Vancouver: Top 5 Boutique Fitness Studios
Movement has been a part of my life since I was 5, but we had a complicated relationship growing up together.
I danced for 8 years when I was younger: ballet, jazz, musical theater, and modern. However, I stopped dancing in 2008 because I prioritized my high school studies and didn’t feel like I belonged in that environment as my physical appearance/ build changed once puberty hit. It took me a while - 4 years, actually - to feel comfortable in a dance studio again. I took dance in high school and drop-in lessons here and there for the next 4 years.
In 2018, I enrolled in barre classes at a nearby community centre and loved the workout, but wanted to go more consistently as classes were only offered once per week. A few girlfriends went to Pure Barre and suggested that I tag along for a class, and I figured, “Why not?” I took my first Pure Barre class in February 2018 and fell in love with the class and community. At the same time, I signed up for ClassPass and started to explore other fitness studios around Vancouver, such as Ballet Lounge, Lagree, Hustle, Spin Society, and Barre Fitness.
This kickstarted my love for boutique fitness studios - I actually go out of my way to check out different studios while I’m on vacation because I love being immersed in new workouts and environments! Check out my review of WeBarre, a barre studio in Hong Kong! Personally, I love classes that are low-impact, high-repetition, with some cardio.
Here are my top 5, must-visit boutique fitness studios in Vancouver:
JAYBIRD
Jaybird is all about getting into your head and out of your body while focusing on experiencing the present moment. Located in Yaletown, this studio offers pilates and yoga-inspired classes in a candlelit, mirrorless, infrared heat room:
The Build (a yoga-inspired class without the chanting and balancing inversions - familiar poses with new names. 55 min, all levels)
The Burn (a pilates-inspired designed for you to build strength and mobility while embracing the shake. 55 min, all levels)
The Booty (a pilates and barre-inspired with a strong glute focus - peachy, ain’t it? 55 min, all levels)
The Balance (a yin-inspired class that focuses on stretching, relaxation, and mobility. 75 min, all levels)
The Bird (a blend of all Jaybird styles - feel-good flow, dynamic movement, a juicy burn, mindful meditation, and stretching. 55 min, all levels)
The Bass (big breaths, big sweats, and big beats to dive into your own rhythmic dance expression. 60 min, all levels)
Front desk at Jaybird (Yaletown)
Inside the Jaybird studio (Yaletown)
If you’re located on the east coast, Jaybird opened a second location in Toronto (Queen/Bathurst) in December 2021!
My favourite class: The Burn
LAGREE WEST
Lagree West is a low impact workout that targets your slow-twitch muscle fibres using patented equipment that relies on counter-resistance and your own body weight. I started going to Lagree in 2018 and still find myself constantly challenged by the classes due to the quick transitions and endless ways to use the Megaformer. With locations in Gastown, North Vancouver (Lower Lonsdale), Mount Pleasant, and Kitsilano and 6 types of Megaformer classes, there’s something for everyone:
Megaformer (Lagree West’s signature class - 40 minutes of strength, flexibility, and endurance; all levels)
Mega Classic (classic moves taught at the front of the Megaformer for added support - a great option for new clients, pre/post-natal, or folks who find substance in simplicity. 40 minutes, all levels)
Mega Advanced (longer moves and heavier spring loads for those looking for a challenge - 50 minutes, pre-req: 25+ classes in the last 6 months)
Mega Cardio (the perfect combination of cardio and strength: 24 minutes on a treadmill + 24 minutes on the Megaformer. 55 minutes, all levels)
Mega Mama (a pre/post-natal class designed to strengthen your pelvic floor and develop deep core activation/ 45 minutes, all levels)
Arms + Abs (pure arms and core - no legs required! 40 minutes, pre-req: 5+ classes)
My favourite class: MEGAFORMER
Interior of Lagree West (and the beloved Megaformer)
Interior of Spin Society
SPIN SOCIETY
Spin Society is a rhythm riding class that combines great beats, challenging workouts, amazing trainers, and a gorgeous space in Downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver, or Mount Pleasant! I’ve never been a big fan of cardio but Spin Society makes it fun - I honestly feel like I’m at a dance party when I take a class! There are multiple class styles to cater to folks of all levels and walks of life:
SCTY 50 (signature 50 minute ride, all levels)
SCTY 90 (for those craving a bigger challenge, opt for a 90 minute ride!)
SCTY BABY (for mamas and papas wanting to squeeze a workout in with a little one in tow - this 50 minute ride is similar to SCTY 5 but with the music down low to keep the babies happy!)
HEADPHONE 50 (similar to SCTY 50 but with headphones so you can hear the music and instructor’s cues without any distractions!)
My favourite class: HEADPHONE 50 + any theme ride! (A theme ride is when the music for that class is dedicated to a certain genre, artist, or culture of the instructor’s choosing! Notable favourites include Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, for obvious reasons)
THE BAR METHOD
The Bar Method offers barre classes for humans of all levels. Barre focuses on using your own body weight, a ballet barre, and small props (light weights, ball, bands) to build strength and muscle. The Bar Method Vancouver is located in Yaletown, close to BC Place (and Marutama, one of my favourite ramen spots) and offers a variety of barre classes for humans of all levels:
Bar Method Signature (Bar Method’s signature 60 minute class with targeted muscle engagement, stretching, and toning - all levels)
Bar Advanced (think Signature, but with advanced muscle engagement and endurance - the perfect challenge for experienced barre enthusiasts)
Bar Move (a cardio-focused barre class with bursts of large, active movements)
Bar Restore (the perfect combination of work and relaxation - the first half of class features elements of a signature Bar Method class, while the latter half allows you to stretch and renew)
Bar Combo (a condensed, 30 minute class that includes a warm-up, two full sets of specific muscle groups, and stretch)
My favourite class: Bar Method Signature
Interior of The Bar Method
Interior of Core Community and their beautiful reformers
CORE COMMUNITY
Core Community is an apparatus-pilates studio based out of Kitsilano (next door to Rain or Shine Ice Cream!). This intimate and modern space is beautifully designed with white and gold accents to create a feeling of calmness while empowering clients to feel strong, energized, and inspired. With 6 types of group classes and endless options for private classes, this studio is perfect for someone looking to dip their toes in the world of apparatus-pilates or a lifelong practitioner!
Align (approachable and essential with a focus on core pilates principles - great for a first-timer)
Control (intermediate and focused using a deliberate pace and continuous tension to achieve that pilates burn that we know and love!)
Power (a challenge in body and mind to build strength, stability, and balance)
Cardio (using the reformer jumpboard as the primary apparatus, be prepared to get active and sweaty in this class while being kind to your joints)
Restore (gentle and relaxing to prioritize stretching and muscle release)
Prenatal + postnatal (a focused and safe class to ensure that you feel safe, supported, and resilient in your pre or post-natal journey)
My favourite class (so far): Control
And a special shout-out + moment of silence…
I’d also like to give a shout-out to two studios that I absolutely adored, but their physical spaces did not survive COVID. Thankfully, Barre Fitness and Tight Club offer livestream and on-demand classes so you can move your body from the comfort of your own home!
BARRE FITNESS YALETOWN
I loved how kind and welcoming the instructors, staff, and fellow patrons were at Barre Fitness. You were treated with kindness and felt welcomed into the studio regardless of your experience (1st class vs. 250th class), age, body shape, colour of your skin, and size. Barre Fitness Yaletown pivoted to an online platform with on-demand and livestream classes!
Due to their franchise model, there are Barre Fitness locations in Dunbar, South Surrey, North Delta, and Port Moody if you’d prefer to take a class in-person.
For a studio spotlight and full review of signature Barre Fitness class, check out my guest blogpost on The Barre Blog!
TIGHT CLUB ATHLETICS
Classes at Tight Club Athletics started with a check-in question - I have never, ever, EVER experienced that in my history of attending group fitness classes. The inclusive community and safe space that Keighty built at 261 Union St will be forever missed, but you can catch her online (livestream and on-demand) through Tight Club TV!
If you have any other studios that I should check out, please let me know in the comments or via DM/ email!
