Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The studio will use the same entrance once the expansion is complete. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Jungle Cycle + Strength Studio, a locally owned fitness studio in west Charlotte, is expanding next door to keep up with demand for its heated workouts.
Why it matters: It's another reminder that heated fitness classes remain one of Charlotte's hottest workouts.
Catch up quick: Owner Liv Morgan, who also owns Dilworth cycling studio SkyCycle, opened Jungle in the Lower Tuck development last June.
- The studio offers both cycle and heated mat classes.
- The studio's mat classes have been waitlisted since opening.
The latest: Morgan signed the lease for the expansion in December. Jungle is expanding into the space next door to add a second heated mat studio focused on low-impact strength training.
- The current mat studio caps classes at 16 people.
- The new 900-square-foot studio will fit up to 25 participants and allow Jungle to add more classes throughout the day.
- The cycle studio, which has 36 bikes, is staying the same.
What to expect: The new studio will introduce heavier weights in its Power Synthesis classes, including kettlebells up to 25-30 pounds, while keeping the same beat-based format.
- The expansion will also add another shower, more lockers and additional memberships. Jungle currently has just under 300 members, not including drop-ins.
- It will also offer the studio's deep-stretch and breathwork classes.
By the numbers: Morgan says she financed the original studio with a $660,000 loan but is paying for the $315,000 expansion using revenue from Jungle's first year in business.
The intrigue: Jungle's signature strength workout, "Power Synthesis," blends Pilates-inspired movements with strength training using weights and resistance bands in an 85-degree heated room.
- Morgan says she created the rhythm-based, low-impact workout years ago and has taught it throughout her fitness career in Charlotte, including during her time teaching at Hive in South End.
- Jungle currently runs the class about 50 times a week.
Zoom out: Heated, low-impact sculpt classes continue to be one of Charlotte's favorite workouts, and Jungle isn't the only studio having to grow to keep up with demand.
- The Club, another boutique fitness studio in South End, is adding a second studio on South Boulevard entirely dedicated to heated workouts.
What's next: Jungle's second studio is expected to open in August.
- Jungle is also celebrating its first birthday with a public party June 6 from 11am-2pm featuring DJs, giveaways and local vendors.
Stop by: 800 Gesco St.