Five Unusual Places To Workout In Durham

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As Spring approaches, I’m always looking for a workout that takes me out of the gym. But unless I’m in a class, I’ll stop running or biking within 10 minutes. So where do you go to workout if you want something a little different in Durham? All the classes listed below welcome all levels, so don’t be shy if you’re a beginner and you’ll be challenged if you’re more experienced!

1. Yoga with a Rooftop View

Take Rooftop Vinyasa on the rooftop at The Durham Hotel. Led by Jessica Collette of La Vita Yoga, you couldn’t ask for a more glorious view. Hour long classes are held Thursdays at noon, and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9 am. Complementary infused water and towels are provided but bring your own yoga mat if you’ve got one. Hotel guests are free. Locals pay a drop-in fee of $10. A 5 class pass for $45 is available for purchase through the MindBody app. This class is held year-round. Heaters and siding that opens ensure that the space does not get too cold, but layered clothing appropriate for a slight chill is recommended. Except in the heat of summer, this class may not be right for fans of hot yoga. This class is taught to music.

But the magnificent view of Durham while finding your zen make this the most beautiful setting in town. Even on Easter Sunday, the class held 32 participants, so don’t come late and be ready to make some new friends!

• Rooftop at The Durham Hotel; Thursdays 12 pm; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 9 am; $10 fee

2. Asana Meets Alcohol – and Options!

Yoga in a brewery? Yes, ma’am! A great way to start your Sunday morning is with a full recovery yoga class led by Anna Cordova at Fullsteam. Aside from being at the forefront of craft brewing in NC, Fullsteam has become a center for community activities. This is a donation class (donation based isn’t free – you should pay something, just pay what is appropriate for you). Bring your yoga mat and water. This class is not taught to music. Class starts at 10:45 am and goes until 12 pm on Sundays. Conveniently, the brewery opens at noon, so you might as well stay for a beer!

• Fullsteam; Sundays 10:45 am; donation

Photo by Jessica Collette

Prefer cider? Attend an hour long yoga class at Bull City Ciderworks starting at 10:45 am on Sundays. Arrive at 10:30 am and pay $12 to the friendly bartender. Once the garage doors are opened, the sun streams into the room. Led by Jessica Collette of La Vita Yoga, this class has a strong following. Bring your mat and your water bottle. This class is taught to music. The $12 fee includes a cider or cidermosa after class, a great way to start your brunch!

• Bull City Ciderworks; Sundays 10:45 am; $12

3. Yoga Meets Pacman in a Video Arcade

Yoga at the Study! is a yoga class led by three experienced rotating instructors. Taught on Sundays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, this class is held in the arcade game room at the back of Beer Study, a bottle shop and taproom. This class was unique as the instructor prompted a twist to PacMan, which led to laughter once we realized she meant the PacMan game and not a new pose! Bring a yoga mat and water. For $10, you’ll receive a Starpoint pint at the end of your workout. 

• Beer Study; Sundays 11:30 am; $10

4. Kicking It in the Streets of Durham With a Y-Taught Boot Camp

Looking for a boot camp style class? With the music blaring, participants moved through four different stations targeting cardio, lower body, upper body and abs. The YMCA Downtown offer this free class for members and non-members alike. Attend Boot Camp & Beverages on select Thursdays (April 26, May 24, June 28) from 6 to 6:45pm and Saturdays (April 14, May 12, June 9) from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm at the Pour Taproom. This location allows for the full use of the CCB Plaza (next to the Bronze Bull). While it may seem awkward to have passersby walking by your workout, you won’t even notice. Bring water, you’ll need it! I tired just watching them!

• Pour Taproom; select Thursdays 6 pm; select Saturdays 11:30 am; FREE

The same team that leads Pour Taproom classes takes over The Bullpen on Wednesdays (April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, and August 15) from 6 to 6:45 pm. The best part? These classes are free!

• The Bullpen; select Wednesdays 6 pm; FREE

5. Cardio Followed by Cocktails at a Swanky Hotel Pool

Starting April 28th, and once a month through September, enjoy Brunch N Burn cardio classes with SyncStudio on Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 am. This sweaty circuit class will be held on The Patio at the Unscripted Hotel Durham. While this class will be held next to the outdoor rooftop pool, don’t forget to wear sneakers! The class is free to hotel guests. Cost for local residents is $25 and should be reserved in advance –  a similar offering sold out quickly last fall. The $25 fee includes a boozy brunch drink at The Patio so you can reminisce about the hardest part of the workout with your newest friends. Participants can also stay to enjoy the pool afterwards!

• The Patio at Unscripted Hotel; select Saturdays 10 am; $25

T Byrd enjoying the swanky hotel pool after a hard workout!

Let us know if you have other ideas!

And if you’re in Durham, checkout these posts about What To Do If It Rains, Bull City Ciderworks, and Ponysaurus!

Happy travels!

Annick, The Common Traveler