Beyond the Gym
BY KATELYN RUTT
From circus rings and bungee cords to fandom-inspired classes, these Wake County studios are redefining what it means to work out. Here’s our guide to discovering your new favorite way to break a sweat—no gym necessary!
Aerial Acrobatics at Pura Vida Studio
(Pictured above: Aerial acrobatics students at Pura Vida show off their skills. Photo courtesy of Pura Vida Studio.)
Ever dreamed of flying? At Pura Vida Studio, you can get closer to that feeling than ever—no experience required! This studio has spent nearly six years making the art of aerial acrobatics accessible to all ages and skill levels. You’ll start with an intro class in which you’ll learn the basics of each apparatus—silks, sling, lyra and more—to find your perfect fit. Classes are organized by levels and offered as a monthly series to help you track your growth in strength and flexibility. Studio director Alicia Calderwood says nine out of ten guests return, and she often hears students comment, “I didn’t know I could do that!” She adds, “Our aerial community is super supportive and a unique one to join if you feel like the gym is not for you!”
Pure Vida Studio
202 Ledgestone Way, Cary
puravidastudionc.com
Bollywood-Themed Aerobics at Indigo Dance Evolution Academy
Get ready to jump, twist and groove through the vibrant world of Bollywood dance at Indigo Dance Evolution Academy! The dynamic Priya Chellani leads Bollywood-themed aerobics, a full-body fusion of Bollywood’s lively spirit with house, jazz, hip-hop and traditional Indian dance. Chellani’s classes welcome all ages and fitness levels (55+ included) to join a dancercise routine that alternates between high- and low-intensity intervals, all set to the latest Bollywood hits. Expect laughter and lighthearted fun as she fills each session with cultural insights, translates playful lyrics and breaks down dance moves. A Triangle resident since 2013, Chellani brings 30+ years of teaching experience from her native Mumbai and a special passion to make Bollywood dance empowering, accessible and affordable to all!
Indigo Dance Evolution Academy
Classes offered at locations throughout Wake County
priyachellani.com
Bungee Swing Fitness at A Step To Gold
Looking for something that’s easy on joints but challenging enough for military pros? A Step to Gold International Ballroom’s Bungee Swing Fitness offers a unique form of rebound workout (a low-impact exercise designed to be easy on joints without sacrificing intensity) designed to build coordination, stamina and agility. Suspended from ceiling bungees, securely harnessed at the waist and thighs, you’ll tackle exercises like lunges and squats—all set to swing and hustle beats. Owner Melanie Dale says, “You use every muscle in your body, kind of like swimming in air, and it will make you feel like a kid again!” She’s seen groups bond through laughter and even helped a client regain movement she’d lost for months. Need more proof? Dale adds, “Men from the military take the class and are amazed at how much of a workout it is!”
A Step to Gold International Ballroom
6278 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 200, Raleigh
asteptogold.com
Circus Arts at Cirque de Vol
Run away to the circus at Cirque de Vol’s aerial, yoga, fitness and circus community, where fitness and fun combine! This unique blend of aerial arts, acrobatics and functional strength is more than just a workout—it’s a way to quiet the mind, relieve stress and build a strong sense of community. Circus arts workouts are open to people of all skill levels. Whether you’re flying on the trapeze or balancing on a hoop, you’ll work every muscle and feel the burn in places you never knew existed. Founder Sara Howell’s goal is to make wellness feel like an adventure, pushing you out of your comfort zone while keeping it fun, welcoming and personal. As Howell puts it, “The aerial arts are inherently empowering, offering a sense of achievement every time you master a new move or hold. It’s fitness in the air—both literally and figuratively!”
Cirque de Vol Circus Arts Studio
300 W. Hargett Street #40, Raleigh
cirquedevol.com
Fandom, Gaming and Culture Fitness at Geek Fit Network
Calling all cosplayers, gamers and geek culture enthusiasts. If long hours of sitting and unhealthy habits have taken their toll on your health, have no fear! At Geek Fit Network—a niche community dedicated to promoting healthier physical and social lifestyles by blending gaming, exercise science and behavior change models—a more balanced routine is just a booking away. Whether it’s a Cos Fit challenge where you embody your favorite character while breaking a sweat, or a gamified fitness tournament using VR, there are so many ways to get fit while having a blast. Have you ever wanted to try yoga with friends dressed as your favorite Star Wars characters, or test your hand at a historical sword fighting class? At Geek Fit Network, your imagination truly is the only limit!
GeekFit Network
Programs at locations across the Triangle
geekfitnetwork.com
Mega-Tramp at Mega
Mega was founded in 2019 with the mantra “Fitness is forever, so let’s keep it fun and fresh.” The colorful studio, created by former gymnast, cheerleader and dancer Alicia Bell, offers classes on megaformers—spring-loaded workout machines that combine resistance training, cardio workouts and Pilates exercises. The gym also offers mini-trampoline cardio classes and mega mat classes, which utilize classic Pilates techniques. Mega is home to a vibrant community of tight-knit regulars. Healing an injury or simply looking for an activity that’s gentler on the body than a traditional workout? Mega-Tramp is just the thing for you, with its ability to absorb 80% of impact and give a hearty boost to the lymphatic system. According to Mega’s website, expect to “shake, sweat, and maybe even curse” your way through the workout! Our pro tip? Go ahead and book three or four classes in advance to allow yourself to get comfortable with the format and cues. You’ll be jumping to new heights in no time!
Mega | 2330 Bale Street #104, Raleigh
themegaworkout.com
Ninja Warrior Training at Warrior Tech
Step into the action and train like your favorite TV show pros at Warrior Tech! This family-owned training facility helps build champions of all ages, with synchronized adult and kids’ classes designed to promote health and fitness for the whole family. Take on the adrenaline-pumping adult ninja classes and obstacle course race prep classes to push your endurance, resilience and strength. You’ll scale walls, swing from monkey bars and end every session feeling like you’ve “hit the buzzer”! Want more freedom? Their open-rig sessions allow you or your family to tackle the course at your own pace, with access to rigs, climbing walls and the ever-popular warped walls. With expert techs on hand for guidance and support, Warrior Tech ensures your training is safe, motivating and packed with fun!
Warrior Tech
220 Dominion Drive, Suite G, Morrisville
6451 Triangle Plantation Drive, Suite 107, Raleigh
warriortechnc.com
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