13 Indoor Workouts in St. Louis That Are Cooler Than the Treadmill

By Riverfront Times Staff on Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 6:37 pm

"I'll work out tomorrow," you whispered to yourself yesterday as you binged on equal parts of Netflix and alcohol. Well, tomorrow is here -- and the gym sounds even more boring than it did yesterday. Sound familiar? Then we have good news for you: St. Louis has lots of unusual ways to break a sweat that -- dare we say -- are actually fun. From circus workouts to human foosball (yes, really), these workouts will make you want to get moving. So forget the gym -- treadmills are so last year.

"I'll work out tomorrow," you whispered to yourself yesterday as you binged on equal parts of Netflix and alcohol. Well, tomorrow is here -- and the gym sounds even more boring than it did yesterday.

Sound familiar? Then we have good news for you: St. Louis has lots of unusual ways to break a sweat that -- dare we say -- are actually fun. From circus workouts to human foosball (yes, really), these workouts will make you want to get moving. So forget the gym -- treadmills are so last year.

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13 Indoor Workouts in St. Louis That Are Cooler Than the Treadmill

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Aerial arts

If you want to take your workout to a new level -- literally -- try your hand at aerial arts classes. Bumbershoot (2200 Gravois Ave., 314-669-5754) is one such place for these classes, offering coaching in aerial fitness, trapeze, silks (pictured) and more. Photo by Ricky Sherman, courtesy of Instagram / bumbershootaerialarts.

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Human Foosball

You can take the classic game to a life-sized form thanks to Great American Human Foosball (3227 Morganford, 314-882-6191). It’s exactly what it sounds like: playing soccer while grasping handles on wooden rods, moving side-to-side as you battle for the ball. The only difference from the traditional tabletop game? There’s no flipping over the rods. Photo by Emily Higginbotham.

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Rock Climbing

Rock climbing isn't anything new, but St. Louis is lucky to have some pretty cool gyms for this high-climbing activity -- just look at the awesomely colorful Climb So iLL (1419 Carroll St., 314-621-1700). This gym has classes to accommodate various skill levels, so there's no pressure to be an experienced climber. Photo by Ryan White.

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Bubble Soccer

You've never played soccer quite like this. Players are dressed in big plastic bubbles with only their legs left outside to kick the ball -- think of it like soccer mixed with bumper cars. St. Louis Bubble Soccer offers rental for birthdays, corporate events and other occasions -- and, yes, it can be played indoors, too. Photo courtesy of Flickr / John Loo.

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SkyFit Workouts

Want to feel like a kid again? SkyZone trampoline park (17379 Edison Ave., 636-530-4550) offers SkyFit workout classes, where participants perform core exercises, aerobics and calisthenics on the trampolines. Did we mention you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour? Photo courtesy of Instagram / skyzone.

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Pole Dance Fitness

No, pole dancing isn't just for the club. It's actually a great way to build strength and stamina -- and have fun while you're at it. Dollhouse Studios (1428 Washington Ave., 314-241-3655) and Michelle Mynx Academy of Pole Dance (3190 S. Grand Blvd., 618-806-0382) are two places where you can give it a try. Photo courtesy of Instagram / juliananribeiro.

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Hooping

Who knew those hula hooping skills you practiced as a kid could help you later in life? At places like STL Hoop Club (location info here) you can amp up your endorphins with classes like hoop dance and hoop fitness. Photo courtesy of Instagram / kittenhead77.

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West African Dance

Nothing makes working out seem like a party quite like a dance class, and St. Louis is full of different styles for you to try. One terrific style is West African dance, which you can experience in classes taught by West African dance company Afriki Lolo (3965 Park Avenue, 314-504-5580). The classes are accompanied by African drumming -- how cool is that? Photo courtesy of Flickr / Aine.

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Latin Dance Classes

Can't get enough dancing? Convergence Dance and Body Center (7700 Clayton Rd., Suite 120, Richmond Heights, 314-324-0887) offers classes such as tango, salsa and ballroom. If you don't think you have a sense of rhythm, now's your opportunity to find it! Photo courtesy of Flickr / gmarcos1.

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Aikido

Multi-taskers out there may want to consider martial arts, where you can learn self-defense techniques while simultaneously getting a workout. One such martial art is aikido, which you can experience at St. Louis Ki Aikido. You'll get the benefits mentioned above, as well as lessons in mind/body oneness. Photo courtesy of Flickr / NeferTiyi.

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Circus Fitness

If you've ever had dreams of running away and joining the circus, now is your chance. Circus Harmony offers classes such as trapeze, unicycling and juggling for all ages on the third floor of the City Museum (750 N. 16th St.). Photo courtesy of Instagram / circusharmony.

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Barre Classes

You can channel your inner childhood dream of being a ballet dancer and apply it to your workout with barre classes. These fitness classes are ballet-inspired and incorporate the barre, as well as occasional mat and light weight exercises. You can find classes like this at Pure Barre (multiple locations). Photo courtesy of Instagram / purebarrestlouis.

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Yoga Buzz

Yoga Buzz aims to get you out of the studio with yoga events held in fun locations all around St. Louis. From hotels to Thaxton Speakeasy to the Arch, Yoga Buzz has a way of keeping things interesting. Keep an eye on new events all year long. Photo courtesy of Instagram / thebizhippie.

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