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Find a Workout that Works for You

Better Life
Illustration by Randall Nelson

Looking for a new way to burn some cals? Whether you are a team player or like to go it alone, check out our editors' picks for great workout options.

February 2009

By Jane Di Leo and Abby Van Ness

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Would you rather exercise outdoors or indoors?

OUTDOORS: I love being around nature.

Group: I am motivated by others

  • Calhoun Beach Running Club
     Train for a 10K or a full marathon with the Calhoun Beach Running Club—you don’t even need to be a member of CBC’s gym to participate. Calhoun Beach Club, 2925 Dean Pkwy., Mpls., 612-925-8336
  • Finn Sisu
     Skate or classic your way to the finish line with these Twin Cities–based cross-country ski clubs. Do we see the Birkie in your future? $350/year. Finn Sisu, 1841 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-645-2443
  • Outdoor Fitness Clubs
    If the idea of a group fitness class in a cramped room makes your head spin, try Outdoor Fitness Clubs and get your body moving with the outdoors as your studio. Starting at $12 a class. Lake Calhoun, Mpls., 651-334-1035

    • Individual: I like to work out alone

  • Roseville Oval
     Whether it’s winter or summer, ice skate or Rollerblade your way to peak fitness at this one-of-a-kind locale. $5 public skating sessions. Guidant John Rose MN OVAL, 2661 Civic Center Dr., Roseville, 651-792-7007
  • Pike Island
     There’s nothing better than running the 5K loop around Pike Island in Fort Snelling State Park. It’s where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers converge.
  • Elm Creek Park Reserve
    During winter, ski, snowshoe, or hike along the paths where snow is made and lights guide your way. 12400 James Dean Pkwy., Maple Grove, 763-694-7894



    • INDOORS:     I am easily discouraged by weather.

    Group: I am motivated by others

  • Pedal Indoor Cycling Studio
    To practice for your next road race, or to simply slim your limbs, Pedal is all spinning all the time. $110 for a one-month pass. 21 NE 5th St., Mpls. 612-644-5900
  • 501FIT
     Get all of the benefits of strength, circuit, and core training exercises under the guidance of a professional. $69 a month. 501 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-767-4415
  • The Pilates House
    Improved flexibility, posture, and abdominal strength are just a few benefits of Pilates. Specializing in small-group reformer classes, the trainers here will have you toned in no time. Starting at $30 for a reformer class. 11 10th Ave. S., Hopkins, 952-931-0330
  • The Firm
    If kicking ass and taking names is more your MO, there is no place like The Firm, which offers the best kick boxing classes this side of Iowa. Gym pass starts at $52.95 a month. $60 initiation fee. 245 Aldrich Ave. N., Mpls., 612-377-3003
  • Yoga Center of Minneapolis
     Increase your flexibility, strength, balance, and peace of mind with Yoga at Yoga Center. Classes include Hatha, Vinyasa, prenatal, and more. Starting at $16 for a single class. 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls. 612-436-4700; 4200 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-345-1953

    • Dance Inspired Fitness

  • Zenon Dance School
    Learn hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, and more in a studio setting at Zenon. The best part? Buy a package of classes or pay as you go. Starting at $11 a class. Hennepin Center for the Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-338-1101
  • Flex AppealStudios
     If going outside the traditional box is your forte (we’re talkin’ pole dancing and striptease), check out Flex Appeal, where classes push your, er, comfort level. Starting at $20 a class. 1001 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-872-6400

    • Individual: I like to workout alone.

  • North Loop Fitness
    If you’re a night owl, check out North Loop, which offers twenty-four-hour security. $49.99 a month membership. 800 Washington Ave. N., Ste. 108, Mpls., 612-455-2929 
  • Life Time Fitness, YMCA, YWCA, LA Fitness
    If daylight is your game, or if you love the ease and amenities of a big gym, you can’t go wrong with one of these local Goliaths.
  • Movement integration at Studio 107
    Stretch, lift, and lengthen your way to a fit bod with the newest fitness craze: Gyrontonic and Gyrokineses. Three sessions for $135. Center for Performing Arts, 3754 Pleasant Ave. S., Studio 107, Mpls., 786-390-4713

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