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Best Places To Workout In Orange County

Orange County is one of the absolute best places to work up a sweat. With gyms, personal training centers and unique workout spots galore, options abound—and very rarely disappoint. Whether you seek a cardio-based fitness routine or one filled with weights, these 11 fitness centers are some of the greatest places to workout in the region.
Cardio Barre-Cardio Barre - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Cardio Barre)

Cardio Barre
3969 Portola Parkway
Irvine, CA 92602
(714) 244-5581
www.cardiobarre.com

Following successful runs in Los Angeles, as well as states like Arizona, Tennessee and Mississippi, Cardio Barre has made a name for itself in Orange County as well with a single studio in Irvine. Their signature class, called simply Cardio Barre, features a no-impact workout with weights and barre work to tone and sculpt the butt, legs, arms and waist. Those with limited time can check out Barre 35, a 35-minute version of the namesake course. Fitness enthusiasts can also try the studio's other offering, Floor Barre Sculpt, a technique-based class that helps strength joints, release tension and treat injuries. All you need are water a towel, and you're set to go.

Equinox
(credit: Omega L./yelp)

Equinox
19540 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92612
(949) 296-1700
www.equinox.com

A high-end gym that offers only the most luxurious workout services, Equinox Newport Beach is one of only three locations in Orange County. While the spacious workout floor and upscale locker rooms appeal to guests, it's the extra amenities that truly stand out at Equinox. Work up a sweat on the outdoor basketball court, recline in the shade under a poolside cabana after a few laps or get your namaste on in the gym's yoga studio. There is also a Pilates studio filled with transformers and a cycling studio for intense cardio sessions. A variety of classes are available, as is complementary Wi-Fi for guests to stream music while working out.

YAS Fitness - VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: YAS Fitness Center)

YAS Fitness Center
291 East 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 548-3888
www.go2yas.com

YAS Fitness Center combines two of the hottest fitness trends—yoga and cycling. Expert instructors lead guests in pre-determined routines set to music that aims to amp them up and allow them to complete their best workout possible. The center combines cardio with strength training and stretching, allowing for a full-body experience. While those attending the gym can choose from yoga and indoor cycling classes, the Yas Class is the best option. Developed by founder Kimberly Fowler, Yas Class kicks off with a half-hour of cardio-fueled cycling followed by another half-hour of relaxing yoga. Although this is the only O.C. studio, there are three in L.A. as well.

Barry's Bootcamp-Barry's Bootcamp - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Barry's Bootcamp)

Barry's Bootcamp
6260 Scholarship
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 932-0292
www.barrysbootcamp.com

The center combines interval and strength training to provide a workout that works to professionals and those just starting out. Barry's Bootcamp is unique in the sense that each day focuses on a different muscle group, allowing guests to have proper rest periods between workouts. Friday through Sunday, work your whole body. Other specialties include arms and abs on Monday, butt and legs on Tuesday, chest and back on Wednesday and an intense ab workout on Thursday. With blasting music and signature red lights, the energy in the room can't be beat. Follow the scheduled routine for the day or opt for Double Floor classes, which eliminate running-based moves on treadmills.

Crunch Fitness-Crunch Fitness - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Crunch Fitness)

Crunch Fitness
23633 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 460-7700
www.crunch.com

Going to the gym can often be uncomfortable. Even though it's rarely the case, it's easy to feel like all eyes are on you as you wander over to the treadmill or pick up some weights. For those that feel insecure working out, Crunch Fitness is the place to go. With a reputation for a diverse community full of open-minded, judgment-free people, Crunch also offers low prices and all of the workout essentials for meeting your fitness goals. Strength and cardio equipment is available on site, as are group classes and fitness trainers. There are six locations within Orange County and many more scattered throughout the state, and the nation.

SoulCycle-SoulCycle - Verified Ashley
(Credit: SoulCycle)

SoulCycle
1177 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 759-7685
www.soul-cycle.com

Cycling studios are a popular fitness trend right now, but SoulCycle is one that is sure to stick around for a while. With studios all across the country—and some in Canada—the Newport Beach studio is unique in that it's the only one in Orange County. A trip to SoulCycle is meant to be experienced in full, offering a joyous way to get a great workout. With bumping music, dim lighting, state-of-the-art bikes and some hand weights, these 45-minute sessions are so much more than simply high-energy cardio workouts. You'll burn fat, work your entire body (including your core) and even do some choreography—all while finding inspiration from motivating instructors.

Jungle Fitness-Jungle Fitness - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Jungle Fitness)

Jungle Fitness
18102 Sky Park South
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 302-4939
www.junglefitnessoc.com

When it comes to personal training, Jungle Fitness has so much to offer. Founder Jon Jung and his team of experienced instructors can help those of any fitness level with varied aspirations. Their strength and conditioning program is the best way to help build and grow muscle, but it will also provide visitors with a more defined physique. Similarly, Health and Core Strengthening will improve core strength while helping to boost overall health. Those looking to compete should consider the Contest Prep and Coaching program, where the staff helps the client create a customized workout and diet regimen, offers comprehensive contest prep and includes one-on-one coaching with Jung himself. Thousands of people have experienced results since the gym opened in 2004.

workout crossfit exercise fitness women
(credit: Shutterstock)

Mo-Mentum Fitness
16470 Bolsa Chica Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 756-1501
www.mo-mentumfitness.com

Everything at Mo-Mentum Fitness is about positive thinking. With an acronym for Momentum Fit that includes things like "open-minded" and "motivating, inspiring environment," it's easy to see that it's engrained in their business plan. It translates perfectly onto the workout floor. In addition to fitness classes—which include everything from weight lifting, running and climbing to high-intensity workouts—the gym offers small group training and personal training. There is also a Mini-Ninja Warriors program for children, which teaches them proper movement as well as speed and agility. Membership packages allow visitors to choose between private, semi-private and small-group training or simply a regular membership.

No Limit Personal Training-Jane D Photography
(Credit: Jane D Photography)

No Limit Personal Training
980 South Via Rodeo
Placentia, CA 92870
(714) 392-0418
nolimit-personaltraining.com

More than just a workout gym, No Limit Personal Training offers a bootcamp-style program that helps ensure success and motivation. Strict rules eliminate judgment and lazy movements, instead encouraging patience, timeliness, responsibility, respect and the ability to take feedback. Between three and eight full-body workout sessions are led Monday through Saturday, with special 8 and 9 a.m. conditioning classes on Sunday mornings. Most courses last for about an hour. With a free consultation, and 14 days free, it's easy to try it out for yourself before committing—an important quality in any gym or fitness routine.

Total Training - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Total Training)

Total Training
26552 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 340-3555
www.totaltrainingfit.com

Total Training offers a selection of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, courses that are all the rage right now. These sessions include intense bursts of motion—typically on treadmills—alternating with less intense strength training movements. Because fitness enthusiasts are still burning fat after a HIIT session, this is an incredibly effective weight-loss system that can help guests reach their goals in record time. The 60-minute classes at Total Training are different every day, offering a chance to workout new muscle groups and keep things interesting without repetition. Participate in everything from running, jumping jacks and cone drills to squats, weight training and mat work. While the Laguna Hills studio is currently the only one, a second location will open in Costa Mesa in August.

Orangetheory Fitness - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Orangetheory Fitness)

Orangetheory Fitness
2865 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92782
(949) 864-6264
www.orangetheoryfitness.com

The one-hour workouts at Orangetheory Fitness are said to have a huge impact on those who partake. Basically a giant group personal training session, classes at Orangetheory monitor the user's heart rate, aiming for a target number that is said to stimulate metabolism and continue burning calories for more than a day after the workout ends. Instructors are on site to push you further, paying special attention to individual progress while also leading the class as a whole. While Orangetheory is a great way to lose weight, many that train there are instead looking for increased speed and strength. Upbeat music, treadmills, rowing machines and suspension systems are all part of an average workout at one of the many locations throughout O.C.

Ashley Ryan is an Orange County native that loves traveling, live music and photography. She blogs at Pure Wander and freelances for a variety of publications including Newport Beach Magazine and Laguna Beach Magazine.
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