Raleigh’s boutique fitness boom flexes its community muscle.
At some point, Raleigh entered its grip sock era—and it’s yet to show signs of slowing down.
A plethora of Pilates studios, strength concepts, yoga rooms and recovery-minded wellness spaces have been popping up across the city at the absurd frequency (and scale) of McDonald’s in its heyday. The result is a fitness scene that feels less like a collection of gyms and more like a lifestyle category of its own—one with founding memberships, dedicated waitlists, branded merch and very strong opinions.
The numbers back up the sweat. Downtown boasts around 23 fitness-related businesses, 15 of which have opened postpandemic, per Downtown Raleigh Alliance—while, nationally, service-oriented tenants like fitness studios, salons and spas leased more retail space than traditional retailers for the first time last year. Case in point: Across Kane Realty’s North Hills and DTR properties alone, five fitness concepts have opened or are under construction in the past two years.
But Raleigh’s boutique fitness boom isn’t just a retail stat. It’s a community in workout clothes. “People have very much vocalized they need more than just a workout,” says Jaye Johnston, owner of the forthcoming BODYBAR Pilates North Raleigh. “They want it to be their home.”
BODYBAR
For Johnston, opening in North Raleigh was personal. It’s where she and her family are rooted, and where she saw room for a reformer-based studio centered on movement, inclusivity and connection. Though not opening until later this summer, Johnston says BODYBAR’s founding members already span all ages, genders and fitness levels—a sign, she says, people are looking for something approachable and lasting.
That tracks with what Kane is seeing across its properties. “Fitness and wellness concepts naturally complement mixed-use environments because they support the way people want to live today—more connected, convenient and experience-driven,” says Kane Senior Marketing Manager Hannah Smith. To wit, she says North Hills’ Wellness Wednesdays series “has grown tremendously over the past two years and now sells out almost every week”—reflecting demand for wellness that feels social and accessible.
With JETSET Pilates locations in DTR, North Hills, Holly Springs and RTP (with a Durham location also on deck), owners Katie Meyers and Renee Aquilino see a similar pattern across the Triangle. Clients come for the reformer, they say, but “the workout is almost never the whole story.” Fitness fiends stay for the rhythm of it: the familiar instructor, the 6am regular, the class that fits into a packed life without feeling punishing.
That may be the real reason boutique fitness is finding such solid footing here. Raleigh is growing fast, and in a city full of new faces, new routines and new neighborhoods, people are looking for smaller places to feel known. These studios offer movement, but also ritual, recognition and a reason to show up.
As it turns out, the city’s newest third place might come with a reformer.
Need some Zen? We pro-pose a yoga sesh! Since September is National Yoga Month, we bent over backward to bring you some local yoga spots to check out. Besides getting in a great workout, yoga helps relieve stress, improve mental health and sleep, increase strength—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s time to go with the flow…
With four locations around the Triangle, this transformative yoga studio offers plenty of opps to get your sweat + sculpt on. Book a spot in the studio’s most-sought-after class, Yoga Sculpt, for a 45-minute or hourlong workout featuring free weights, cardio and that signature yoga flow sequencing you know and love. Yogatta try it.
“Balance is badass” is the MO at Dose Yoga (!). The go-to Smoky Hollow spot for yogis to get in a great workout and grab a delish smoothie, Dose is all about creating a welcoming space for everyone to move and get motivated to live healthy. And, pro tip: Don’t sleep on the recently opened NHID location’s infrared sauna therapy and cold plunge therapy, a bad-ass pairing that’s a game-changer for your health. Talk about some #BigDoseEnergy.
This is a bit of a stretch… Stretchlab does the hard work for you, with certified stretch specialists—ahem, Flexologists—helping you target certain muscle groups and lean into a deeper stretch than you’ll get on your own. Benefits include improved performance and posture, less muscle and joint aches, and an increased range of motion. Talk about a flex.
Get ready to get six-uated. Grab a mat and settle into YogaSix’s new Glenwood South studio near 321 Coffee, offering classes fitting all styles and specifications—think relaxing into slow flow and restoration, turning up with heat with hot yoga, or building that bod with power and sculpt classes. Get your six on!
This hot yoga center sure knows how to turn up the heat, with gentle yoga, vinyasa/fusion flows and yin yoga classes on offer—all of which take place in a 90-plus-degree room. Don’t sweat it…
Yoga doesn’t have to be hard core. And there’s no better way to sweat your stress—and relish in the cool fall weather!—than via Dix Park’s weekly yoga class at Flowers Field. Breathe in, breathe out…
Bend and stretch your limbs, then bend and stretch a glass or two of vino to your mouth at this two-in-one yoga studio + wine bar. Make yourself comfortable either in the cozy interior or out on on the covered patio, and be sure to check the cal for live music.
Watch golfers give it their (b)all or nothing at this annual tourney at Raleigh Country Club touting a top-notch sports experience—by par! unchealthchampionship.com
Through 6/1 Grand Horizons
When two seniors elect to split after 50 years of being hitched, their grown-up kids don’t want to take no for an answer. Ah, gotta love family! honestpinttheatre.org
Through 6/9 Jane Eyre
Pro-female before there was feminism (aka protofeminism), this best of the Brontë sisters (hey, Charlotte!) classic brings its five-Tony legacy and timeless tale of love, loss and morality to the Raleigh stage. theatreraleigh.com
5/31 Elle King
She’s bringing pop, country and blues to The Ritz. No ex’s, only oh’s! livenation.com
5/31 Melanie Martinez
Schedule a play date with an alt/indie artist (of The Voice fame). Tag, you’re it!pncarena.com
5/31 Raleigh Greek Festival
Go Greek or go home—and show up with an appetite for the 40th annual fest feat. authentic cuisine passed through generations and made with love, with traditional music and dancing to boot. Opa! ncstatefair.org
6/1 Carolina Roller Derby
They see me rollin’… to the NC State Fairgrounds to spot the Carolina Derby All Stars and Bootleggers take on the River City Roller Derby A and B teams at this doubleheader weekend competition. carolinarollerderby.com
6/1 Beach Music & Brews Bash
BRB, we’re on beach time. Transport to the tropics via the sunny shores of Raleigh’s go-to beer garden-slash-neighborhood hangout’s boozy shindig while sipping on themed drinks and enjoying jivey sounds from Miss Mini & The Sandman Band. Ahh, paradise.tapyardraleigh.com
6/1 Raleigh International Food Festival
Savor a ream of global flavors while strolling about City Plaza to sample a smattering of 50+ food trucks and dessert carts repping countries across the world—then dance the day away via nonstop outdoor performances. Bon appétit! visitraleigh.com
6/1 Summer Salute
Get in a summer state of mind at North Ridge Country Club—and don’t forget your leis (!) for a beach bash feat. live music by The Embers, an island-themed buffet, drinks, games, raffle prizes, a live auction and more to benefit Transitions LifeCare. northstatebank.com
6/2 Eras Drag Brunch
Get ready to live your best brunch life (Taylor’s Version) while bopping to the pop princess’ hit singles and rarer tracks. Friendship bracelets encouraged, natch. improv.com
6/2 Raleigh Ringers
You rang? Treat your ears to one-of-a-kind renditions of music spanning genres (hey, a little bit of rock ’n’ roll)—and a special appearance from Virtuoso, a group of 30 advanced handbell ringers. martinmariettacenter.com
6/3 Fun, Fitness and Fathers
Preschoolers and their dads (or caregivers!) roll up to Barwell Road Park for a fun-filled day of frolicking, reading and crafting. Pause for the awws! raleighnc.gov
6/3 Purrfect Putt Golf Tournament
Get ready to swing by North Ridge Country Club to sink putts and take names via a day of fam and felines to benefit Safe Haven. It promises to be the cat’s meow. my.onecause.com
6/4 Megan Thee Stallion
Get bodied and embrace the beat with this acclaimed rapper (ahem, queen) on her 31-city trek feat. GloRilla. Real hot girl sh*t, indeed. pncarena.com
Starting 6/5 The Soccer Tournament
Cheer on your favorite ballers—think Mia Hamm, Sergio Aguero, and Luis Nanas—as they shoot their shot (!) for the $1 million prize in this winner-take-all tourney at WakeMed Soccer Park. Score! thetournament.com
6/5 Ole Wines & Tapas
We’d ~tapa~ an evening tasting a lineup of Spanish wines + the perfect food pairings. Salud! vitishouse.com
6/5, weekly Wellness Wednesdays
You mad, bro? Nothing but W’s on Wednesdays in June at Midtown Park thanks to alfresco sweat seshes with MADaholic Raleigh, Stretch Lab and WOLF Fitness. visitnorthhills.com
3/28 Kylie Vincent She’s dark, she’s edgy and she’s bringing her coming-of-age Gen Z crisis comedy to Raleigh—along with her disabled pup. goodnightscomedy.com
3/28 One Night Stand This is the only one-night stand we can promise you won’t regret. Join 20+ local artists for a showcase on the brick walls of Dix Park’s All Faith Chapel while noshing on fare from five food trucks. Dining and admiring designs—a pure stroke of genius! ralfinearts.org
3/29 Avenged Sevenfold Enter the best kind of nightmare. Let out some emotion and headbang with modern hardcore rockers known for songs like “Scream” and “This Means War.” They’re definitely feeling some type of way. pncarena.com
3/30 Ali Siddiq Welcome Houston’s finest to the stage as he finds the funny in places you would least expect… like, ahem, prison. martinmariettacenter.com
3/30 CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo Action, entertainment and competition—the ultimate trifecta from the world’s best cowboy athletes promises to have you on the edge of your seat… eight seconds at a time. Saddle up! pncarena.com
3/30 Liz Hopkins EP Release Show Pour one out for this NC native’s newest and brightest record, described as powerful yet soft and tender yet raucous. Growing brighter, indeed! pourhouseraleigh.com
3/30 NC Courage vs. NJ/NY Gotham Catch what’s sure to be an absolutely kickin’ game—and see if Gotham’s got the courage. nccourage.com
3/30 State of Baseball Quite the pitch, MLB Raleigh is hosting a ball of a celebration at Trophy—think merch, beer, bites, sweets and activities—topped off with exploring the history of the sport via a pop-up exhibit from the NC Baseball History Museum. Sounds like a diamond of a time! @mlbraleigh; @trophybrewing
3/30 Super Freak: The Rick James Story All hail the king of punk funk! Take a punch at witnessing the impersonation of famed musician Rick James with energetic performances of hits such as “Mary Jane” and “Super Freak.” It’s electrifying! martinmariettacenter.com
3/31 Easter Brunch Get egg-cited! Hop over for festive holiday brunch specials like “Eggs in a Basket,” bananas Foster waffles and a table filled with homemade sweets. Talk about an Easter bounty. peckandplume.com
4/1, weekly Wine Down Mondays What better way to start your week than finding a rooftop perch with a glass of vino. Sip and take in the city skyline views—and pick at small plate pairings for the perfect cap to your day. thewillardraleigh.com
4/1 Yoga in the Park It’s that time again! Keep your mind and body pose-itively relaxed via a Zen stretch sesh amid nature. Namaste. dixpark.org
4/2 Dancing Plague If dancing is a disease, consider us infected. Get down to dark electronic sounds below ground with this Oregon-based act. pourhouseraleigh.com
4/2 NCSU vs. ECU ⚾️ Argh! Pack pummel the Pirates. gopack.com
4/3 Beauty and the Beast Watch as this timeless classic is brought to life in an old-fashioned showing. Witness cinematic brilliance pooling phenomenal reviews for unforgettable performances. ncartmuseum.org
4/3 Pinky Patel PTA moms can be funny too. Put your pinkies up and get ready to LOL with a crown jewel of a comedian via her New Crown, Who Dhis tour. Yes, queen! improv.com
4/3, weekly Wellness Wednesdays On Wednesdays, we wellness. See you at Midtown Park for the return of this feel-good evening alfresco sweat sesh with Pure Barre. visitnorthhills.com
Find fiber artist/print maker extraordinaire Claire Kiester debuting her solo art exhibition, Tasty, at the Sertoma Art Center—with a reception taking place May 27. Let’s get this party arted! clairekiester.com
5/1–31 “Exploring Color: Introducing New Vibrant Works of Cassie Adams
Well, color us intrigued. Experience the aura of Cassie Adams’ artwork—consisting of a one-of-a-kind combo of detailed photographs and digital handmade drawings made with a lineup of mediums: pencil, marker, pastel and oil crayon. We’re totally blended by the light. galleryc.net
5/3, weekly Wellness Wednesdays
Put “Fitness” by Lizzo in the queue. Work up a sweat via a slew of fitness classes catering to different interests, ages and body types for just $5 a class. Let’s cardi-go! visitnorthhills.com
5/4 Grateful Dub
Merging the music of The Grateful Dead with reggae is this tribute band shredding the stage for a night of rock, soul and beats. lincolntheatre.com
5/4–6 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Hey, jedis! Space out to the symphonic sounds of Star Wars—just stay away from the dark side. And may the force be with you… ncsymphony.org
5/4, 18 LIVE@Lake Raleigh
All about that lake life? NC State’s free outdoor concert series returns to Lake Raleigh once again, serving up all the singin’ and swayin’ vibes. See you by the water! live.arts.ncsu.edu
5/4, Thursdays Midtown Beach Music Series
“Wasted away again in Margaritaville”—er, North Hills! Answering the call of summertime is this highly anticipated annual beach music concert series feat. the likes of Liquid Pleasure, Spare Change and The Embers—taking place at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park every Thursday evening through June. BYO beach chair. visitnorthhills.com
Opens 5/5 ‘Pour Me Another’ Exhibit
Drunk history is the best kind of history. … Grab a gulp of the good stuff and sip your way through the story of our state as told through the beer, wine and spirit industries’ evolution over the years. Ale yeah for education! cityofraleighmuseum.org
5/5 Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute Experience
“Come as you are” for this alternative Raleigh-based band’s show that’s sure to slay. thepourhousemusichall.com
5/6 2023 Team Raleigh Memorial Bicycle Ride
Ready to ride? Send off over 50 law enforcement officers representing agencies from around NC, Texas and Virginia before they roll out to DC in honor of all officers that have perished in the line of duty. bike2dc.com
5/6 Fest in the West
Howdy, partner! Take a blast to the past with food trucks, drinks from local breweries, live tunes, activities for the tots and a pie-eating contest. Empty plates, full bellies, can’t lose (!). festinthewest.com
5/6 Free Comic Book Day 2023
Let’s get graphic! Find local comic book biz Capitol Comics celebrating free comic books all day (!) and tons of other items on sale for this annual effort to bring new readers into the fold. Happy reading! capitolcomicsnc.com
5/5–7 Herbfest 2023
Chive, laugh, love via a homegrown fest feat. live music, painting and all the herbs your heart desires. C’mon… cumin and stay awhile. herbfest.net
5/5–7 Spring Garden Party
Are you a succa for spring? Celebrate the fab fair weather with a stroll in the garden feat. amazing art displays, walks and talks with the experts—and bring home a plant baby or two from the greenhouse. Here comes the sun… flowers! jlbg.org
5/5–7 Vietri Spring Warehouse Sale
Ciao, bella! Nab handcrafted Italian tableware and home decor (dinnerware, flatware, glassware, garden products) via this semi-annual sale touting exclusively imported Italian treasures that are slightly flawed or discontinued. Sale, yeah! vietri.com
5/5–21 My Wonderful Birthday Suit
Rainbows, moonbeams and magic—oh, my! Unwrap this wholesome story of friendships in question with the lesson of “it’s what’s on the inside that truly makes us special.” Aw! raleighlittletheatre.org
5/6 Get Your Rear in Gear
It’s time to kick colon cancer to the curb. Put your running shoes on for a 5K jaunt through a giant inflatable colon—yes, really—and help support colon cancer screenings. Ready to run? donate.coloncancercoalition.org
5/6 Hands-on History: Sew a Stitch
We’re in stitches. Fine tune your sewing skills with tailor Andy Sterlen and explore examples of historic clothes after completing your masterpiece. Sew far, sew good. ncmuseumofhistory.org
5/6 Spring Movie on the Lawn
Mental health awareness and movies? Say no more. Stream Inside Out and have a ball with fam-friendly activities for an evening sure to amp up those endorphins. dixpark.org
I pink I can! Lace up to save the tatas and raise funds for Susan G. Komen—the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer org… and help punch cancer in the mouth. komen.org
5/6, Saturdays Midtown Farmers’ Market
How spud-tacular! Find this proud-to-be “producers-only” farmers market touting local, sustainable and family-farmed foods. So fresh. visitnorthhills.com
5/6–7 MineVention
Do you even build? Make your way to this Minecraft convention filled with build battles, costume contests, meet and greets, and more. Go ahead… get your game on. minevention.com
5/7 Indoor Yoga at the Chapel
What better way to spend self-care Sunday than an inside stretch sesh centered on community and connection. Let’s lean into being our best selves! dixpark.org
5/7 Kevin James
“Safety never takes a holiday.” … Don’t miss this comedy king (of queens!) making his way to Raleigh for a night of funnies. Grown-ups, only.livenation.com
5/7 Maria Bamford
“Weakness” is this revered experimental comedian’s brand—and she owns it. The voiceover star—known for roles in Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman and Bob’s Burgers—is sure to make you weak in the knees with laughter during her one-night stint in Raleigh. goodnightscomedy.com
5/7 Olivia Jean
Chew on this musician’s “bubblegum garage” sounds sprinkled with experimentation and creativity. Ready to rock out?thepourhousemusichall.com
5/10 Champagne & Friends
Life is the bubbles! School yourself on the background and prestige of Champagne and a slew of other sparkling wines with your buds and chef Doreen Colondres. Plus, learn the correct way to open, pour and pair your bubbly bevs. Cheers! vitishouse.com
5/10 DTR Plant Week: Paint a Pot
Care for a craft-ernoon? Celebrate #DTRPlantWeek by painting your own planter—and bring home a new plant baby to boot (!). We give it two green thumbs up. copperlineplants.com
5/10 Lizzo
Are you ready to be loved? Don’t know… but we’re ready to show some love to our flute playin’, self-love singin’ queen. “It’s About Damn Time,” indeed. pncarena.com
5/10 Triangle Businesses for Good Summit: The Future Workforce
Dolla make ya holla? Connect with community and learn about corporate social responsibility and what they’re looking for in future employers. Yay learning! invitedclubs.com
5/10, bi-monthly Whitaker & Atlantic Live Music Lounge
Ya like jazz? Join in on this recurring jazz series for sultry sounds, cocktails and eats complements of Hummingbird. Give us some sax.whitakerandatlantic.com
