608today City Guide Live

Get your sweat on at gyms around Madison

From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up some gyms and fitness offerings around Madison.

Two boxers sparring

Sharpen your boxing skills at Canvas Club. | Photo by Canvas Club Boxing

Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun for one person may be a slog for someone else.

Fortunately, Madison is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip-hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all things fitness in Mad City.

Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.

CrossFit

Big Dane
This family-owned small business will help you reach your goals in and out of the gym. Think: Nutrition and fitness education.

CrossFit MadTown
This gym doesn’t stop at just CrossFit. Check out its youth performance training program for children ages 8-18, or the Olympic weightlifting offerings.

CrossFit Mojo
If you’re new to CrossFit, this is the place for you. Start with a free class and Mojo’s trainers will help you assess a fitness path that best suits your skills.

Twisted Fitness
With a wide variety of fitness classes – Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, CrossFit, Muay Thai – be sure to check the daily schedule to ensure you get the workout you’re looking for.

Dance (like no one is watching)

Barrio
The majority of classes are drop-in, so stop by to get your groove on (and heart rate up). Dance styles include hip-hop, heels, reggaeton, and more.

Dance Life
Belly dance, burlesque, ballet and cardio dance classes for adults. Can’t get out of the house? Sign up for access to pre-recorded and livestream classes.

Miss Pole
Whether you’re a pole pro or new to the game, there are class offerings for everyone. Not sure where you fall? Each class has a prerequisite suggestion.

Someone taking a pole dance class, using their legs to keep themselves off teh ground.

Strengthen your core with classes at Miss Pole. | Photo by Miss Pole

Pole Club Madison
Exercise, expression, and empowerment are the names of the game here. Group and private sessions are available, as well as the option to rent out the space for personal practice or parties.

Combat sports

Canvas Club
Classes focus on heavy bag work, agility, interval drills, and strength training. Hand wraps and athletic shoes are required to participate.

Fight Prime Training Center
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, judo, MMA, and kuntao classes are available. Additionally, a Krav Maga self-defense class will keep you fit and give you peace of mind.

Ford’s Gym
Men’s Fitness magazine recognized this gym for its old-school charm. Learn the basics of boxing during a monthly four-week fundamentals course.

Forward Thai Boxing
Learn Muay Thai and Krav Maga from certified instructors. Bring a friend: the foundation of many of these skills is based on partner work.

Madison Boxing Gym
A free basic boxing class for kids runs every Saturday morning. Members can attend unlimited classes, and have access to all equipment during open hours.

Get your feet off the ground

Boulders
After your free orientation, you’ll be able to traverse over 16,000 sqft of climbing space between both gyms. Keep tabs on the events page for more climbing fun, or join an affinity group.

Someone climbing a rock wall

Not for those afraid of heights. | Photo by Boulders Climbing Gym

Madison Circus Space
Great for adventure seekers, Madison Circus Space hosts classes, clubs, and special events. Aerial ballet, adult tumbling, and flying trapeze classes are just a few of the many unique opportunities.

Summit Strength and Fitness
Learn your way around a wall, strengthen your core, or opt to stick to the traditional gym equipment. Think of this as a hybrid between a traditional gym, and a climbing gym.

Gear up

Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.

Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.

Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.

Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.

Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.

Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.

HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.

Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.

CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.

Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.

Check out our other Guides
Prepare for winter in Madison, Wisconsin with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
Check out these 14 yoga opportunities around Madison which offer beginner classes, memberships, hot yoga, and more.
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Madison, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Madtown.
Grab your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Madison.
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Madison.
Check out this list of local spots to host your special event.
608today phone preview
Good news for Madison.
Get the best local news and events sent to your inbox, for free.