Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, Kansas City is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness in KC.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those looking for flexibility + variety
City Gym, 7416 Wornall Rd., KCMO
This female-owned facility boasts an 11,500-sqft space with 30+ group exercise classes, private training, 1,200 sqft of turf for all your fitness needs + has been recognized by Google Small Business for its inclusive community. Want to scope out the place but short on time? Check out City Gym’s complete online tour.
Chiefs Fit, Multiple locations
We have the perfect place for anyone riding that postseason high: football fan-approved Chiefs Fit. The Red Kingdom-inspired digs allow gym-goers to train like their heroes and recover just like them too with offerings like cryotherapy, Normatec Compression, and hydromassage.
theGYMkc, Multiple locations
Not interested in a mipple-heavy workout experience? theGYMkc offers all the amenities of a traditional gym with no intimidating bodybuilders or grunting powerlifters in sight. Membership includes 24/7 access all three of its locations.
Metro KC Fitness, Multiple locations
This budget-friendly option offers top quality personal training, small group classes, 24/7 access + an included consultation with a certified trainer for $25 a month. Its newest location is now open in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of KCK.
Woodside, 2000 W. 47th Pl., Westwood, KS
This luxury health club is more than just a gym. Spend your day sweating away at a pilates class, dip in the pool, swing by for a signature facial, and top it all off with a post-workout juice (made in-house).
HOTWORX, Multiple locations
Power your workout with infared energy at one of 10 metro HOTWORX locations. Its facilities offer 24/7 access to virtually instructed sauna workouts and a fully equipped functional fitness zone — meaning your schedule can never be an excuse again.
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
Freighthouse Fitness, 1618 Wyoming St., KCMO
This West Bottoms warehouse now houses one of the city’s premier bootcamp programs. Try out its 30-minute classes with the introductory 21 Day Jumpstart — the best part? You only pay $21 to kick off your fitness journey.
Fit Street, 2031 Washington St., KCMO
Build a community that supports your fitness goals with Fit Street’s 45-minute classes, where resistance training meets high intensity interval training (HIRT + HIIT) for an all-around blast. Score some peak post-workout nutrition at the in-house Drive Bar.
Zone 6 Fitness, 2700 Burlington St., North Kansas City, MO
This 30,000-sqft facility is any pro’s workout wonderland, with a stretching area, weight machines, turf, large cardio area and a specialized “Power Zone.” For anyone just starting out, take advantage of its hour-long group sessions taught by seasoned trainers and geared toward creating community.
Better Bodies Pilates, Multiple locations
It’s all about big results and low impact at this Pilates studio that specializes in small group and private classes. Be guided through different equipment, including reformers, springboards, Cadillacs, chairs, barrels, and mats.
Element Fitness, 7880 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS
This facility boasts free weights, cardio and strength equipment, an indoor turf, sauna, cafe, and over 75 group classes. Working parents can focus on their gains without worrying about the kiddos with Element’s childcare services.
For those who want to punch up their fitness routine
KC Barbell, 2540 W. Pennway St., KCMO
Pumping iron without the pain in a coach-led environment is what KC Barbell is all about. The powerlifting + weightlifting gym offers nutrition and accountability services alongside its top-notch coaching.
The Hill KC, 2540 W. Pennway St., KCMO
This program puts as much emphasis on your mental fitness as your physical. Check out its whole-person approach with mindfulness exercises, continuum yoga, and strength training.
Blue Springs Fitness, 1300 N. 7 HWY, Blue Springs, MO
Stop by your friendly neighborhood gym for serious bodybuilders and free-time fitness enthusiasts alike. Blue Springs Fitness offers free-weights, cardio and strength machines, an indoor track, on-site physical therapy, and personal training.
KC Weightlifting, 5809 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS
Whether you’re looking to compete or just want to get back to the gym, this space offers a tight-knit community alongside premier strength and conditioning training. Going for the gold isn’t just a metaphor here, its top athletes can train with its Olympic weightlifting program.
Strong Barbell Club, 4209 Merriam Dr., Shawnee, KS
Looking for a spot that’ll push you to the limit? Look no further than Strong Barbell Club. This 24/7 strength training gym focuses on serving athletes specializing in powerlifting, weightlifting, strongman, and bodybuilding.
For those who want one-on-one training
The Foundation, Multiple locations
This premier sports training facility offers personal sessions with a focus on more than just physique. Stop into one of three area locations for 24/7 access to the gym or check out its hybrid training, which offers online classes to support in-person progress.
Hustle & Heart Fitness, 8300 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS
Create a customized plan with professional insight and start working towards your weight loss, strength, or overall health goals. Hustle & Heart employs both personal trainers + a nutritional practitioner and offers membership packages that include daily gym access, an exercise app, and infrared sauna sessions.
BioFit, 9201 W. 133rd St., Overland Park, KS
Go beyond standard personal training and physical therapy with a unique approach that blends brain and body science together. BioFit uses therapy-based fitness that helps you build strength without the pain.
Wellness Warehouse, 1400 West 9th St., KCMO
From group fitness to partner + personal training, Wellness Warehouse’s appointment-only approach means there’s always a professional guiding you towards your goals. Not sure where to start? All new members can try unlimited classes for 10 days for only $10 down.
HitchFit, Multiple locations
This locally-owned biz is a classic for Kansas Citians looking to tighten up their physique. Stop by the gym for in-person personal training or check out HitchFit’s online plan for folks who want a flexible approach to fitness.
For those eager to try to something new
CORE Strong Fitness, 1000 W. 25th St., Ste. A, KCMO
Ignite your core with a new style of training: TRX, a form of resistance training that relies on body weight and suspension to build strength. Climbers can check out its specialized classes that centers personalized coaching on leveling up your technique and confidence on the wall.
DanceFitFlow, 1700 Locust St., KCMO
Shake it off at this adult-only dance school in the heart of the East Crossroads. With its evening-heavy schedule you can stop by after work to find your rhythm with classes like Salsa, Dance HIIT Flow, Swag & Sweat, and Contemporary.
Kansas City Aerial Arts, 5001 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS
Get your blood pumping with a workout 15 feet in the air. KC Aerial Arts offers classes for all levels of expertise, including complete beginners, in styles like silks and trapeze.
KC Ballet School, Multiple locations
Learn from the best with instruction from 50 professional dance instructors with the Kansas City Ballet. Whether you want to aim high with a spot in the Academy or just get your groove on in a studio setting, there’s something for everyone (tutus not included).
Team Sparkle Productions, 1851 Merriam Ln., Ste. C, KCK
This inclusive community offers running and strength training that aims to build up more than just your body. Try its 13-week program where like-minded runners meet-up and train on hills around the city.
Gear up
Don’t forget to set your movement adventure up for success with tried-and-true gym favorites.
Owala FreeSip water bottle | Stay hydrated at the gym with a beloved stainless steel bottle — you can get it as large as 40 oz. for max hydration.
Baleaf women’s fleece-lined leggings | Make facing workouts on chilly mornings easier with fleece-lined leggings — plus, choose how many pockets you want on them.
Silicone ear tips for AirPods | Earbuds will slip out at the gym no more thanks to simple silicone ear tips that keep AirPods in place.
Aesthetic Built scuba oversized half-zip hoodie | A roomy, soft sweatshirt with thumbholes and a kangaroo pocket.
Aesthetic Built perfect muscle scallop tee | This men’s tee was made to accentuate biceps, chest, and shoulders.
HOKA Women’s Clifton 9 Sneaker | Set your cardio workouts up for success with a sneaker designed to increase foot comfort and absorb the shock of high-impact exercise.
Heathyoga non-slip body alignment yoga mat | Beginners and advanced yoga students alike will love the alignment lines on this mat to take your form to the next level.
CRZ Butterluxe high-waisted leggings | These buttery-soft leggings feature gentle compression and are considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers.
Bala Bangles | Ready to up the ante of any workout? Use Bala Bangles on wrists or ankles for added resistance.
