Move to the beat with a dance-based fitness routine, or think outside the box with innovative workouts
Charleston BUTI Fitness
BUTI is a blend of tribal dance, conditioning, primal movement, and cardio delivered in the form of a sweaty, booty-shaking yoga flow. $12 drop-in class; $50 five-class pass; $85 monthly unlimited. 815 Savannah Hwy. Ste. 102, West Ashley. www.charlestoncommunityyoga.com
Dance Lab
Suited to those looking for an “evolved dance experience,” Dance Lab offers upper-level technique classes for advanced dancers, as well as plenty of options for beginners looking to try out a new kind of workout, be it hip-hop, modern, or anything in between. $15 drop in; $30 day pass; $120 10-class pass. 1660 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Ste. 3 & 4, West Ashley; www.dancelabcharleston.com
O2 Fitness
O2 Fitness offers more than just free weights and cardio machines; members have access to 20-plus classes, including cardio and ballet barre; Zumba; and WERQ, a nonstop dance workout set to today’s hits. All classes are free with membership (prices vary). Multiple locations; www.o2fitnessclubs.com
Peace Love Hip Hop
This wildly popular studio on Daniel Island hosts classes on everything from beginner’s hip-hop and conditioning classes to a full-on “Booty Camp.” $15 class, no monthly or weekly commitment required. 115 Pier View St., Daniel Island; www.peacelovehiphop.com
Pivotal Fitness
This gym has two unique dance-based workouts alongside barre and Zumba classes. Dance Jam focuses on cardiovascular endurance and a cool-down ab sequence, while Funk N Weights is described as “an hour of funky fun,” utilizing weights, step, and floor exercises. All classes are free with membership (prices vary). Multiple locations; www.pivotalfitness.com
Stryke Fitness
Created by a professional dancer and a retired pro wrestler, Stryke combines the philosophy and movement of dance with the intensity of MMA for a workout guaranteed to get your blood pumping. $10 drop in. 8780-B Rivers Ave. Ste. 208, North Charleston; www.strykefitness.com
Zumba
This Latin American dance workout craze arrived stateside in the ’90s and has only gotten hotter since. With nine different levels of difficulty to choose from, there’s a program for everyone and a variety of classes at area community and fitness centers. Prices & locations vary; www.zumba.com
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COOL NEW FITNESS STUDIOS
High Tech: Koko Fit Club
Harness the power of technology for an efficient workout at this digital gym. After a comprehensive body composition and goals assessment, you get a flash drive with a customized strength, cardio, and nutrition program. Just plug it into the patented Koko Smartrainer and allow it to guide you through your 45-minute workout. All data, including progress over time, are tracked and can be viewed online from any device. Two locations are set to open in downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant; test out this futuristic gym for just $30 for the first month. The Cigar Factory, 701 East Bay St. & Sweetgrass Corner, 1909 Hwy. 17 North, Mount Pleasant; www.kokofitclub.com
Grab Bag: Longevity Fitness
Say goodbye to endless rows of treadmills and hello to specialized group classes in this upscale “functional training and mindful movement studio.” Classes range from “Pulse,” a Pilates-barre fusion class, and TRX suspension training to outdoor pop-up workouts at Colonial Lake and Marion Square. Afterwards, members are invited to relax in a private vanity room, sip on a cold pressed juice, and enjoy a healthy bite. Massages, physical therapy, and Bowenwork are also available to members. Class prices vary. 163 Rutledge Ave.; www.longevityfitnesscharleston.com
Power Play: Method 29403
First developed in 2005 by Frenchman Sebastien Lagree and a team of engineers, the Megaformer machine addresses “five basic elements of physical fitness: cardio, strength, endurance, body composition, and flexibility.” Two studios, Method 10533 in Irving, New York, and Method 29403 right here in Charleston, lead this 40-minute, full-body program that blends Pilates concepts with high-intensity interval training. $35-$600 packages. 496 King St., www.method29403.com
