Here are my three favorite New Orleans gyms to get you back in the exercise and wellness game.
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F45 (3300 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115) $179 a month unlimited
F45 is my go to. After doing my three class intro in October 2023, I was hooked. These workouts are great weight and resistance training as well as some killer cardio classes. The coaches are all amazing and the class times are really convenient for my schedule. Since starting this consistent routine, I have gained noticeable muscle, lost over 15 pounds, and now get to wear my favorite Levi jeans again.
Another perk that I thank F45 for entirely is that I can do monkey bars again. My six year old and I race across the bars and it’s so fun to connect with her in that way! I haven’t been able to do monkey bars since I was in high school.
F45 classes are only 45 minutes (except Saturday which is one hour). I’m in and out so quickly. The gym is always reliably clean and it doesn’t have a sweaty odor that some gyms have. The exercises are the same throughout each day and only change daily so you aren’t ever missing your favorite class due to unfortunate timing. Cardio classes are always Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Weight resistance classes are always Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The classes switch up and I always find out that I have a new muscle I didn’t know was there until I’m a little sore the next day.
The trainers are great and help with form or adding/lowering the weight that works for each individual. I also appreciate that they have both air conditioning and fans, although don’t worry you will definitely get your sweat on! They have showers for customers, fun music, and community activities outside of the gym as well. They always make a point to show appreciation for their customers by hosting parties, gathering at the red dress run, golfing together, and more! I love my 5:30 AM crew in the mornings and it’s given me some really nice results!

2. Body Shoppe (5007 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115) $215 month to month unlimited
Okay, this one is for my dancing girlies! It is SO fun. I always leave with a smile and my entire outfit fully soaked with sweat. My favorite class is the Tempo Dance class. This particular class is dancing routines but with extra movements like squats, lunges, and push ups. The music is amazing and it truly feels like you’re dancing in the club … except it’s 9:30 in the morning and your endorphins are kicking! The classroom has red and blue club-like lights, but there’s no hangover and no creepers? Yes, please!
They offer other classes as well if dancing isn’t your thing; they have Body Pump, Yoga Flows, and HIIT workouts. I would say the clientele is mostly young college ladies, but that didn’t bother me at all. In fact, it made me feel sort of hip! All of the trainers are super welcoming, the lobby is very cute and aesthetic, and they also have a healthy smoothie bar attached! They always have some cute workout outfits and accessories for sale, have clean showers, and even an infrared sauna. Body Shoppe is seriously a great gym that I recommend trying out, especially if you like to dance and sweat!

3. Yoga Unbound (4608 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115) $200 a month unlimited
This yoga studio is very unlike any yoga studio I have been to before. The studio has a lot of props like wall ropes, blocks, balls, blankets, and more. I was lucky enough to get a teaching certification from the founder of Yoga Unbound, Geoffrey Roniger. Yoga Unbound classes offer meditation and well being and aren’t your typical race to a crazy position and pull a muscle while doing so. End gaming is not encouraged, it’s completely based on what your body can do and what actually feels good. The classes allow you to move, breathe, and focus on your abilities. The props work wonders for achy backs or twisted necks.
After my certification, my body had never felt so aligned. My posture was better, my aches were gone, and I understood my physical body and mind more than I ever have before. Geoff has a lot of knowledge and shares it so well through his practice and classes. While there are a variety classes for more seasoned yogis, they also offer a lot of calm stretching and relaxation classes. I think it’s sometimes necessary to have an hour dedicated to just breathing and finding inner calm in such a busy world we live in.
