Creating a Self-Care Routine with Group Fitness Classes in Houston
Self-care is more than just bubble baths and face masks—it's about moving your body in ways that bring you joy. For me, that means finding group fitness classes and instructors that make working out something I look forward to. Since moving to Houston, I’ve discovered that the right workout class isn’t just about exercise; it’s about community, energy, and, of course, a great playlist.
How I Found My Fitness Groove
One of the best perks of my job is that my insurance provides access to fitness programs like OnePass and Gympass (now WellHub). These services give me access to hundreds of gyms across Houston, so I can try out different workouts without being tied down to one membership. If your workplace offers this benefit, trust me, it’s worth taking advantage of!
Through these programs, I’ve explored some incredible fitness studios and instructors that keep me coming back for more. Here are my favorites:
My Go-To Houston Fitness Studios
1. CycleBar
🚴🏾♀️ Vibes: High-energy, fun, and challenging.
🎶 Music: Popular hip-hop and R&B hits that keep me pumped.
🕒 Class Length: 45 minutes of pure sweat and endorphins.
I’m obsessed with CycleBar because the instructors know how to turn a workout into a party. The playlists are always on point, and the energy in the room is unmatched. If you love a music-driven workout, this is the place for you.
2. Life Time Fitness
🏋🏾♀️ Vibes: Luxurious, spacious, and packed with amenities.
💦 Perks: Some locations have pools, plus hot tubs, wet and dry saunas, and cold plunges in the women’s locker rooms.
🍓 Extras: A full café for post-workout smoothies.
Life Time is more than just a gym—it’s an experience. It feels like a mini wellness retreat every time I go. Pro tip:Bring your favorite bath products and make a spa moment out of your post-workout shower. I love using my body scrubs in their beautiful locker rooms!
3. Spenga
🔥 Vibes: The perfect mix of all my favorite workouts in one session.
💪 Structure: 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength training, and 20 minutes of yoga.
✨ Why I Love It: It’s an action-packed hour of self-love that leaves me feeling balanced and accomplished.
Spenga has quickly become one of my go-to workouts because it blends cardio, strength, and flexibility into one high-energy class. It truly gives me everything I need in a single session.
Fitness as My Self-Care & Healing Journey
Working out has been more than just a physical activity for me—it has been my therapy. After losing my mother, I struggled with depression and anxiety. Finding movement through fitness helped me cope in ways I never expected. I’ve also noticed how my body feels different depending on the time of day I work out, and I try to honor what my body needs. Some days I need an intense sweat session, and other days, a mindful yoga flow is the best reset.
Growing up, I didn’t see many people in my family consistently staying active. The most I saw was my mother, who loved walking to the beach while living in Florida. I didn’t start working out seriously until my late 20s. Before that, my fitness came from dancing in the club! But as those days slowed down and life changed, I found myself staying home more, and my body changed. I started gaining weight in my thighs, boobs, and stomach, and I knew I needed to shift my habits. Mama is thickkkkk!🤷🏾♀️
Now, I seek to become and maintain being a fly, sexy, hot auntie!💁🏾♀️ I love how my body feels when I nourish her with sun and movement. Working out isn’t about punishing my body—it’s about doing something amazing for myself while enjoying the process. My goal is to break the generational curse of illness and sickness in my family by prioritizing my health and wellness.
Favorite Classes to Try
If you're unsure where to start, here are some killer classes that will challenge you while keeping things fresh:
Cycling (Amp Sculpt): A mix of cardio and strength training on the bike.
Yoga Sculpt: Yoga with a twist—expect light weights and a faster pace.
Alpha Strength Weight Lifting: Focuses on building strength with proper form.
Shred: A high-intensity workout that will push you to your limits.
Maxout Lower Body: A lower-body burn session that will leave your legs shaking (in the best way).
Why Group Fitness Works for Me
I love group fitness because it brings accountability, motivation, and a social aspect to my workouts. Having an instructor guiding me means I push myself harder, and being surrounded by others with similar goals keeps me inspired. Plus, when the energy in the room is just right, it’s impossible not to get into the workout!
Final Thoughts
Finding the right workout routine is all about experimenting with different classes, instructors, and environments until something clicks. Thanks to OnePass and Gympass (now WellHub), I have access to so many amazing options, and I love being able to mix it up based on my mood. If you're in Houston and looking to shake up your fitness routine, these classes and studios are a great place to start.
What are your favorite group fitness classes? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new workouts to try!
