Though summer may have already begun, it’s never too late to start working out. But, with the allure of adventure and the craving for that sun-kissed glow hanging on these calendar months, the air-conditioned interior of your local gym can seem even more depressing than usual.
Charlotte is slowly making a name for itself and, though some would argue it’s for our emerging infrastructure, I’d argue it’s through the brew-fit movement: our very own millennial culture of craft beer and exercise. Shameful? Maybe. But if one thing is certain, it’s that staying fit in Charlotte shouldn’t be boring, rather it’s to be celebrated. If you’ve found yourself literally running in circles searching for more fun forms of fitness, here are 10 ways to spice up your summer workout, all craft breweries considered.
Reach New Heights at Inner Peaks South End
When the heat’s too much and the elliptical is not enough, head over to Inner Peaks indoor rock climbing center. Climb alone or with friends for a challenging and fun workout for the body and mind. And, at it’s new South End location, you’ll be perfectly situated near all the hoppin’ breweries for a post-climb crawl.
Train on-Tap at Functional Fit Bootcamps
For only $8, join Functional Fit for their Wednesday Wooden Robot bootcamps. I can testify that these workouts are no joke, though their challenging and supportive trainers are full of ‘em. Sweat with your friends or make some new ones at this fun, full-body-burning bootcamp and, afterwards, cool down with some refreshing brews from Wooden Robot. Stay hydrated, everyone!
Take a Swing at Topgolf
Golf counts, right? Well, it’s arm day, folks, so let’s pretend that a couple swings of the club will actually help our upper body strength. Grab some friends, enjoy some food and drinks, and take in the view as your form of fitness for the day.
Sweat with Free STAX Outdoor Bootcamps
Let former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss whip you into shape at one of Charlotte’s biggest bootcamps, happening every Monday and Wednesday at STAX. Best part? It’s outside. Wait, no, best part: it’s FREE. They don’t have beer but they do have Randy Moss, so I’d say it’s still pretty cool.
Raft, Zip, Climb, and Trek at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Consider the Whitewater Center your informal gym this summer. Between whitewater rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, running, and obstacle course-ing, the Whitewater Center is a workout with no shortage of adventure (or craft beer). So, replace those dumbbells with a paddle and choose to work out on the water this summer.
Practice Parkour at Kinetic Heights
Get the kids in on the fun at Kinetic Heights, Charlotte’s first indoor obstacle challenge center. Navigate the ninja warrior and high ropes courses or join one of their family fitness classes to get fit with the whole fam.
Cheers in Childs Pose with Yoga on Tap
Alright, back to beer. One of Charlotte’s largest and most popular brewery yoga classes, Yoga on Tap is the true birth of the brew-fit movement. Join hundreds of your local beer-loving yogis at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for classes every Tuesday at 6:30.
Lime Bike Along Little Sugar Creek Greenway
This can turn into a serious workout, especially considering that the bikeshares neglect gears and that this city is surprisingly hilly – you’ve been warned. But, this greenway is pretty lovely and leads you through the city on a (mostly) shaded path that extends from Park Road up to NoDa, ending right at the doorstep of… what’s that? Oh, right. A brewery.
Wakeboard at SouthTown Wake Park
Another family-friendly fitness excursion: SouthTown Wake Park. One of Charlotte’s coolest new cable wakeboard complex, SouthTown lets riders of all levels wakeboard across their massive, man-made lake for an exciting and active afternoon. And, once hanging loose becomes too hard, you can hang looser with a lakeside picnic on the dock.
Find Balance at McGill Rose Garden
Tuesdays at 6:30, stop to smell the roses before enjoying a Birdsong brew with yoga at McGill Rose Garden. Find balance among the flowers, test your strength and, later, your taste buds by working for your beer in this blossoming, zen rose garden.
Fly High with AerialCLT
There aren’t many ways to get fit and look beautiful while doing it, but consider the trapeze, hanging silks, and lyra apparatus at AerialCLT three of them. Develop strength, flexibility, and balance through this fun, airborne art form.
