says mixing up her routine keeps her from workout burnout. "Currently, I bounce around with classes and a trainer a few times a week," she says. "I like to take classes based on what I'm feeling for that day."
Consider this a kick in the pants to hop, skip or jump to it.
The Bar Method Southlake
You'll use a ballet barre at the Bar Method, but a tutu is certainly not required. Expect push-ups, plié squats and balance work in classes that are appropriate for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced students. "The Bar Method has been around for over 16 years and has been, and still is being, developed by physical therapists to ensure a safe and effective technique for the masses," says Nicole Bulcher, co-owner of the Bar Method Southlake. "The average student is not a ballerina, and the Bar Method recognized that and made a workout that is truly for every body." barmethod.com/find-a-studio.
Barry's Boot Camp in Uptown
Students are pushed to the limits at Barry's Boot Camp, which combines treadmill and floor work with weights. Don't be surprised if your instructor shouts obscenities; it's all about the tough love. A new West Village location opened in late 2017 and offers "a challenging, no-nonsense workout in a sexy, high-energy atmosphere," says Chris Wiese, a Barry's Boot Camp instructor. If you think sweaty is sexy, then this is your jam. barrysbootcamp.com.
BEYOND Frisco
Pioneering the Pilates reformer movement in Dallas, BEYOND continues to expand, well, beyond Dallas city limits. BEYOND Frisco launched in January 2018 and combines Pilates, strength training, cardio and yoga all in one. "You will feel energized, pushed to your limits and empowered, all in one class," says instructor Angela Jenkins. thebeyondstudios.com/locations.
City Surf Fitness in Uptown
Surf's up, even in landlocked North Texas. City Surf Fitness has been on the fitness block for several years, but it's expanding beyond its original Uptown Dallas location. Students balance on a surfboard (which engages the core) in their choice of cardio, barre, yoga, HIIT and strength-training classes. This surf-inspired class will yield a full-body workout. citysurffitness.com/locations.
District Climb in Uptown
If you want to like spinning but just can't get into it, here's your solution: District Climb opened in the West Village neighborhood of Dallas in January. The weapon of choice for this class? A VersaClimber, a machine that combines upper- and lower-body exercises in vertical climbing motions. District Climb offers both rhythmic and non-rhythmic classes -- so if you lack coordination, go with the latter. Studio owner and instructor Tamra Michelle says this is the only group-exercise VersaClimber class in D-FW. districtclimb.com.
The RideHouse in Dallas
If spinning is your cup of tea, RideHouse is your tea party. Celebrating three years in Dallas, RideHouse is known for its music, themed classes and upper-body and core work with weights. A RideHouse class can be "cathartic," says instructor Emily Towler. "A song can change the whole mood of a workout. When the beat is heavy and the whole room is riding together, it's a beautiful thing." theridehouse.com.