Top 5: Places to Break a Sweat in Vancouver

Tantra Fitness – Aerial Arts (Gastown Location – 314 Water Street)
Swing from the ceiling at an aerial fitness class with Tantra Fitness. The introductory aerial arts class will give you a chance to try out aerial hoops and silks (think Cirque du Soleil). Hang out upside down in a class that challenges your strength and stability – with no experience required. Come prepared with long leggings (avoid loose clothing) and a camera for fun photo ops! First class is only $20, and they also have a location in Mount Pleasant.

Ballet Lounge – Ballet Fit (1340 Granville Street)
Don’t call it a barre class, this is Ballet Fit, a signature class only available at Ballet Lounge. Using the principles of classical ballet, the class is as much aerobic as it is about toning. Start at the barre doing a series of exercises before moving into the centre of the studio, adding in extra core and flexibility work. First timers must take the Level 1 class, but those with dance experience can move on to Level 2 classes after their introductory drop-in session.

All City Athletics – Intro Boxing (130 West Hastings Street)
Sometimes you need to wrap your wrists and let loose. Take an introductory boxing class at All City Athletics, an underground boxing studio located in the city’s historic Gastown neighbourhood. This is a true-to-form boxing class with a focus on upper and lower body technique. Although it’s guaranteed to make you break a sweat, these classes are taught by experienced boxers who will also help build skills, footwork and introductory boxing combinations. Drop-in sessions are $30.

Formation Studio – Dance Movement (16 East 5th Avenue)
If you’ve ever fantasized about being one of Beyoncé’s back-up dancers, this is the workout for you. Choose from three types of classes: one cardio-focused, one more free form, and a third that is all-out “nail that Lizzo video sequence.” But best of all is the super-supportive team that leads the classes, which will help you step out of your comfort zone.

Club Row Fitness – Group Rowing (163 West Pender Street)
Designed for those who are new to rowing, this gym class teaches the fundamentals of working on a rowing machine. Classes begin with a demonstration of correct form on the “erg” (that’s the rowing machine to the rest of us) and then move into a full upper and lower body workout. The functional rowing movement involves core work along with main muscle groups. All fitness levels are welcome in this low-impact group class.  A single class costs $12.