Off-campus workout classes are a great way to try new activities while staying in shape this spring.
Though exercise classes can be expensive and setting foot in the gym when you’re new can be intimidating, there are plenty of studios that offer discounted or free workout classes to students across D.C. All fitness levels, including beginners, are welcome at all the opportunities listed.
To help you start your search, The Eagle has put together a list of classes and studio discounts AU students can enjoy.
Fitness studios with student discounts
SoulCycle is a 45-minute cardio and muscle-strength indoor cycling class choreographed to upbeat music. While at SoulCycle, participants ride a stationary bike while doing crunches and tap-back exercises. Every session also includes an upper body workout with 1 to 10 pound weights. The spin studio has locations across D.C. and offers a student discount.
Register with your school ID to gain access to classes for $24. Class packs such as the 5 and 10 class bundles are also discounted. You can bring your own spin shoes or rent them for $4. If you're new to Soul, shoe rentals are free for your first class.
The closest studio to campus is in Georgetown, but there is also a location on 14th Street NW.
SoulCycle encourages people of all fitness levels to ride. While the classes can be challenging, it’s more than just a workout. You leave feeling empowered and motivated, and it positively impacts both your physical and mental well-being.
Grab your yoga mat and towel and head over to CorePower Yoga, where students have the advantage of receiving 20% off All Access Membership or Class Packs. For new yogis, your first week of classes is free.
CorePower offers multiple different classes, including varying levels of vinyasa flow, hot yoga, yoga with cardio and weights, strength training, restorative yoga and meditation. Choose the level of difficulty or class that interests you and get your sweat on.
There is a CorePower very close to campus in Tenleytown, accessible via AU Shuttle.
Founded in Washington, D.C. back in 2013, [solidcore] is a 50-minute “high-intensity, low impact full-body workout on a pilates inspired reformer.” The pilates-inspired exercises are controlled to target your ab muscles and strengthen your core.
Send in your student ID to sales@solidcore.co to cash in on discounted memberships and class packages. [solidcore] also offers a buy-one-get-one free special for new clients. Prices range from $19-21 per class for new members depending on the D.C. studio location.
There are eight [solidcore] locations in D.C. The closest one to AU is at 3308 Wisconsin Ave, right next to Pure Barre.
If you’re interested in toning your body, building muscle and improving your flexibility, then take your first class at Pure Barre for free. The full-body workout uses weights, a ball and a tube to work your arms, legs, core and glutes. Movements are inspired by dance and pilates.
Whether you are new to barre or not, Pure Barre is welcoming to all levels of fitness. Sign up for your free class at a location in D.C.
Upcoming exercise classes and clubs
City Girls Who Walk D.C. is a free walking and social club open for anyone to join.
Members participate in weekly walks around D.C., organize fundraisers and host social events. Join their Discord Server to connect with members and hear updates on their upcoming plans.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington holds a 60-minute yoga flow every Saturday morning for $10-20 from 11-12 p.m. At the end of each session, you’re welcome to journal, draw or meditate. Bring your own mat, water and journal.
Additionally, on Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m., there is Gentle Yoga in the Galleries open to all.
Capitol Riverfront Spring Fitness Series
Join in on multiple free fitness classes held outside at the Capitol Riverfront’s Yards Park this spring. Capitol Riverfront BID is collaborating with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, VIDA Fitness, and Orangetheory Fitness until May 16 to bring positive energy and complementary workout opportunities to the community. Register for the following classes:
Sunday at 8 a.m. boxing with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness
Tuesday at 7 a.m. Sunrise Yoga with VIDA fitness
Thursday at 7 a.m. workout with Orangetheory
FIT @ MET // Wednesday Sunrise Fitness Series
DC Fray and National Landing are hosting free classes on Wednesdays from 8-9 a.m. until May 29. Join in on a class at the Metropolitan Park at National Landing, 1130 S. Fair St in Arlington. Classes include cardio workouts and pilates. No prior experience is required.
Participants are also able to enjoy 10% off coffee at Commonwealth Joe Coffee after classes.
SWEAT DC offers free 45-minute group strength training classes on Sundays from 9:15-10 a.m.
During the session, you will learn the benefits of strength training for mental and physical health. Instructors will guide and teach you how to move safely through strength training movements. They also teach modifications to high-intensity exercises. Those who complete this class receive a complimentary week pass to SWEAT DC.
The class serves as a way to learn the basics before getting involved in a workout program or joining a gym. If you’re looking for a free and fun way to learn the fundamentals of strength training, this class is for you.
LET’S ZUMBA with VERONICA in Bethesda!
Every Saturday from 9-10 a.m. at Salsa with Silvia in Bethesda, there are $15 Zumba classes for those interested in a dance workout.
Start your weekend by dancing and sweating with Veronica, a fitness and health coach from @fiestafitsisters. She leads every class and encourages people of all levels to join her Zumba sessions.
Salsa with Silvia also offers one-time free salsa & bachata mix classes every Friday from 6-7 p.m at their D.C. location. If you’re looking to give Latin dance a try, this class is perfect for new beginners.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try a new workout class. These free and discounted workout events are a wonderful way to stay active.
This article was edited by Eliza DuBose, Sara Winick and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Sydney Kornmeyer and Leta Lattin.
