Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, Lexington 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 Horse Capital of the World.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those looking for flexibility + variety
YMCA of Central Kentucky, Multiple locations
There are a plethora of health and fitness programs to take part in across Lexington’s four locations. In addition to gym facilities, YMCA offers a variety of coaching and support programs, including personal training, chronic condition support, group exercise classes, and health coaching. Monthly memberships, childcare, and locker rentals are also available.
Proof Fitness, 4101 Tates Creek Centre Dr. + 230 W. Main St. #750
Whether you’re looking for group fitness classes like spin + TRX, or want to move at your own pace on the treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines, there’s no shortage of options at Proof Fitness.
LexFitness, 332 N. Ashland Ave. #110
With both in-person and virtual personal training services, there’s something for all levels of comfort at LexFitness. With a membership, you can get access to its bright and energetic facility 24/7, Monday through Saturday.
Lexington Athletic Club, 3882 Mall Rd.
If you’re more of a one-stop-shop fitness lover, then Lexington Athletic Club is for you. Here, you can access a variety of spaces including weight rooms, an indoor track, a basketball court, soccer field, and more. Plus, a wide range classes + programming are offered, including swim lessons, HIIT classes, Zumba, yoga, and much more.
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
F45 Training, 151 W. Zandale Dr.
High intensity fun is the name of the game here. F45 combines high intensity resistance and cardio-driven workouts, giving you the best of both worlds. The best part? There are 5,000+ movements to choose from, so you can ensure a new experience every time you walk through the doors.
Deal: First-time clients can try out F45 for seven days for $7.
Burn Boot Camp, 363 Thompson Rd.
You’ll never get bored at Burn Boot Camp. Each day focuses on a different style of workout and area of the body, including core strength, bodyweight conditioning, as well as upper and lower body. These 45-minute classes encourages community, so expect a high five with your small group between each station.
Deal: First timers can test out the gym with a 7-day free trial.
Orangetheory Fitness, Multiple locations
With three locations in town, this gym offers heart rate-based interval training. Each one-hour class incorporates rowing, cardio, and strength movements, and the coach will take you through five different heart rate zones using Orangetheory’s OTbeat technology.
GURU Fitness, 148 W. Tiverton Way
With a motto of “culture over everything,” this local gym is all about physical and mental fitness. The station-based training sessions incorporate cardio and strength, followed up with a coach’s chat to tap into your inner strength and build on the gym’s community + connection.
MADabolic, 1026 Manchester St.
MADabolic offers high-intensity strength training classes using a training system with three signature interval series: Momentum (a 2-to-1 work-to-rest ratio), Anaerobic (a 1-to-1 work-to-rest ratio), and Durability (a 3-to-1 work-to-rest ratio).
Deal: First-time clients can try out MADabolic for five for $5.
For those who want one-on-one training
LiveWELL, 333 E. Main St., Ste. 185
With an emphasis on function movements, the trainers at LiveWELL do their research to help you attain your fitness goals in a safe and welcoming environment. Open to all levels of fitness, you’ll receive a customized workout that can be completed one-on-one with a trainer or in a small group of up to four.
Motiv8 Fitness, 125 Trade St., Ste. E
This local gym is your haven if you want that one-on-one, personalized attention with a trainer to better understand your baseline fitness levels and goals. From there, workouts are personalized for you to complete with your trainer, in a semi-private group, or crew of up to 12. Other amenities include infrared sauna, massage therapy, and yoga.
Deal: First timers can book a free consultation.
For those eager to try to something new
Vibe Fitness, 1170 Manchester St.
Raise your heart rate and vibe at this Distillery District fitness studio. Regularly scheduled classes include yoga sculpt, barre, and kickboxing, but don’t shy away from specialty pop-ups like couples’ salsa dance or chair dancing.
Solidcore, 118 Marion, Ste. #140
If you love planks, you’ll love the high intensity, low impact workout on the megaformer at Solidcore. Each day focuses on a different part of your body, meaning your body will be shaking in the best way. The schedule features multiple classes throughout the day, with class packages and monthly memberships available.
Fit & Fierce Studio, 1021 N. Limestone, Ste. #118
All about inspiring + educating the community on healthy movement, this NoLi gym focuses on functional movement with weights paired with boxing. Plus, you can release your frustrations in a safe environment.
LEF Climbing, 916 N. Broadway
Check out this climbing gym for a unique workout that will activate your core, upper body, and yes, even your leg muscles. LEF has bouldering walls + lead climbing walls, as well as instructional classes for top ropes and learning to lead. No prior climbing experience is necessary to give them a visit.
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.
