For many of us, daily exercise is a non-negotiable. The endorphins you get, and the constant progress you make as you get more fit is hard to beat.
However, going to a commercial gym can be an unpleasant experience. Often overcrowded, with little personal attention to form, technique, or the workout routine itself, you're left to your own devices. If that sounds familiar, you might benefit from going to a boutique workout club. The classes in these clubs are often smaller, with 10-30 people per trainer, and the workouts are much more personal.
Here, we've listed our top 5 boutique workout clubs in Auckland.
Studio Box - Newmarket or CBD
One of our all-time favourites, a Studio Box class fuses a boxing conditioning workout with strength. The classes are intense and extremely challenging, but the vibe of the class could not be better. With loud music pumping, and lights that are reminiscent of a club (but without the menacing feeling that tomorrow is going to filled with remorse and hangxiety), the energy in the room is always sky-high, and you could not feel more accomplished when walking out of that class.
Absolute must-try in our opinion, this studio really delivers something special.
Sala - Ponsonby
If you want a great all-rounder studio, this one is for you. Sala has a fantastic selection of all sorts of workout classes, from HIIT Pilates, Yogasana, through to circuit training classes, and even sound healing meditations, this studio truly has it all. With 15 different classes to choose from, you won't be short of workout options, all for the great price of one studio pass.
Redroom - City Works Depot
The newest kid to the Auckland boutique fitness scene, Redroom has a variety of classes on their menu as well - but with a twist. The studio also offers red light therapy sessions after your class, giving you the option to promote recovery right after your workout.
The studio is also not a one-trick pony, with a great variety of classes offered under one membership. From strength based classes, to mat Pilates, through to a meditation class, again there is plenty here to keep you occupied.
Mode - Ponsonby
Another addition to the Auckland workout studio repertoire, and it's a good one. Mode combines strength & cardio sessions with access to their contrast therapy rooms under one membership. A first for Auckland, you can empty your tank & recover with contrast therapy in one session.
Mode's classes combine treadmill training with strength circuits, and days are split by body group or HIIT classes, ensuring you can truly hit all your workout goals under one membership.
Reform Fitness - Various Locations
If you love reformer Pilates, Reform is your spot to be. With numerous locations all over the city, the studio excels at bringing great reformer classes to the Auckland scene.
With various different levels offered, from beginner to intermediate, through to pre-natal and post-natal classes, you've got a multitude of options for workout levels.
Hint: we've been doing Pilates classes for the better part of half a decade, and we still don't feel ready for the intermediate sessions. The beginner class is truly challenging, don't let the name fool you!