When winter comes and the days get shorter, it can be tempting to curl up on your couch and hibernate. However, being active is really important for our physical and mental health so it’s important to fight this urge, even when we don’t want to. Luckily, there are many top-rated Ottawa workout studios that are good for your mind and body and are fun! I often find booking a class or session with a fun aspect to be incredibly motivating so this winter I tried four different fitness studios near downtown Ottawa to help you figure out what one works best for you.
Ottawa Workout Classes You Need To Try:
Ottawa Workout: The Mat Lab by Glebe Pilates
Classes at the Mat Lab by Glebe Pilaties are a blast. They’ve created a beautiful and welcoming pilates studio with a wide variety of classes, supportive instructors and all the supplies you need to have a positive class experience. It’s easy to feel intimidated when trying something new, especially when it may be physically challenging. What I love about the Mat Lab is that it has a class for everyone: intense core workouts, advanced pilates, mobility classes and opportunities for recovery and reflection.
Trying Pilates in Ottawa
One of my favorite parts of the Mat Lab is that they offer classes focused on all aspects of your well-being. While all exercise studios provide opportunities to improve your physical health, I found that mental well-being was also a big focus at the Mat Lab. For example, I loved their Sound Healing classes. During this candle-lit class, you spend the first part doing stretches and breath work to relax. For the second section, you get cozy on your mat with a blanket and try to clear your mind while the instructor uses crystal singing bowls to create pure, resonant tones that help balance your energy and reduce your stress. At the beginning of class, you blindly select an affirmation card that you get to read at the end of your meditation. It was always amazing to me that everytime I chose a card that was relevant to what was going on in my life and provided a feeling of support. Annie Ferro is the amazing instructor behind the sound healing classes, and all of her classes feature a unique blend of physical and mental wellness, which I recommend checking out.
The Mat Lab has great options for people who are looking for lower-impact workouts that focus on both strength and mobility. These classes are often offered in the evening and are a great way to move your body and have a moment of relaxation at the end of your day. If you’re interested in this kind of class, I recommend Evening Essentials with Shannon Webster.
Yogalates in Ottawa
Another great option is a yogalates class. This blend of pilates and yoga is a great way to dip your toe into the pilates water without getting stuck in an overly challenging workout. While you’re still going to sweat and work hard, the yoga poses create an opportunity to rest and reset before resuming the more challenging pilates movement. I really enjoyed these classes with Alli O’Callaghan.
Break A Sweat
If you are looking for more intense workouts, the Mat Lab still has you covered. Pilates Flow classes provide a dynamic and continuous workout and Wunda Chair classes offer a very unique challenge for your whole body. Plus, there are many other classes that I haven’t tried yet, so you are almost guaranteed to find something that fits your needs. You can view the full class schedule here.
In addition to classes, The Mat Lab also has special workshops such as making Mala Beads, the Wim Hof Method and Intention Setting. Book your classes and explore membership options here.
Ottawa Workout: SpinCo
The first time I went to a spin class in Ottawa, I had no idea what to expect but thanks to a persistent roommate who got me to try it, I found out I actually enjoyed it. Make sure to arrive about 10 minutes before your class so that you have time to get your shoes from the front desk, put your stuff in a locker and get prepared for class. Once you’re inside the studio, it’s important that you adjust your bike to be the proper size. If you’re new to spin, ask one of the attendants or the instructor to help you, this process can be confusing the first few times and the class will be more enjoyable if your bike is adjusted properly. There’s no need to be intimidated and they can help show you how to set it up so that you can do it yourself as you get more comfortable.
The fundamental aspect of a spin class is riding your stationary bike to the beat of the music. To add extra challenge, classes also feature choreographed movements, like leans, dips and various arm placements done to the beat of the music. Each rider also has a resistance dial that they can turn up or down depending on their desired level of challenge.
What To Expect At An Ottawa Spin Class
One part of spin that I really enjoyed was that, when the class starts, the lights go off and it feels like it’s just you and the instructor. Since you can’t see anyone else very well, you know no one can see you and that provides the freedom to try the more challenging movements without feeling judged while you’re getting the hang of it.
While all spin classes have the same basic elements of sprints, jogs and weight tracks, every instructor brings a different flair and level of intensity to the class. Typically, once you’ve been going to classes for a while, you’ll be able to identify your favorite instructors, allowing you to pick a class you know you’ll enjoy every time. Team teach classes feature two instructors and can be a great way to try out the style of multiple instructors. SpinCo instructors also offer theme classes based on the type of music you’re spinning to and that can be a very fun way to get your workout in.
You can view the class schedule and purchase classes here but I also recommend downloading their app which is a great way to manage your classes.
Coyote Rock Climbing in Ottawa
Rock climbing seems to be growing in popularity and is a great way to stay active while having fun. The first time I tried it, it was challenging but I didn’t realize how hard I was working because I was having such a fun time trying to make it to the top. The next day my muscle soreness informed me that I had actually been putting in a lot of effort!
Coyote Rock Climbing in Ottawa features a wide range of difficulty levels from beginner to competitive and opportunities for bouldering and top rope climbing so there’s something for everyone. New routes are added regularly so there’s always a new challenge to conquer during your climbing session. The gym also includes a training area featuring a treadmill, exercise bike, free weights and more to add to your training.
If you’re looking for something with more structure, Coyote also offers classes for adults ranging from beginner to advanced. The classes run in about 10 week sessions and can be a great way to improve your skills.
You don’t need a reservation to climb but you can visit their website to learn more about the gym and to register for classes.
Ottawa Workout: Where I Thrive
Where I Thrive is a studio in the Glebe that offers a range of classes, including spin, barre, yoga, HIIT and strength training. Each category of class can be broken down even further so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. For example, the studio offers 4 different types of barre classes such as Candlelight, Express, and Restore. The Where I Thrive website does a great job of describing each type of class. I especially appreciated the chart they have for each class that indicates how much the class features strength, cardio, flexibility and rehabilitation.
As soon as I walked into Where I Thrive, I was impressed by the space. The entrance is beautiful and spacious, providing lots of room for you to come in, take off your boots and hang out before or after a class. Everything is clean and inviting, so it’s easy to imagine yourself spending time there.The change room space is very nice and features everything you need including showers, a washroom and lockable lockers.
You can check in for your class at the front desk and if it’s your first time, the staff will give you a quick tour of the facility. Throughout my visit, I was impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. They definitely make you feel welcome and comfortable in the space.
When you come in, there’s a spot to take your boots off before you enter the change rooms. On the shelf there is a small bowl with numbered tags so you can identify your boots. If you have blundstones, I really recommend using these and there will be many pairs and boots are sometimes moved by staff so it can be difficult to identify your own.
Dailey Barre
The first class I tried was the Dailey Barre class and I really enjoyed it. I’d done some online barre classes before so I had an idea of what to expect, but it was more fun in person. The studio space is lovely and Where I Thrive provides mats, weights, straps and balls. The only prop you need to provide for yourself is grippy barre socks. You can bring your own or purchase them at the studio. If it’s your first time, socks are half priced and you’ll be able to use them for many classes to come.
The class incorporated exercises for your abs, arms and legs and stretching. The first time we moved into stretches I thought maybe the class was winding down but the class moved seamlessly between movement and stretching a few times before wrapping up. My favorite part was the leg work we did at the bar. It was really fun to channel my inner ballerina, even though my legs were burning.
The instructor for my class was very helpful! Knowing it was my first class she made an effort to chat with me before the class started about how it was going to roll out and checked on me a few times throughout the class. Afterwards, she also checked in to make sure I’d had a good first experience. It was probably the most supported I’d ever felt during a class like this and I really appreciated it.
Thrive Class
My favorite class was by far the Thrive class. This was a very unique class, I’ve honestly never done anything like it before. The lights go off, the heat gets turned up and you begin a series of movements set to music. The movements themselves are fairly simple but the repetition brings the burn. I really enjoyed that the movements are intended to be done in time with the music, but you can easily adjust your pace to provide the level of challenge you’re looking for. As a figure skater, timing my movement to music is something I do a lot and I loved incorporating that into my workout. I also found it helped make it seem easier because you were constantly just getting through one more count of eight.
Remember to bring your own yoga mat for this class and be prepared to sweat! I haven’t done a workout that made me sweat that much, while having that much fun, in a long time.
Where I Thrive Offers a Variety
Where I Thrive also offers yoga, spin and weight room classes. The spin classes are unique because the bikes feature screens that show you stats on your ride to help manage your pace. I also tried a HIIT class in the weight room and really liked it. The circuit style kept you moving and made the workout go by so fast. There’s also an option to book time in the weight room to do your own workout.
Overall, Where I Thrive offers an exciting range of classes so you’re sure to find something you’ll like. I also really appreciated the feeling of community that they’ve created for everyone who walks through the door.
Ready To Get Moving Ottawa?
With so many great workout options around the city, there’s no excuse not to get moving, even in the winter months! If there are other ottawa workouts around the city you think I should try, comment below or send me a message on Instagram so I can add it to my list!
Torie is a policy analyst who loves to write and travel. Recently graduated from the University of Ottawa, Torie is excited to invest some of her new free time into both of these hobbies by writing for Little Miss Ottawa!
Torie has loved adventures and trying new things for a long time. Family trips both close to home and abroad fostered this mentality and set the stage for future adventures both big and small. Moving to Ottawa from Manitoba gave Torie the opportunity to explore a new area in depth and emphasized the fact that every day can be an adventure if you bring the right mind set.
When she’s not out on an adventure, Torie can be found at the rink practicing with her synchronized skating team or coaching skating.
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