For some, fitness is a lifestyle, they can spring out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning to run an absurd amount of kilometres, fuelled by nothing but the kale inside their ‘pre-workout’ skinny juice. For others, it's definitely a chore. Here are some alternatives - pole dancing, ballet and marital arts - available on the North Shore.
All of the experts say consistency is key, and we know it’s much easier to stay consistent at something you have fun doing! So, we’ve found some fun ways you can get cracking on your fitness journey.
Getting Fit with Pole Dancing
If you want to get fit, there is nothing that delivers a full-body workout quite like pole dancing. Pole dancing has a complex and multifaceted history, with origins dating back to ancient civilisations. It was seen in travelling circuses right across the US in the 1920s and 1930s.
The 70s/80s saw a transformation into more ‘adult’ performances with the emergence of burlesque and ‘club’ dancing. In the late 20th Century, a shift in perception recognised pole dancing as a legitimate form of exercise, leading to an explosion in popularity and the emergence of competitions and conventions worldwide. Pole Dancing is an art that needs to be mastered through regular practice, conditioning and strength-building over time.
If you're on the North Shore - check out:
PoleDance Academy - L3/28 Clarke Street, Crows Nest Classes $38 | Weekly class membership $35
If you're in Sydney CBD - check out:
PoleDance Academy - L2/110 Botany Rd, Alexandria
Classes $38 | Weekly class membership $35
If you're in the Inner West - check out:
PoleDance Academy - 3 Shepherd St, Marrickville
Classes $38 | Weekly class membership $35
Getting Fit with Ballet
Ballet is not just a captivating art form; it's also a fantastic way to stay fit. While it has evolved over time, ballet's origins can be traced to the Italian courts during the 16th and 17th centuries. The term "ballet" itself comes from the Italian word "balletto", which means a dance or a piece of music for dance. Ballet engages both major muscle groups and smaller stabilising muscles, resulting in improved posture and a toned physique. Precise movements and controlled breathing enhance body awareness and mindfulness. Enjoy ballet on the harbour at Sydney Dance Company, with more than 75 classes each week in a variety of styles, from beginner to advanced!
If you're anywhere in Sydney - you should check out:
Sydney Dance Company - Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct In-studio Memberships and Flexi-packs available | Intro offer $99 for 1 month unlimited classes.
Getting Fit with Martial Arts
This ancient discipline includes a range of combat and self-defence techniques that have evolved over the centuries. Martial arts have a holistic approach to personal growth, teaching not only self-defence but also mental resilience, respect for others, and a strong sense of discipline.
One of the most iconic figures in martial arts history, Bruce Lee, was able to emphasise its practicality and adaptability, leading to an explosion in popularity across the globe. Fortunately for 2065 residents, we have a local North Shore gym with more than 30 years training experience under their belt. These guys love nothing more than training, fitness and martial arts. They welcome (and encourage) all fitness levels and cater to each student individually, pushing you more out of your comfort zone each time.
Head in for a no-obligation trial today.
If you're on the North Shore - you should check out:
Wyllie Martial Arts - 94 Penshurst St, Willoughby
Classes from $20 | Class packs available
Barre Classes
Barre refers to a body-weight lifting and toning workout combining elements of yoga, pilates and ballet. This low-impact exercise focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance, with an emphasis on isometric movements and small, controlled motions. Participants often use a ballet barre (or a chair/other stable surface) for support while performing a series of exercises that target specific muscle groups. Barre is ideal for those in search of a more graceful approach to their fitness.
If you're in the Inner West - check out:
Trunk Studios - 424 New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill
Various memberships available starting at $38 p/week (2 x Mat classes)
Reformer Pilates
Imagine a workout that not only tones your muscles but also gives you the grace of a swan. That's Pilates for you! Named after its creator, Joseph Pilates, this exercise is all about control and precision. With Reformer Pilates, technology and world-class instructors combine to give you an amazing workout that strengthens, sculpts and reshapes your body - all in around 40 minutes! The ultimate goal is to give you long, lean muscles and flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved posture, and dramatically flattened abs. And that's just the beginning! At Studio Pilates in Surry Hills, you’ll find small, personalised classes, amazing instructors, great vibes and luxe surroundings; leaving you feeling uplifted, empowered and ready to take on the world.
If you're in Inner Sydney - check out:
Studio Pilates - 425 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills Casual visit $35 | Class packs available from $81 | studiopilates.com/studios/surry-hills
** Get started on your best body ever with this amazing offer- 6 classes for $60. New clients only, Call 0451 366 095 to book today - limited spaces.
Indoor Cycling
Indoor cycling has become increasingly popular over the past few years. With benefits like improved cardiovascular health, better endurance and effective calorie burning, it's no wonder so many people are hopping in the saddle. Not only are classes fun, you can really challenge yourself as well with workout options to accommodate people of all fitness levels, and ambitions! Everyone is welcome, whether you want to improve your performance, or just zone out and escape. If you love great music and surrounding yourself with a supportive community, this is probably the fitness activity for you!
If you're on the North Shore - check out:
CycleBar - L1/51 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest
Classes from $39 | Memberships available ** Thanks to our friends at CycleBar Crows Nest, you can grab a free ride at cyclebar.com.au and see for yourself!
If you're in Sydney CBD - check out:
Vicious Cycles - Lower Ground, 27 Park St, Sydney CBD
Classes $35 | Multi-class packs available | viciouscycles.com.au
If you're in the Inner West - check out:
Balmain Fitness - 32 Robert St, Rozelle
Classes $25 | Weekly membership $21 - $29 | balmainfitness.com.au
Cross Fit Training
A high-intensity fitness program that has taken the exercise world by storm. It combines weightlifting, aerobic exercises, and functional movements into a diverse and intense workout regimen. The emphasis is on functional fitness, aiming to improve overall strength, endurance, and agility. CrossFit workouts are typically performed in a group setting, fostering a strong sense of community and competition. This approach has encouraged a passionate following, making CrossFit a challenging and motivating way to achieve peak physical fitness for enthusiasts of all levels.
If you're in Sydney CBD - check out:
CrossFit 168 - 259 Sussex Street, Sydney
$65 weekly | Unlimited access - $85 weekly | crossfit168.com.au
If you're in the Inner West - check out:
CrossFit Marrickville - 72/74 Shepherd St, Marrickville
Classes $30 | Monthly membership starts at $225 (2 x classes per week)
Personal Training
The fitness game can be a lonely one, and it can be hard to find an ideal (reliable) gym buddy. Enter stage left, Personal Training. Getting a Personal Training is like having an extremely knowledgeable gym buddy that is available all the time, just to support you every time you work out. Not only will you have amazing company, PTs are proven to help keep their clients accountable, an extra guarantee that you’re going to reach the fitness goals you set out to achieve. Personal Training is also a great way for newbies to develop the correct technique and start seeing results as early on as possible.
Check out your local PTs:
If you're in Inner Sydney - check out:
The Camp Fitness | Various locations - Call Pip today 0401 257 792
PT Classes $70 | Bootcamp 5 Days $5 Trial
Pilates
Is it Yoga? Is it Tai Chi? Pilates focuses on improving core strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. It was first developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this fitness system emphasises precise movements, controlled breathing, and a holistic approach to physical well-being. Picture this: you're on a mat, channelling your inner zen, engaging muscles you never knew existed. It's not about how many reps you can squeeze in; it's about doing each movement with finesse. And don't be fooled by the calm vibes – Pilates means business. It targets your core intensely, giving you abs of steel and a posture that says, "I got this."
If you're Inner-Sydney - check out: Movement Collective - Ground Floor, 55 Mountain St, Ultimo
Casual visit from $55 | 10 Class pack - $470 https://www.movementcollective.com.au/
If you're on the North Shore - check out: FS8 Crows Nest - 123 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest
Classes from $30 | 2 x Classes per week (membership) $39
Powerlifting
Yes, whilst this is technically falling into the classic, gym-going, category - Powerlifting really is in a league of its own. If you’re tired of the treadmill and want to see what you’re really made of, this one’s for you. Imagine a sport where the barbell is your dance partner, and your goal is to make it waltz with gravity like it owes you money. There are three main lifts; the squat (because sitting down is for the weak), the bench press (because who needs a spotter when you've got determination), and the deadlift (because lifting something heavy off the ground is just plain cool). But it isn’t all about building muscle and getting fit, you’ve got to have the attitude to back it up. If that doesn’t sound fun enough - Powerlifters are also known for their camaraderie. Forget the judgmental gym vibes – in a powerlifting gym, everyone's your cheerleader. Your success is their success and your struggles? Well, that might be turned into a meme later.
If you're in Inner Sydney - check out:
The Yard | 278 Palmer St, Surry Hills
Casual visit $33 | Membership/Class Packs from $69 | theyard.com.au