Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to embrace new beginnings and fresh starts, particularly when it comes to personal fitness goals.
Making wellness a priority is something we can all get behind. Whether you’re a wellness expert or workout newbie, the end of winter presents a chance to shake off the chill and embrace active living.
Despite spring’s arrival on our calendars, most of us know exactly how unpredictable Calgary weather can be. But YYC’s snow in April shouldn’t keep you homebound and away from being your best self. The Northwest is home to some of Calgary’s finest fitness classes—ranging from low impact and meditation focused to high energy, cardio-heavy options—our corner of the city offers wellness opportunities for all ages and abilities.
If the city’s temperamental temperatures aren’t inspiring you to step outside, you’re looking to embrace a new perspective on personal fitness, or are hoping for a more social workout, take a look at some of our favourite local Northwest stops for getting active.
Yoga in Bowness is inclusive, welcoming and diverse — the studio offers an incredible number of class options, and continually provides yoga opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Their tagline, “Yoga For Everyone and For A Better Community” couldn’t be closer to the truth.
Beyond more traditional yoga classes like Hatha and Yin, the schedule includes options like Boomers Yoga, described as a series focused on issues facing 50+ clientele, including combating stiffness from daily routines (like sitting at a desk), and promises renewed circulation and better flexibility.
As an age-inclusive studio, Yoga In Bowness also focuses on the needs of mothers and children—offering Prenatal Yoga for mothers-to-be with a focus on bodily and mental wellness through all trimesters, as well as Yoga For Kids 8-12, a perfect extra-curricular for non-competitive physical fitness and social development.
As an added bonus, during warmer summer months in Calgary (June-September) the studio offers classes outdoor in a nearby park, but takes them indoors when weather is less than perfect.
Located at: 6404 Bowness Rd NW| 403-288-2909
Charmaine Ironside, a National Team athlete for Canada in Halfpipe Snowboarding, founded Ironside Fitness in 2011. While on track to be in the 2010 Winter Olympics until a severe injury led to her pausing her training, and after extensive rehabilitation, Charmaine’s focus shifted to applying her love of wellness to helping others lead healthier lives.
Ironside’s group workouts are expertly planned and staffed by a team of fitness coaches with an eye on creativity, promising that no two classes are ever the same—a feature that prevents plateaus in fitness goals. From strength training to cardio, Ironside’s classes are well rounded and while conducted in groups, individual attentions are paid to all participants.
Ironside’s personal training programs are designed specifically to suit your lifestyle and fitness goals. While group training is a major focus of their class offerings, Ironside also one-on-one, two-on-one, and semi-private personal training programs.
Ironside Fitness was originally a personal training and injury rehabilitation fitness business, and this remains one of their core strengths to this day. Ironside’s fitness coaching staff is certified by a variety of organizations including injury rehabilitation-specific programs—a great fit for those looking to rebuild exercise routines in recovery.
Located at: #114, 8060 Silver Springs Blvd NW | 403-247-0404
A stone’s throw from University District, Hot Shop’s facilities offer spin and hot yoga to the Northwest—high-octane class options for people looking to get the most out of their group workout.
While their offerings might seem intimidating for the unacquainted, Hot Shop is quick to assure patrons that there’s nothing to fear about either activities—helpfully reminding us that there is no competition in yoga, a study of self improvement, and spin is less of a race and more of a source of entertainment—complete with energizing music and motivational teacher
Newcomers to hot yoga are encouraged to try Yin, Yin/Yang, or 26 hot, while all spin classes are open to participants of all levels. While the activities can be challenging, they encourage all participants to perform at their own pace.
Located at: #208 – 4625 Varsity Dr NW | 403-457-4711
The Riverside Club offers a relaxed and friendly fitness destination within the Northwest, and an impressive selection of programming to suit any taste.
Scheduled classes encompass a host of different activities, including barre, yoga, HIIT, kickboxing and aqua fitness—an exciting mix that offers something for virtually any activity preference.
High impact options at the club include Body Blast (an intense combination of cardio, strength training and core conditioning to promote fat burning), Cardio Moves (described as a fun, high endorphin cardio workout that uses simple dance moves from every genre—no experience needed) and Quick Fit (a condensed high energy workout for those on a tight schedule).
There’s a great variety of lower impact classes, like barre, a challenging, ballet inspired Pilates and resistance focused workout, Slow Flow Yoga, Gentle Fit (a workout that offers uplifting, energizing activities for aging patrons with a focus on fitness) and Ball and Core classes for mothers-to-be.
Members and drop ins are both welcome.
Located at: 110 Point McKay Cres NW | 403 283-3200 ext. 215
Warmer weather hasn’t arrived yet in Calgary, but that doesn’t mean you can’t step on a surfboard for your daily workout.
SURFSET® describes itself as the world’s most unique workout, a high energy combination of surf-specific movements with traditional exercises to create a dynamic routine, leaving traditional workouts behind and challenging the body in new ways.
Surfset YYC offers a fun, and refreshingly different approach to fitness classes, with every exercise on the board designed to engage the core and stabilizer muscles and surprise your system to keep from plateauing,
If you’re looking for some familiar class choices to balance out your surfing experience, Surfset YYC also offers numerous other activities within their schedule, like TRX, boxing and kettlebell, as well as low impact options like barre and yoga.
Surfset YYC gives helpful descriptors for their large selection of classes, which include options like Big Kahuna, a high intensity, core focused workout and Surf Generation, a class that encourages participants to bring family members of all ages to enjoy surfing together.
Classes are 45 minutes long and have modifications for beginner and advanced moves. All fitness levels welcome!
Located at: 120, 5403 Crowchild Trail NW | 587-353-SURF (7873)
We’re thrilled to say that there’s a fitness opportunity for all ages and abilities within the Northwest. Wellness is a major priority for University District, and through pedestrian-friendly design, extensive cycle paths and shared spaces for a host of activities, we’re excited to help you lead your best life.
Do you have a favourite fitness centre in the Northwest that we should visit? Let us know by tweeting to us @UDistricYYC!
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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