In The Know: Understanding Charlotte’s fitness and recreation scenes

Charlotte boasts a growing fitness scene, offering a range of options from state-of-the-art gyms to community recreation centers and active run clubs. 

With so many options, it can be hectic to choose the best place to kickstart your fitness journey. Whether you prefer lifting weights, practicing yoga, running with a group or exploring the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of options to stay active and healthy in the Queen City.

Gyms and fitness centers

 Charlotte Athletic Club – 101 S Tryon St

Charlotte Athletic Club is a premier fitness center located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. It offers state-of-the-art equipment, personal training services, and a variety of group fitness classes, including yoga, cycling, and HIIT. The club also features luxurious amenities such as steam rooms, saunas, and towel service.

Orangetheory Fitness – Multiple locations across Charlotte

Orangetheory Fitness is a popular fitness franchise known for its high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Classes are designed to keep your heart rate in a target zone that boosts metabolism and increases energy. Each session includes rowing, cardio and strength training and more.

A&G Training – 615 East Sixth Street

A&G Training is a Black-owned training center that offers personal training to clients at various stages of their fitness journey. From resistance training to cardio and bodybuilding prep, Owner James Adams offers clients an experience to improve their health and meet their physical goals. 

Charlotte Fit -1001 E W.T. Harris Boulevard, Suite W and 10106 Johnston Road, Suite C

Charlotte Fit is a women-focused boutique personal training studio. The company focuses on “providing a safe space for women of all ages and fitness levels,” according to its website. The gym offers personalized training sessions, group classes and membership access to lift freely at the gym during operation hours. 

Specialty fitness studios

Y2 Yoga – Multiple locations across Charlotte

Y2 Yoga is a well-known yoga studio offering a variety of classes, including hot yoga, power yoga and restorative yoga. The studio’s skilled instructors and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned yogis.

Madabolic – Multiple locations across Charlotte

Madabolic is a strength and conditioning gym that focuses on interval-based workouts designed to boost performance and endurance. Their programs are structured around momentum and durability intervals.

CycleBar – Multiple locations across Charlotte

CycleBar is a premium indoor cycling studio offering high-energy classes led by motivating instructors. Each class features a mix of endurance, strength, intervals, and recovery, set to an upbeat soundtrack. It’s a great option for those looking to improve cardiovascular fitness in a fun, group setting.

 Recreation centers

Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center – 800 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

The Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center is a neighborhood aquatic facility with a competition pool, hot tub and fitness center. It offers swim lessons, water aerobics and open swim times. The center is perfect for swimmers of all levels and those looking to incorporate aquatic exercises into their fitness routines.

Northeast Recreational Center – 5841 Brookshire Boulevard

The Northeast Recreational Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers age-specific programs and activities, athletics, aquatics, community events, and more, making it a great spot for family fitness activities.

Curry Court (The Carole Hoefener Center) – 615 E. Sixth Street

The Curry Court, fully funded by the Curry basketball family, is home to several fitness programs, like Who Got Game, a youth basketball camp league offered to kids from fourth grade to 8th grade.  The center also also personal and group training in the WeightBar.

Run Clubs

Mad Miles Run Club

Mad Miles is a community-oriented club focused on promoting running in Charlotte through inclusive and supportive group runs. Activities include regular group runs, social events and special event partnerships, like the Juneteenth run with Charlotte FC.

Black Men Run Charlotte

A run group aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle among African American men through weekly runs, health-focused events, and participation in local races.

Run CLT Run

Run CLT is a vibrant running group that welcomes runners of all levels. They offer structured training programs, “fun runs” and social gatherings. The club focuses on fostering a supportive running community and helping members achieve their fitness goals.

South End Run Club

South End Run Club meets weekly for group runs through the trendy South End neighborhood. The routes vary, and the club often partners with local breweries for post-run socializing. It’s a great way to explore the city while staying active and meeting new people.

Parks and trails

Freedom Park – 1908 East Boulevard

Freedom Park is a popular spot for outdoor fitness activities. It features a 7-acre lake, walking and running trails, sports fields and tennis courts. It’s ideal for jogging, cycling or participating in outdoor fitness classes. The park also hosts various events throughout the year.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

The Little Sugar Creek Greenway offers miles of scenic trails perfect for running, walking or biking. The greenway connects several parks and provides unique views of the creek and cityscape. It’s a favorite among local fitness enthusiasts for its accessibility and natural beauty.

U.S. National Whitewater Center – 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor recreation facility that offers a wide range of activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and trail running. It’s a fantastic destination for those looking to combine fitness with adventure in the great outdoors.