Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, Nashville 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 Music City.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those who want to kick up the cardio
Fit Factory Nashville, 207 Mcmillin St.
If you’re really serious about your fitness goals this year, explore the gym’s Barbell Club. Expect higher skill movements, time set aside for specific lifts, and scored metcons. Pro tip: If the lot fills up, you can find street parking on State Street and 15th Avenue North.
PRVN Nashville, 2600 Fessey Park Rd.
Class programming includes a strength portion focused on Olympic weightlifting, deadlift, squatting, or bodyweight strength. A workout programmed specifically for that day follows. Bonus: You’ll also gain access to coaching guidance and a complimentary tracking app to help with goal setting.
TRUMAV Fitness, 603 9th Ave. S.
Bootcamp-style classes offer curated circuits that focus on core muscle groups each day, from lower body (like glutes and hamstrings) to full body with an upper focus.
HOTBOX Fitness, 1006 Nelson Merry St.
The gym focuses on strength (circuit-based, instructor-led centered around six core movements) and kickboxing (fundamentals — think: basic strikes and kicks) classes. Deal: Try your first class for free.
Hayes Street Fitness, 1613 Hayes St.
Try this: If your schedule changes often, purchase the open gym membership add-on for around the clock gym access when group classes aren’t in session. Snag a spot in the garage adjacent to the gym for two free hours of parking, then head inside for a HIIT-based group class. Other amenities include an infrared sauna, cold plunge, and massage chair.
For those looking for lower-impact workouts
Forza Pilates, 724 Merritt Ave. #103
Step into this spa-like studio for a contemporary reformer workout with limited class sizes — so you can expect personalized attention. Classes are broken up into varying categories: Forte (intermediate with sequencing and choreography), Foundations (all levels with tools to lay the groundwork for the pilates practice), Aria (intermediate with a high intensity, low-impact format), and Recovery (all levels designed to complement your workouts).
NuPower Yoga+Barre, 2218 8th Ave. S.
One size doesn’t fit all. That’s why you can choose the fitness focus that works best for you, from sculpt and barre to power, restore, and strength flows. Members receive unlimited visits, or you can opt for mini memberships, class cards, and drop-in visits. Deal: New students can try an unlimited number of classes in 15 days for $50.
YMCA of Middle Tennessee, locations vary
As many as eight pool-based group exercise classes are offered for a low-impact, full-body workout using the water’s natural resistance. What we love: Classes incorporate other forms of fitness as well, from dancing with Aqua Zumba to more cardio-based conditioning with H20 Circuit.
Full Ride Cycling, 2227 10th Ave. S.
Fun fact: This locally-owned cycling studio began servicing the Nashville area in a 989-sqft shipping container before eventually moving to its 12 South studio in 2020. The class schedule goes live at 5 p.m. on Sunday each week.
Row House, Sylvan Park and Cool Springs
Expect a full-body, low-impact, music-driven workout that combines rowing intervals with floor-based strength exercises. Did you know? Rowing uses 86% of your muscles. Explore which class format works best for you for a 45-minute full or 30-minute express workout.
For those eager to try to something new
Climb Nashville, locations vary
Membership perks include unlimited climbing access across all locations (in addition to yoga and fitness classes), unlimited $10 first visit passes for first time guests, and two free guest passes each month. No gear? No problem. It’s included with your membership.
Nashville School for the Aerial Arts, 2612 Clifton Ave.
Soar to new heights and try your hand at flying trapeze (watch our beginner experience), or learn the art of aerial silk, hammock, hoop, or rope. You can purchase classes individually to try things out before landing on a class pack.
Nashville MMA Training Camp, 1504 Elm Hill Pk.
Fighting to find your fitness groove? The mixed martial arts class combines techniques used in muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. If you’re looking to broaden your life skills, try a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class, which places a focus on the fundamentals of self-defense techniques.
Goat Yoga Nashville, 2626 York Rd.
Who could have a baaad workout surrounded by these furry little friends? These famed goats have been featured on the CMA’s, Trisha Yearwood Southern Kitchen, ESPN, and more. We took a class and shared our pro tips so you know what to expect before you go.
Nashville Skating Academy, 222 25th Ave. N.
We know, we’re no Filip Forsberg either. The learn to skate mini sessions designed for people of all ages offer the same skill set you would learn during a group class, but in a one-on-one setting. Fundamentals are covered with 30 minutes of guided instruction followed by 30 minutes of practice.
For those who want one-on-one training
Music City Muscle, 1801 12th Ave. N.
Class sizes remain small for specialized one-on-one attention from your coach, or you can take advantage of the gym’s personal training offering. What we love: 24-hour access and one free intro class.
360 Fitness Coaching, 3744 Annex Ave. A3
Whether you need one-on-one personal training with a completely customized fitness plan or semi-private training (2-4 clients) for additional encouragement, you’ll find that at 360 Fitness Coaching. Bonus: Take your health to the next level with nutrition coaching.
Pro Vita Fitness, 1329 6th Ave. N.
Members not only receive 24-hour gym access, but the perks of a network of health professionals from a nutritionist and meal prep chef to personal trainers. The small group strength and conditioning classes are capped at 10 people, and the gym is dog-friendly.
For those who want to dance it out
Nashville Ballet, 3630 Redmon St.
Raise the barre with the best in the game by taking adult classes for beginners, DANCEFIX, contemporary, and more with the company. Read what we learned in our own class before signing up for the new student special offer — your first class is $5.
Millennium Dance Complex, 2844 Logan St.
This Nashville gem is known worldwide from its A-list clientele to talented choreographers and industry professionals. Before you shake it up and break down, watch some of the routines the studio has choreographed. Expect a variation of dance types like hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and tap.
Arthur Murray Nashville-Green Hills, 4009 Hillsboro Pk. Ste. 211
After a few classes with Arthur Murray, you won’t be sitting out when the dance floor opens at weddings any longer. Grab your partner or learn to move solo — you’ll be showing off a waltz, foxtrot, rumba, or tango in no time. Deal: Try your first class for free.
Turn Their Heads, 830 Fesslers Pkwy.
It is Music City after all. Learn how to boot-scoot-and-boogie with line dance, two-step, and country swing lessons. Bonus: The biz even offers large group lessons so you can heel, toe, and dosey doe at your next corporate event.
Nashville Salsa Dancing, 630 Rundle Ave.
Foundation classes are split up into two parts before you move on to the pattern variations portion of the program (~4-6 months) and S&P 300. Pro tip: You don’t need a partner to participate as you’ll rotate throughout class.
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.
