10 boutique-style classes you can take at a YMCA

Whether you prefer to sweat and spin or are trying to perfect your yoga poses, here are 10 boutique-style exercise classes you can take through the YMCA.

Bonus: Most branches offer free childcare so your little can play will you practice some self-care.

Kickboxing

What to expect: This classes uses kicking and punching techniques for creative exercises that increase balance, endurance and core strength.
Why take it: This class is perfect for those looking for a high-energy workout to relieve stress and improve overall fitness.
Locations: Harris, Morrison, Lowe’s, Keith Family, Brace Family and Lake Norman

CrossFit

What to expect: Each class has a Workout of the Day which will focus on strength, stamina, endurance, accuracy, power, agility, balance, speed, coordination and flexibility.
Why take it: These workouts are designed to be challenging and are varied so your muscles never get bored.
Locations: Harrison, Dowd, Morrison and Gateway Village

Cycle

What to expect: Cycling is a calorie-torching exercise done on a stationary bike. The instructor will guide you through the ride and suggest speeds/resistance, but ultimately you’re in control of what you get out of class. Be prepared to sweat, torch calories and build endurance.
Why take it: Try cycling if you’re determined to break a sweat but want a more joint-friendly cardio option. Bonus: This class definitely evokes endorphins with its loud, upbeat music.
Locations: Dowd, Lowe’s, Morrison, Brace Family, Lake Norman and Harris

Barre

What to expect: This class targets your abs, arms, glutes and thighs through low-impact movements using a ballet bar, resistance bands, light dumbbell weights and a small ball.
Why take it: If you’re looking for a challenging workout that lifts and tones typical problem areas, this class is for you.
Locations: Dowd, Brace Family, Morrison, Johnston, Lake Norman and Childress Klein

Group Core

What to expect: In 30 minutes, you’ll perform a number of strength exercises to help improve core strength, shoulders and hips.
Why take it: Try this class if you’re looking for a quick workout that improves balance, strength and posture.
Locations: Sally’s, Lincoln County and McCrorey

Pilates

What to expect: This Pilates workout focuses on improving core strength and aids flexibility, posture, stability and balance.
Why take it: Pilates is perfect for those seeking balance and prefer a more low-impact workout.
Locations: Dowd, Brace Family, Harris, Morrison, Sara’s, Wesley Chapel, Simmons, Lowe’s, Lake Norman, Harris Express, Sally’s and Johnston

PiYo Live!

What to expect: This is a musically driven class that targets flexibility and strength through challenging choreography.
Why take it: Try this class if you’re looking for a fun, non-traditional way to break a sweat and improve overall fitness.
Locations: Sally’s, Lowe’s, Lake Norman, Johnston and Morrison

Circuit Training

What to expect: Circuit Training is a full-body workout that involves rotating to different types of stations where cardio or strength exercises will be performed (think anything from jump roping to lunges).
Why take it: If you’re easily bored with group exercise or have become bored of your own routine, mix it up with Circuit Training.
Locations: Harris, Dowd and Morrison

High-Intensity Interval Training

What to expect: This class is based on the HIIT concept which alternates between bursts of high-intensity moves and short periods of recovery or low-impact exercise. Expect to improve use of oxygen, strength, endurance, metabolism and more.
Why take it: This class is for those looking for a challenging, intense workout that burns fat efficiently.
Locations: Brace Family, Harris, Dowd, Sally’s, Lake Norman, Harris Express, Keith Family, Wesley Chapel and Johnston

Sculpt and Tone

What to expect: Sculpt and Tone focuses on using low weights and high reps to increase calorie burn, metabolism, circulation and improve muscle strength.
Why take it: Take this class if you’re looking to do what the name suggests – sculpt and tone your muscles.
Locations: Morrison, Lake Norman and Morrison

Yoga/Hot Yoga

What to expect: From Hot Yoga to Slow Flow, there are class options that can challenge or relax, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Take Hot Yoga for a serious sweat or a stretch and balance to focus on improving in those areas.
Why take it: There are more than 25 yoga classes offered across the YMCA of Greater Charlotte locations so there are options for everyone, no matter your level of experience.
Locations: All locations

TRX Interval Blast

What to expect: There are hundreds of bodyweight exercises that focus on strength, balance, core strength, power and more.
Why take it: Try TRX if you’re looking to control the intensity of your workout and prefer to use your own body weight during exercise (versus free weights or machine equipment).
Locations: Johnston and Keith Family

For class times, go to www.ymcacharlotte.org.