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, 813 Post Rd., Madison
This family-owned small business will help you reach your goals in and out of the gym. Think: Nutrition and fitness education.
CrossFit MadTown, 2500 N. Pleasant View Rd., Middleton
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, 6111 Cottonwood Dr., Fitchburg
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, 711 Rethke Ave., Madison
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, 834 E. Washington Ave., Madison
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, 6725 Seybold Rd., Madison
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, 7475 Mineral Point Rd., Madison
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.
Strengthen your core with classes at Miss Pole. | Photo by Miss Pole
Pole Club Madison, 2358 E. Springs Dr., 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, 7600 University Ave., Middleton
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, 1820 S Park St., Madison
Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, Judo, MMA, and Kuntao classes are available. Additionally, a self-defense fitness class will keep you fit and give you peace of mind.
Ford’s Gym, 2114 Winnebago St., Madison
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, 2500 Rimrock Rd., Madison
Learn Muay Thai and Krav Maga from certified instructors. Bring a friend; the foundation of many of these skills are based on partner work.
Madison Boxing Gym, 6123 Odana Rd., Madison
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, 129 S. Carroll St. and 3964 Commercial Ave., Madison
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.
Not for those afraid of heights. | Photo by Boulders Climbing Gym
Madison Circus Space, 2082 Winnebago St., Madison
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, 3118 Kingsley Wy., Madison
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.
