Barre
Winner: Pure Barre
If you’ve ever taken a ballet lesson, you know how deceptively simple those little leg moves can look—you will feel the burn. There are four different formats and high- and low-intensity classes to choose from, so fitness junkies are sure to find the right lesson to help tone and define in time for summer. Multiple locations
Runner-up: Barre3 Old Town
Build your strength and cardio at this Alexandria location, where members become part of a community focused on mindfulness and body positivity while striving to reach their fitness goals. 715 Duke St., Alexandria
Place to Ride a Bike
Winner: Washington & Old Dominion Trail
There’s no better spot to wheel around than the W&OD trail. From Shirlington to Purcellville, this 45-mile route weaves you in and out of Virginia’s urban sections and countryside for some of the best views NoVA has to offer.
Runner-Up: Mount Vernon Trail
Want to really take in the sights of the Potomac? Take a bike. This 18-mile trail runs from the historic George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island and connects to a variety of local trails.
Boot Camp
Winner: Urban Boxing
This boot camp combines the best of boxing, strength, and conditioning to help get your body to peak performance. Boxers of all levels sculpt, tone, and build strength in the calorie-torching class with a variety of weights, agility drills, bag work, and more. 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Runner-up: Burn Boot Camp Gainesville
Expect a fierce 45-minute workout at this camp. Combining HIIT and strength training, Burn Boot Camp never holds the same workout twice. From arm day to core conditioning, campers can maximize their workout and end results. 13946 Estate Manor Dr., Gainesville
Climbing Studio
Winner: Sportrock Climbing Centers
No need to head to the mountains for your next climbing session. With indoor, outdoor, and contactless classes, this studio offers all climbers programs and instruction to match their ability. Multiple locations
Runner-Up: Earth Treks
Full of 400-plus roped routes and boulders, more than an acre of climbing, and diverse terrain, Crystal City awaits your next climb. The Arlington studio also houses yoga and personal training classes for those non-climbing days. 1235 S. Clark St., Arlington
CrossFit Gym
Winner: CrossFit 703/Halo Fitness Experience
If you’re looking for a total body change, this workout phenomenon is the way to go. The trainers at CrossFit 703 help train your body through high-intensity movements and varied exercises to push you toward your goals. Open to all fitness levels, the gym also offers expert coaching and a general nutrition plan to help drive your success. 10400 Premier Ct., Burke
Runner-Up: Ballston CrossFit
Dedication to sports, health, and fitness runs through this gym. The Ballston CrossFit team combines Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, kettlebells, and high-intensity cardio to provide the best training for all fitness levels. // 1110 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington
Cycling Studio
Winner: Good Sweat
While at-home cycling has taken off during the pandemic, nothing beats the feeling of community. At Good Sweat, you feel the motivation from every rider and coach as everyone strives to give it their all. Low lighting and upbeat music help you keep powering through. 1711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Runner-Up: Ascend Cycle
If you’re the data-oriented sort, take a ride at Ascend Cycle. By practicing interval training, riders have the ability to increase strength and stamina at the same time, achieving any goals they set along the way. 2413 & 2903 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Hiking Trail
Co-winner: Great Falls Park
If you’re looking for a hike with a view, head to the falls. Though there are 10 different hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, hikers should make a beeline to the Patowmack Canal Trail for the best views of the rushing water. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Co-winner: Old Rag Mountain
Uninterrupted mountain views are the draw of this Shenandoah National Park trail. While climbing to the top of the peak is for more experienced hikers, surrounding courses around the bottom of the mountain are perfect day hikes.
Kickboxing Studio
Winner: Urban Boxing
For fun, high-energy workouts with a dose of self-defense training, turn to kickboxing. This studio, winning for the second year in a row, provides an encouraging environment to learn and work on whatever your fitness pursuit may be. 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Runner-Up: BASH Boxing
Kickboxing is all about energy. And BASH Boxing thrives on it. The booming bass and state-of-the-art lighting fuels your workout as you crush your 1-2 intervals. 1550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 700 N. Randolph St., Arlington
Outdoor Fitness Class
Winner: Good Sweat
Cycling studios are usually an indoor experience, but this Arlington business took the bikes outside to keep the riding community pedaling during the pandemic. Now, cyclists can enjoy the views of the city while getting in their socially distanced rides. 1711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Runner-Up: Urban Boxing
This studio moves beyond the ring for a fast-paced cardio and strength-training session. As you sweat it out, you’ll definitely be thankful for that summer breeze to keep you refreshed. 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Pilates
Winner: Sculp’d
Taking it slow is how the Sculp’d team works. From total-body to HIIT training, you can choose which workout best fits your mood and goal for the day. Plus, with a variety of in-person and virtual classes every day, it’s easy to fit the total-body workout into your daily schedule. 1103 Queen St., Alexandria
Runner-Up: Epic Pilates Studio
Offering both group and private instruction, Epic Pilates allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction from their team of experts, ensuring you get the best workout for your body. 6878 Fleetwood Rd., Ste. A, McLean
Yoga Studio
Winner: Beloved Yoga
Yoga is for everyone, and this studio makes it accessible to all yogis. As a sanctuary for all, Beloved Yoga celebrates differences of all kinds. From physical and economical to racial and religious diversity, all are welcome to learn and grow through self-empowering practice. 11109 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston
Runner-Up: SyteraYoga
From Kickstarter campaign to Best of NoVA runner-up, this studio has always worked toward the vision of creating a vibrant community. “Find your shine” with a personalized and unique approach that focuses on your own skills and needs in the classroom. 6888 Elm St., Ste. 1-C, McLean; 901 Glyndon St. SE, Ste. 102, Vienna
Feature image courtesy SysteraYoga
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
