- Liz Logan
Looking to Get Fit this New Year? Give these Area Gyms a Try
It’s the New Year and many of us are just waking from the holiday haze, ready to get our lives back in order, even better than before. Whether you’re one to set resolutions or not, now is as good a time as any to dust off the old running shoes and vow to get back in shape or simply switch up your routine.
Choosing a workout can be overwhelming and, like most things, finding the perfect fit can feel a bit daunting. No matter your corner of the county, there is something for you. We are breaking this down by style, giving a bit of insight to various workout styles available in the area. Here are some ideas to help guide you to your perfect workout.
Full Body Workouts
When we say “full body” we are talking head-to-toe workouts with varying options. Lots of gyms have group fitness options because, as they say, misery loves company.
9Round
2609 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
Need a quick but steady work out? 9Round offers half-hour kickbox workout, complete with varying stations and trainers to guide you through.
M2M
101 Center Street, Cramerton
M2M was started by dancer with a degree in exercise and sports science. M2M owner Megan A. Moose focuses on a method of Pilates called “Contrology”. With classes daily, M2M is sure to get your full body moving.
Riverside Athletic Club
1500 River Dr, Suite 101-A Belmont
A group exercise setting with childcare and no membership fees, Riverside Athletic Club serves a diverse demographic with dynamic group fitness classes for various fitness levels.
Various Workouts
Not looking to get group exclusive? Many gyms have amenities for the lone workout as well as opportunities to connect to group exercise classes.
Goins Strong Fitness
171 Dallas Towne Plaza, Dallas
Run by personal trainers, this gym offers functional training, cardio equipment and group training classes. Perfect for the hybrid gym-goer.
Loray Athletic Club
300 S. Firestone Street, #100G, Gastonia
Offering individualized personal training, group exercise and fitness equipment, the Loray Athletic Club located in historic Loray Mill is a great way to get your fitness goals off the ground alongside great trainers and gym-goers.
YMCA
A staple of the community, the various YMCAs in Gaston County offer group fitness, fitness equipment and nutritional support Yoga, cardio, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and water classes are among the YMCAs weekly class schedule. For the parents out there, the YMCA offers quality childcare for up to two hours while parents exercise and take some down time.
Stowe Family YMCA, 196 YMCA Drive, Belmont
Cherryville Family YMCA, 119 E. Main Street, Cherryville
Warlick Family YMCA, 2221 Robinwood Road, Gastonia
Kings Mountain Family YMCA, Cleveland Avenue, Kings Mountain
Pharr Family YMCA, 208 Main Street, McAdenville
Planet Fitness
Known for their inclusivity and positive environment, Planet Fitness is a great place for a great workout. Planet Fitness offers individual workouts, group training sessions and certified trainers.
602 Park Street, Belmont
202 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
1751 Neal Hawkins Road, Gastonia
Outdoor
Despite the cold weather, it is possible to have a good workout outside. Staying warm and getting some fresh air all while moving your body can fight off those winter time blues and give you a reason to get outside.
Camp Gladiator
With over 3,500 locations nationwide, Camp Gladiator is a trainer-based workout in a team setting. Groups meet outdoors in parking lots (or indoors when weather does not permit outdoor workouts) and do different workouts daily. From early morning hours to after work, Camp Gladiator works to fit schedules while helping team members get fit.
120 Park Street, Belmont
140 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
226 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
CrossFit
If you haven’t seen your friends posting their CrossFit progress are you even on social media? From the acronyms to the #goals, CrossFit provides functional training in a group setting. Workouts of the Day (or WODs) are shared and timed, providing opportunities for cardio and strength training, all based on individual goals and abilities. CrossFit can be found across Gaston County, serving a variety of communities.
CrossFit Belmont, 81 McAdenville Road, Belmont
CrossFit Gastonia, 602 E.2nd Avenue, Gastonia
CrossFit Kings Mountain, 703-2 E. Kings Street, Kings Mountain
Yoga
Yoga offers an opportunity to mesh mind, body and spirit in intentional movements designed to open up and strengthen. These studios offer a variety of styles to get your heart rate up or to simply sit in child’s pose.
On Track Yoga
121 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
On Track Yoga offers yoga of varying styles, from the challenging ashtanga to a restorative flow. Beyond yoga, On Track offers a twice-weekly walking club to get members out and moving collectively.
Simply.
6425 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont
With a variety of styles, Simply. yoga + wellness + massage offers restorative yoga, flow and empower yoga. Most styles can be adapted to individual yoga levels and offer support by trained instructors.
The Yoga Room
3810 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
With a mission that “yoga is for everyone”, The Yoga Room offers a community of yogis practicing flow yoga, slow flow and even paddleboard yoga.
Martial Arts and Combat Training
Bored with traditional fitness routes? Martial arts teaches many elements of both mental and physical strength. Try any of these studios for a change or to better your skills.
Bodyshot Combat Club and Personal Training
793 W. Charlotte Avenue, Mt. Holly
Whether you are looking to compete or simply stay in shape, Bodyshot offers a community of like-minded individuals to spur you on to your athletic and fitness goals.
FTF Fitness and Self Defense
1122 E. Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia
From self-defense classes to kick boxing, FTF offers classes for beginners and beyond. FTF is good for the whole family. Be it Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or kids’ martial arts—it’s all in their realm.
NC Budo
124 N. Main Street, Belmont
With classic Okinawan Kempo karate at the foundation, NC Budo offers a variety of classes, from novice to competition.
The STAFF of Stanley
100 S. Main Street, Stanley
Standing for Self-Defense Training and Family Fitness, STAFF offers a variety of classes for the whole family. Classes are offered from age 4 up.