As we venture further into the new year toward the month of February, it’s time to rekindle those resolutions and prioritize your well-being. But remember, it’s not about fitting into a certain mold or chasing numbers on a scale. Instead, it’s a focus on nurturing your body, calming your mind, putting yourself first, and simply feeling your best (physically and mentally!)
Portland, Maine offers an array of studios and classes to help you stay committed to your health goals this 2024. Join us as we explore some fantastic fitness options that prioritize your physical and mental health, and most importantly, celebrate the unique and wonderful you.
The world of spin pedaled into Portland and hasn’t pumped the brakes since. One cycling studio in particular, CycleBar in West Bayside, keeps cyclists engaged in the workout by making fitness feel like a party.
Catering to all fitness levels with a variety of different classes, at CycleBar, you can ‘clip in and rock your ride’ with a variation of low-impact/high-intensity spin classes designed for all ages and body types. ‘Classic’ rides blend strength, endurance, challenges, and fun, while the ‘Xpress’ classes are a quick and intense 30-minute workout.
But the fun really comes into play with CycleBar’s themed classes (glow rides!) and music showdowns. The line-up of musicians is always changing but usually includes universally loved artists such as Drake vs. Nicki Minaj (or Drake vs. Eminem), Imagine Dragons, Nelly, Bad Bunny, Bieber, and of course Beyonce. If your team Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, you can even gear up for Sunday’s big NFL game with ‘Swiftie Saturday’ happening January 27th. Your first class is on the house, so there’s no excuse not to give a CycleBar class a spin.
Of course The Portland Yoga Project offers yoga classes (Gentle Flow, BIPOC Vinyasas, Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Prenatal Yoga), it’s in the name after all. What may be lesser known about The Portland Yoga Project is they’ve got some fantastic barre classes up their sleeve too! They even have one designed for healthy aging.
Rooted in yoga and pilates, The Portland Yoga Project’s Barre classes are a full-body workout that targets your core stabilizing muscles across major muscle groups. Each session features extended sets of precise, controlled movements, complemented by ample stretching. The approach relies on your body weight for resistance in approximately 95% of the class, emphasizing low-impact exercises that cater to diverse fitness levels. Intimidated by Barre? Give Not Your Average Barre Class a go. Led by Instructor Sandy Betz, this class is designed to be radically welcoming and to help you feel that you can move with strength, ease, and confidence.
Other great class options at PYP include Roll & Restore: Ball Rolling Series which uses myofascial release (self-massage) techniques with therapy balls to help your body recover from your active lifestyle. There’s Queer Movement Yoga which provides a safer space for queer and trans folk; Movement for Grief which offers moving meditation in the form of shaking, dancing, and simple asana sequences designed to release grief; Yoga en Espanol, Yoga for Core & Pelvic Floor and more.
Imagine a fitness experience where you not only reconnect with your body but also with a vibrant community. That’s what Celine, the founder of Move Wild Studio, offers. Her classes are unique, embracing the essence of ‘wild’ in a truly inspiring way.
In the warmer months, you’ll find Move Wild Studio practicing yoga out near East End Beach and the Eastern Promenade. During the winter months, classes move indoors, a majority happening at local breweries and distilleries. For Move Wild’s next Candlelit Yoga class on January 29th, 2024, Celine has partnered with Three of Strong Spirits on Diamond Street.
Not just yoga but a journey to center yourself and recharge, this all-levels class harmoniously weaves breath with movement, allowing you to unwind and find balance. Celine’s teaching philosophy centers around listening to your body and what feels good and right. Whether it’s taking a moment in child’s pose or moving organically with your instincts, she encourages you to prioritize self-care. After your candlelit session, join the ‘Wild Ones’ for a private happy hour, where you’ll be treated to $2 off your tab (N/A drinks available as well).
Other upcoming classes include Yoga at Banded Brewing Co. in Biddeford this February.
Hustle and Flow turns your workout into dance parties! If you’re ready to unleash your inner dance enthusiast and break a sweat while grooving to the beat, Hustle and Flow is where you want to be.
Two standout classes to try are Tramp Cardio & Strength, a dance cardio and sculpting fusion class with heart-pounding choreography and the added fun of trampoline workouts, and Hustlercise Dance Cardio, a high-energy, addictive fusion of dance and strength moves. Both classes are set to energetic tunes that’ll keep you moving and grooving. Plus, you’ll have different instructors bringing their unique styles and music taste to each class, ensuring every session is a sweaty, satisfying workout. Dance, sweat, and smile your way to better fitness at Hustle and Flow!
Other classes include Dance, Tone + Flow, Strength + Conditioning, Mindful Movement (Yoga), Pole Dance, Hustle Heels Choreography and more.
A fitness experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Salud boasts a wide variety of boutique group fitness classes, specifically a diverse selection of Pilates. Here, Pilates isn’t just an exercise; it’s a pathway to improved strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
Pilates Chair class offers a comprehensive workout that targets your entire body, enhancing balance and coordination through the use of bodyweight and spring resistance. For those looking to add a cardiovascular element to their Pilates practice, the Pilates Jump is a game-changer in elevating your heart rate. Using the Jumpboard, this class incorporates plyometric training to strengthen your legs, abs, ankles, and feet. Salud’s Pilates Reform, Pilates Reform & Balance, and Pilates Jump classes are all part of a full-body conditioning program consisting of around 500 meticulously designed movements that are your ticket to improved strength, flexibility, balance, control, and muscular symmetry.
Other classes include Salud Bounce, Salud Strength, Yoga, Ballet Barre, Cardio Dancer, Booty Burn, and more!
