Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, Seattle is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness in the Emerald City.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those who believe burpees are a lifestyle
Foundation CrossFit, Capitol Hill
Because of this business’s focus on community, you can make a bunch of new friends to throw tires around with.
Valkyrie Strength and Conditioning, Queen Anne
New to the whole crossfit thing? This gym is happy to help figure out what class you might do best in. Or if your kiddo needs to lose a little steam, they also have a class for kids age 5-11.
South Seattle CrossFit, West Seattle
If you want to get a lay of the land before you commit, this gym offers free tours of its facilities.
MKG Fitness, Pinehurst
This gym describes itself as “egoless” for folks who aren’t looking to compete with their fellow gym mates. You can also try out a free fitness class if you want to double check that this gym is true to its word.
Ballard CrossFit, Ballard
Working out can be fun — this biz also hosts workout events that allow you to bring friends (and even some champagne every now and then).
For those who want one-on-one training
Davis Fitness Method, Downtown Seattle
Not only do you get a super cool and exceptionally experienced personal trainer to help you meet your goals, but you get to do it under some equally cool purple lighting.
Rain City Fit, Capitol Hill
Have your pick from a number of personal trainers who run their business out of this gym.
NW Fitness Project, Fremont
You can find some solid personal training here, but if you like a little competition to help get you in the zone, try a small group training. You can get the professional pointers you’re looking for while also having that extra motivation that comes with running just a little faster on the treadmill.
bStrong Bellevue, Bellevue
In addition to its personal and small group training programs, the staff also offer nutrition coaching and meal prep services.
For those who want to dance it out
Massive Monkees: The Beacon Studio, Chinatown-International District
Seattle’s world famous breakdancers have a huge schedule of weekly classes for both adults and kids who want to try out some sick, new moves.
The Bar Method, Phinney Ridge
Inspired by the barre portion of a ballet class, these classes use your own body weight to help you work up a sweat and build up some muscle.
eXit Space, multiple locations
With dance classes ranging in genre from burlesque to ballet to tap and hip hop, you’ll get a great workout and learn an art form that helps you express yourself.
Seattle Dance Fitness, Shoreline
You’re certain to find a lot of bounce in these dance classes that have names like BootyPump, Cardio Dance Party, and Turbo Kicks Fitness.
BollyWorks, multiple locations
Move your feet and get a workout in while you dance to your favorite Bollywood hits.
Enchant Vertical Dance, Capitol Hill
Add a little bit of spice to your workout with pole dancing for beginners or one of the other available dance + yoga classes.
For those who want to punch up their fitness routine
Seattle Boxing Gym, Interbay
Take out all of those pent up feelings and take them out on a bag — or learn how to fight in a ring.
Seattle Kung Fu Club, Chinatown-International District
Founded in 1963, this cultural institution offers a variety of Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes to those who want to find a little mindfulness during their workouts.
Seattle Wushu Center, West Seattle
If you’d like to stay home and learn a martial art, this studio offers a variety of classes over Zoom.
Cappy’s Boxing Gym, Central District
In addition to a variety of options for adults looking to throw some hands, this gym also has a special program to help people with Parkinson’s.
Acaro Boxing, Capitol Hill
Maybe your kid has some stuff to work out — this gym has youth boxing classes for those age 8-14.
For those who want something a little different
Flight Room, multiple locations
What do you get when you mix yoga with a hammock? An aerial workout method that leaves you feeling like quite the acrobat. Hang from the ceiling using long silk hammocks to stretch your body out.
Edgeworks Climbing, Ballard
You never know when you might find yourself stuck clinging to the edge of a cliff — strengthen your grip just to stay safe.
Seattle Athletic Club, Downtown + Northgate
Splish, splash — take swim lessons, join water aerobics, or train for a triathlon with swim conditioning.
School of Acrobatics and New Circus Acts, Georgetown
We’ve all had dreams about running away to the circus — whether that happened when you were a kid or as an adult reading a particularly upsetting work email. Live out those fantasies with juggling, unicycle, trampoline, German wheel, or handstand classes.
Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.
