The Best Workout Classes in Chicago
Pre-COVID my week looked something like this: Monday’s were reserved for trying a new workout class, Tuesdays and Thursdays (and sometimes Saturdays) were spent at my favorite class, and Wednesday and Fridays were the days I planned my own workouts. On Sundays I took the day off to recover. Sufic to say, working out is somewhat of a specialty of mine. So, I thought it would be a great idea to impart some of the wisdom I’ve gained over the past two years to give you a guide to the best workout classes in Chicago!
Barry’s Bootcamp
If I had to choose only one studio from this list, Barry’s would be it. Before COVID I took classes at the River North studio two to three times a week. I can’t even begin to explain how happy I was when one of the people at the front desk remembered me as I checked in for one of my final classes before COVID struck. Barry’s has locations all over the world, including two (soon to be three) in Chicago.
The word “bootcamp” in the title should give you all the information you need about the level of intensity in these classes, but don’t let that intimidate you. Barry’s instructors are awesome about offering ranges in weights on the floor and speeds on the treadmills so that you can tailor class to your level of fitness.
Barry’s is a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout. In class you will spend half of your time on the floor doing excersises with your body-weight, dumbbells, and bands and the other half running intervals on the treadmill. Usually you will switch between the treadmill and the floor twice, splitting the 50 minute class into manageable chunks. Classes are taken in “The Red Room.” Exactly like the name would suggest, the lights in the studio are red and the two long walls are lines with floor-to-ceiling mirrors to help you check your form throughout class.
Who this studio is for
Barry’s is perfect for cardio lovers who want to build muscle and get stronger and also those who want to love cardio. The cardio sections of class are hard but because they are broken up with the floor workouts, it’s not nearly as miserable as running on a treadmill at a steady pace and incline for 30 minutes. Between the heart-pounding music, the energetic instructors, and the intense workout, you are sure to leave class dripping in sweat but also feeling super motivated to crush the rest of your day.
Studio Three
Studio Three is the true triple threat. While many studios specialize in one area (i.e. yoga, or boxing), Studio Three offers a spin studio, an interval studio, and a yoga studio all under one roof. In spin classes you will be riding on bikes designed by Peloton specifically for Studio Three which means you are getting to use top of the line equipment. In interval classes you can expect to split your time between three (are you sensing a pattern here?) stations – the treadmill, the floor and bench, and the rowing machine. The rowing machine adds an extra bit of intensity as you spend more time doing cardio. If cardio isn’t your thing, I wouldn’t recommend this class. Finally, in the yoga studio you can choose from a variety of classes based on your preferences.
Who this studio is for
Studio Three is perfect for anyone who wants a range of options in one place. Honestly, I think a membership at Studio Three could completely eliminate the need for a gym membership. So if you can’t decide whether you want a membership at YogaSix, Barry’s Bootcamp, or SoulCycle, I would recommend you check out Studio Three.
Shadowbox
Though I was only able to take a couple of classes at Shadowbox before the COVID shutdown, this studio holds a special place in my heart. Shadowbox is an authentic boxing workout in a group fitness environment. The blue lights in the dark room and the upbeat music will keep you motivated and moving even when you are fighting to catch your breath. Shadowbox instructors are great at teaching for every level. That being said, if you are new to boxing I would recommend booking a bag with a star icon on it. These bags have the best view of the instructor so you always know what’s going on.
The studio has everything you will need to succeed in class. You can purchase hand wraps and rent gloves or bring your own. I actually took a Shadowbox class when they reopened after the COVID shutdown and I can confirm that they are doing everything possible to keep their customers safe. If you though boxing was tough, try doing it with a mask.
Who this studio is for
This studio is great for anyone who wants to relieve some stress and get a killer workout in at the same time. No matter your level of skill or fitness, one thing is for sure, you will leave Shadowbox feeling powerful. I think this is a really unique workout class so I would also recommend Shadowbox to anyone who feels bored or stuck in their workout routine.
Shred415
Shred415 is a HIIT workout class with a similar format to Barry’s Bootcamp. The name Shred415 came from the way class is divided up; four 15-minute intervals. At Shred415 you’ll get a killer workout on both the floor and treadmill in a more intimate environment. The studio size is smaller than Barry’s Bootcamp so the amount of people in the studio at one time is also smaller. At Shred415 you’ll be challenged with a variety of bodyweight and dumbbell workouts and intervals on the treadmill. Like most of the workout classes on this list, the instructors are great at giving modifications so you’ll feel comfortable in class regardless of you level of fitness. I totally recommend giving class a try especially because your first on is free!
Who this studio is for
This studio is great for anyone who wants a similar workout to Barry’s Bootcamp or Studio Three’s interval class, but in a smaller setting. If you would rather be in a class with fewer people, this is the studio for you. This class is also great if you like consistency. At Shred415 there’s no need to guess how long you’ll spend on the treadmill or the floor, its always the same every time.
The Barre Code
The Barre Code is a ballet barre style workout class (don’t worry, there’s no dancing involved). Ballet barre workouts focus on little movements and hold so build strength and elongate muscles. When you take your first class you will see the instructor making little movements and think that there is no way this will feel like a workout. I know because that was me in my first class. Soon you’ll realize that you muscles are shaking and those little holds will become your best friend and worst enemy at the same time. And, you’ll wake up with sore muscles you didn’t even know you had.
Who this studio is for
If you’re looking to build muscle and strength but are intimidated by the gym, this is the place for you. The environment is super inviting but don’t let that fool you, you’ll be working hard. The Barre Code also has a bootcamp style class and a cardio kickboxing class so you’ll always have options if you feel like switching things up.
YogaSix
Before taking a class at YogaSix I was not a yoga person. By this I mean that I was not flexible, could not get the hang of the breathing pattern, and I found it super hard to be alone with my thoughts for 50 minutes at a time. Basically, I thought I hated yoga. Despite my issues with the workout, I signed up for a hot yoga class at YogaSix on a whim and my mindset changed for the better.
After taking just one class I was talking about it with anyone who would listen and I often relayed the story about how I once hated yoga too when anyone objected to the thought of taking a class. I visited their adorable studio in Gold Coast and had the time of my life. YogaSix offers a lot of different class types based on skill level and level of intensity. Oh and did I mention your first class is free?
Who this studio is for
I would recommend YogaSix and specifically their hot yoga classes to anyone who frequently says they love working out but refuse to do yoga. I was once there, I get it. It can feel like you aren’t accomplishing anything if your muscles aren’t shaking by the end of the workout. Don’t get it twisted, this hot yoga class will make you work. This studio is perfect for beginners too because they offer so many classes. If you’re inexperienced when it. comes to yoga or fitness you definitely won’t feel intimidated here.
Additional Resources
Check out the map I created with my favorite class locations so you can see what’s nearest to you.
Check out my other content here!