Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, Richmond is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness in the River City.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
Work out with a community
Body Arc, Blackwell
This gym’s states values of inclusivity, community, and empowerment come through in its personal training, group classes, physical therapy sessions, and mural-dappled fitness space.
RVA Iron, East Highland Park + Chester
Beginners to seasoned bodybuilders will feel at home at this 24-hour gym with hand-selected machines, dumbbells up to 200 lbs, and a state-of-the-art posing room.
Cary Street Gym, VCU
Did you know community members can become members at VCU Recreation and Well-Being? There are special rates for alumni, first responders, and veterans.
Burn Boot Camp, multiple locations
This franchise has gyms in Libbie Mill, Midlothian, Short Pump, Mechanicsville, and more. Join a community working towards strength and conditioning goals through scalable workouts.
YMCA of Greater Richmond, multiple locations
There are 17 YMCAs around the River City, from Goochland to Ashland to Petersburg and in between. The Y offers gym equipment, group classes, personal training, and youth programs.
Make burpees a lifestyle
Shockoe Bottom Performance offers coaching, programming, and community.
Photo by @huzzah_factory
Shockoe Bottom Performance, Shockoe Bottom
Find community and meet your goals at this CrossFit-focused gym.
RVA Performance Training, The Diamond
Sign up for a free introductory look at this group fitness and personal training gym which also offers at-home workouts and a nutrition guide.
CrossFit Formula Athletics, North Chesterfield
This gym offers personal training and CrossFit classes for all fitness levels.
West End CrossFit, Henrico
Move with purpose at this Short Pump gym, where workouts are varied and tailored to member needs.
CrossFit Midlo, Chesterfield
This gym is also home to the Southside Barbell Club for those interested in Olympic lifting.
Find flexibility
BOHO Fit Studio, Barton Heights
Try out the power, vinyasa, or restorative yoga or check out a combination class that’ll include exercises like stretching, balance, and strength training.
TAOU Studio, Carytown
This studio offers dance, breath, and sound meditation classes in addition to a variety of yoga classes. Bonus: Massage sessions are available and can be customized to your needs.
Zinger Fit, Henrico
Restorative, core, and vinyasa yoga classes are all on the agenda at this boutique fitness studio which also has HIIT, cycling, and barre workouts.
Get even more local yoga options with our complete guide.
Get one-on-one training
Moore Than Fitness, North Highland Park
Get ready to fowl in love with fitness at this chicken-themed gym. Start personal training, semi-personal training, or virtual coaching to meet your fitness goals.
Tequila & Deadlifts, The Fan
With a flexible pricing structure and a belief in functional fitness, this Fan facility will set you up with consistent one-on-one or small group training.
The Weight Room, Scott’s Addition
Sign up for a fundamentals class, a technique session, or a private or small group training session to up your weightlifting game.
The Well Personal Fitness, The Fan
Get in tune with your practice with a private yoga or personal training session catered to your needs.
Well Into Life Massage & Bodywork, Henrico
Sign up for a private or small group hatha, gentle, or restorative yoga class.
Dance it out
Turn Cardio Jam Studio, Scott’s Addition
Dance, stretch, or lift during in-studio or live streaming classes. Feel the burn at an all-levels Turn Table, Backspin, or Zumba class.
SHiNE Dance Fitness, Henrico
Classes at this gym promise to feel more like a dance party than a workout — whether you’re into jazz, hip hop, or ballet.
Punch up your fitness routine
Vintage Boxing Gym & Fitness, Scott’s Addition
Find this old-school boxing gym on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Adult and youth memberships are available as well as private lessons.
TITLE Boxing Club, The Fan
Boxers of all fitness levels are welcome at this gym which offers different membership levels and class packages.
10 Kicks Muay Thai, Gravel Hill
Take an intro class to get the fundamentals down or jump into training.
East End Boxing Club, Sandston
This fundamentals boxing gym has many youth program options and group classes.
Try something new
Niche Pilates Studio, The Fan
Get a free three day trial to see if modern pilates is for you. The studio also offers yoga classes from specialized instructors.
Hot Yoga Richmond, Huguenot
Richmond’s first hot yoga studio has been open since 2002 and offers classes including Bikram Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates, and Yin Yoga.
Peak Experiences, The Diamond + Midlothian
This climbing gym offers classes in bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing as well as yoga, free weights, and cardio equipment.
Apex Jiu Jitsu, Midlothian
Learn self-defense, get in shape, or just get the basics of this Brazilian martial art at this specialty gym.
Girya Garage, The Fan
This kettlebell cross-training facility focuses on how to use the resistance tool to improve health and fitness.
Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.
