From Hot Yoga and Cycling to a Ballet-inspired Workout, These Fitness Classes Are the Perfect Way to Get Your Booty in Gear for the New Year
Written By: Michelle Jaco Long Beach Fitness Studios
A fresh decade is now upon us, bringing with it a familiar mantra that echoes: “New year, new me.” Undoubtedly, there are a number of resolutions to choose from to help you become your best self. Whether it be to save more, read more or whatever fill-in-the-blank to do “more” of, the age-old goal that always seems to top the list is the classic—“Workout more.” So, in the spirit of self-improvement and new beginnings, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 fitness clubs in Long Beach to help kickstart your 2020.
1 | Drop It Like It’s Hot… to Downward-Facing Dog Long Beach Fitness Studios
When: Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Looking to clear your body and mind? At Ra Yoga, that’s not too far of a stretch. “We exist to create connections on and off your yoga mat,” explains Ra’s Retail and Community Manager, Danielle Manning. She adds, “There is often a common misconception that in order to practice yoga you must be flexible, of a certain body type or perhaps hold a particular worldview, but in actuality, yoga is for everyone. Yoga is simply an expression of freedom and an opportunity to grow, love and build meaningful relationships.”
With Ra’s 45-minute classes, things get heated—literally. With classes ranging in temperatures from 75 to 110 degrees, you will undoubtedly break a sweat, so be sure to properly hydrate 12 hours prior to class. Class styles range from prenatal to strength to meditation, and even a quick “Lunch Flow” session during the lunch hour, so students are sure to find a class that exceeds expectations while pushing limitations—in the best way possible.
Native Knowledge: Unlike other yoga studios, which heat their classes using convection heat or air furnaces, Ra has installed a world-class, eco-friendly radiant heating system. These radiant heaters are healthier than convection heat, as the air movement is not filled with unhealthy bacteria, dust or allergens.
Ra Yoga
3860 Worsham Ave, Ste 310
Long Beach, CA 90808
562.420.2929
2 | Orange You Glad You Tried It? Long Beach Fitness Studios
When: Class times vary by day, but you can find an up-to-date schedule on the OTF site.
Have you ever walked into a gym and just felt completely lost? Asking questions like: Where do I begin? How do I use the equipment? Is my form right? Well, you’re not alone, and Orangetheory understands the dismay, which is why you have nothing to worry about when you enter their club. Every class is staffed with seasoned coaches who are trained to guide you every step of the way on your fitness journey.
Every workout incorporates cardio, rowing and strength stations, including TRX systems, benches and free weights. The secret to the workout lies in the “Orange Zone.” Based on each individual’s heart rate, the OZ is when a heart rate maximum between 84 and 91 percent is reached. This is key because when your heart rate is elevated, you will begin to experience changes within the body.
Native Knowledge: Local first-timers are welcome to a free complimentary class!
Orangetheory Fitness
6620 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90803
562.475.4788
3 | Down to the Nitty Gritty Long Beach Fitness Studios
When: Schedules and instructors vary. To view the full schedule, click here.
With an adamant refusal to accept defeat, GritCycle is built on the inherent principle that with passion, a positive mindset and powerful motivation, one can achieve long-term goals. Dawned as a boutique indoor cycling studio, GritCycle is comprised of style and, well… grit. Jill Yasuda, the studio manager, details what makes Grit so unique: “Our classes are a heart-pounding, full-body dance party on a bike! Classes are 45 minutes long and keep you coming back for more because no class is the same! Our instructors mix up their playlists and their sets for each class.”
Native Knowledge: Every month, GritCycle partners with local charities and organizations to host “Karma Rides,” which are donation-based classes that raise funds to give back to the community.
GritCycle
3850 Worsham Ave, Ste 430
Long Beach, CA 90808
562.420.4748
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4 | Setting the Barre
When: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 6 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday, 6-10:45 a.m. and 4:30-8 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Barre Attitude is where ballet and fitness gracefully meet–and you don’t even have to be a dancer to enjoy the class! The class is designed to take ballet-inspired moves, positions and exercises and incorporate those techniques into a high-energy, calorie-burning 60-minute total body workout. By incorporating core strength training, balance and–of course–poise, each class is led by a skilled professional who will help you build a lean and sculpted physique.
Native Knowledge: Barre Attitude is new to the Long Beach Exchange and set to open in January. The studio will be offering free classes throughout the entire first week of opening!
Barre Attitude
3850 Worsham Ave, Ste 400
Long Beach, CA 90808
562.706.1995
5 | Icon Living
Iconix Fitness (formerly Olympix)
When: Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Unlike the corporate-owned big box gyms that are more concerned with overselling memberships, Iconix is committed to the principle of quality over quantity. Built on the basis of creating a space that comfortably accommodates their members (and not drown them in a sea of people), Iconix monitors their membership count to create an enjoyable workout experience.
With a plethora of modern amenities like a decked out locker room with phone-charging lockers, towel service and a steam room, Iconix is the luxury gym you need and deserve. Classic staples like performance training, free weights and cardio equipment are available to all members, and Iconix also offers group classes—hot yoga, cycling and classes on the beach, just to name a few. Not to mention, the gym is home to an exclusive 5,000-square-foot rooftop deck that overlooks the stunning Pacific Ocean and provides members with several outdoor exercise options, including sunrise and sunset yoga, barre classes and the Queenax functional training system.
Native Knowledge: Iconix is home to Portfolio Fit Café, which offers amazing–and healthy–selections of meal prep foods, protein shakes, fresh juices and acai bowls, so you can fuel up before or after a workout.
Iconix Fitness (formerly Olympix)
4101 E Olympic Plaza
Long Beach, CA 90803
562.366.4600
