Wellness

7 things to know about Charlotte's fitness scene, including bougie biohacks and vintage machines

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Across diverse offerings, Charlotte's fitness scene consistently champions inclusivity and connectivity, creating pathways for newcomers to immerse themselves amidst a rapidly growing city.

Fitness enthusiasts navigate a rich yoga culture offering a myriad of options based on budgets and style, from sprawling parks to local studios.

Arrichion Hot Yoga stands out as a notable community fulcrum where connections are forged alongside heated workouts.

Meanwhile, modern biohacks bring cutting-edge health advancements to fitness routines. Techniques such as Dexa scans and magnetic therapy redefine conventional wellness, providing precise insights and innovative approaches to health optimization. These methods enhance the broader wellness dialogue utilizing technology and ancient practices alike.

Further enriching the landscape, The Graveyard at Fitness Factory of Charlotte highlights a nostalgic nod to 1980s workout culture. Housing vintage machinery, it offers a distinct workout experience with equipment renowned for their resilience and impact within the weightlifting community. This space invites a dedicated following, emphasizing durability and tradition against a backdrop of changing fitness trends.

Collectively, these elements illustrate a dynamic, multifaceted health and fitness arena where tradition and modern advances coexist, building a community ready to embrace newcomers and longtime residents alike.

At Biosum, Jacob Kirsch and Lora DiCarlo offer DEXA scans (machine shown at left), resting metabolic rate testing and VO2 Max testing. DiCarlo and Kirsch are both certified trainers and nutritionists, so in addition to offering the testing, the pair also offer diet and exercise guidance. If someone comes in for a test and then returns for a retest 4-8 weeks later, the team can assess and offer tweaks to help achieve goals, DiCarlo told CharlotteFive. By Melissa Oyler

NO. 1: BOUGIE BIOHACKS OFFERED IN CHARLOTTE THAT JUST MIGHT MAKE YOU HEALTHIER IN 2025

Tools for advanced health treatments can help you fine tune your fitness and health goals. Try out DEXA scans, red light therapy, cold plunges, float spas and more. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mari Pressley

Quinn Reynolds, Melissa Oyler and Titus Tard at Arrichion Hot Yoga after the Charlotte Marathon in 2014. By Jeffrey Oyler

NO. 2: INTO FITNESS AND JUST MOVED TO CHARLOTTE? HOW TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS AT THE GYM.

It can feel intimidating moving to a new place, and now you’re surrounded by sweaty people engrossed in exercise. But secretly, Charlotte is “a small town that feels like a big city” — and we all want to chat. Here’s where to go. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

This 45-minute, all-levels flow yoga class is held at Sycamore Brewing. By Tamia Boyd

NO. 3: FIND YOUR ZEN: 34 OF OUR FAVORITE YOGA CLASSES IN CHARLOTTE, ORGANIZED BY PRICE

From brewery yoga to weekly classes, here’s where to practice in Charlotte on a budget or if you want to splurge — some are even free! | Published April 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tamia Boyd

Eileen Fagan works out on a vintage shoulder press machine in a section known as “The Graveyard” at The Fitness Factory. This area of the gym is dedicated to classic, plate-loaded equipment, offering members a unique, old-school lifting experience. By Alex Cason

NO. 4: WHERE TO POWER THROUGH PERIMENOPAUSE WITH STRENGTH TRAINING IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

Dear Gen X, Xennial and millennial friends: | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

Theoden Janes By Justin Luau

NO. 5: AFTER CRASHING OUT OF AN IRONMAN, I GOT 8 STITCHES. IT WILL BE A CHERISHED SCAR

Well now THAT’S gonna leave a mark. | Published October 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Théoden Janes

Lisa Vernon-Sparks with the book “Black Fortunes” by Shomari Wills. By Patrick Wilson

NO. 6: 5 THINGS FOR BLACK WOMEN TO KNOW ABOUT PERIMENOPAUSE — THINGS I WISH I KNEW, TOO

It’s been a long while since I’ve thought about perimenopause. | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lisa Vernon-Sparks

Gym goer Zenon Parker uses the Magnum Biangular Row at The Fitness Factory of Charlotte. “They’re not trying to look pretty — it’s just all about function,” he said about the throwback machine. By Alex Cason

NO. 7: CHARLOTTE LOVES VINTAGE RESTAURANTS. BUT WHAT ABOUT VINTAGE GYM MACHINES?

Charlotte has a reputation of loving things that are shiny and new, but look a little closer, and you’ll see that’s not quite true. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.