I love fitness but I am totally bored with my current routine. A fresh start with a new fitness studio may be in order. If you’re feeling the same way, why not check out one of these Black-owned studios in cities across the country? Many promise to add some spice to your workout with soulful music and moves that get you groovin’. Smaller venues with fewer members often provide more one-on-one attention, better social-distancing and trainers familiar with the needs within our community. Many have virtual options.
Here’s a list of Black-owned gyms and specialized studios for every fitness level. Be sure to contact these establishments before heading out, as the pandemic continues to impact operations of fitness studios and other businesses nationwide. Likewise, consider all the recommended precautions to avoid contacting or transmitting an illness.
Georgia
Gymnetics Fitness, Atlanta
GymneticsFitness.com
A contemporary studio with weights and cardio equipment, as well as personal training and popular group fitness classes
Founders: Mother-daughter fitness trainer duo Ellen Ector, 69, and Lana Ector, 31
Known for: Kettlebell workouts and their famous booty-boot-camp, butt-sculpting class.
Clientele: Gymnetics is an all-women’s group fitness center serving all fitness levels. (All genders are welcome to participate in the personal-training program.)
Virtual fitness? Videos available on website.
New York
HealHaus, Brooklyn
HealHaus.com
An earthy, Zen-inspiring wellness studio and café, with indoor and outdoor private and group yoga, meditation and healing practices
Founders: Healing and wellness professional Elisa Shankle teamed with Darian Hall, a former corporate executive in the medical field.
Known for: Yoga, healing therapies and custom herbal tea blends
Clientele: All genders, all fitness levels
Virtual classes? Yes
Tone House, Manhattan
ToneHouse.com
Looking for a challenge? Train like an elite athlete with interval-training sessions, dubbed the “Toughest Workout in NYC,” at this high-end group fitness studio. Two locations.
Owner: Alonzo Wilson, a former college defensive lineman and trainer for NBA players and models
Known for: One-hour super-intense strength and conditioning classes
Clientele: All genders, all fitness levels. However, newbies are encouraged to take the intro and rookie classes.
Virtual fitness? Yes, classes
New Jersey
Mind Body Spirit Personal Training, Bloomfield
MindBodySpiritpt.com
An unpretentious one-on-one and small-group fitness studio with individualized programs incorporating yoga, Pilates, boot camp, weight training, wellness, nutrition and whole-body health
Owner: Leslie Ingram-Lewis, fit and fabulous at 72 years old this year, says she feels “forever 29.” With a mind/body approach to fitness, Ingram-Lewis is celebrating 45 years in the business.
Known for: Personalized programs for people who have never exercised; for fit individuals looking for the next level; and for anyone in between
Clientele: All genders
Virtual fitness? Yes, Zoom personal training sessions
Pennsylvania
Fit Academy, Brewerytown, Philadelphia
FitPhl.com
A state-of-the-art 4,000-square-foot studio with group fitness and personal training, plus outdoor group fitness classes
Owner: Osayi Osunde, a former Green Bay Packer who has been named a “Best of Philly” fitness trainer by Philadelphia Magazine
Known for: Popular outdoor boot camps on the famous “Rocky steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Silent Boot Camps with headphones and a live DJ
Clientele: All genders, all levels
Virtual fitness? Yes
Washington, D.C.
Boombox Boxing Club, Navy Yard
Boombox-Boxing.com
Chic boutique boxing club with intense, music-fueled workouts