Start on the nation’s largest climbing wall to gain the know-how to head outdoors. Then join experts on treks to the peaks of Ecuador and Tanzania.
Earth Treks, 725 Rockville Pike, at Fleet Street, Rockville (240-283-9942 or earthtreksclimbing.com).
Aimed at tourists and newcomers, the tour is ideal for the urban runner who wants to check out an unfamiliar hood. An experienced CRT runner meets you at the location and sets the pace for your 5k or 10k course.
City Running Tours in D.C. (877-415-0058 or cityrunningtours.com).
Pole Pressure-certified experts target core, arms, legs, and imagination. Test your inner perv at shaping class Firm and Flexy, dance cardio class Coyote Ugly and Chair Play sessions.
Classes are held at City Fitness, 3525 Connecticut Avenue Northwest (202-537-0539 or cityfitnessgym.com); Results Gym, 315 G Street Southeast (202-234-5678 or resultsthegym.com); Balance Gym, 1111 14th Street Northwest (202-216-9000 or balancegym.com). For more information, go to polepressure.com.
Swim, bike, and run your way into shape with triathlon training in Manassas. Taught by two certified coaches, the annual workshop combines strategies for succeeding at the multisport with must-know skills like changing a tire and eating right for race day.
Workshops are held at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center in Manassas. For more information, go to triitnow.com.
French fitness guru Laurent Amzallag created YaLa — a full-body fitness class disguised as dancing. The Sports Club/LA is a regular stop, though he also holds YaLa Hot Nights outdoors when weather permits.
The Sports Club/LA, 1170 22nd Street Northwest (202-974-6600 or thesportsclubla.com).
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is so enthusiastic about turning your work commute into a joy ride that classes cost only $10. Show up with a bike, helmet, and water.
Washington Area Bicyclist Association, 2599 Ontario Road Northwest, at Columbia Road (202-518-0524 or waba.org).
Short for “non-impact aerobics,” Nia classes bring together the power of tae kwon do, the grace of tai chi, the strengthening of yoga, and the self-expression and lightheartedness of modern dance.
Classes are held at The Ratner Museum, 10001 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda (301-897-1518 or ratnermuseum.com). For more information, go to nialisa.com.
If you’re ready to make a leap of faith, the Trapeze School near the Navy Yards teaches you how to master flying, silks, trampoline, and — don’t slip on that banana peel — juggling, too.
Trapeze School New York, 4th Street Southeast, at Tingey Street (410-459-6839 or washingtondc.trapezeschool.com).
Drop in on an hour-long funk-a-thon led by Coco Low or Sunny DiSoco in no-frills digs. The high-energy twosome also offers personal training, yoga, Zumba, and cooking classes.
CocoFitness, 1300 North Stuart Street (703-286-5115 or cocofitness.com).
The woman-owned indie bike palace organizes 30- to 35-mile rides on Sunday mornings (8 o’clock sharp). Cyclists of all levels welcome. Don’t forget your helmet, water bottle, and tire patch kit.
Capitol Hill Bikes, 719 8th Street Southeast (202-399-6763 or capitolhillbikes.com).
D.C.’s best public tennis facility, also home to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, is a somewhat-hidden gem in Rock Creek Park. Lessons are available, as are drop-in sessions for early birds (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday).
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 16th Street Northwest, at Kennedy Street (202-722-5949 or rockcreektennis.com).
The “menu” at Joy of Motion includes the usual (ballet, tap, jazz), as well as items du jour: Tease is a tasty burlesque-inspired routine; the Grind is a spicy dance class with hip-hop flavor.
Joy of Motion Dance Center, 1333 H Street Northeast, at 13th Street (202-399-6763 or joyofmotion.org).
Take names and kick butts with this high-energy class inspired by Thai boxing workouts. It’s not what most folks expect to find in a church basement. Go twice a week to get into fighting shape.
BETA Academy, 1459 Columbia Road Northwest (202-538-0422 or womensfitnessdc.com).
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