It used to be working out at a local fitness center meant lifting weights or maybe doing some cardio exercises. But these days, gyms in Minneapolis like Lions Gym have added a lot of options that go way beyond the typical dumbbells and treadmills.
Choosing among the various fitness centers/gyms is an important decision. The key is finding a facility that fits with your lifestyle and your personality.
Whether you like working out alone without distraction from others or joining a group to help motivate you toward your fitness goal, there are many options among the gyms in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Area Gyms
The right gym membership for you could depend on your lifestyle and the convenience you need from Minneapolis area gyms. Do you work in downtown Minneapolis and prefer exercising right before or after work? Maybe a fitness center near the office is the answer.
Do you live in northeast Minneapolis and prefer the convenience of a gym close to home so you can go exercise at a moment's notice?
You might want to look for a facility that's nearby if that's the case. By the way, if you live or work in Uptown, you'll find many of the more than 20 gyms in Minneapolis in that area such as The Movement, so there are plenty of options for you.
Consider a Climbing Gym
A workout trend that's gaining in popularity is a climbing gym, where members can scale the wall or simulated boulders to help get into shape.
The rock-climbing gym offers instruction and supervision, and climbers are tethered for safety so they don't injure themselves while getting their workout. A bouldering gym also can help change up your fitness routine and help build confidence in your physical abilities.
Workout Alternative at a Boxing Gym
Another alternative to the traditional workout is a boxing gym. This isn't just a place to put on the gloves and fight. There are strength training and cardio exercises you can do to prepare for your matches and to keep you in shape.
While Minneapolis boxing gyms often attract male athletes, more women are choosing this workout option. It's something you'll want to consider.
With the right instruction, you can spar with friends and other gym members you meet to get the exercise you need. Most boxing gyms also offer group classes that include training.
Minneapolis CrossFit gyms: Power Workouts
The benefits of CrossFit gyms also are attracting people looking for different fitness options. These gyms offer classes for beginners to the most advanced that combine strength training and cardio exercises in a series of activities designed to challenge you physically.
It's the perfect option for those who easily lose motivation with repetitious exercise routines and who are looking to push their limits.
Most CrossFit gyms also offer strengthening and cardio equipment, including free weights, to help your workout.
MMA Gyms
No need to only be a spectator of mixed martial arts. You can participate in the sport at MMA gyms like Minnesota Kali Group.
These facilities are becoming more popular, offering aerobics, strength training and metabolic conditioning as part of the routine. This is more than just a workout. It's a life change that can help you develop a healthier lifestyle.
Depending on your instructor, you can participate in different martial arts disciplines, including Jujitsu and kickboxing.
Feeling Competitive? American Ninja Warrior Gyms
Just as MMA sports are not meant for spectators only, you can also develop a fitness program at American Ninja Warrior gyms. As you probably guessed, the fitness concept stems from the popular television show, where participants navigate a series of physical challenges that get progressively more difficult.
Now the ninja experience is available at local gyms, with an emphasis on strength, balance and cardio exercise that will help provide the tools needed to complete such rigorous and challenging courses.
It might also help you earn a spot for yourself in the competition.
UFC Gyms
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is another spectator sport showcased at some gyms in Minneapolis. UFC gyms offer a similar concept to the MMA fitness centers, using trained coaches and instructors who help develop workout routines that challenge you.
These gyms also offer some basics you would expect at any fitness center, like strengthening and cardio equipment, free weights and other resources to help you get in shape.
Basketball Fitness Centers
If you're looking to include some healthy competition in your workout, consider some of the basketball gyms in Minneapolis. You can improve your stamina and help tone your body core and legs with a fast-paced basketball game on one of the courts offered by local gyms.
It's also a way to find others like you who enjoy basketball and other court activities like racquetball and squash to add a change of pace to a weekly workout routine.
Gyms by Amenities
In addition to gyms with athletic courts, you may also want other gyms with amenities that help you stay in shape.
There are gyms with pools if that's your preferred method of strength and cardio training. Some of those also might be considered more family friendly, like the YMCA, which has locations that offer competition-length pools for you to use for swimming laps.
Another attraction to some athletes is gyms with kettlebells, basic workout equipment used to improve strength, core power, balance, flexibility, and coordination. You can develop fitness routines or join workout classes at gyms that highlight kettlebells if you're looking to get rid of fat and develop lean muscle.