Menu
Whether you’re a gym rat or a coach potato, everyone could stand to shake up his or her exercise routine from time to time. And Phoenix residents looking to mix up their fitness are in luck. Phoenix is home to plenty of unique gyms where you can get in shape in a fun, new way. From Arizona’s largest rock climbing wall facility to a Israeli martial arts, here are four places where you can work up a sweat in a brand new way.
AZ on the Rocks
At more than 14,000 square feet, Scottsdale’s AZ on the Rocks claims to be Arizona’s largest indoor rock climbing wall facility. And climbers of all stripes can work their arm and leg muscles as they scale walls, boulder (where you climb without ropes), practice on a slack line or zoom down a zip line. If you need more than climbing, you also can use one of the facility’s exercise or cardio machines. AZ on the Rocks also offers yoga and “ninja” training where you can perform similar obstacle courses as seen as the hit show American Ninja Warrior.
Twitter: @azontherocks
Elevate Yoga & Wellness
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you’ve never seen a yoga mat in your life, aerial yoga is a fun way to literally elevate your practice. Located in downtown Phoenix, Elevate Yoga & Wellness offers students the chance to elevate their practice. Students use silks that can hold hundreds of pounds to aid them in stretching and deepening their current postures. Plus, you can use these silks to help you go upside down too.
Twitter: @ElevateYogaAZ
EVKM Self Defense & Fitness
Tempe’s EVKM Self Defense & Fitness offers krav maga, a military self defense system developed by the Israel Defense Forces —the official army of Israel. Krav Maga is a combination of boxing, judo, jujitsu, and aikido. It’s known for being the most effective self-defense system that has a celebrity following; actress Hilary Swank is allegedly a fan. According to EVKM’s website, you’ll learn hand-to-hand combat training, defensive moves, disarming techniques, power-house kicks while you gain strength, tone and condition. The most interesting thing about krav maga? The ultimate goal is to prevent you from getting into a fight in the first place. How’s that for self defense?
Twitter: @EVKravMaga
Studio BFF
No, BFF doesn’t stand for Best Friends Forever. At this Mesa studio, it means Ballet Fusion Fitness. And if you think ballet is a gentle exercise, think again. Our favorite class? Ballerobica. Work up a sweat during this cardio and strength training class. Belly up to the ballet barre as you build long and lean dancer muscles. Rev up your metabolism with cardio moves. We love how this workout tones and trims your entire body. No dance experience required.
If you’d rather take your workout outside, consider hitting these five Phoenix hiking trails.
