If your new year commenced with fitness resolutions, you’re in luck, because January in New Orleans offers plenty of unique, fun workout classes that encompass all types of movement. From a race through the French Quarter to yoga with essential oils in the Garden District, you’ll find ways to increase your heart rate and unwind, all while exploring the many vibrant neighborhoods of the city.
Take a look below for many of the wellness activities the city has to offer this month.
Take a HIIT, Yoga, or Barre class on a surfboard
City Surf Fitness offers HIIT, barre, and yoga-inspired classes on gyrating surfboards anchored to the floor. The constantly moving boards engage different muscle groups to build functional strength, and the incorporation of unique props like “sand bells,” a kettlebell filled with sand, ads a fun challenge. Make sure to swing by for “Boards & Brews” on Friday, Jan. 31. This 50-minute HIIT class is followed by complimentary beer in the studio’s backyard.
When: See the daily class schedule here
Where: 5924 Magazine St.
Cost: $22 drop-in or $39 one-week unlimited
Take a soulful high intensity interval training class at Church of Yoga NOLA
Local fitness instructor Mark Berger is teaching 50-minute HIIT classes each Saturday in January at The Church of Yoga in Tremé. The workout is irreverently called “Holy S.H.I.I.T,” short for “Soulful High Intensity Interval Training,” and mixes heat-pumping body weight exercises with heart-inspired dharma. Double up your workout by sticking around for ‘Soul Sweat’ yoga at 9 a.m. to stretch out your muscles.
When: Saturday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, & 25, 8-8:50 a.m.
Where: The Church of Yoga, 1480 North Rocheblave St.
Cost: $5
Celebrate the grand opening of the first yoga studio in Gentilly
The Ohm Well is having its grand opening celebration on Monday, Jan. 6 in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans. Enjoy cocktails and light bites as you browse local wellness vendors and learn about founder Valerie McMillan’s focus on body positivity and yoga for all ages and levels. The studio’s full class schedule launches on Sunday, Jan. 12, so stay tuned to their website for updates.
When: Monday, Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m.
Where: 2161 Milton St.
Cost: FREE
Practice yoga to live jazz music with Domineaux Yoga
Enjoy free yoga in the French Quarter accompanied by live jazz piano at the Jazz National Historical Park Visitor Center each Saturday morning in January. Brought to you by Domineaux Yoga, this class is appropriate for all levels, including those brand-new to yoga. This is a beautiful spot to enjoy morning yoga before exploring the neighborhood.
When: Saturday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, & 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Jazz National Historical Park Visitor Center, 916 N. Peters St.
Cost: FREE
Take a movement based class in the Bywater
The studio Workshop recently opened in an elegantly-renovated historic space in the Bywater. Offering movement-based classes that blend cardio, yoga, Pilates, and strength training into one sweat-dripping class, founder Katie Cashin focuses on mindfulness. For cardio-lovers, check out “The Greatest HIIT,” or if you prefer Pilates or yoga, make sure to attend “The Build,” or “The Groundwork.” Every class incorporates meditation and breathing to create a body and mind connection, and all mats and props are provided.
When: See the daily class schedule here
Where: 1000 Clouet St.
Cost: $20 drop-in or $36 one-week unlimited
Grab a day pass to a gym in a historic building
If you’re craving a workout on your own schedule, drop into Franco’s Magazine Street for a gym session in a beautiful historic building located Uptown. In addition to numerous cardio and weight machines, the athletic club offers a robust schedule of group fitness classes like spin and yoga. You can purchase a day pass for $20 that gives you full access to the workout facilities and shower amenities.
When: Open every day
Where: 2116 Magazine St.
Cost: $20 Drop-in
Pamper yourself with a wellness workshop at NOLA Yoga Loft
Located on the second floor of a historic walk-up in the Garden District, NOLA Yoga Loft offers daily yoga classes and wellness workshops that promote health and community. Highlights in January include Yoga + Aroma, an hour of gentle yoga with essential oils on January 4 at 11:30 a.m., a Vision Board Party with guided intention setting on January 17 at 6:30 p.m., and affordable “Flow Dat” community classes for $10 throughout the month. To mingle with health-loving locals, stop by “Vinyasa & Vino” each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
When: See the daily class schedule here
Where: NOLA Yoga Loft, 2042 Magazine St., Second Floor
Cost: Classes & workshops range from $10-$25
Run a 5K race through the French Quarter
The Extra Yard 5K is a family-friendly 3.1-mile race that starts in Lafayette Square and zips through the heart of the French Quarter. Hosted in conjunction with the College Football Playoff National Championship, the race concludes with a tailgate party, live entertainment, and prizes. Registration is $35, or free for teachers when you bring your educator ID at packet pick-up.
When: Sunday, Jan. 12, 8 a.m.
Where: Lafayette Square, S Maestri Pl.
Cost: $35 or free for teachers
Take a dance class in the Bywater
Learn new dance moves in 2020 by stopping by Dancing Grounds for a cardio fitness class. Set in a historic house on St. Claude Avenue, the studio offers group hip-hop, salsa, yoga, Pilates, and barre classes. From January 2-11, classes are just $5 each. Dancing Grounds is also a non-profit that advocates for inclusivity, social change, and justice through its programming, so your support goes to a good cause.
When: See the daily class schedule here
Where: 3705 St. Claude Ave.
Cost: $5 drop-in from January 2-11
Sweat it out at hot yoga
Magnolia Yoga Studio specializes in beginners yoga classes, making it the perfect studio to establish a new fitness routine. Each class takes place in a heated room to generate sweat, and travelers can purchase a week of unlimited yoga for $40 that includes towel and mat rental. Located just steps away from the French Quarter, this is the perfect place to fit in a practice when you’re downtown.
When: See the daily class schedule here
Where: Magnolia Yoga Studio, 301 Basin St.
Cost: $18 drop-in or $40 one-week unlimited
