Workouts You Have to Try in Kansas City
Kansas City offers a variety of fitness studios with something for everyone. The key to adhering to a consistent fitness routine is finding something you enjoy doing. When you have intrinsic motivation (the workout makes you feel good and is fun) you are more likely to do it often than if your motivation is extrinsic (you do it just to lose weight.)
As a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, I LOVE trying new workouts. Each type can lead to different benefits… cardio, strength training, stress relief, meditation…
My Favorite Studios in Kansas City
Pure Barre
119th & Roe, Leawood
Barre is inspired by ballet and will make you feel like a beautiful ballerina even if you aren’t a dancer (which I am definitely not-two left feet here!). Pure Barre offers three class formats: classic, one for cardio, and one for strength training. Barre works to tone full body to create lean limbs and a strong core. It also focuses a lot on “the seat” (aka your butt) and you will frequently hear instructors say to “tuck” which means to tilt your pelvis by engaging your glutes.
The unlimited membership includes studio classes and an app with at home workouts for those days you can’t make it in.
HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL: Feminine & Graceful
Core Energy
127th & Antioch, Overland Park
This hot yoga studio not only provides a great workout, but also a sense of community and acceptance where all shapes, sizes, and abilities belong. Whether you just want to stretch, clear your mind, or learn to do a headstand…this is the place to be.
Yoga can be like therapy in this busy life where a to-do list can run constantly in your mind. Reducing my mind chatter and learning to be present makes me a better wife, mom, and person.
Another benefit of yoga is reduction of musculoskeletal pain. The stretching and core strengthening can help alleviate lower back pain, neck pain, etc.
HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL: Peaceful, Fulfilled, Present
LAgree Pulse 45
127th & Antioch, Overland Park
The Lagree method (designed by celebrity trainer Sebastian Lagree) is high intensity endurance strength training on a machine called the Megaformer that uses springs for resistance. Movements are low impact and easy on joints and the exercises are designed to work your muscles to their max. Don’t be surprised if your legs start shaking mid lunge, that’s the sweet spot. Slow controlled movement helps you develop lean muscle and trigger fat burning.
This studio is owned by a husband and wife team and they will give you a killer workout and personalized attention. All moves can be made more or less challenging, so any fitness level can enjoy the constant burn of this 45 minute class.
HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL: Strong & Accomplished
9Round
135th & Antioch, Overland Park
9 Round is a 30 minute kickboxing workout that will help you torch calories and build muscle. There are no class times so you show up on your schedule rather than theirs.
Each round you do the moves (jump rope, punches, kicks, burpees, weights, working mitts with a trainer, etc) as many times as you can until the next round or station starts.
You have the option of wearing a Pulse heart rate monitor which displays your nickname (mine is Killer B) and your stats on a screen. It’s a great motivator to push yourself and to be in your target heart rate zones. I can easily burn 300-400 calories in a 30 minute session.
The owner Jeff and his trainers are fantastic at cheering you on and helping you achieve your fitness goals.
HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL: Strong, Confident, & Powerful.
Matt Ross Community Center
80th & Metcalf, Overland Park
Matt Ross is part of Overland Park recreation and will definitely give you the most bang for your buck. There are a huge variety of class formats and class times and the beauty of a group fitness class membership here is that you also get access to Tomahawk Ridge community center’s group fitness classes. It’s a huge value. Try yoga, water aerobics, cycle, barbell, kickboxing, and more. I teach 20/20/20 (cardio, strength training, core and stretching) at Matt Ross so this gym has a special place in my heart.
HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL: With so many class formats-you get to decide
Wondering where to start?
Class Pass is a great way to try out these fabulous studios (with the exception of Matt Ross) and many many more. Your membership gives you class credits which you use to take classes at a variety of studios around town. There are package options for how many credits you need.
Use this link for $30 off your first month!
I hope you love trying these workouts. I’d love to hear about your favorite fitness classes in Kansas City!
