Whether or not you’d like to admit it, there is a surge in gym memberships this time of year as people prepare for their lofty New Year’s resolutions just around the corner. Or maybe they are feeling a tad bit guilty about their holiday eating habits!

Regardless of where you stand, it’s worth taking a look at some of the best fitness centers and gyms in and around Sacramento. And it’s okay to think outside of the box! “Working out” can even look like dancing your heart out with friends for an hour, or acting like a kid again and climbing an enormous rock wall.

Fitness Centers

CACFit

2514 Bell Road, Auburn, CA 95603

Join the tight-knit community of fitness fanatics at CACFit in Auburn. Since 1981, the gym has operated under a husband and wife team who are passionate about changing the lives of their members so they can live life to the fullest! Their welcoming, encouraging and warm presence has created the unique community that CACFit is to this day. Coupled with top-of-the-line equipment and a number of annual member social events, joining this gym seems like a no-brainer.

The Capital Athletic Club

1515 8th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

This state-of-the-art fitness club is ideal for downtown residents or those who work in the heart of the city. Its central location near the capitol building and personalized service make this place a top-notch experience for its members. In fact, the Capital Athletic Club has some of the friendliest staff members in conjunction with their exceptional equipment. You can take a variety of classes like pilates, karate, cycling, boot camp and more! Several CAC members appreciate that the clientele includes mostly working professionals and no children are allowed, which creates a laid-back environment.

California Family Fitness

Various Locations

No matter where you live in the Greater Sacramento Area, you are likely nearby one of California Family Fitnesses many locations. This eliminates all excuses to skip the gym! This family-friendly gym aims to make being fit a fun and entertaining experience for the whole family. It also provides excellent childcare for your little ones. Not ready to pull the trigger? See what all the hype is about by trying a free 7-day trial at California Family Fitness!

Urban Fitness & Wellness Center

2525 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

Urban Fitness & Wellness Center is a friendly and laid-back gym located in the heart of Midtown. This truly is a place where everyone knows your name, and the tight-knit community will start to feel like home after just a few visits. You can expect to find a wide variety of high-quality equipment, expert trainers, and a clean and refreshing atmosphere at Urban Fitness.

Yoga Studios

One Flow Yoga

5600 H Street #130, Sacramento, CA 95819

Members at One Flow Yoga express the overwhelming sense of warmth and a welcoming spirit at this studio. There is no pressure or judgement here as each person is encouraged to simply do their best, no matter their level of skill or past experience with yoga. You may even sign up as a new student for one month of unlimited yoga for just $40 at One Flow!

Asha Yoga

2421 27th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818 (New Location!)

Asha Yoga strives to add to the quality of your life by helping you be physically healthy, emotionally balanced and spiritually connected. They do all of the above with their high-quality yoga classes and top-notch instructors. You’ll leave their studio feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and reenergized.

Yoga Shala

2030 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 (Midtown Location)

4397 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95864 (Arden-Arcade Location)

Yoga Shala is a fairly new studio offering creative and dynamic classes at their Midtown and Arden-Arcade locations. Each class offers a series of poses blended with breathing, music and inspiration to create a flow of energy in your body, mind and spirit. Their professional instructors will guide you through one of their amazing classes. New to their studio? You may try 39 days of unlimited classes for just $29!

CrossFit Boxes

Photo Courtesy of CrossFit Iron Mile

Even if you’re not currently an active member of CrossFit, it’s likely you’ve been curious about this tight-knit group of fitness fanatics. Before you enter this world, it’s helpful to know that their workout facilities are in fact called “boxes!”

CrossFit SAC

4755 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95841

As with other CrossFit boxes, CrossFit SAC is dedicated to improving the fitness and overall well-being of each person who enters their door, regardless of age, gender or physical ability. You won’t find traditional cardio equipment, weight machines or egos at this gym — which makes for a unique, pleasant and challenging experience.

CrossFit Valiance

1330 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

CrossFit Valiance is a popular box due to its central location in the heart of downtown, welcoming attitude, and dedication to top-of-the-line training and fitness activities. You are constantly inspired to achieve more in this positive network of CrossFitters. There will be no excuses to put off fitness until tomorrow as fitness gets done today at CrossFit Valiance.

CrossFit Iron Mile

1143 North Market Boulevard #1, Sacramento, CA 95834

Named after the challenging “Iron Mile” workout, CrossFit Iron Mile is not for the faint of heart. You will be pushed, encouraged and inspired to be the best version of yourself at this CrossFit box. Regardless of your current fitness level, you will be welcomed with open arms to join this community dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Rock Climbing Gyms

Sacramento Pipeworks Climbing and Fitness

116 North 16th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Sacramento Pipeworks is a premier climbing and fitness gym featuring towering rope walls, a bouldering area, an expansive fitness area, and classes. Their beautiful facilities enhance your rock climbing experience, whether you’ve climbed for years or never touched the sport! In fact, you can even take one of their climbing courses if you consider yourself a beginner or simply need a refresher course.

Rocknasium

720 Olive Drive South, Davis, CA 95616

Rocknasium offers an old-school approach to climbing at their inviting facilities in Davis. Since 1992, Rocknasium has been a popular destination for climbers of all skill levels, ages and genders. This is a wonderful way to get a workout in, accept a challenge, and do something out of the ordinary!

Granite Arch Climbing Center

11335 Folsom Boulevard G, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

Granite Arch Climbing Center in Rancho Cordova is another exceptional rock climbing gym in the area, offering a wide variety of indoor climbing experiences, including bouldering, top roping, and lead climbing. Granite Arch is considered one of the most realistic indoor climbing walls in Northern California! However, if you’d like to get even more immersed in nature, they even have an outdoor boulder park with all hand-sculpted natural features.

Pilates, Dance + Other Class-Driven Studios

Photo Courtesy of Humani Pilates Studio

Humani Pilates Studio

2020 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

If you haven’t ventured into the world of pilates, now’s your chance! This system of exercise improves physical strength, flexibility, posture and mental awareness. At Humani in Midtown, you’ll experience expert guidance as you correctly exercise all parts of your body and feel a lasting change in your overall well-being.

Sombra Dance Fitness Studio

2929 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691

Get moving with an energetic Zumba class at Sombra Dance Fitness Studio. The instructors’ goal is to give you a workout that is more fun than it is work, while still achieving the same amazing results. Choose from a variety of classes and instructors, and stop by for your first free class! At their 7 p.m. classes, they’ll even turn down the lights, light up the dance floor and stage with a kaleidoscope of colored lights, and turn the music up for the ultimate party experience!

HIIT Fitness

5141 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819

It’s time to get acquainted with H.I.I.T., which means high-intensity interval training. This is an efficient way to burn more fat in less time, as you are keeping your metabolism elevated throughout the day. HIIT Fitness offers boxing and kickboxing classes, and strength and conditioning courses, in addition to their HIIT workouts. Or you may even opt for more one-on-one attention with their personal training options. The possibilities are endless at HIIT Fitness! Stop by for a free introductory class to see what this unique concept is all about.

Fitsom Studios

2512 Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818

Fitsom Studios is not concerned with the status quo of what defines “fitness” or “health”. It was created for people who want to continue their active lifestyles or re-enter the world of fitness, but have been plagued by recurring injuries. Their expert trainers do this by correcting postural imbalances, and working with mobility limitations and stressed muscles. Check out their group classes covering a wide variety of fitness topics, or sign up for an individual session to receive one-on-one training tailored to your specific needs.

What’s your favorite fitness hotspot in the area?

The options are endless. We’d love to know what makes your go-to gym your favorite!