It seems Arlington is intent on keeping its title as the fittest city in the United States. A slew of new fitness studios have opened in the area in the past several months, with exercise experiences that run the gamut: yoga, cycling and interval training.
In addition to boutiques, big-box gyms with good ol’ fashioned cardio and weight machines are working out (see what we did there?) their final details. Gold’s Gym is coming to Rosslyn City Center in late 2020, and VIDA Fitness will open in Ballston in early 2020—a stone’s throw from Onelife Fitness and the Gold’s there. They’ll be joining the many gyms and sports centers in the region, including 2019 Best of Arlington winner The St. James. Also, start sneaker shopping because Formula Running Center, Arlington’s first indoor running studio, aims to open this fall.
Here’s a look at what to expect from some of the area’s newest workout spots:
Good Sweat
Gotta love a punny name for a place that gets heart rates up during 45-minute dance parties on stationary bikes and opens hearts to the community. Each month, the woman-owned studio donates a portion of proceeds to select nonprofits. So far, its 300 regular riders have contributed to organizations such as the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington Food Assistance Center and Safe Space NOVA, which supports LGBTQ+ youth. The first class is free, drop-ins pay $28 and class packs are available for $99-$399. // 1711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
CorePower Yoga
The largest yoga chain in the United States, CorePower combines a physically intense workout with the mindfulness of yoga and the humidity of the Amazon rainforest, although this location has infrared panels in the ceiling that heat bodies, not air, keeping temperatures more consistent throughout class. Classes vary in difficulty, but Sculpt takes it to an 11 by incorporating free weights and cardio bursts into traditional poses like warrior and chair. Namaste to the manufacturer of the antimicrobial floors in this location’s two studios. Unlimited classes cost $169/month, but single classes and packages are available. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 0140, Arlington (Ballston); Additional locations in Clarendon, Falls Church, Merrifield and Pentagon City.
F45
During a 45-minute class, members work through new cardio and strength moves every 30 to 45 seconds, with prompts from two trainers and demonstrations—hopefully performed by actor Mark Wahlberg, an investor in the Australia-based chain—on nine TV screens in the 2,500-square-foot space. Expect to build more than muscles, though; the gym pushes a strong sense of community, hosting monthly happy hours and classes designed to raise money for local charities, such as the Witt Black Music Foundation. Membership is $169/month for unlimited training. // 3865 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); Additional locations at 2501 9th Road, Suite 65, Arlington (Columbia Pike) and 1101 S. Joyce St., Suite B-25, Arlington (Pentagon City)
Karma Yoga and Wellness
Don’t judge a studio by its name: This place offers way more than yoga, although there is plenty of that. The 60- to 75-minute classes include HIIT (high-intensity interval training), tai chi, qigong and meditation. Instead of Wi-Fi and retail, the studio has a lounge, library and self-practice area, plus it showcases art from local artists. But true to its name, the studio gives as much as it gets, donating one-month passes to local schools, shelters and nonprofits; offering free classes on Sundays at Mr. Brown’s Park in Falls Church; and providing free, self-guided meditation times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Membership is $120/month for unlimited classes, $90 for a renewing five-class pass and $170 for a renewing 10-class pass. // 246-A West Broad St., Falls Church
SoulCycle
Fifty-five of the chain studio’s indoor bikes now reside in Arlington, ready to take participants through a grueling 45-minute ride without moving an inch. Riders will alternate between seated and standing positions as they sprint on flat roads and push up steep hills, controlled with a twist of a knob on the stationary bikes. A short segment of the class also involves upper-body work with light dumbbells. Classes cost $20 for new riders and $30 for repeat customers. // 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington
VIDA Fitness
Opening early next year, the Ballston location will be the brand’s sixth (with a seventh coming in Rosslyn). In addition to standard gym fare such as yoga, cycling, free weights and cardio machines, the gym will have small-group boxing classes and onsite personal trainers and registered dieticians to help exercisers reach their goals. And for a total body experience, VIDA will have a steam room and sauna, plus a full-service spa. All-access early enrollment pricing is $99/month, with additional membership options ranging from $159-$369/month. // 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)