Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
City Editor Callie here. When it comes to working out, what I find important is a place centered around building a community. There’s nothing better than walking into a space where the people know and care about you. Bonus points for all the non-judgemental spaces that keep the main thing the main thing (the workout) and fully embrace the messy bun.
Fortunately, Charleston 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 the Holy City.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those who are looking to workout but not in a gym
Coastal Climbing, 708 King St., Charleston
It’s a workout, a hobby, and even a lifestyle. Climb to new heights in your workout journey and check this 7000+ sqft space that features a climbing wall, a training room, a fitness area, and a stretching space. Pro tip: Youth walk-ins are limited if you have a young climber book timeslot.
Deal: If it’s your first time climbing, you can snag a day pass for $20 and rental gear for $5.
Sun & Sol Yoga, 63 W. 9th St., Folly Beach
Soak in the sunset and find your center with these daily sunset restorative vinyasa yoga classes. This yoga takes place at the Regatta Inn on the beach and gives you a front-row view of some of the best sights in the Lowcountry. You can also book solo or private sessions, which would be great for bachelorettes or a work event.
Wild Blue Ropes, 1595 Highland Ave., Charleston
It’s not your typical workout. Switch things up now and then, explore your limits, and challenge your capabilities in a ropes course. Currently, the course is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. By appointment, you can book a weekday for groups of 12 or more.
Looking to hit the road? Check out our guide to Charleston-area running clubs.
For those who believe burpees are a lifestyle
Holy City Crossfit, 80 1/2 Society St., Charleston
This gym is located in the heart of downtown, nestled between King and Meeting Streets. Classes are offered daily, and times vary. The earliest class starts at 6:30 a.m. with the latest offered most days at 6:30 p.m. Fun fact: the gym says it’s the longest continuously operating CrossFit box in the Lowcountry.
Deal: Free introduction includes a chat about your goals and gym tour.
Crossfit North Charleston, 7360 Pepperdam Ave., Ste. B, North Charleston
Think classic CrossFit. Yes, even complete with climbing ropes suspended from the ceiling. Co-owner Cara Jones, a former college athlete, helps run this gym with the help of certified coaches who are also members of the North Charleston community.
Deal: You can try your first class for free.
Pale Horse Crossfit, 62 Brigade St., C6, Charleston
It’s not your typical box gym. This CrossFit gym also offers personal training and aerial art classes. This gym isn’t just Monday through Friday — it also has weekend offerings. There are several membership options available. Pro tip: law enforcement, firefighters, military, and full-time students get a discount.
Deal: Free one-week trial.
Crossfit Wando, 517A Wando Ln., Mount Pleasant
There are several options for joining the Crossfit Wando team. Offer traditional CrossFit memberships, hybrid fitness classes for those not quite ready for full-fledged CrossFit, and the iD Program, which offers personalized programming for people who want to work toward fitness goals. See it before you go; you can get a feel for the gym before you step in with their only gym tour.
MpFitCo, 3365 S. Morgans Point Rd., #107, Mount Pleasant
Does the thought of barbels, assault bikes, and burpees scare you? This gym is here to change that, guiding you to your CrossFit and fitness goals — and breaking down any intimidating barriers you might face. Gym owner and head coach Zack Gibbion is a former college athlete with 15+ years in the fitness industry. There are several ways to join, with drop-in, weekly, class passes, and unlimited options.
Deal: Free class trial offered for residents.
For those who want to punch up their fitness routine
Ethos Athletic Club, 311 Huger St, Charleston
This gym offers several ways to get active, including high-intensity interval, mobility, strength, stretching, and breathing classes to name a few.
Deal: New members can try a seven-day trial for $50.
The Works, Charleston, and Mount Pleasant locations
Get your grove and your sweat on. Whether you’re looking for yoga, weight work, or just a good stretch these spots offer it all. While you’re at it check out The Works Cycle, a cycling class in a sauna studio.
Taylor Grant Pilates, 87D Hasell St., Charleston
Gym owner Taylor says she discovered Pilates after learning she has scoliosis and, 15 years later is still practicing. If you want to join, no experience is needed. Instructors will show you the equipment and take you step-by-step through this low-impact exercise.
Pilates of Charleston,778 S. Shellmore Blvd., Ste. 104, Mt. Pleasant
This boutique Pilates studio offers group and private sessions to help you strengthen muscles, improve posture, and flexibility. You can purchase session-by-session or buy them in packages. This studio is open Monday through Sunday; times vary.
The Mindful Body Pilates + Wellness Studio, 24 Windermere Blvd., Charleston
This studio says it’s not only focused on the body but also the mind. You can purchase a private session, class, or event, along with an essential oil, sage bundle, or tarot deck. Recommendation: try out the introductory package.
Exhale Pilates Studio,1410 Shucker Cir., Ste. 1106, Mount Pleasant
This Boutique fitness studio is located in the heart of Mt. Pleasant and offers group, semi-private, and private classes. Pro tip: there is special pricing for group classes for new clients. You can purchase one class for $25 or three classes for $75.
Strike a pose and feel your best, check out the classes Jane Do offers.
Photo by Jane DO Charleston
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
Jane DO, 476 Meeting St. Charleston
This workout was created by Radio City Rockettes Jacey Lambros and Danielle DeAngelo. Jane DO offers 50-minute total body workouts, which include aerobics, strength training, and flexibility training.
Deal: New clients can purchase unlimited classes for $40 for a week.
Hylo Fitness, Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and Nexton locations
Balance is key. This studio and health club offers the best of both worlds with HIIT (High-intensity interval training) and Low-impact classes.
Deal: The $10 intro offer is only valid for residents at a single location.
O2 Fitness, James Island, and West Ashley locations
Both Lowcountry locations offer several group class options, like full-body weights classes, Zumba, cycling classes, and martial arts-inspired workouts. For an additional $10, your children can enjoy the Kids Club. The service is offered to those six weeks to 12 years for up to two hours (one hour for infants under one year of age) while you enjoy your workout.
It’s all about balance, mix a yoga class into your workout routine.
Photo by Community yoga
For those looking for flexibility and variety
Community Yoga, 815, Savannah Hwy., #102, Charleston
There is something for everyone. With an extensive class list, there is an option for every level of yogi. This studio has daily classes and also offers deep breathing classes.
Deal: $10 beginner classes
Grayce, 359 King St., Ste. 301, Charleston
This downtown studio offers various practices that work on having a strong body, still mind, and soft heart. There are daily public yoga classes and custom private practices for individuals and groups.
King Street Flow, 484 King St. #207, Charleston
King Street Flow celebrates ancient wisdom found in yoga. This studio provides various styles of yoga and a wide range of classes and offerings.
Sculpted Lotus Yoga, 1662 Savannah Hwy., #225, Charleston
In the heart of West Ashley, Sculpted Lotus wants to take you from chaotic to calm. Classes are trauma-informed and structured to improve your mental health. Parents have the option to take a class with their children.
Serenity Tree Yoga, multiple locations
Serenity Tree Yoga offers weekly beach yoga classes on Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Mount Pleasant. There are also offerings for special events like bachelorette, wedding day, and birthday yoga. Find a class that works for you.
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.
