Places

For a tough, high-intensity workout you'll want to brag about taking, try one of these 10 gyms and studios across Miami. All of these workouts are designed for all fitness levels.‍

Sweat440

In just 40 minutes, Sweat440 will give you a dynamic HIIT workout. Their convenient schedule of classes beginning every 10 minutes will allow you to squeeze a sweat session into even the busiest schedule, and their stations are always offering varying exercises.

• Location: Brickell, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral

Legacy Fit

Join the #NoDaysOff movement for a tough class of Partner Interval Training - a different take on HIIT training that matches you with an accountability buddy for the duration of the workout. Legacy Fit harnesses the power and energy of the community at their gym.

• Locations: Wynwood, Doral, Kendall, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale‍

Barry's

Their slogan is "The Best Workout in the World," and they have a legendary following. Try an hour-long bootcamp class in the Red Room at Barry's and see just how intense a combination of cardio and strength training can be. But the can’t miss experience is the new Barry’s Outdoors - an outdoor, COVID safe sweat.

• Locations: Aventura, Midtown, and Miami Beach

Antidote

Antidote delivers short bouts of structural and compound exercises combined with weight training during their workout. Using the versa climber, the treadmill, and weight stations, each round is high intensity and no-nonsense, maximizing your momentum.

• Location: Pinecrest

Society Fitness

Delivering what is arguably one of Miami's best workout views, Society Fitness is helping you build a stronger body. Their classes combine elements of weight training and HIIT and they utilize a variety of different equipment to challenge and push you out of your comfort zone.

• Location: Brickell‍

54D‍‍

54D was one of the success stories in 2020, as their popularity skyrocketed via their virtual classes attracting celebrities like model Adriana Lima, Latin singing sensation Fonseca, Yankees legend Jorge Posada, and more. 54D, which is short for 54 Days, gets results through a 9-week training program utilizing high-intensity group training.

• Location: Coral Gables

The Fit Shop

The Fit Shop has been around for several years, and has been a popular and loved mainstay in the Miami fitness community. But they’ve recently refreshed and added to their programming lineup. First up is the addition of “Racetrack” classes that start every 15 minutes. Their original programming is still available and has been enhanced, like The Burnout 2.0 - their most popular sweat.

• Location: North Miami Beach

The Yard Miami‍‍

The Yard Miami is bringing some serious sweat to Hialeah. One of the area’s most popular destinations, The Yard Miami has an action pack schedule from open to close, complete with group training and open gym, and is a must-visit in 2021.

• Location: Hialeah

Stunna’s Fit‍

South Miami’s fan favorite Stunna’s Fit is a can’t miss workout in 2021. This is one of those workouts where you are constantly pushed to your limits in a good way, and leave wanting more. The high-energy workout features various types of equipment, with trainers that bring the energy. We recommend dropping in for class with owner Gabriel “Stunna” Varona, but there’s no going wrong here.

• Location: South Miami

Step into one of these ten Miami studios and punch and kick your way into a better mood!

‍5th Street Gym

This boxing landmark on Miami Beach dates back to 1950 and with its history of famous boxers (Muhammad Ali used to frequent), 5th Street Gym is as real as it gets. Now offering daily traditional boxing classes, you can also take advantage of Thai boxing, Kong boxing, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do classes. 

• Location: Miami Beach‍

Body & Soul Boxing

This open-air boxing gym is a favorite among the Gables crowd. At Body & Soul Boxing, you'll feel like you've stepped into a training session for an upcoming bout as you grind, punch, and sweat your way through one of their all levels classes.

• Locations: Coral Gables
  

CKO Kickboxing

Get ready to punch, kick and sweat at this Brickell studio. First-timers to the studio will be given a rundown on punching and kicking combinations before the high-intensity workout begins. Expect bag work, body weight, and core exercise all in the hour-long class. 

• Location: Brickell
  

Equinox

With 5 locations across South Florida, the newest addition at Brickell Heights offers Boxing that you don’t want to miss. In this technique-based class, you’ll punch heavy bags, and utilize speed bags, focus pads, and jump ropes for calorie-torching cardio and upper body workout that will leave you in fighting shape. 

• Locations: Coral Gables, South Beach, Brickell, Brickell Heights 
  

Sobe Kick

This West Ave hideout is a favorite for many on the beach. This no frills, high-impact studio, focuses on results, which is why it has become a favorite for guests. In addition to their studio sessions, try their virtual membership for an at home sweat.

• Location: Miami Beach
  

Fitbox Method

Whether you choose a 45-or 60-minute class, prepare to get in a full-body workout that includes improving your technique while shaping, toning, and sculpting your upper and lower body. Through a mix of cardio boxing and resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and circuit training, boxing moves are fundamental to each class. 

• Location: Edgewater
  

Knockout Miami

Knockout offers a wide range of cardio boxing classes designed to work your full body. Certain classes focus on specific areas ie upper body, lower body, legs, booty, and core, but no matter what class you sign up for, be prepared to work.  

• Location: Doral
  

Mickey Demos

This traditional boxing club, run by Mickey Demo, son of Mickey Demos Sr, is University of Miami’s Sports Hall of Fame member representing the boxing program, the real deal ring will turn you into a skilled and fit fighter. Bring a friend on Saturdays to the community class at 10 AM.

• Location: Miami
  

Punch Elite Fitness

Step in front of the bag or get into the ring with these elite boxing professional-led classes that focus on the fundamentals of boxing.  From bag work and drills to free weights and core work, you’ll get a full-body workout and fighter's mentality. 

• Location: Edgewater

Tapout Fitness

Tapout fuses the discipline of boxing with the energy of cardio, weight training, and HIIT, all classes are designed to deliver an experience that is challenging and rewarding, no matter your age, fitness level, or background.

• Locations: Coral Gables, Downtown, Pembroke Pines

Get back to your quality of life with help from Chainwork in North Miami. A physical rehabilitation facility, Chainwork prioritizes musculoskeletal resilience and durability, empowering the body to sustain and optimize movement.

Chainwork mixes traditional, proven techniques with cutting-edge theory and technology which creates a wide range of services for patients.  Chainwork is located in the space adjacent to ADAPT. Both facilities are in the same building and share some of the same common spaces meaning clients have easy access to therapy, recovery, fitness, and other services.

Some of their traditional services include stretch therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, and physical therapy. Some of their more cutting-edge services include:

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)

Cuff-assisted muscle training used to prevent venous return while maintaining arterial outflow via low-load training

Cupping

Decompression used to alleviate pain associated with myofascial adhesions and soft tissue restrictions

Normatec Recovery System

Minimize post-workout soreness with sequential compression sleeves for upper and lower extremities

Gameready

Cold compression system to control inflammation and soreness

Compex Electrical Stimulation

Sensory nerve stimulation (TENS), motor nerve stimulation, neuromuscular re-education (NMES)

Chainwork also offers recovery services including a recovery lounge, sauna, and cold plunge.

Check out Chainwork at 14901 NE 20th Avenue in North Miami or online at chainworkphysio.com.

Looking to develop long lean muscles, strengthen your core, and improve your posture? Grab your grip socks and head to one of these nine can't-miss Pilates classes in South Florida.

Tremble Pilates

Tremble is committed to making stronger, healthier, and more flexible bodies and minds. Workouts range from 45 minutes to an hour of reformer fun with full-body signature classes or lower or upper body focused classes. Check out their newest location inside Anatomy Midtown.

• Locations: Miami Beach, North Miami, Coral Gables, Midtown

JetSet Pilates

JetSet classes deliver resistance conditioning, cardio, and Pilates all in one non-stop, 50-minute class. Create a more sculpted you by working your muscles to failure on their custom reformer. As they say on their website, the best things in life make you sweat!

• Locations: Sunset Harbour, Brickell, South Miami, Miami Beach

Club Pilates

Club Pilates can be found across South Florida with a range of class offerings. Try CP F.I.T. for a bootcamp-style, face-paced class designed to enjoy maximized results and burn more calories in less time. 

• Locations: Brickell, Coral Gables, Sunny Isles, South Miami, Aventura, Doral, Hollywood Beach, Kendall

Solidcore

Your core will be the focus during Solidcore’s high-energy sequencing on their custom reformer called Sweatlana. The blue studio lights and playlist full of recent jams will almost distract you from what has been called the hardest workout.

• Locations: Aventura, Midtown, Boca Raton
  

Transition Pilates

Transition your mind and transition your body at Transition Pilates. You might spend time on a reformer, tower, or chair at this studio. Transition Pilates also offers pre and post-natal Pilates classes.

• Location: Coral Gables

Pilates in the Grove

This studio wants to empower you to live the healthy, pain-free, and fit lifestyle you deserve. Class will leave you feeling strong, stretched, and energized so you can get into the best shape of your life.

•  Locations: Coconut Grove and South Miami

Pilates One

Pilates One incorporates springs, pulleys, straps, and other props during classes to keep your body evolving. Strengthen while gaining flexibility and never get bored. Try their CIRCUIT 3A’s: Arms, Abs, Ass class to sculpt those desired places.

•  Location: Coconut Grove

Breathe Pilates

Small class sizes at Breathe Pilates keep the focus on you and your form as you revisit the basics and work on your mind-body practice. Their Cardio Jumpboard Reformer class will leave you smiling after a series of movements based around a jumping platform at the end of your reformer get your heart rate up. 

• Location: MIMO

Code of Life

Correct your alignment while shaping your body at Code of Life. The Pilates principles guide all classes, including their fast-paced Hardcore Pilates class. Move to the rhythm of the music and be prepared to sweat during these energetic classes.

• Location: Key Biscayne

Pilathon

Pilathon is a mainstay in Miami's Pilates scene. Along with their virtual offering, Pilates boasts a nine class lineup on their schedule ranging from traditional reformer Pilates to "Abs-Oh-Glutely" and everything in between.

• Location: Wynwood

Take a break from the daily hustle and enjoy some time to quiet the mind and strengthen your body at one of these Miami yoga studios. Your mind and body will thank you.

Ahana Yoga

There is something for everyone at Ahana Yoga, where instructors will take you through anything from sun salutations and twisting to inversions and chanting depending on the class. Find Ahana Yoga at Paradise Plaza in the Design District for outdoor classes.

• Location: Design District
  

Wynwood Yoga

Wynwood Yoga has two studios, one heated and one room temperature, for a variety of classes including Hot Candlelit Yin, and Warm Vinyasa Flow. For extra energy, try Agni yoga. This fast-paced heated vinyasa class promises intensity as you remember your inner and outer strength.

• Location: Wynwood
  

Turquoise Floating Yoga

This mobile studio takes your practice onto the water with Standup Paddleboard Yoga. Take one of the weekly yoga classes or schedule your own private session and enjoy the views that can only come with being on the water in Miami.

• Location: Brickell and Homestead

SOL YOGA

SOL YOGA's mantra is "to feel good here" with the goal of helping you be a more balanced and grateful being both on and off the yoga mat. Their infrared-heated studio means the heat penetrates beyond your skin to reach your internal organs for a full-body, cellular detox while you stretch and flow.

• Location: Wynwood and Fort Lauderdale

Exhale 

Experience mindful movement and inspiring flows in one of Exhale's yoga classes. Breathe through poses that will leave you a little stronger, a little sweatier, and a lot more relaxed than before class. Take advantage of South Florida's beautiful weather with outdoor classes on the pool deck, terrace, or beach depending on the location!

• Location: Brickell, Bal Harbour, and South Beach

Casa Vinyasa

Classes at Casa Vinyasa are geared for beginners, the seasoned yogi, athletes, weekend warriors, and the yoga-curious. Heated classes use Infrared heating while some of their non-heated classes include Restorative, Yogalete, and Yin Classes.

• Location: South Miami

Modo Yoga

All classes at Modo Yoga are based on the Modo series – a dynamic system of postures and breathing exercises specifically designed to be practiced in the heat. Every class is a cardiovascular workout intended to strengthen, tone, and loosen the muscles while calming the mind and reducing stress. 

• Location: Miami Beach

Green Monkey Yoga

Green Monkey Yoga is a Miami Beach staple since 2009. They encourage their community to live their practice beyond the walls of the studio. Check out their Weekend Warriors class on Sunday mornings and start your week with challenging, inspiring fun. You are only one class away from a better you.

• Location: Miami Beach

Looking to mix things up in 2021? Drop in to one of these ten Miami gyms.

Anatomy‍

Anatomy's three, soon to be four, locations offer the best in training and recovery to help members excel in all aspects of their lives. It is here that you can find group fitness classes, personal training, mobility stretching, and a post-workout recovery sanctuary all within a beautiful facility.  Anatomy will be expanding into Coral Gables this year.

• Locations: Midtown, Miami Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach, Coconut Grove coming soon

Rise Nation

Class here is a 30-minute, high-intensity climb, using the Versa Climber to activate all the major muscle groups in your body while providing a great cardio workout. Rise to the occasion and reach new heights at this studio.

• Location: Design District‍

Elev8tion‍

Head to Elev8tion to train solo, work with a personal trainer, or try one of their group fitness classes. Here you can find the best equipment and lots of space, including a large turf area, guaranteed to satisfy all training styles.‍

• Locations: Downtown Miami, South Beach, Miami Shores

ADAPT‍

ADAPT stands for Athletic Development and Performance Training, and this gym is a giant fitness complex dedicated to sports, nutrition, strength, group and personal athletic training.‍

• Location: North Miami

Miami Strong

As a full-service gym, you can workout solo or join a class at Miami Strong. Trainers are dedicated to helping you burn calories and transform your body. Miami Strong has become a favorite of many gym goers since arriving on the scene just a short time ago.

• Location: Edgewater

Downtown Miami YMCA

Yes – the Y is back, and it isn’t the same old Y. Centrally located in Downtown Miami, the YMCA is experiencing a renaissance, with a breath of new classes, fresh talent, and an invigorated mission to connect mind, body, and soul.

• Location: Downtown Miami

GluteHouse

It’s easy to understand why GluteHouse was not only one of the few gyms able to open in 2020, but was able to thrive. Billed as a supplement stop for your lower bodywork, GluteHouse is a micro gym fueled by a unique app that guides guests through a circuit. It’s a must-try for all fitness enthusiasts.

• Location: Downtown Miami

House of Transformation

House of Transformation is another space that is a relative newcomer to the Miami fitness scene. Think of it like “personal training with a twist.” Guests have a three tiered option –group classes, assisted coaching (one trainer, four trainees) or traditional personal training.

• Location: Edgewater

UFC Gym Midtown Miami

UFC Gym Midtown Miami has been a monster since popping on scene. Guests are flocking to the brand's latest location, making it a must-visit in the Midtown Miami area. Elite trainers, group classes, coaching, and more are all on the menu in Midtown.‍

• Location: Midtown Miami

Equinox‍

Equinox is an upscale, full-service health club and its Miami locations offer studio classes, personal training, spa services, and food/juice bars in gorgeous settings.

• Locations: Brickell, Brickell Heights, Aventura, South Beach, and Coral Gables

You don’t need to have dance experience to enjoy the benefits that come along with barre workouts. Here are eight barre studios around South Florida to try in 2021.

Pure Barre

At Pure Barre, you can start with a Foundations intro class to learn the barre technique before moving onto tougher classes like Empower and Reform for a proper challenge no matter your level.

• Locations: Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, and East and West Boca Raton
  

Sweat Studio

This studio is heated to spike your heart rate and ensure a good sweat. The barre-less barre class will dynamically have you moving in all ranges of motion in order to burnout each muscle group.

• Location: North Miami
  

barre3

Feel empowered after a full-body, balanced workout at barre3 combining strength conditioning, cardio, and mindfulness. Meet yourself where you’re at and go after your goals with self-love!

• Location: Boca Raton

The Bar Method

The Bar Method is proud of their signature technique and claims it's the most-efficient way to reshape your body. Using many class types such as Bar Move and Bar Express, there is a challenging (and safe!) workout for everyone!

• Location: South Miami
  

exhale

Strengthen and lengthen in a peaceful environment with amazing views at exhale. Enjoy their signature approach to barre with sustained holds and micro movements both in the studio or on the beach.

• Locations: Brickell, Bal Harbour, and South Beach

Barre Envy

Barre Envy's Classic class may be traditional, but their classes such as Barre-lesque and Barre Rhythm are anything but, blending other disciplines with traditional barre techniques.

• Location: Delray Beach
  

The Barre Code

Pulse and shake at The Barre Code and take class knowing that you will use a variety of different props and the routine will constantly change, all while enjoying high-energy playlists.

• Location: Edgewater

Athletix Rehab & Recovery, a boutique physical therapy clinic with locations in Coral Gables and Davie, opened its third location in Deerfield Beach at the end of last year. This new location is located inside D1 Sports Training. 

In order to expedite clients’ return to play, Athletix focuses on functional rehabilitation with an emphasis on manual therapy, corrective exercise, performance-based sport-specific exercise, and postural realignment. 

D1 Deerfield Beach is a 21,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that includes top-of-the-line strength and performance equipment, an expansive turf, a half basketball court, and a specialized lacrosse training area. D1 Sports Training offers superior performance and fitness training to athletes of all ages and skill levels. 

Some of the services that Athletix offers include sports physical therapy, stretching, spinal manipulation, and massage therapy. With a variety of techniques and amenities available, Athletix can help with maintenance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Their exercise recovery services help decrease recovery time and optimize future performance. 

Athletix physical therapists have all graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state-licensed. While the Athletix team has extensive experience treating athletes from various disciplines, including professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, USA Olympics, and more, they accept patients with all different conditions.

Upon booking an appointment, the doctors at Athletix first conduct a physical therapy evaluation to determine the root cause of your impairment. From there, they create a customized plan of care to get you back in the game. 

Athletix Rehab & Recovery is located at 1401 Green Road, Suites D/E/F in Deerfield Beach. For more information, check out their website at athletixrehab.com or follow them on Instagram at @athletixrehab. 

After witnessing more residents hit the pavement this last year, the Downtown Miami YMCA is launching a brand new running program to make sure you’re logging your miles effectively. With the addition of personal trainer and running coach, Ally Robinson, to the team, the Y is now extending their offerings to include one-on-one personal run coaching sessions along with weekly interval running classes. The 60-minute classes are offered every Saturday at 8:00 am and are designed to make you a stronger, more efficient runner – no matter your experience level.

RELATED Miami Shores Mom Runs 150 Miles Through South Florida to Raise Money for Childhood Cancer Research

In addition, the YMCA is kicking off the year with an 8-week “Road to 5K” Program beginning on Saturday, January 23rd.

The Road to 5K program includes:

• Saturday morning interval running classes
• Utilizing the ample outdoor space at Bayfront Park, the YMCA indoor running track, or the cardio wing with treadmills spaced appropriately apart
• 60-minute, one-on-one run coaching session
• Personalized training plan
• Discounted personal run coaching sessions

Whether more running is simply part of your resolution, you’re looking to add more variety in your miles, or there’s a virtual race you’ve got your eye on - this program is for you. It’s open to both YMCA Members and Non-Members (Members: $79 / Non-Members: $119). Click here to register.

While other cities across the country are still stuck inside, staying active is important for all aspects of your health. There’s no better time to get out and enjoy this Miami winter with a little extra accountability on the side.

After weeks of voting, the STAY FIT 305 community has voted Bodytek Fitness as the "Best Gym in Broward 2021."

With six location across the county - Davie, Weston, Pompano Beach, Pembroke Pines, Wilton Manors, and Parkland - Bodytek Fitness is a massively popular destination for fitness enthusiasts.

Classes at Bodytek Fitness are centered around High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) organized in a circuit, that blends traditional weight training, TRX, kettlebell, core and cardio.

For more information on Bodytek Fitness, visit https://bodytekfitness.com/

Honorable Mentions

Here are the honorable mentions (in no particular order) for "Best Gym in Broward 2021."

• Ride Element
• Elevate 954
• ROAR Station

After weeks of voting, the STAY FIT 305 community has voted Slash Fitness as the "Best Gym in Palm Beach 2021."

Located in Delray Beach, Slash offers a combination of group fitness and personal training. Weight training, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and stretch/barre/yoga, are all on the menu at Slash, with the focus on burning fat, defining muscle, and improving the quality of your healthy and active lifestyle.

For more information on Slash Fitness, visit https://slashfitpro.com/

Honorable Mentions

Here are the honorable mentions (in no particular order) for "Best Gym in Palm 2021."

• Pit Fitness
• Johnny O's Gymnasium
• 1 Fitness

After weeks of voting, the STAY FIT 305 community has voted Anatomy as the "Best Gym in Miami 2021."

With their fourth location set to open in Coconut Grove later this year, Anatomy has been on a moonshot since they opened the doors to their South Beach location back in 2014.

Already operating in Midtown Miami, 1 Hotel South Beach, and Sunset Harbour, Anatomy offers a large variety of group fitness programming, luxury amenities, and personal training to compliment their traditional membership offering.

“The most important person isn't us, it’s the other person - service is important when guests walk in the door,” said Anatomy Co-Founder, Marc Megna, in an interview with STAY FIT 305 last year.

For more information on Anatomy, visit https://anatomyfitness.com/

Honorable Mentions

Here are the honorable mentions (in no particular order) for "Best Gym in Miami 2021."

• ADAPT
• Legendary Fitness
• CKO
• TapOut Fitness
• Move Lift Live

Glassbox is 3,500 square feet of light-filled space with the goal of helping local health and fitness entrepreneurs cultivate their communities. Located in Miami Ironside, Glassbox offers inspiration for all types of mindful wellness experiences.

Glassbox was neutrally curated to allow itself to serve as a clean canvas for all creators to utilize the space for their individual offerings. Some of the features of Glassbox include floor to ceiling windows, a wraparound balcony, and the ability to open up to three sides.

The space is equipped with hi-speed wifi, a SONOS sound system for easy airplay, and an auxiliary cord setup for DJ or external players. There are three onsite bathrooms, two showers, and a refillable water station. Street parking is complimentary and the North Side parking lot also has 80 paid parking spaces available.

Wellness-preneurs can safely host clients, workshops, and more on an hourly basis. This large, open air space is perfect even during COVID. Glassbox has the ability to fit up to 45 mats while still maintaining social distancing regulations. The in-house cleaning team uses natural, hospital-grade solutions both before and after studio use. Masks are also required to enter the space and at event check-ins.

Glassbox offers memberships with benefits that include:

• Private bathrooms & showers
• Fridge & kitchen space
• Refillable water station
• Check-in desk & area
• Natural décor elements like rugs, plants & pillows
• Daily cleaning team
• Easy online booking platform
• Wifi
• Outdoor sound system 
• Wrap around balcony
• Direct access to Lemon Garden

Right now Glassbox is offering an exclusive founding member offer at $300 per month for 4 hours per month. There is no sign-up fee and a minimum three-month commitment required. This special membership pricing ends January 31st.

Glassbox is located at 7610 Northeast 4th Court in Miami. For more information on Glassbox, email connect@miamiironside.com or head to www.glassboxironside.com. You can also find Glassbox on Instagram at @glassboxironside.

Your favorite “always on time, can’t use Miami traffic as an excuse because the next class starts in 10 minutes” studio - Sweat440  - is reopening their South Beach (January 2, 2021), Coral Gables (January 9, 2021), and Brickell (January 16, 2021) locations after closing their doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So what has Sweat440 been up to since you’ve last dropped in for one of their popular 40-minute express sweats? Quite a lot actually.

“After our initial closure in mid-March, we launched a daily email campaign that sent In-Home Sweat440 style workouts with videos and instructions to all our members,” said Sweat440 Chief Operating Officer, Matt Miller. “Recently we have taken Sweat440 outdoors with a class series in both South Beach and Doral Yard. These workouts are body weight and band only, instructor led, and socially distanced.”

So what can you expect when the doors reopen? Well first things first. If you’re dropping in to the South Beach location you might want to get there early for your first visit back - they relocated upstairs in the same building.

*RELATED 10 Must-Try HIIT and Bootcamp Workouts in South Florida 2020

“Our address is still 1916 Bay Rd., however we will be taking over the upstairs space which will feature a full studio redesign, new "blue room" lighting system, upgraded bathrooms, and an extra 230 square feet of usable workout space for increased social distancing,” stated Miller.  “Additionally, all our studios will now feature a self-check in kiosk system that will be supported by our new proprietary mobile phone application.”

Sweat440 isn't taking any chances when it comes to COVID-19 and has implemented a ton of new changes to their studios to keep them safe and healthy for guests.

• Reduced capacity of 50% 
• 6 ft. social distancing
• Mask/facial covering guidelines
• Installed virus killing UV lighting for HVAC systems
• State of the art electrostatic fog gun that kills 99% of germs 
• Sweat440 staff will wear facial coverings at all times and will undergo temperature checks prior working 
• Each studio will undergo deep cleanings with hospital grade products two times per day and throughout the day high-touch areas (handles, equipment, etc.) will be sanitized regularly
• Temporarily, locker use, water fountain use, towel service, and showers will be suspended in accordance with local guidelines
  

If you ask us, that’s pretty thorough. It’s great to see gyms like Sweat440 and others take the responsible approach to the pandemic while still providing their services to members.

“2021 will be a bounce back year for Sweat440 as we look to restart the rapid expansion we had planned before the pandemic hit,” said Miller. “Look for several more Sweat440 studios to open up both in neighboring South Florida communities and across the country. More details to come soon.”

And we’ll have them right here on StayFit305.com

*RELATED Sweat440 Announces Expansion with New Gyms in South Florida and New York

There are so many ways in which we try to de-stress and unplug from the world: meditation, long walks, exercise, breathing techniques; however, for some, including myself, it’s difficult to completely “shut the brain off” despite these attempts.

Like the body, the brain needs to REST, or Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy that is. This form of therapy involves taking away as many stimuli as possible and in this particular case through floating.

Enter Float Plus - located in West Palm Beach, you can experience REST via float tanks that are filled with over a thousand pounds of magnesium sulfate, also known as Epsom salt. The salinity is as dense as the Dead Sea’s allowing the body to effortlessly float. The float tanks are filled with approximately ten inches of water and the water temperature is equivalent to one’s skin’s surface, 93.5 degrees Fahrenheit, making you feel weightless and one with the water. This was my first floating experience and I was looking forward to the deprivation of stimuli for a change and curious about its overall effectiveness.

I was given earplugs and instructions on how to utilize the controls for lighting and music. Once you step inside the tank and close the lid, the healing begins. Initially, my senses were firing off and in overdrive. I was trying to get used to the water and its buoyancy while acclimating to the fact that I was about to experience no external stimuli, sans clothing. Once I shut off the music and lights, I allowed myself to take in my surroundings. After about 15 minutes, I settled into a deeply relaxed state, floating in complete darkness, silence, and utter stillness which brought me to the point where I could hear my own heart beating. The hour went by way too fast.

Following my session, I sat with owner and Maryland native Philip Nuttle to discuss what led him to open Float Plus. A former USTA tennis player, Nuttle was well aware of the importance of restorative conditioning. When he relocated to South Florida, his longtime, childhood friend and ultra-marathon runner came to visit. During one of his visits, he asked Nuttle where the closest floating place was as he needed to go in preparation for an upcoming race. Nuttle had no idea what he was talking about.  They eventually found one in Deerfield Beach and from there, Float Plus was born.

Nuttle felt this was the type of place residents in Palm Beach needed to find an escape from the outside world. He flew to California to do some research on various floating tanks, check out floating places in the California area to gather ideas from a logistical and operation standpoint, and chat with owners to obtain their perspective and guidance. He brought those ideas home and on this fall, Float Plus held its grand opening.

Nuttle expressed that floating provides several modalities that one can tap into such as visualization, in which athletes use in preparation for a big game or competition.  On a physical level, floating produces positive hormonal shifts such as increasing serotonin levels and decreasing the production of cortisol as well as improve overall sleep quality, skin condition, mood enhancement, and the list goes on. Clinical studies have also shown that floating helps those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The majority of Nuttle’s clientele consists of women, veterans, yogis, athletes, first responders, and corporate leaders. Many utilize floating to prepare for a game, a big presentation, life events, or to purely escape the everyday stressors of life. Professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors Steph Curry has proclaimed to be an avid floater and raved how floatation therapy helps him with recovery, long road trips, and visualization.

Float Plus also has a sound therapy room, a sauna, and private showers for an all-around restorative experience. It is also is the only floating business that offers 45-minute float sessions rather than the typical hour, and an open float for those not comfortable being fully enclosed in a tank. To learn more about the benefits of floating, visit their website, https://floatplus.net/.

Body Fit Training is the newest studio in Fort Lauderdale, having officially opened last month. In each 50-minute class, members will experience proven training techniques for fast conditioning results. The Fort Lauderdale location is the second Body Fit Training franchise in the United States and the first on the east coast.

With a background in strength and conditioning, studio owner Andy Hanley decided to get into group fitness with Body Fit Training. Originally from Ireland, Hanley's brother owns two Body Fit franchises in Australia, where the concept was created.

"What drew me to the company was that it was a very well-considered approach to training, anchored to scientific loss," said Hanley. “There is constant variety but there is also consistency that builds familiarity and allows you to learn the workouts and patterns.”

The Body Fit system is made up of 10 programs, some more aerobic based, some more endurance based, all done within 4 to 6-week training blocks. Within those blocks, members are encouraged to progressively overload, meaning that they are gradually increasing the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions week over week. According to Hanley, this is as close as the average person will get to training as professional athletes do.

There are two floor coaches at all times to assist with form and offer direction. The technology at Body Fit Training is meant to enhance the experience, with heart rate statistics quantifying how hard everyone is working and screens showing the moves on the walls. 

Body Fit workouts are designed to be high-frequency, with members attending up to six times a week. The rest and recovery are built into the workouts each week, making it easier to maintain training consistency and also making it more sustainable.

Body Fit also runs challenges three times a year to help members get extra dialed into their goals. While some challenges are based on body composition, others are based on strength gains and personal records. Challenges include detailed nutritional plans and specific goals, and of course, there are winners.

Members can manage their workout schedules and payments from the Body Fit app. Memberships also include access to  BFT2U for virtual workouts. This allows members to do a similar session at home or while traveling. The workouts will have the same theme as the in-person class that day, whether it be power or endurance, and there is the same work to rest ratios. The app also gives you the option to do the workout bodyweight or with resistance bands.

Of course, BodyFit is complying with all current COVID-19 guidelines and best practices in studio and they invite you to come in and try a class. Check them out at 408 N Andrews Ave in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, head to their website or find them on Instagram at @bodyfit_fortlauderdale.

It's that time of year again! It's your chance to show love to your favorite gym or studio in Palm Beach. Voting ends for this year's Fan Favorite Award: BestGym/Studio in Palm Beach on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:59PM EST. The winner will be announced in 2021.

RELATED: The #1 Voted Best Gym in Miami 2020

It's that time of year again! It's your chance to show love to your favorite gym or studio in Broward. Voting ends for this year's Fan Favorite Award: Best Gym/Studio in Broward on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 11:59PM EST. The winner will be announced in 2021.

RELATED: The #1 Voted Best Gym in Miami 2020