TWST
2450 South University Boulevard
Get ready for one of the hardest workouts of your life. Now open on the University of Denver campus, TWST offers two signature classes — Lagree and Versa — of which you will be using a reformer-like machine to get the job done. Lagree is a 45-minute class targeting muscle groups through slow, controlled movements; Versa is a 30-minute cardio blast. Take a class with instructor KMAX, who will take one look at your water bottle and affectionately say, “You’re not going to need that.” (Water breaks aren’t included). After 26 years in the fitness industry, co-owner Shannon LeBel wanted to create a space where anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, could “experience the magic of Lagree and Versaclimber. Lagree delivers the best high-intensity, low impact core work and total body strength, while Versa offers an unbeatable full body cardio challenge.” After quivering and shaking on the machine — and perhaps cursing KMAX under your breath — you’ll leave saying to yourself, “I can’t believe I just did that.” A confidence boost, indeed.
Movie Theater Cardio at Chuzle
Multiple metro locations
Working out in a movie theater? Genius. Chuze may feel like a standard gym chain at first until you start noticing the unique amenities — including Chuze Cinema, available at eight locations across the greater Denver area. Outside the theater, the Now Showing board will give you today’s movie schedule. Pop behind the black curtain and find a machine you like (ellipticals, treadmills and stationary bikes) and settle in. It’s not unusual for cardio machines to be attached to a television, but a full-on movie theater? Next level. Settle in, relax, grab your popcorn (okay, we can dream), and let Hollywood help you burn more calories.
Step Aerobics at Bodied
2101 West 44th Avenue
Reminiscent of a black box theater, this Sunnyside studio is dark and moody. Don’t let the candles in the lobby fool you — your experience will not be tranquil (in the best of ways). Maybe you’ve taken a step aerobics class in a community center basement, or you remember your mom’s affinity for Jazzercise in the '80s — both delightfully corny. Bodied is neither. Yes, it’s choreographed moves using a step, but this is badass kind of stuff. The class starts with step (not dance exactly, but having rhythm and coordination sure helps), followed by strength (think resistance bands and kettlebells) and ending with stability (Pilates vibes). Instructors will push you in a way that is empowering, not defeating (when you reach for 8-pound weights, they will promise you can handle 12). You’ll be so focused on not messing up the steps you’ll forget you were pissed off at Chad from accounting when you walked in. Prepare to leave absolutely drenched in sweat, unsure of what just happened and hungry for more.
Pvolve
1610 Little Raven Street, Suite 115
Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout is now available in Denver. Picture a Tic Tac Toe board with twelve numbers — and in a manner that resembles the game Twister, the instructor will tell you exactly where to put your body. “Right foot on box number five, left foot on box eight, now squat.” If it sounds complicated, it’s not. The numbers make it easy to know exactly where you’re supposed to be. The best part about this workout is you’re moving in quick bursts. Just when you start getting the urge to quit, you’ll suddenly be on to the next move. “Sculpt” is the name of the game here; classes include Pvovle’s proprietary equipment (think special resistance bands and ankle weights). Classes are challenging but manageable for all experience levels. Warning: you may never look at your favorite childhood games the same way again.
Yes, Barre 3 is a national chain, but each location is locally owned and operated — giving each studio a vibe all its own.
Barre 3
1493 Central Drive, Highlands Ranch
Yes, Barre 3 is a national franchise, but each location is locally owned and operated — giving each studio a vibe all its own. The Highlands Ranch studio has over 100 five-star reviews on Google for good reason. In her bright, airy studio, owner Stephanie Aiken has curated the best instructors who are ready to take you through a journey of cardio bursts, isometric holds, strength training, stretching and breathwork. In fact, the “3” in Barre 3 symbolizes its core tenets: strength, cardio and mindfulness. You won’t hear any of the soundtrack on the radio; that’s intentional to keep you in your body (not singing along). What makes the Highlands Ranch studio unique is the community vibe. From candlelight classes for members to pelvic floor workshops, there’s something for everyone — and that’s Aiken’s favorite part of Barre 3. “We’re not one-size-fits-all,” she says. “You’ll often have an athlete at the top of their game, an expecting mama, and someone recovering from an injury all in the same class.” Aiken hosts a class somewhere outside of the studio once a month; many are free so “everyone has an opportunity to take these classes. We never want anyone to be priced out of the experience.” Come to Breckenridge Brewery this summer for monthly free classes; stay for a beer. And since your first in-studio class is also free, you have no excuses.
