my 5 favorite fitness cities

Hey hey! How’s the morning going? Hope you’re having a great day so far!! Yesterday a few of you asked where my hat and coverup were from. The hat is here (just got it a couple of months ago) and the coverup is here! (<— got it last year but they still have it! Aaaand they have a pretty blue color.)

It’s not a secret that I love to try out new fitness classes and studios when I travel. If it’s a longer trip and the schedule allows it, you’ll definitely find me checking out a new barre, spin, yoga or bootcamp class.

Purebarredtla

I took most of this past weekend off. I just got back into the game last week so I’ve been easing back into it, and this trip was 100% about lounging and spending time with friends. We’re all active, so we did break away one morning to get our sweat on, but other than that, the only lifting I did was bringing cocktails and wine to my face. #livinitup

While we were driving around, I saw some CUTE yoga studios that I definitely would love to try during our next trip to Palm Springs, and have also heard wonderful things about the hiking. (Maybe if we’re in the area when it isn’t quite so hot!)

It got me thinking about my top 5 fitness cities, and I thought I’d share them with ya! As always, I’d love to hear your favorites, too. 

1) NYC. Ok, so I’m a little biased because NYC is one of my favorite places in the world, but the fitness scene is out.of.control. They’re usually the first to get a new boutique studio or class format (even though I will admit I was shocked it took a while for barre3 and Orangetheory to make their way out there!), and they always seem to have something new to try. I always try to make time for a Physique 57 class when I’m in town, and they are also the home of Ballet Beautiful, Soulcycle, Mile High Run Club, and basically anything you could wish for.

Unnamed

(with Julie and Heather!)

2) Sedona! When I visited Sedona a couple of years ago, I instantly fell in love. The scenery is breathtaking, and there’s a natural energy (from the energy vortexes) that is magical. I keep telling the Pilot that we need to take a family trip before we move! In addition to the beautiful hiking trails, they also have a great yoga scene with smaller, more intimate studios. I went for the Sedona Yoga Festival, and if you’re a yoga fan, it’s worth a trip out there.

Hikinginsedona

IMG 2006

3) Orlando. Orlando is an awesome spot in general, but I especially loved two fitness classes while I was there: Dance Trance (THE BEST. Just go!), and the yoga classes (especially at Full Circle and Orlando Power Yoga. Also, Tymi from Guruv is incredible.). Since it’s an entertainment city, you’ll also find some unique class offerings, like aerial arts and pole fitness, in addition to lush green running trails. Almost everywhere I took a class, I enjoyed myself. (If you’re staying near the resorts, I recommend checking out the Dr. Phillip’s YMCA. They have a packed schedule and the classes are great.)

Dt2

4) Tucson. I can’t do a favorite cities list without including the ol’ hometown. Tucson is a special place because they have local class offerings (and are just starting to get more of the boutique fitness classes), and beautiful hiking trails. Sabino Canyon is one of my all-time favorites.

Sabino1

If you’re in town, check out my fave fitness classes in Tucson here. If you do one thing, just take a DJ dance cardio class with Todd at Breakout. It will set your soul free.

5) LA.Usually when I travel to LA, it’s for work and the schedule is pretty packed. If I can sneak away for a fitness class, I make it happen. LA is similar to NYC that they’re usually the first to get everything, and they also have Physique 57. I’ve been wanting to take a Flywheel class, too! 

Fitnessista Event 121

Where are your favorite fitness cities? Denver is on my list to visit.

Have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya later!

xoxo

Gina

Post Navigation:

39 Comments

  1. Alex Warren on May 17, 2016 at 11:10 am

    I live in Denver, and out of the 6 different cities that I have lived in, and the many cities I have visited, it is by far my favorite outdoor fitness city! You should definitely visit!

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      i will! it sounds amazing

  2. Abby on May 17, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Loooove that cover-up!!! What size do you have? Debating between a small and medium…

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 11:46 am

      I would order down. Mine is a small and it’s a little big

      • Abby on May 17, 2016 at 11:48 am

        Thx!

  3. Sara @ Oats & Rows on May 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I love Denver!! Sedona has my heart also <3 I live in Charlotte so I may be a little biased, but the fitness community is HUGE and amazing

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      yes, that’s what i’ve heard!! excited to make it back there and check out more classes

  4. Ashley on May 17, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Clearly San Francisco needs to be on here. 🙂 We have everything, including plenty of natural environments for exercise.

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      i’ve only been a few times and got to take 1 fitness class! need to change that 🙂

      • Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on May 17, 2016 at 2:33 pm

        Yes you do! Come back soon! 🙂

        • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 4:55 pm

          maybe we’ll make a drive this weekend from san jose! it’s close, right?

  5. Jennifer on May 17, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    It is funny since my sister lives in NYC and has more cash than me, so she usually takes the cool classes in NYC like SoulCycle and I lift weights at home. So I had the rare occasion where I was able to try out OrangeTheory before her, and I felt like the trendy one XD As for my favorite fitness city? Bar Harbor- because I love all the different hiking trails in the area! And you can do a bunch of other stuff like biking, kayaking, etc. Yeah, I am an outdoorsy type of girl.

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      hahah that’s awesome you could beat her to the OTF craze 🙂
      bar harbor sounds amazing

  6. Katie on May 17, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Denver/Boulder for sure! I feel like everybody is active here. Everywhere you look (haha this reminds me of the Full House theme song) there is a gym, a fitness studio, a running trail, a hiking trail… We have over 300 sunny days a year also, so outdoor fitness is (almost) always an option!

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      that’s going to be stuck in my head all day haha 🙂
      i can’t wait to check it out!

      • Katie on May 17, 2016 at 3:02 pm

        You’re welcome. Hahaha!

  7. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on May 17, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Hands down Tucson! There’s no way it could not be my top place. HAHA!

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      the best 🙂

  8. Caroline M. on May 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    I’m from D.C. which is a really great city for running because of the gorgeous scenery! I haven’t really tried many of the fitness classes in the area though. I’d love to visit all of these places, especially Sedona to reset and get my yoga on 🙂

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      yes! DC is another spot i’d love to visit!!

  9. Kathy on May 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    I live in Denver and I think you would love it! In the summer, there are always all sorts of bootcamps, yoga on the rocks, fitness on the rocks, or people just doing their own workout at Red Rocks (plus there are short hiking trails that come off from the amphitheater). In the summer, we rock climb, hike, backpack, run, and play volleyball at the park with some friends. Every weekend brings on new adventures. Can you tell I love it here! Sedona and Tuscon are also so pretty and love that it doesn’t have that intense heat like you get in Phoenix!

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      that all sounds AMAZING. i can’t wait to visit one of these days!

  10. Crystal on May 17, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    I rarely take classes when I travel, but I usually try to get outside for a hike or rent a bike or something. As far as cities go, I love San Francisco because walking those damn hills is like getting a stair master workout.

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      you’re not joking! i don’t know how anyone wears heels

  11. Amy on May 17, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    Atlanta!!!

    Yoga (Hot yoga especially) , Pilates, Zumba, Orangetheory, Barre, FlyWheel (Spin and Barre), Stone Summit or Adreline Climbing, BLAST, amazing gyms, trails, StellarBodies, Hiking- Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain, Bootcamps out the wazoo, etc….

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      YES. i almost added atlanta to the list but i’v only taken hot yoga classes there. i know they have everything, though! i’m excited to go back and try more classes

      • Amy on May 17, 2016 at 5:02 pm

        Cool! I live way out in the burbs, but we are getting more and more as time goes by. My parents live closer to the city, so I can drop of the tots for some mommy time on the weekends and in the summer 😉

  12. Julia @ Drops of Jules on May 17, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    I find it interesting that Los Angeles made the list, but not San Diego! I grew up in Los Angeles, lived there until I was seventeen and moved out to college here in SD. By far, SD appears much more active to me. Maybe it’s the environment I’m in now (college vs family), but it seems like everyone I know is training for a marathon, working on their deadlifts, or just coming home from a zumba class! When I’m home in Los Angeles, I’m going to have check out the fitness scene better!

    • Fitnessista on May 17, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      san diego is definitely in the list! i still need to try out more of the things they have to offer here since most of the time i’ve been here i’ve been pregnant or on hiatus. i’m determined to live it up before we move! it’s an amazing active city with tons of classes and outdoor options

  13. Leianna on May 17, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    Twin Cities (St. Paul, Minneapolis) actually tops the list over most of those!!! Such beautiful scenery with all the lakes and trails. It won’t disappoint!!!!

  14. Kailey on May 17, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    I temporarily moved back to my hometown from NYC and miss the fitness scene so.much. (and everything else about that glorious city.)
    Along with the ones you mentioned, Chaise Fitness is awesome (Ballet Bungee…’nough said) and the endless perfect running routes (Central Park at night is a dream)…take me back!

  15. Kayla on May 17, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    I’m totally biased because I live in NYC but I think the fitness scene here really is the most booming. Although I will say I was pretty amazed with my recent visit to LA– the West Coast is certainly upping it’s game and coming out with fun new classes even before NYC

  16. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on May 17, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    I’d love to go to any of those places right about now!

  17. Taylor on May 18, 2016 at 6:04 am

    In terms of an active city, I love Park City in Utah. I know this doesn’t relate to fitness classes, but when my husband and I lived in SLC for 2 years, we were always so active on the weekends in Park City (hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter). The scenery is definitely very motivating and makes you want to be outside and moving no matter what time of year it is!

  18. Kelly on May 18, 2016 at 7:26 am

    I’m headed to Asheville, NC Memorial Day weekend, where I”m super excited about their Annual Mountain Sports Festival, where they have any type of activity/event you can imagine! And! Looking forward to a Bend and Brew session, where beer city meets yoga :)))

  19. Kelly on May 18, 2016 at 7:30 am

    Forgot to mention that it’s all FREE!!! Whaaat?!

  20. Britt@MyOwnBalance on May 18, 2016 at 9:42 am

    NYC will have my heart forever!! Love love love. But I’m also a big fan of Boston, especially in the summer and Sydney!

  21. Ali on May 22, 2016 at 8:09 am

    Denver is great, but you should also come to Boulder! You’ll die from its majestic beauty, the infinite amount of amazing healthy restaurants, the trails that are within minutes of any part of town and the laid back active lifestyle! I’ve been here 3 years and when I go away and come home, I Am still in awe that this is home! If you come you’ll have to come team teach Bodypump with me, it would be so fun!!

  22. Tom Godwin on May 25, 2016 at 3:24 am

    Being from the UK but a regular visitor to the US, love this list!

    Had the pleasure of working out in NYC and LA… But have to say my favourite did not make it onto your list… San Diego!

    Tom

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.