Axios Twin Cities

As exercisers return to in-person workouts, some gyms and studios are emphasizing a more holistic approach to fitness, which can only elevate community and overall wellness.

Why it matters: In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and even boost memory.

Zoom in: Alchemy 365 — which combines yoga, conditioning and strength training at its studios across the Twin Cities — aims to deliver results that will impact people's everyday lives, CMO Grace Bettino told Axios.

• That could range from more traditional fitness goals like running a faster marathon to being able to "chase their kids around the park without getting tired," she said.
• "We challenge people to live their best lives inside and outside the studio," Bettino said.

Between the lines: Brian McKinney, a personal trainer at Life Time in St. Louis Park, attributes a surge in people working out in groups in the past year to an underlying "longing" for community after pandemic-related shutdowns.

• "I just think that's inherently built within us — to connect with others," he told Axios.
• Alchemy also focuses on community, hosting social gatherings after weekend workouts.

Zoom out: What's happening in the Twin Cities tracks with national trends, according to Mindbody's 2023 wellness trends to watch.

• Nearly 40% of consumers say they'll use physical exercise to improve their mental wellness, per the survey.

The bottom line: 75% of consumers see wellness as more important than ever, according to the survey, and about 65% say it is more important than other leisure activities.

Here's some news to catch up on:

🚲 All good things come to an end, including the bright-green Nice Ride bikes. The bike-share company is leaving Minneapolis this summer after a 13-year run.

• Over that stretch, about 70,000 riders took around 533,000 trips.

😋 Looking for some Sunday dinner? We put together a guide of seven food halls to check out this year. Perhaps today is the day you try one.

🎯 Even if inflation isn't on your mind, it's on Target's. The Minneapolis-based retailer is rolling out more discounts for customers.

• Some of those include launching or expanding private brands and enhancing the Target Circle loyalty program.

👀 Our week ahead: It's crunch time for the Timberwolves, who have just 16 games remaining and need to finish strong to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs or play-in tournament.

• The burning question: When will injured Karl-Anthony Towns return?

Looking for a new workout? Mindbody sent Axios a list of popular studios and workouts in the Twin Cities, based on booking data and user nominations.

Studios:

• [solidcore] in St. Louis Park focuses on low-impact training. Prices depend on length of membership and number of classes.
• ONX + Amelia, a yoga and fitness studio in St. Paul's Cathedral Hill, offers multiple membership packages, including a virtual pass, with varying prices.
• ALTR in the Minneapolis North Loop focuses on high-intensity interval training and strength work. Prices depend on length of membership, number of sessions and type of class.
• Barry's studio, a national chain also located in the North Loop, offers cardio and strength-building workouts. Prices vary based on length of classes and membership.

Keep reading for popular workouts