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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. 

The Jungle's current strength studio can hold 16 people. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

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.

Unfinished industrial interior with exposed wooden beams and overhead metal pipes. Brick back wall features graffiti reading "Jungle". A large gray dumpster sits amid scattered construction debris and drywall sheets.

The second studio is under construction and expected to open in August. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

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.

Reception at Jungle Health Studio: smiling blonde staff at a dark counter, wall logo with tiger and curved text, cubby shelves with small bags, woven pendant lights, and trailing green plants.

Liv Morgan is the owner of Jungle Cycle + Strength Studio. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

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.

Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes

The west Charlotte boutique fitness studio is adding a second heated mat room after nonstop demand.

The studio will use the same entrance once the expansion is complete. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

Jungle Cycle + Strength Studio, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a locally owned fitness studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/16/jungle-cycle-strength-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="25fdf719-8908-4654-868e-07560dcce42b" data-vars-headline="Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/16/jungle-cycle-strength-charlotte" target="_self">a locally owned fitness studio</a> in west Charlotte, is expanding next door to keep up with demand for its heated workouts.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another reminder that heated fitness classes remain one of Charlotte&#x27;s hottest workouts.

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Postino WineCafe, an all-day restaurant and wine bar, is opening a second Charlotte-area location in Plaza Midwood later this summer.

Why it matters: The Phoenix-born wine bar is going into the Commonwealth development, in the heart of Plaza Midwood, which is quickly becoming one of the city's biggest hubs for buzzy national restaurant and retail brands.

Catch up quick: Postino opened at The Bowl at Ballantyne in 2024. It also has a location in Raleigh.

What to expect: The 4,113-square-foot Plaza Midwood location will be open daily for lunch and dinner.

The menu will feature 30 wines by the glass, North Carolina craft beer and cocktails.

Sip on this: Postino is also known for its daily deals, including its Monday and Tuesday "Bottle & Board" special, which pairs a bottle of wine with a bruschetta board for $25.

Crostini topped with chopped tomatoes and herbs on a wooden table, lime slices at side; a glass of wine and pepper shakers in foreground, diners blurred in a busy restaurant background.

Bruschetta board spread at Postino's. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Best bites: Its food menu consists of bruschetta, panini, salads, charcuterie boards and shareable plates. 

Fun fact: Postino says its name, Italian for "postman,"  is a nod to the 1940s post office that housed the original location over 25 years ago.

Zoom out: The Commonwealth mixed-use development is becoming a walkable pocket in Plaza Midwood for trendy restaurants, fitness concepts and retail — similar to The Bowl at Ballantyne. 

Recent openings include NYC bakery Maman, which has seen lines out the door since opening, and the acclaimed Austin-based Japanese sushi restaurant Uchi.

If you go: Postino Plaza Midwood is expected to open by late summer at 1606 Commonwealth Ave.

All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to Plaza Midwood

Postino WineCafe is the latest addition to the growing Commonwealth development.

Modern bar interior with overhead metal shelves stocked with liquor bottles and glassware. A long tiled counter with teal stools, large windows, and yellow outdoor umbrellas visible outside; green exit sign nearby.

Postino WineCafe in Ballantyne. Photo; Laura Barrero/Axios

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Postino WineCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/21/postino-winecafe-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="5e15e0e1-09ae-415c-8601-78c37e066afd" data-vars-headline="All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/21/postino-winecafe-ballantyne" target="_self">Postino WineCafe</a>, an all-day restaurant and wine bar, is opening a second Charlotte-area location in Plaza Midwood later this summer.Why it matters: The Phoenix-born wine bar is going into the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Commonwealth development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" data-vars-content-id="5e15e0e1-09ae-415c-8601-78c37e066afd" data-vars-headline="All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to Plaza Midwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/31/commonwealth-plaza-midwood-popup-bagels-maman" target="_self"> Commonwealth development</a>, in the heart of Plaza Midwood, which is quickly becoming one of the city&#x27;s biggest hubs for buzzy national restaurant and retail brands.

Food and Drink

Development

Charlotte's fitness and wellness scene is growing fast.

Why it matters: The city is seeing an influx of both national brands and local concepts offering everything from Lagree and heated sculpt classes to bodybuilding gyms and recovery clubs.

State of play: Below is a list of seven recently opened and nine anticipated fitness and wellness businesses, in alphabetical order.

Of note: Opening timelines are based on owner estimates and are subject to change due to permitting, construction delays and other factors.

Context: All of these fitness and wellness concepts opened either this year or in late 2025.

The national fitness brand, known for its performance supplements, opened a 19,000-square-foot strength training facility near BofA Stadium.

A North Carolina yoga brand offering a range of heated yoga classes on cushioned floors.

Stop by: 2041 South Blvd., behind the Avenues at Atherton.

Read more about Feel Better Yoga's first Charlotte studio.

A one-stop wellness studio focused on recovery, with services including IV drips, LED therapy and contrast therapy.

What we're watching: Another Pause will open soon under separate ownership in the retail space of the Kingston South End apartments.

Go deeper: Full-service wellness studio Pause coming soon to the Arboretum

A women's functional fitness brand backed by Jennifer Aniston opened its first North Carolina studio on East Boulevard.

Stop by: 1701 East Blvd., on the border of Dilworth and Myers Park

Go deeper: Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout is coming to Charlotte

A locally owned Lagree studio specializing in 40-minute Megaformer workouts.

Go deeper: Curious about Lagree? Here's how Charlotte's 3 studios stack up

A Chicago-born boutique fitness studio focused on "strength-forward" training (weight training with low-impact conditioning intervals). 

Stop by: 2151 Hawkins St., in the former Gritbox Space in The Line. 

Go deeper: Chicago fitness brand TRAIN Moment to open studio in South End

A Miami-based reformer studio known for its dark lighting, loud music and high-intensity workouts.

Stop by: 3216 South Blvd., at The Platform next to Sun's Kitchen.

Go deeper: Where to take a Lagree class in Charlotte

Context: Most of these businesses are expected to open by summer or fall of 2026. 

A locally owned 24/7 strength training and bodybuilding gym with a mix of "new and old school equipment," its owner tells Axios.

A 45,000-square-foot luxury fitness and wellness center out of Tennessee offering training, co-working, recovery and group fitness under one roof. 

Stop by: 3325 S. Tryon St., across from State of Confusion.

Go deeper: A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo

The heated yoga chain will open on the ground floor of the Kingston apartments (where Pause South End will also open). 

A multi-modality fitness and recovery studio offering sculpt, kettlebell, Lagree and breathwork classes. 

Opening: June 22 for founding members; July for the public. 

Stop by: 2041 South Blvd., in the same strip as Snooze. 

Go deeper: Lagree, heated sculpt and kettlebell workouts coming to South End at Drench

A Charleston-based fitness studio blending high-impact (cardio and strength training) and low-impact (heated yoga/pilates/barre) training. 

Stop by: 933 Louise Ave., in The Sugar Mill development.

Go deeper: HYLO Fitness to open Charlotte studio this fall

A locally-owned cycle and strength studio in West Charlotte is adding another room next door dedicated to its heated workouts. 

Stop by: 800 Gesco St., in the Lower Tuck development. 

Go deeper: Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes

The strength and conditioning gym's SouthPark studio will join its existing locations in South End, Elizabeth and NoDa/Optimist Park.

Go deeper: What you can expect in a MADabolic class

A women's social and co-working club where select membership tiers include access to wellness and fitness services.

Go deeper: Women's coworking and wellness club to open on Providence Road

The Club (expansion) — Lower South End 

The popular South End fitness and co-working hub is opening a second studio in Lower South End for its heated mat classes. 

Go deeper: The Club to open second South End studio

Full-service wellness studio Pause coming soon to the Arboretum

 Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout is coming to Charlotte

 Curious about Lagree? Here's how Charlotte's 3 studios stack up

Chicago fitness brand TRAIN Moment to open studio in South End

A massive luxury gym and wellness center is opening in LoSo

Lagree, heated sculpt and kettlebell workouts coming to South End at Drench

HYLO Fitness to open Charlotte studio this fall

What you can expect in a MADabolic class 

Women's coworking and wellness club to open on Providence Road

16 new fitness and wellness openings in Charlotte

We've rounded up a list of recently opened and anticipated fitness concepts across Charlotte.

Modern studio with warm ambient lighting, large circular ring pendants suspended from a black ceiling, beige paneled walls, and arched shelves filled with kettlebells; the wall reads "ALWAYS EVOLVING"

Drench — a locally owned studio in South End offering Lagree, sculpt and kettlebell classes — is expected to open in June. Renderings by Martin MacLean, with architectural/engineering plans by Smith Harris Design Associates

Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fitness and wellness scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" data-vars-content-id="7ad43bd0-3b33-492e-8312-0eb36e69580b" data-vars-headline="16 new fitness and wellness openings in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/05/five-wellness-trends-charlotte-2026" target="_self">fitness and wellness scene</a> is growing fast.Why it matters: The city is seeing an influx of both national brands and local concepts offering everything from Lagree and heated sculpt classes to bodybuilding gyms and recovery clubs.

New cocktail bar Pollyanna opens Friday, May 29, in the former Billy Sunday space at Optimist Hall.

Why it matters: It's the latest project by Hibernian Hospitality Group, the local team behind Canopy, SYN and Charlotte Beer Garden. 

Catch up quick: Pollyanna brings classic cocktails back to the food hall's anchor bar after Billy Sunday's sudden closure last May.

Hibernian also operates The Bar inside Optimist Hall.

Pollyanna's interior is dark and moody, with floor-to-ceiling curtains and leather chairs, and the team says it'll be even dimmer than shown here since extra natural light was let in for photos. The patio, meanwhile, is designed for a breezier lounge vibe. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

What to expect: Pollyanna will focus on familiar cocktails organized by spirit, like Negronis, martinis and Palomas. The menu also includes more playful drinks, like:

"The Dillyanna," made with dry vermouth and house-made pickle brine.

"Meet Me in the Garden," a savory, slightly tropical cocktail with Cachaça, rum, lemon and bell pepper.

"Clover Club," a frothy pink cocktail with gin, lemon, raspberries, sugar and egg white.

Pollyanna won't serve food, but guests can bring dishes from Optimist Hall vendors.

Overhead view of three cocktails on a black marble table: a clear drink with a pickle skewer, a pink foamy drink with red powder, and a red drink with lime; teal cushions in the background.

Cocktails shown: The Dillyanna (L), Clover Club (R) and Meet Me in the Garden (front). Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

If you go: Pollyanna is at the ground-level entrance to Optimist Hall near the courtyard steps.

Open Monday through Thursday from 4-11pm, Friday 4pm-midnight, Saturday noon to midnight and Sunday noon-10pm. To start, Saturday hours will be 2-11pm. 

Find Optimist Hall at 1115 North Brevard St., a five-minute walk from Parkwood Station on the light rail.

Go deeper: 21 best cocktail bars in Charlotte

Cocktail bar Pollyanna to open at Optimist Hall

Pollyanna is the newest project from the team behind Canopy and Charlotte Beer Garden.

Pollyanna will open May 29 in the former Billy Sunday space at Optimist Hall. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

New cocktail bar Pollyanna opens Friday, May 29, in the former Billy Sunday space at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Optimist Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/15/everything-we-know-so-far-about-optimist-halls-food-and-drink-tenants-142625" data-vars-content-id="96faed94-9e0f-4573-a3e8-7d734e7abc8c" data-vars-headline="Cocktail bar Pollyanna to open at Optimist Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/15/everything-we-know-so-far-about-optimist-halls-food-and-drink-tenants-142625" target="_self">Optimist Hall</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest project by Hibernian Hospitality Group, the local team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canopy, SYN and Charlotte Beer Garden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/charlotte-secret-speakeasy-syn-south-end" data-vars-content-id="96faed94-9e0f-4573-a3e8-7d734e7abc8c" data-vars-headline="Cocktail bar Pollyanna to open at Optimist Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/02/27/charlotte-secret-speakeasy-syn-south-end" target="_self">Canopy, SYN and Charlotte Beer Garden</a>.

Hello, Charlotte summer. You've been missed.

What to expect: June brings food festivals, stadium concerts, major sporting events, Juneteenth celebrations and plenty of reasons to stay out past sunset.

🎶 June 4-July 9: Uptown Live in Uptown (Truist Plaza) | Thursdays, 5-9pm | Details

⚾ June 4-6: Banana Ball (Firefighters vs. Texas Tailgaters) at Truist Field | All games at 7pm | Details

Related Axios read: Wacky baseball returns to Uptown in 2026

🎭 June 4-28: Charlotte Squawks at Booth Playhouse | Showtimes vary | Details

🍴 June 5-7: Taste of Charlotte Festival in Uptown | 11am-11pm Friday & Saturday; 11am-6pm Sunday | Details

🛍️ June 6: Front Porch CLT on Thrift Road | 11am-4pm | Details

🎼 June 9: Post Malone & Jelly Roll at Bank of America Stadium | 7pm | Details

🎬 June 11-Aug. 22: Carolina Theatre's $5 "Lost Years" summer movie series | Screenings at 7pm | Details

🩰 June 11-20: Charlotte Ballet's "Flip" — the company dancers choreograph their performances | Showtimes vary | Details

🎤 June 12: A$AP Rocky at Spectrum Center | 7:30pm | Details

🦸 June 12-14: Heroes Convention 2026 at Charlotte Convention Center | Times vary | Details

✊ June 18-21: Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas in Plaza Midwood | Times vary | Details

🎨 June 19: University City Juneteenth Art Fest | 4-8pm | Details

🤠 June 20: Chris Stapleton at Bank of America Stadium | 6pm | Details

🏃 June 20: Brew Dash 6K, 12K and Half Marathon at the Whitewater Center | 7:30am (course opens) | Details

☀️ June 27: Daydream, a rooftop party with CLT Social Club (location TBA). | 11am-4pm | Details

The biggest things to do in Charlotte this June

People hold their phones up with the flashlights on at Bank of America Stadium during a Savannah Bananas game.

The Savannah Bananas (part of the Banana Ball umbrella) at Bank of America Stadium last year. This year, two of the Banana Ball teams, the Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters will play at Truist Field. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

Hello, Charlotte summer. You&#x27;ve been missed.What to expect: June brings food festivals, stadium concerts, major sporting events, Juneteenth celebrations and plenty of reasons to stay out past sunset.

McKenzie Rankin

Featured stories

The biggest things to do in Charlotte this June

16 new fitness and wellness openings in Charlotte

Fitness studio Jungle expands to keep up with demand for heated classes

Cocktail bar Pollyanna to open at Optimist Hall

All-day restaurant and wine bar Postino expanding to Plaza Midwood