Going to the gym should be part of your daily routine. Believe me, I know that is not always easy.
Working out should be something you look forward to, not something you dread. The right gym makes a big difference, because when the class is fun and the people around you are motivated, you keep showing up.
So I put together a list of local favorites in Sarasota that will get your heart pumping while you have a blast. Whether you already live here or you are thinking about moving, these are the fitness spots worth checking out.
Finding a Gym You Will Actually Stick With
Motivation is the hard part. Most people do not quit working out because they do not care. They quit because the workout feels like a chore.
That is why this list leans toward places with energy: group classes, great coaches and a real sense of community. There is something here for every style:
- CrossFit Lena for CrossFit, personal training and open gym
- Fly Dance Fitness for hip-hop dance workouts
- Rosemary Court Yoga for yoga at every level
- Jaco’s Boxing and Fitness for boxing and high intensity training
- Scorch Fitness for HIIT workouts and personal coaching
If you are new to Sarasota, joining a class is also one of the fastest ways to meet people. You see the same faces every week, and before long you have a workout crew.
CrossFit Lena
Starting off strong, CrossFit Lena offers a lot of programs to choose from. The gym has a five star rating and hosts exciting classes that can make you fall in love with fitness. Yes, that is totally possible.
CrossFit Lena wants to help people become the healthiest version of themselves through high energy fitness classes and personal training. Along with its CrossFit program, it offers an open gym on weekdays, Monday through Friday.
The coaches are highly trained, hold a number of certifications and have a real passion for helping people succeed. They know how to train people at every fitness level, and they do it at the right pace for you. That matters if you are brand new to CrossFit and a little nervous about walking in.
Fly Dance Fitness
This is the one I am most excited about and cannot wait to try myself. Dance, sweat, repeat.
Fly Dance Fitness is a hip-hop dance studio with a club-like atmosphere. If you love to dance, this is the perfect place to break a sweat. The instructors want to help you become the happiest, healthiest version of yourself through dance.
Their programs include:
- Dance Fitness
- Sculpt
- A core focused class
The vibe is fun, uplifting and motivating. Dancing naturally releases stress and gets your heart pumping, so do not sleep on this one.
Rosemary Court Yoga
Let’s say hip-hop is not exactly your style. Do not worry, there is a great option for you too.
Rosemary Court Yoga offers several styles of yoga classes plus private instruction. No matter your level, the doors are open to everyone. The studio sits in Sarasota’s beloved Rosemary District and has a warm, welcoming energy you will love.
Yoga is a great way to start the day. It has even been shown to support stress management and sleep quality.
If you are not sure where to begin, the instructors will help you find the right class for you. That makes it an easy first step if you have never taken a yoga class before.
Jaco’s Boxing and Fitness
Sometimes it takes a lot to let go of the day’s stress, and boxing is a great way to let out your frustrations.
Jaco’s Boxing and Fitness is led by professional boxer and personal trainer Adam Jaco, and it is one of a kind. The gym combines weight training, boxing and high intensity workouts.
Here is what you can expect:
- Personal training
- Group fitness classes
- A room full of motivated people who love to break a sweat
If you are looking for a challenge, give Jaco’s a shot.
Scorch Fitness
Last, and certainly not least, is Scorch Fitness. This highly rated gym calls itself a community of motivated people with a passion for fitness.
Scorch offers HIIT workouts and personalized coaching for every fitness level. It has also been featured in Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness, and Men’s Journal. You could say they are the real deal.
If you are ready to get moving, check out Scorch Fitness and sign up for workouts built around your own fitness needs and goals.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up my list of the hottest gyms in Sarasota. Whether you want to lift, dance, stretch, box or sweat through a HIIT class, there is a place here that will make you want to come back. All this talk about working out has me tired already, so get a head start. Hopefully I will not be too far behind you.
If you are moving to Sarasota and want help finding a neighborhood close to the gyms, trails and spots you will use every week, email me at [email protected]. Tell me how you like to spend your days, and I will point you to the areas that fit.
Next, see the complete guide to moving to Sarasota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best gyms in Sarasota?
Local favorites include CrossFit Lena, Fly Dance Fitness, Rosemary Court Yoga, Jaco’s Boxing and Fitness, and Scorch Fitness. Each one has a different style, from CrossFit and dance to yoga, boxing and HIIT.
Is there a dance fitness studio in Sarasota?
Yes. Fly Dance Fitness is a hip-hop dance studio with a club-like atmosphere and programs like Dance Fitness and Sculpt.
Where can I take yoga in downtown Sarasota?
Rosemary Court Yoga is in the Rosemary District. It offers several styles of yoga and private instruction, and it welcomes every level.
Is there a boxing gym in Sarasota?
Jaco’s Boxing and Fitness, led by professional boxer and trainer Adam Jaco, combines boxing, weight training and high intensity workouts with personal training and group classes.
Watch the Full Episode
This article is based on our April 2023 episode of Lyndsey Knows Sarasota.