Getting fit doesn’t have to be boring. These brilliant classes will have you spinning on poles, trampolining and more.
These are some of the most interesting fitness classes in Leeds. They’ll help you burn the calories and tone up, but with a difference. Spinning, kickboxing and reformer pilates are just the start – you can dance yourself fit, get in the boxing ring and prove that you’re poles apart. So why not kick start your fitness regime by trying one of these classes on for size?
These classes are perfect if you’re bored of a standard membership – but if you’re after a more conventional training space, our guide to the best gyms in Leeds has you covered.
Improve your strength and flexibility at reformer pilates
You may be familiar with pilates already but elethea studios in Seacroft have a unique take on it. Reformer pilates involves using a bed-like machine with a foot bar and pulley to help you build strength, balance, flexibility and put your core through its paces.
Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner. The studio is a warm, welcoming and inclusive space – and founder Holly is on hand to talk through everything and check your form. Trust us, this is one class that will have you hooked!
Where? elethea studios, Unit 5, Limewood Business Park, Limewood Approach, Seacroft, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 1AB.
How much? Introductory offer of two classes for £24. Monthly membership and class packs available from £70 for four classes.
Book it: eletheastudios.co.uk
Ready for mid-air yoga?
Credit: Leeds Aerial Arts
If you’re looking for a full-body workout, try aerial yoga. At Leeds Aerial Arts Studio, you’ll work your way through all the classic and traditional yoga positions – except you’ll do them while suspended from the ceiling in a specialist hammock.
Why? The hammock’s structure is supportive while letting you work on your flexibility in creative ways. It’ll help you to condition your body and build up your strength, without overdoing it.
Where? Leeds Aerial Arts Studio, Unit 5, Cardigan Industrial Estate, Lennox Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2BL.
How much? Each class is £15.50 and you can get a six-class pass for £80.
Book it: leedsaerialarts.co.uk
Blaze a trail at The Underground Fitness Club
This fitness club in Bramely is all about the atmosphere, mixing workouts with music to create a club-like vibe. With a focus on improving your physical and mental health, there’s a range of classes to choose from, including everything from boxing to HIIT step classes.
All skill levels are welcome, and there’s even big events with live DJs. Under the expert eye of Antony Newby, this is one fitness class in Leeds that you’ll want to get up and moving for.
Where? The Underground Fitness Club, Trailblazer, Unit 10A, St Catherines Mill, Broad Lane, Bramley, West Yorkshire, LS13 2TD.
How much? Classes from £7 or a bundle of four for £24.
Book it: trailblazerfitness.co.uk
Feel the vibe at this spin class
You can join a regular spinning class at JD Gyms, but the Vibe Cycle class is a lot more fun. It does the same thing as the normal class – burns calories, increases and decreases resistance, gives you a thorough cardio workout – but it does it with a twist.
It incorporates rhythmic movements, lighting and pumping music to add a whole other element to your class, making it both more fun and more effective. It’s the closest you’ll get to cycling inside a nightclub.
Where? JD Gyms, Industrial Estate, 1 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2AZ.
How much? Membership starts from £29.99 per month.
Book it: jdgyms.co.uk
Reach peak condition with pole dancing
Credit: Aerial Empire
Pole dancing might seem like an intimidating thing to do, but the instructors at Aerial Empire are brilliant at showing absolute beginners the ropes – or indeed, the poles. It provides a great way to work out your core and they’ll help you find your own style of dancing.
Static pole classes will teach you inversions, seats and stands. And while your heart and muscles will get the exercise they need, this is also one of the best fitness classes in Leeds for building confidence.
Where? Aerial Empire, Unit 16, Curtis House Business Centre, Berking Ave, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 9LF.
How much? Each class is £12.50 pr you can get a four-class monthly Bronze membership for £40.
Book it: aerialempire.co.uk
Bounce the Weight Off
Trampolines aren’t just for children. At Bounce North Leeds they’ve devised a fierce friendly work out – that’s both effective and fun. Built around HIIT principles, Bounce will get you moving on a mini-trampoline to upbeat music, so you can burn calories while improving overall fitness, muscle tone, cardio health, core strength, balance and energy levels.
Because it’s fun and community-oriented, you’re more likely to stick at it, and the low impact nature of the trampolines reduces the chance of injury. And with a range of different classes, from barbell workouts to resistance training, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Where? St. Andrew’s Church Shaftesbury Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS8 1DS.
How much? Sessions start from £7.75.
Book it: bookwhen.com/bouncenorthleeds
Discover Madonna’s Exercise Secret at Willow Method
Barre is Madonna’s exercise secret – and at Willow Method, Leeds’ best Barrecore studio, you can learn the mysteries of this unique exercise. It combines elements of ballet, yoga and pilates, focusing on stillness and stretching to strengthen your core and pelvic muscles.
It’s low impact but high intensity, meaning it’s ideal for beginners and experts alike, as well as mums-to-be and people with injuries. They have four distinct classes, tailored to different levels of experience to make Barre accessible to all.
Where? Unit A, Spicemill, Wharf Approach, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4EZ.
How much? Classes start at £20 per session with introductory offers and discounted bundles available.
Book it: willowmethod.com
Pirouette your way to fitness
If you love to dance like no-one is watching, then you’ll have company at The Dance Studio. There’s an absolutely jam-packed timetable of classes and workshops, with every dance type you can think of – from ballet to belly dancing and burlesque.
Whichever you choose, their skilled instructors will help you get up to speed with exercises that will help with movement, balance, core strength, co-ordination and general fitness. So, let’s dance!
Where? The Dance Studio Leeds, Mill 6, Mabgate Mills, Macaulay Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7SW.
How much? Pries vary by class, with beginners dance classes from £8 a session.
Book it: thedancestudioleeds.com
Punch above your weight at Alliance Boxing Club
As anyone who’s done it will tell you, boxing training is hard. You wouldn’t believe just how tricky it is to keep your hands up for any length of time. That makes it a great workout – and Alliance Boxing Club run a fitness class in Leeds that will have you feeling like you’re Anthony Joshua in no time.
Boxing fitness lasts an hour and will teach you techniques in a non-competitive environment. If you can push yourself further, try the Boxfit Circuit Training.
Where? Alliance Boxing Club 1st Floor, Crossgates Working Mens Club, Orchard Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 7LP.
How much? Classes are £5 each.
Book it: allianceboxingclub.co.uk
Go intense at Insanity Live
Total Dance has been improving the health and fitness of the people of North Leeds since 2008, and its Insanity Live classes remain hugely popular. Insanity is a HIIT training method that focuses on intense intervals of activity to maximise impact and results.
Sessions focus on cardio conditioning, abs, recovery and balance, but it’s always a full-body workout in short, sharp bursts with brief recovery times. It’s tough, but they welcome beginners here.
Where? Various venues across north Leeds.
How much? Single classes start from £7, with a 28-day online membership for £25.
Book it: totaldanceandfitness.co.uk
Swap crunches for kickboxing
For a truly different exercise class in Leeds, head to Elemental Kickboxing. Under the tutelage of qualified martial arts instructors, you’ll get an intense physical workout with the added sports elements of kickboxing. The high energy approach helps raise your cardio levels while lifting your mood by releasing endorphins.
Balance and coordination are key, and the experience of the instructors means they’ll devise a plan for you whether you’re new or a pro.
Where? Elemental Kickboxing Leeds, 2 Bath Lane, Bramley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 3AT.
How much? Bronze monthly membership for £38 for six classes.
Book it: elemental-kickboxingleeds.co.uk
