New year, new you, right? Everyone is on the fitness train to start the new year. Don’t fall off the wagon, though, when the sheen of your fitness routine wears off. Birmingham has so much to offer in the way of fitness opportunities — trails, parks and exercise classes galore! This year, make good on your fitness resolutions by keeping your routine going with these not-so-routine workout options. Here are our top picks for local classes currently being offered:
Barre Classes
2808 7th Ave. S., #104, Birmingham • (205) 396-3006
Located in the Lakeview District, Neighborhood Barre classes are based on the Lotte Berk technique, but with a faster pace, high-cardio twist that really ignites the fat burn with upbeat, friendly instructors ensuring you get the most out of each workout.
Current specials: First class is free; new client special of one month unlimited for $100; teachers, students and nurses can buy unlimited monthly packages for a discounted price of $125 per month; a New Year’s Special for clients who sign up before January 9 for the 6-Month Unlimited Autopay for $150 a month ($20/month savings). (Must use the promo code “2015.”)
Pure Barre
Pure Barre has three locations in Birmingham: Homewood, Hwy 280 and Riverchase.
Pure Barre’s full-body workout concentrates on the areas women struggle with the most: hips, thighs, bottom, abdominals and arms. Each strength section of the 55-minute workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create long, lean muscles without bulk.
Current specials: Pure Barre offers a new client special of unlimited classes for $100 the first month and a 6-month auto contract for $175 per month (regularly $225 per month); during the month of January, clients are encouraged to bring a friend, family member or neighbor for Free Friend Friday.
Grand Jete’, located in English Village, is Birmingham’s original barre fitness studio. Classes are offered seven days a week and combine ballet, Pilates, cardio and yoga into one workout. Grace, strength, beauty and wellness are emphasized here. No dance experience needed, but you can expect to learn a few new moves and ballet terms!
Current specials: The first class is always free and studio manager Whitney Owenby tells us they will be offering a Groupon in early January for four classes for $29.
Pilates
3918 Montclair Rd., Ste. 207, Mountain Brook • (205) 789-6568
Birmingham’s newest Pilates studio, Core Strong, is located on Montclair Road and offers beginner-, intermediate- and advanced-level private and group classes. The studio emphasizes a classical approach to Pilates, focusing on strength, stamina, flexibility, alignment, balance and coordination.
Current specials: Classes start at $25 for group instruction; membership packages are also available in three-month intervals at a discounted rate.
2805 Second Ave. S., Ste. 100, Birmingham • (205) 202-5758
For a fun, yet highly challenging, workout, try aerial fitness at Aero Joe. Located in Pepper Place, Aero Joe offers mat and Vinyasa yoga and pilates equipment classes, as well as aerial pilates and aerial yoga.
Current specials: New clients can get the Jumpstart Special for $99.95; a wide range of discounted packages are also available.
Yoga
3150 Overton Rd., Cahaba Heights • (205) 262-2012
With something for the entire family, Villager Yoga offers classes for pregnant gals, new moms, Mommy and child, and kids and teens, as well as adult instruction.
Current specials: Pay by the class ($15) or purchase one of the various package deals, which include a one-month unlimited package for $100, or six-week Hatha yoga beginner series for $85. Child care is available for $5 per child.
Indoor Cycling
Sweat & Gears Indoor Cycling Studio
2809 Central Ave., Homewood • (205) 532-1677
This boutique indoor cycling studio boasts the best equipment, technology and instructors for an endorphin-fueled, wild ride.
Current specials: Individual classes are $15 and package deals range from $69 for one unlimited month or $186 for a three-month unlimited pass. A New Year’s Weight Loss Workshop is available, which includes a six-week unlimited ride pass, one weekly group class for workshop participants, core strength training, personalized fitness training, and nutritional counseling and a personal body fat scale for $499. (Limited availability, so don’t wait to sign up, if you’re interested.)
Personal Training
204 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook • (205) 871-7744
The folks at Total Fitness design a comprehensive training program tailored to each individual’s goals, and ensures that you reach them in a safe, healthy way. Individual instruction, as well as partner and small group training, is available. Personal training for all ages, fitness levels, post rehab, athletic strength and conditioning — these guys can handle it all! All trainers have a college degree in the fitness field and are nationally certified.
Current specials: Prices range from $35 to $50 per session. Get a free evaluation and 10 percent off for new clients this month only.
1103 Dunston Ave., Birmingham • (205) 222-8464
TrainSmarter recently opened in Crestline Park, and offers individualized personal training and group circuit training instruction using the TRX system. These variable resistance training exercises develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability.
Current specials: TRX classes are $25 and unlimited TRX classes are $199/month. First-timers qualify for buy one, get one free. Personal training sessions are $60 for private, $76 for a pair, $90 for three and $100 for four. They also offer special ski training clinics that are $225 for six weeks of group training.
Fitness and Strength Training Class
Iron Tribe (multiple locations throughout Birmingham; visit the website for details.)
Iron Tribe offers an intense workout in an upbeat, friendly environment. Newbies must complete a 30-day intro class where guests learn correct form and function, while getting a great workout, before joining the regularly scheduled classes. Expect quick results, as this is an intense program that features expert nutritional advice and a healthy dose of competitiveness!
Current specials: Membership is approximately $250 a month depending on commitment level.
Make it the year that matters, and get yourself fit for life! Happy New Year!
