There’s no denying the power of movement. Research shows that consistent physical activity improves our health, our mood and even our longevity. But what’s the best exercise for you? The one you’ll stick with, of course. Finding a fitness program that fits your schedule, budget and interests can be a game-changer for how you move your body, so let’s explore some options (both indoors and out) in East Cooper to help you find what works for you.
Indoor Workouts
For people who are self-motivated and have exercise knowledge, choosing a fitness center or full-service gym may be the way to go. These facilities offer traditional exercise equipment accessible via membership as well as personal training opportunities and flexible workout times. Gold’s Gym, Crunch Fitness and Planet Fitness all offer convenient locations and various membership levels, making them an affordable option while still providing amenities such as childcare (select locations), group classes and personal training.
If you feed off the energy of a group or are looking for modern amenities and curated experiences, finding a boutique studio or high-intensity program may prove worthwhile for your lifestyle. HYLO Fitness is consistently voted one of the best fitness studios in Mount Pleasant, and it’s due to the community they’ve created inside their walls. Members rave about their contrasting high-intensity and low-intensity workouts but always mention it’s the environment that keeps them coming back. HOTWORX is open 24/7 and offers guests cutting-edge technology with infrared rooms for your barre, Pilates and yoga workouts, allowing you to burn more calories in a shorter time. If team, circuit-based training is what you’re seeking, F45 and KOR4 both offer strength training in a group format.
For people looking for a low-impact, whole-body approach, yoga may spark your interest. Freedom Studio is a female-founded space that blends yoga, sculpt and even dance into an array of class options designed for everybody. The encouragement and community focus make this a space that’s easy to walk into no matter what your skill level. For a detoxifying experience, hot yoga classes offered at both CorePower Yoga and Powerglow Yoga will have you sweating in the best way. If you’d rather have your toes in the sand and perhaps a private class, Serenity Tree Yoga offers beach yoga and the opportunity to book for your bachelorette party, birthday celebration and more.
To our growing senior adult community, we haven’t forgotten about you either. In fact, there are numerous options for senior adults to get involved and keep their bodies young. Both recreation centers at Daniel Island and Isle of Palms have specific classes for this age group, ensuring their bodies stay active and safe. The Mount Pleasant Senior Center caters to anyone over the age of 50, promoting health and wellness in their facility through classes, the weight room, the aerobics room and even a therapeutic healing garden. The Senior Center provides opportunities to connect with others in a similar season while enjoying the benefits of exercise. If you aren’t ready to attend a senior-only facility, there are gyms throughout the area that offer exclusive senior classes such as the ones at Gold’s Gym and Crunch Fitness.
Outdoor Workouts
Let’s not forget that we can focus on our cardiovascular health without stepping into a studio. The Lowcountry is filled with trails to walk, courts to play on and even creeks to paddle up. When the weather is nice, we can enjoy the beauty of our great town while still reaping the benefits of movement. Grab a friend and go for a beach walk or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waterways. The trick is intentionality. Add ‘walk the Ravenel’ to your calendar and invite a friend.
As summer winds down and our fall routines begin, now’s the time to find an exercise plan that interests you and fits your lifestyle. Various locations offer a free first class or an introductory rate, making this intentional commitment to movement more accessible. Find a place that you want to keep coming back to and make the call today.
By Katie Finch
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