Break a Sweat at These 5 Boutique Fitness Studios
Goodbye big-box gyms, hello boutique fitness studios!
Wellness is having a moment, and the fitness world is riding the wave—just look to the rise in athleisure, Instagram “fitfluencers,” and boutique fitness studios for proof. From cycling to boxing and yoga to barre, niche workouts and specialized classes held in modern, stylish studios (some with swanky amenities like juice bars and day spas) are trending across the country. These studios offer more than just a way to break a sweat—they dish-out a high energy dose of positivity, motivation, and a sense of belonging among their clientele. Below, check out five boutique studios in downtown Salt Lake City where you can get your fitness fix and maybe even make a few new friends.
Photo: @rebelhouse
Utah locals and husband and wife duo Devin and Nina Pearson opened Rebel House in August 2017. Prior to Rebel, the couple owned a trucking company and mobile bar business. Nina also worked for Delta, and while traveling with Devin they discovered fitness studios similar to Rebel, but they realized there was nowhere in SLC to enjoy the same type of workouts. So they decided to create their own. Rebel House offers a trifecta of classes: RIDE, a rhythm-based cycling class; RIOT, a beat-based boxing/HIIT class; and REHAB, a beat-based yoga class. Classes are held in dark rooms so clients can focus on being present and their own personal practice without distractions. “Rebel is a place for all skill levels,” says Nina. “You will never hear us talk about weight because we want people to focus on what growth looks like to them. Our clientele is friendly, optimistic, and treats everyone with respect.”
Photo: Jen Fairchild | @mavenstrongslc
Owned by wife and husband team Tessa Arneson and Tim Watcke, Maven Strong is an inspiring, welcoming studio to get your sweat on, fill your cup, and lift your spirits. Classes include pilates, hot yoga, barre, velo, and TRX. The beautifully designed space features inspiring messages on the walls and chic women’s locker room accented with pink flamingo wallpaper. The modern space is also home to Maven Well, a collective of boutique health, wellness, and beauty pros. Tessa and Tim’s hope to create a community of health, wellness, and style in Salt Lake City with their wellness empire and growing Maven District—they’re currently building additional studio space for creatives and 25 modern townhomes.
Photo: @peak45lagree
Kristen Kenney has been around sports her entire life—she played D1 soccer at the University of Miami, and currently works as the team sideline reporter for the Utah Jazz. She moved to SLC from LA, land of the tanned and toned, and home of the Megaformer and Lagree fitness method. “The method didn’t exist in Salt Lake, and I desperately missed it,” says Kenney, co-owner and instructor at Peak45. She partnered with Salt Lake Power Yoga to open Peak45 in the fall of 2017. Peak45 offers high-intensity, low-impact Pilates in 45-minute classes. “Think of Pilates mixed with cardio, upbeat music, and fast-paced transitions that is safe on your joints,” says Kenney. Students workout on Megaformer machines in small class settings, which allow instructors to be hands-on and helpful. “We cater to people of all fitness levels,” says Kenney. “There are modifications and options for everyone.”
Photo: @saltlakepoweryoga
Greg Galloway, Jen Reuben, and Marc Weinreich opened Salt Lake Power Yoga in the fall of 2012. “Each of us come from a different background, but the one thing that ties us together is the power of our style of yoga practice and the community that has developed over the years,” says Galloway. SLPY offers heated power yoga, yoga sculpt, restorative yoga, kid’s yoga, and meditation. Classes are held in a variety of studios, including a large sun-filled space with panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains. “From athletes to professionals and students to mothers, our community is a collective of like-minded individuals who seek a mind-body connection,” says Galloway. “For some, this community is a family since many are transplants to Salt Lake City.”
Photo: @torrentcycle
Co-founders Dan Cooney and Mike Barney opened Torrent Cycle in December 2018. Barney previously worked in NYC in the hedge fund industry, while Cooney was the director of product development for a clothing retailer. They met in NYC in 2013 and discovered their mutual passion for fitness while living in the city—both are NASM Certified Personal Trainers. They were inspired by the close-knit fitness communities in big cities like NYC, and wanted to bring the same type of fitness experience to Salt Lake. Torrent Cycle is a rhythm-based indoor cycling studio. “Clients can expect a 45-minute, full-body workout with high intensity intervals, upper body strength training, and lots of dancing on a bike!” says Cooney. Torrent is a true boutique fitness studio with professionally trained instructors and full-service amenities including showers, towel service, and Malin + Goetz bath products. “Top-tier amenities and facilities make the whole experience fun and luxurious,” says Cooney. “Many of our clients look forward to getting ready in our locker rooms after class.”