UNCONVENTIONALFITNESSin West Michigan

If you think you hate working out, chances are you just haven’t found the right exercise for you.

Trust us, working out can be so much better than signing up for Planet Fitness and waiting for your favorite machine to open up. Beyond the outdoor winter adventures we explore in this issue, there are also tons of fitness centers that go beyond your typical gym experience (although there are plenty of excellent local gyms in town).

Whether you prefer group classes, dancing, pole or stretching, there’s a fitness option for you in West Michigan. Here are just a few of our suggestions.

CKO KICKBOXING

820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids ckokickboxing.com

This kickboxing spot has been open for years in Grand Rapids and has developed quite the following, thanks to intense yet fun workout sessions. You can sign up now for a free trial class and learn what kickboxing is all about, from punching and kicking a big bag to jumping and planking. It’s a great way to let stress go with no judgment, and you’re guaranteed to sweat. Most people who join CKO have never touched kickboxing before, but quickly became addicted to the workout.

Wellspring Dance Academy

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo wellspringdance.org

If you need to actually feel like you’re achieving something while exercising, one great way is to learn how to dance. At Wellspring, they’ll teach you everything from modern to jazz to ballet, even if you come in not knowing a single move. You’ll gain a better understanding and awareness of your body while developing strength, flexibility and stamina—not to mention a sense of rhythm.

THE BARRE CODE

547 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids thebarrecode.com

You don’t have to know ballet to do barre—a blend of the classic dance style, yoga and pilates. Barre is a great workout for runners or anyone who walks/stands for most of their day. A typical class involves five segments: warm-up, arms, thighs, seat (glutes) and core. The thigh and seat work focus heavily on glute and hip activation. Moves like “pretzel” will have your hips on fire. A long stretch at the end of class allows you to lengthen your muscles and find relief for tight hamstrings, quads and glutes.

ZEAL AERIAL FITNESS

1111 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids zealaerialfitness.com

Take your fitness to new heights! Zeal Aerial is a welcoming and safe space that offers pole, silks, hoop, yoga, hammock, and flexibility classes at various levels from beginner to advanced. You’ll be shocked at what you can accomplish in the air with a little practice! Additionally, Zeal offers personal events, parties, and kid’s classes.

FLIRT FITNESS STUDIO

5366 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 5312 Grand Haven, Norton Shores flirtfitnessgr.com

We’ve moved far past the idea that pole classes are limited to those who use the skills professionally. Pole is perfect for dancers and yoga-lovers alike, thanks to the fluid poses you move between, but it’s also great for total beginners thanks to relatively simple basics that lead into challenging moves. The goal here is to make you both stronger, helping you do things with your body you never thought were possible. Climb, twist and twirl your way to confidence.

LUNAR CYCLE

601 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids lunarcyclestudio.com

There are plenty of stellar cycle spots throughout West Michigan, but we love that Lunar Cycle is totally locally owned. Members of Revue’s team love the judgementfree and welcoming attitude, the immersive atmosphere and the unforgettable playlist. Music is the core driver behind any spin class, pumping you up and keeping you motivated for these intense workouts that torch calories.

CLUB PILATES

1886 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids clubpilates.com

Flexibility, strength, body awareness, control—Pilates is meant to do it all. At Club Pilates, they’re true experts and lovers of the method, with each instructor boasting more than 500 hours of training. Join for high-energy, low-impact classes that use springboards, chairs, mats and more to stretch and move. You’ll get stronger while fighting soreness and avoiding injury.

GRAND

RAPIDS CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT bit.ly/grexercise

Not sure where you want to start on your fitness journey? Try a low-risk class option with the Grand Rapids City Parks Department. Their group of instructors teach classes like ZUMBA, spin, barre, ballroom dancing, pilates, and even stand-up paddleboard in the summer. Their low-cost community classes make it easy to try a few fitness methods before picking your favorite. ■