From Heavy Lifting to Low-Impact Barre, We Love These Workout Classes
The new year is notorious for fitness fads that only last a few weeks (if even). The truth is, however, it’s always the time of year to take control of your health! Working out improves physical and mental well-being, but finding a workout that’s right for you can be the challenging part. Luckily, Orange County is home to elite fitness studios that take the work out of the workout. High-vibe instructors, party-like playlists and dynamic programming make fitness fun. Start the year off strong at these Orange County gyms and fitness studios.
Pure Barre
Set the bar high this year with Pure Barre in Orange County! Pure Barre synchronizes music and small movements for a total-body workout in an intimate and inviting setting. Barre classes are low-impact but are by no means low-intensity—they will leave you shaking and quaking! Class formats range from Pure Barre Align, which focuses on balance, flexibility and strength, to the more cardio-based Pure Barre Empower and Pure Barre Classic—their signature and most effective low-impact barre workout. Pure Barre recently added a new class called Pure Barre Define, which fuses classic barre technique with weighted strength training. These various class options allow members to cross-train, which helps prevent you from hitting a plateau in your workout routine. When the music gets started, get ready to tuck, tuck, tuck to the beat.
Local Insight: New to barre? Start with a Pure Barre Foundations intro class! Your first class is free, and it will help get you swiftly acquainted with this amazing full-body workout.
Locations: Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Anaheim, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente
Be Fit Modern Pilates
Be Fit Modern Pilates is for those who take it slow but seriously. Resistance workouts are 45 minutes of high-intensity exercise, but it’s low impact. Pilates slows down the workout pace to fire up muscle fibers, resulting in increased stamina and a high fat burn. Be Fit Modern Pilates classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall mobility—not to mention, your abs will love you! First classes start at $19, or if you want to take an extended trial run, get five classes for $99. Put on your grip socks and step onto the X-perience reformer machine to earn that shake!
Locations: Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach
Perspire Sauna Studio
Infrared saunas and red light therapy are all the rage in the wellness world. Here’s why: heating the body from the inside out strengthens the immune system, cleanses cells and burns calories—all while leaving you with a refreshing glow. Ditch detox diets and restart in a whole new way at Perspire Sauna Studio. While in the sauna session, you can Netflix n’ Sweat, connect your favorite jams, stretch it out or simply meditate. Just be sure to hydrate before, during and after. New-guest offers start at $20.
Locations: Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Irvine, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel
Max Body Boot Camp
More than just a workout, Max Body Boot Camp is a complete program that is results-driven. New members start with a one-on-one consultation to get the most out of each total-body strength and conditioning workout, which takes place in small group settings for customizable programs. As part of the boot camp program, nutrition plans and biweekly check-ins are provided so members can feel their best and track results! With the first class free, there’s nothing to lose.
Location: Huntington Beach
Grit Cycle
Ride to the rhythm at Grit Cycle. This 45-minute party on a bike will be the best part of your day! Instructors guide you through choreography that boosts your confidence and makes a cardio-driven class a complete full-body workout. Expect to pick up speed, add on some resistance and tap back to the beat. There’s even an arm-focused song to build up those biceps and triceps. When the playlist drops in loud and the lights turn blue in the studio, it’s time to ride!
Local Insight: Follow instructors on social media and direct message them for complimentary guest bikes!
Locations: Dana Point, Costa Mesa
Radiant Hot Yoga
Radiant Hot Yoga combines traditional hot yoga postures with vinyasa flows. Connect to your breath and body in Radiant 60, a class designed for all levels of flexibility and fitness. Yoga sculpt takes it up a level with light weights and cardio bursts, and both classes are set to 105 degrees—get ready to sweat! If you aren’t looking to leave drenched, Yin Yoga is the perfect option. This relaxing, self-paced flow takes place in an air-conditioned studio.
Location: Newport Beach
Newport Peach
Everything comes back into style—step included! The original aerobics-based workout is back and better than ever at Newport Peach. Burn calories to the beat in Newport Peach’s signature step class, which incorporates Pilates, cardio and weight training. This is the perfect class to start with before moving on to strength classes like Peach n’ Abs, Peach Physique or Peach Camp. Newport Peach modernized the ‘80s classic workout, but the studio itself screams of electric nostalgia with pink walls, neon signage and a disco ball.
Location: Newport Beach
Club Studio
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, look no further than Club Studio. This all-inclusive luxury gym recently opened in Irvine! Members can create their own experience with an open fitness floor and studio-style classes. In the Row, find studios for spin, Pilates, yoga, strength, boxing and even trampoline classes. Instructors set the tone for class with hype playlists and dynamic lighting for a true club-like experience. After a sweat sesh, recover in the steam rooms or sauna and refuel at the superfood cafe.
Location: Irvine
