7 unique ways you can get active around Charlotte, from trampolining to rock climbing
Most days, a walk through Freedom Park or a bike ride along the Greenway could be enough to check off the “get out and do something active” box on your daily to-do list. But sometimes, the idea of just doing the same old thing doesn’t cut it.
If you’re looking for fresh ideas on unique ways to get active in Charlotte and surrounding areas, consider one of the following for your next adventure.
(1) Jump into fitness at an indoor trampoline park
DefyGravity. 8116 University City Blvd., Charlotte. www.defycharlotte.com. 704-817-4660.
There are more than 10,000 sq. ft. of connected, world-class trampolines at DefyGravity, where you can partake in all sorts of activities that are so much fun, you won’t even notice them burning your core and leg muscles. Try open jump, the ninja obstacle course, extreme dodgeball, foam pits and more. More information here.
(2) Get a full-body workout at a state-of-the-art climbing gym
Inner Peaks. 2220 S. Tryon St., Charlotte or 9535 Monroe Rd. #170, Charlotte. innerpeaks.com. 704-844-6677.
A post shared by Inner Peaks Climbing (@innerpeaks) on Jan 2, 2018 at 12:55pm PST
Don’t worry about the weather — give indoor climbing a try any time of year at Inner Peaks. If you’re not ready to commit to a membership, et a day pass to either of their state-of-the-art climbing gyms (in South End or Crown Point) for full access to climbing and bouldering, as well as their comprehensive fitness center and even yoga classes. Learn more here.
(3) Express yourself while you exercise at adult dance classes
Open Door Studios. 1318-D Central Ave., Charlotte. opendoorstudios.com/classes/adult-classes. 704-817-9281.
Whether you’ve danced before and want to get back into it, or you’re hitting the floor for the first time in your life, Open Door Studios has a class for you. You can drop in or get a class package to try ballet, jazz, pointe, hip-hop, contemporary or any other number of dance classes designed specifically for adults. Find out more here.
(4) Work your legs and core on the lake (while you drink)
Charlotte Cycleboats. 17505 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. charlottecycleboats.com. 704-360-3030.
A post shared by Work For Your Beer (@workforyourbeer) on Aug 30, 2017 at 3:43am PDT
Instead of heading to your standard spin class, get your heart pumping by climbing aboard Charlotte Cycleboats, the Queen City’s first pedal-powered party boat. You can reserve seats individually or rent out the whole boat (up to 15 people can fit on board), and spend two hours pedaling the boat around Lake Norman, sipping on beer or wine, and enjoying the view. More information here.
(5) Get a core-burning workout at a pole dance and fitness studio
PoleFit Carolinas. 9826 Gilead Rd., Huntersville. polefitcarolinas.com. 704-895-7606.
You don’t have to hit the gym to sculpt your abs. Instead, work your core by learning foundational moves of pole including basic spins, dance transitions, floor work and more at PoleFit Carolinas. Or if you’d prefer, you can visit this woman-only fitness studio for yoga class or a barre workout — they’ve got plenty of options designed to give you a full-body workout and improve your flexibility. Learn more here.
(6) Take flight with aerial silks, lyra, and trapeze lessons
Aerial CLT. 801 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. aerialclt.com. 980-292-1593.
A post shared by AerialCLT (@aerialclt) on Dec 29, 2017 at 6:19am PST
Learn to fly while you gain strength and flexibility at Aerial CLT. Total beginners can take flight on aerial silks, lyra or trapeze without any previous experience — and without being able to do a full pull-up, unlike at many aerial studios. Find out more here.
(7) Go whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, climbing, bouldering, ziplining, mountain biking and more—all in one place
U.S. National Whitewater Center. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte. usnwc.org. 704-391-3900.
If you haven’t been to the U.S. National Whitewater Center yet, you’re missing out. From ropes courses to hiking to whitewater rafting and so much more, there are all sorts of adrenaline-pumping activities to choose from. You can get a single activity pass, a day pass or a season pass to partake in what the USNWC has to offer. Be sure to check out their race series, adventure dining, food and beverage options and more while you’re there. More information here.
This story was originally published January 29, 2018 at 12:00 AM with the headline "7 unique ways you can get active around Charlotte, from trampolining to rock climbing."