Tone up in time for spring with our favorite studio fitness classes.
Barre Bee Fit: This ladies-only studio offers a barrage of barre-based classes at its three Chicago locations, but the original Barre Bee workout is still our favorite: 60 minutes of muscle toning (and intermittent blasts of cardio) that leaves every muscle aching in the best way. $18 per class. 435 N. LaSalle, (312) 595-1600; Barrebeefit.com
Core Power Yoga: With 13 locations sprinkled in the city and suburbs (and a 14th coming later this month), Core Power has become virtually synonymous with hot yoga. Whether you’re new to the practice or a vinyasa virtuoso, 60 minutes in 103-degree heat will have you bending in ways you didn’t think were possible. Membership packages start at $135. 34 S. Vine, Hinsdale, (630) 568-3670; Corepoweryoga.com
David Barton Gym: Though DB’s goal is to help you “look better naked,” the tongue-in-cheek ASSolutely ABBulous studio class targets and tones the muscles that make jeans fit perfectly: quads, glutes, hamstrings and abs. $99 monthly plus $250 initiation fee. 600 W. Chicago, (312) 836-9127; Davidbartongym.com
East Bank Club: Learn a dance routine each week during Gloria Araya’s exuberant Latin Core Rhythms class (Saturdays at 11 a.m.), which incorporates salsa, mambo, Afro-Cuban dance and jazz. But don’t let her cheerful demeanor fool you: This is a gut-busting workout. Free with membership. 500 N. Kingsbury, (312) 527-5800; Eastbankclub.com
Equinox: This hip health club is always rolling out new studio classes at its four locations — right now, we’re loving MetCon3 with Tonya Dugger. Not for the faint of heart (or muscle), MetCon3 taxes every tendon with high-intensity cardio choreography. Free with membership. 200 W. Monroe, (312) 252-3100; Equinox.com
Exhale: Exhale, both a spa and a fitness destination, works the mind and the body. Its Core Fusion Sport class replaces the usual barre with a weighted ball to tone every part of the torso. $25 per class. 945 N. State, (312) 753-6500; Exhalespa.com
Fitness Formula Club: Bust a move in FFC’s Zumba, a Latin dance-inspired fitness class offered at all nine locations that’s even more fun with friends. Variations of each movement make it perfect for all skill levels — no dance experience necessary. Free with membership. 1114 Lake, (708) 383-1114; Ffc.com
Flywheel: At its two Chicago-area outposts, Flywheel puts a twist on the average spin class: it introduces upper-body exercises and pits cyclists against each other in a friendly competition through in-studio Torqboards that show which bikes are leading the pack. $25 per ride. 600 Central, Highland Park, (847) 780-4320; Chicago.flywheelsports.com
Shred 415: Get a one-of-a-kind workout at Shred, which combines treadmill training with strength intervals to build endurance and burn fat. This spring, founders Bonnie Micheli and Tracy Roemer will open a third location on the North Shore. $24 per class. 230 W. Division, (312) 291-8722; Shred415.com
Yin Yang Pilates: Owner Laura Cappelletti adheres to the Stott Pilates method, a modern take on the traditional practice that promotes spinal rehabilitation. Learn the basics in a one-on-one session, then try a group fitness class. $17 for group class, $75 for private. 111 S. Rand, Lake Zurich, (847) 719-1800; Yinyangpilates.com
