Sharpen your boxing skills at Canvas Club. | Photo by Canvas Club Boxing
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.
Dance (like no one is watching)
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
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.
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.
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.
A. Loud grunting/noises B. Not wiping down equipment C. Not re-racking weights D. Talking loudly on the phone E. Reserving machines with a water bottle
Q-Cinema | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 7-9 p.m. | OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center, 2701 International Ln., Madison | Free | Gather and watch LGBTQ+ films with snacks and drinks provided.
Thursday, Jan. 25
Cozy Cocktail Class | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | $170 | Warm up with some cold drinks.
Open Mic Comedy | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Rigby, 119 E. Main St., Madison | Free | Are you the next Jim Gaffigan? Step right up to the microphone.
Friday, Jan. 26
The Up & Up Release Party | Friday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $10-$15 | The Madison-based band is releasing their second EP.
James Kennedy | Friday, Jan. 26 | 9 p.m. | Liquid Madison, 624 University Ave., Madison | $35-$40 | Calling all “Vanderpump Rules” fans.
Saturday, Jan. 27
Free Kids Ice Fishing Day | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Brittingham Park, 829 W. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Bring your kids out on the ice for fishing and fun.
Heartland Farm Sanctuary Public Tour | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1-2 p.m. | Heartland Farm Sanctuary, 424 US-51, Stoughton | $15 | An hour of touring the mammal barn and meeting some rescued animal residents.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Monona Terrace - Lecture Hall, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | $33.76 | Swifties rejoice.
Build and Remodel Expo | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Madison Marriott Convention Center, 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr., Middleton | $5 | Ready to make your home plans a reality?
The public can make their voices heard on the heavily traveled corridor connecting Madison and Wisconsin Dells. The DOT is conducting a survey to explore improvements along the I-39/90/94 corridor. A virtual meeting takes place Jan. 30. In-person meetings take place Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Sports
Adrian Griffin’s tenure as the Milwaukee Bucks head coach was a short one. He was fired yesterday after coaching just 43 games. The Bucks entered Tuesday night’s game 30-13, with the second best record in the Eastern Conference. Veteran assistant Joe Prunty will take over as interim coach. (ESPN)
Cause
Diapers, baby wipes, formula, and more are being requested during News 3 Now’s annual Community Baby Shower. Benefiting Babies & Beyond, donated items can be delivered to 1922 S. Stoughton Rd. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 26. (Channel 3000)
Travel
For those weary of winter and want warmer climates, the Dane County Regional Airport will be offering direct flights to Los Angeles soon. Low-cost airline Breeze Airways will begin summertime flights to LAX starting May 22. Previous service to Los Angeles stopped due to the pandemic. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Community
In hopes of providing needed housing resources in Sun Prairie, the nonprofit Tenant Resource Center has been created. Located in Sunshine Place, at 1632 W. Main St., the organization will provide resources for renters, including housing counseling, eviction prevention, and more. (WMTV)
Biz
There’s a bright future in solar, and Madisonians can learn more by taking a free class. Part of the city’s MadiSUN initiative, the class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Jan. 24, as well as Feb. 7 and Feb. 28 at the Latino Academy of Workforce Development. (Cap Times)
Eat
La Playita Tacos Y Mariscos is now open. Located at the former Migrants space at 2601 W. Beltline Hwy., the menu includes seafood tostadas, ceviche, octopus dishes, and more. It’s co-owned by Roger de la Cruz who is a minor partner in Mineral Point Road’s BigSur. (In Business)
Culture
🔮 Your 2024 Madison predictions
Asked: Your 2024 local predictions for Madison
What does the future have in store for 2024? | Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels.
Gaze into your crystal ball and tell us... what’s in the cards for Madison in 2024?
That’s what we’re asking you, our readers, to tell us. On our list of questions for 2024 predictions, we’re wondering:
Regardless of what 2024 has in store, we’re looking forward to seeing what happens. All we know for sure is that we’ll be there to keep you updated on what’s to come.
The Buy
The Buy 1.24.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The best baking supplies to cook up something cozy and comforting this winter. Think: a sourdough starter helper, lemon lavender scones baking mix, and Herbes de Provence focaccia mix.
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I was shocked to learn that the record for brats eaten at Brat Fest was 209,000 in 2010. Considering Madison’s population is around 270,000, that’s quite impressive. Numbers (or brat) people can check out more Brat Fest stats here.
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