If you're anything like us...
The idea of lifting weights in the gym is an easy no-go. Or a run? Around the neighborhood? Count us out. Don't worry, though, we've got your back (and your abs, legs, thighs, and arms, for that matter). Check out the myriad of ways you can stay fit in Austin without lifting a single traditional weight.
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ROCK CLIMBING
ABP has it all: bouldering walls, a gym where you can train with traditional weights or build up your grip strength, and yoga classes. All of their instructors are very knowledgeable and happy to help you perfect your climbing techniques. They also offer classes such as Intro to Bouldering as well as private instruction.
Other climbing gyms: Crux Climbing Center
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BIKING
Whether you haven't got on two wheels since childhood or you're an avid cyclist around town, hopping on the ol' bicycle for an afternoon ride is a perfect way to kick off your fitness journey with the added bonus of experiencing a nice breeze on your face and the feeling of being a kid again.
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photo via eventbrite
DANCING IN THE DARK
This judgment-free dance party is a great way to work up a sweat without having to stare at your sweaty face in the mirror. NLNL is much less boring than jogging - assemble your dancing crew or come alone and get your groove on! Sign up here to see when & where it's happening next!
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photo credit: Playland Facebook
ROLLERSKATING
Bring out your inner child at Pins & Wheels! All skill levels are welcome on the shiny wooden rink, so you definitely won't feel out of place if you have no idea what you're doing. Make it a skate date or play date, or just a new way to break a sweat. Adult night is on Tuesday and Saturday - be prepared to boogie. Pro-tip: they serve alcohol on adult nights!
Unless you've given up social media (more power to you), you've likely seen that rollerskating is making a comeback. From inline skating to quad skating all to the tune of TikTok songs, rollerskating is making a wave. Coincidentally, it's a great way to get fit.
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Photo via Curl Austin
CURLING
The Lone Star Curling Club was founded in 2006 in Austin, Texas and they are a member of USA Curling. The curling happens at the Pond Hockey Club, and just in time for the Olympics, they're running a significant number of Learn to Curl classes and open houses! Learn more and sign up at their website.
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SKATEBOARDING
Austin is no New York City, but we do have some curbs. Although we don't lead the nation in number of skateparks in the city (sadly), there are plenty of places to take your board out. From proper parks to DIY spots and all the places you can get the gear, click the link above to see how you can use this popular slacker activity to get in shape.
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Photo via facebook / Sky Candy
TRAPEZE CLASSES
Sky Candy offers a great drop-in class for people who have never done any aerial work before. The knowledgeable instructors will guide you through trying your hand at Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Trapeze, and Lyra (a big metal ring). After you’ve decided which apparatus fits you best, you can sign up for one of their four-week workshops built around that apparatus.
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photo via instagram @soflysocial
POLE DANCING CLASSES
Pole dancing has officially left the strip club, and now also resides in boutique fitness studios like soFly Social. In an empowering environment, this style of dance is a next-level workout that will improve your strength, flexibility, and confidence. This studio offers classes for absolute beginners and up, as well as all-level fluidity movement classes.
Other studios offering pole dancing classes: Minx + Muse, Brass Ovaries
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PARKOUR
A truly nontraditional gym, Laché Movement Co. combines pole, aerials, parkour, obstacle training AND acrobatics all in one space!
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Photo via Blue Lapis Light
AERIAL SILK CLASSES
If you dipped your toe into Sky Candy’s aerial intro course and found yourself head over heels (probably literally) for Aerial Silks, we encourage you to check out Blue Lapis Light. Lapis promises full-body conditioning, core strengthening, and building muscle. You also get a unique hobby and a killer bod.
Other studios offering aerial silks classes: Sky Candy, Four Elements, Brass Ovaries
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photo via facebook / GOGA goat yoga
NONTRADITIONAL YOGA CLASSES
There are plenty of awesome yoga studios around Austin. But this is Austin, y'all. There are tons of studios and companies offering unique twists on regular ol' yoga. If doing yoga without the company of cute baby animals just isn't cutting it for you these days, try goat yoga, which you can find at GOGA. Mix it up and try something new!
Other studios offering nontraditional yoga classes: Vino Vinyasa
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Photo via instagram @Barre3
BARRE
If you’ve always wanted to be a prima ballerina but lacked the discipline, funds, or ability to stay away from carbs required to do so, barre is perfect for you. It combines the best elements of ballet and pilates for a workout that tones and lengthens all your muscles. Prepare to stand (and literally be) taller after your workouts here. They're now offering a ton of virtual classes!
Other studios offering barre classes: MOD Fitness, Pure Barre
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photo via facebook
ROWING
Ever found yourself in the doomed path of the rowers on Lady Bird Lake? We're always sure that we're about to be trampled in our canoes until they change course at that last minute. Tap into the power and finesse of rowing by taking some classes yourself! With indoor (like Rō Fitness) and outdoor options around the city, you can't miss this intense full-body workout.
Other places to take rowing classes: Austin Rowing Club, Texas Rowing Center
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Know of a great way to stay fit in Austin without setting foot in a traditional gym? Let us know!
