Best Ways to Get Fit in San Antonio

The New Year has arrived, and across the country, Americans are packing gyms and searching online for healthy recipes. San Antonians are not immune. Despite our reputation as an unhealthy city, a lot of us are looking to get or stay fit in 2016. Are you one of the many trying to get fit? Here are some places to start.

Gyms

Big corporate gyms are a great place to start your fitness journey. They have a plethora of amenities, group fitness classes to let you try different kinds of exercise, and the ones listed below have childcare.

Gold’s Gym (multiple locations)

Lifetime Fitness (5639 Worth Parkway and 18510 US-281)

YMCA (multiple locations)

Jewish Community Center (JCC) (12500 NW Military)

Freedom Fitness (multiple locations)

San Antonio also has multiple Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness locations, but none currently offer childcare.

Boutique Fitness Studios

Boutique fitness is the latest trend in fitness. Boutique studios are small, upscale studios that focus on a specific type of exercise, such as yoga, indoor cycling, or rowing. There are too many to list in San Antonio, but I’ve highlighted a few below. Tell me your favorite if I missed it!

EnergyX Fitness (rowing/strength training) A great workout and learn more about it here.

IMG_2249

Stroller Strides is one of the few “boutiques” where you can and are encouraged to bring your kids. They are a mix of a playgroup and fitness class for parents and kiddos. I can’t recommend these classes enough! The first class is free.

12439052_10208679517007874_818199638414031821_n

JoyRide San Antonio (indoor cycling)

InBalance San Antonio (yoga/barre/pilates)

Smart Barre

Smart Barre San Antonio

The main focus of the workout is body awareness. It’s called “smart” barre because you think through each movement. You create mind-body connections through awareness of how your muscles are working together and against each other to sculpt a stronger, leaner body.

Southtown Yoga Loft

Orange Theory Fitness (cardio/strength training)

Stone Oak Pilates

Trails

Sadie, then 3, doing pushups at Hardberger Park.
Sadie, then three, doing push-ups at Hardberger Park.

Some of the perks of living in San Antonio are that we have beautiful weather for most of the year and a great trail system that surrounds the city. Throw the kids into a stroller or bike trailer and head outside for a hike, bike ride, or run! Here are some of the best parks and trails:

McCallister Park

Phil Hardberger Park

Mission Reach Trail

Leon Creek Greenway

Salado Creek Greenway

Eisenhower Park

Landa Park

Friedrich Wilderness Park

Healthy Eating

Granted, San Antonio is better known for its tacos and margaritas than salads and mineral waters, but there are lots of restaurants that cater to healthy eating. You just have to know where to look.

The Cove

Garbanzo’s

Green

Vegeria

Zedric’s

Cosi

My Fit Foods

Zoe’s Kitchen

Let us know your favorite healthy hot spots in the comments!

Kristin
Kristin moved to San Antonio from Baltimore in 2006. Although she had a brief 2 year stay in Fort Worth, the margaritas, breakfast tacos and the kind souls of our residents drew her back for good. She's a third grade teacher and group fitness instructor, and single mom to Molly (2009), Sadie (2011), Daisy (dog) and Charlie (cat). When she has free time, she's either training for a half marathon or on a patio somewhere with a Titos and soda. Favorite Restaurant: Sustenio Favorite Landmark: The Pearl Brewery Favorite San Antonio Tradition: The Elf Movie parties at Alamo Drafthouse

12 COMMENTS

  1. Hi there. What about crossfit? I work out with so many other moms, and it is such an empowering and great workout! We all support each other and discuss our kids and lives every morning. Some of my best mom friends I have found at my crossfit gym. The supportive community aspect of crossfit is why I am surprised it was left off the list.

    • Thanks for checking it out! Nothing against Crossfit, I just couldn’t put every form of exercise in the post. I’m glad you like it-lots of my friends do too.

    • Just curious if you know of any crossfit gyms that offer child care? I haven’t found one in SA but there are so many I figured at least one has to have childcare!

      • Hi! It varies by location. Some have an area where kids can sit quietly, and some hire babysitters. Just call you closest Crossfit gym and ask.

  2. Thank you so much for mentioning JoyRide!! As an instructor there, I have to say that we have so much fun teaching and the members have a blast in class! It’s not just 50 minutes on a bike…it’s SO MUCH MORE!! Thanks again..

  3. Thank you for including our Pilates studio Kristen! We hope that anyone interested in trying a Pilates class or looking for a Pilates studio will come by and check us out! January special is 10% off group classes for the next 3 months! Come in and see us!

  4. **meant to include that I worked in Austin not here in SA, so these facts are still true but I can’t speak to their specific branches and programs. I’m sure glad it was on the list!! Just trying to “do my (old) job” of educating folks on their “mission” aka not just making a profit 🙂

    Good luck to all seeking new healthy options!

  5. As a former YMCA director, I’d like to politely disagree with their fitness options being titled a “big corporate gym.” 🙂

    The YMCA is a non-profit organization. It is committed to building communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Not a typical “tag line” for a gym.

    I’m proud to have worked there and served my community with financial aid and scholarship, and I’d encourage others to support them too – either through membership revenue, youth sports or maybe just a donation!

    Thanks 🙂

    A Y-alum for life.

    • Thank you for reading and pointing out what a wonderful organization the community YMCA AND YWCA in our neighborhoods. Please forgive our unintentional oversight. I’m sure you’ll agree the most important message of health and fitness for all is a common goal.

Comments are closed.