If you're looking for a gym in the heart of Atlanta, you have your choice of many convenient facilities.
Here are five of the best, each with a different feel and its own approach:
1700 Defoor Ave. NW, Atlanta. 678-264-8025.
Started by three brothers, Blueprint Fitness is designed to help people meet their fitness goals, from losing weight to building muscle. A personalized blueprint is created for each member, detailing a specific plan to achieve the desired results. It's re-evaluated every two to three months and adjusted as needed.
The plan is created using a seven-movement test as a basis for determining a member's readiness to perform exercises, as well as his or her movement patterns and limitations. A nutritional plan can also be created if you'd like.
Small-group personal training sessions are offered, with only four members per instructor. Team training has a group of up to 12 people, but exercises are adjusted based on skill levels. If your goal is to tone and sculpt your body, kettlebell training is also offered.
1065 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta. 404-720-5000.
If you need some motivation to go to the gym, Exhale provides it by combining a full-service fitness center with a spa. Try a barre, cycle, yoga or cardio class or choose one that targets specific areas.
For a varied workout, boot camp class offers a combination of elements from other classes. You can buy a single class or a package of five, 10 or 20 sessions, and private training sessions are also offered.
After you've worked up a sweat, there are plenty of ways to reward yourself at Exhale. The locker room has a steam room as well as showers stocked with products that are all the rave.
If that's not relaxing enough, treat yourself to a spa service, such as a facial, mani-pedi or deep tissue massage.
Exhale is located in the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Make sure to ask to have your parking validated before leaving.
240 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-745-3019.
Unit 2 Fitness will have you breaking a serious sweat, whether you're interested in CrossFit's strength and conditioning program, several different types of martial arts or a kickboxing class that delivers a great cardio workout. Instructors are highly qualified and include Roberto Traven, a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) world champion.
Unit 2 offers instruction to accommodate every skill level, from accomplished fighters to beginners. If you're just starting out, beginners' classes are offered in each of their martial arts, and skills classes are offered for CrossFit. Try a week of free classes to find out if it's a good fit for you.
If you have children ages 7 to 12, bring them along for a kid-centered BJJ class, or let your teen join you in an adult class.
191 Peachtree Tower St. NE, Atlanta. 404-407-1018.
191 Resolution Fitness is a convenient gym for people who live or work downtown or in the nearby area, offering amenities that make it easy to fit in a workout on your lunch hour or after work. You'll have everything you need to easily (and cleanly!) get back to work or to another activity, including complimentary workout clothes and toiletries, as well as overnight lockers.
Cardio equipment and free weights are top of the line, and a wide variety of classes -- including SHRED (strength and muscle conditioning), spinning, Cardio Craze, pilates, HIIT, kettlebell conditioning, several different types of yoga and Zumba -- are offered.
If you'd rather try a one-on-one session, 191 Resolution Fitness has certified, degreed trainers who offer a complimentary 20-minute session to help you get started.
933 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-747-7107.
Orangetheory has a bright, modern décor with plenty of equipment. The emphasis, from design to music to workouts, is on creating an upbeat, high-energy environment.
Orange 60 fitness training sessions are designed for all fitness levels, with the goal of increasing endurance and strength as well as increasing your metabolism and helping with weight loss, if desired. It's a structured workout, so it's ideal if you need this type of additional direction and motivation.
Participants wear a heart rate monitor during sessions, so you'll be able to see if you're in your recommended heart rate zone. You'll rotate among treadmills, indoor rowing and weight room/resistance training blocks. Classes are varied, with the goal of making sure you're not bored with your workout.
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