The best fitness classes to try in Manchester

With plenty of fitness studios and classes for every taste, Manchester is a great place to be for fitness enthusiasts. Fancy adding variety to your regular exercise routine? Here are the Manchester fitness classes I personally love and recommend.

I often book via Classpass so I can mix it up and try different workouts without committing to any studio membership. Join the Classpass hype and get your first month at heavily discount price.

What are the must-try fitness classes in Manchester?

Infrared pilates at The Health Lab

Pioneer in Manchester, this class combines mat pilates with the benefits of infrared heat therapy. The heated environment enhances flexibility and improves circulation while the instructor takes you through a sequence of Pilates moves.

The class focuses on controlled, low-impact movements to core build strength, stability and mobility. It’s especially enjoyable in the Winter, when it’s freezing cold outside and you get to spend 50 minutes in this warm and cozy environment.

Read my detailed review of this class.

Resistance training at Blok

What I love about this one is that it’s not a cardio-based group class, it’s all about lifting weights. If you’re keen to improve your technique or pick up ideas that you can then implement in your own gym workouts, this is a great class to try.

Imagine a functional, full-body workout focused on building power and musculare endurance through compound lifts and bodyweight exercises with a sprinkle of mobility work. You’ll predominantly use dumbbells and kettlebells.

The class structure emphasises progressive overload and every time I took part, the instructor provided different options to cater for all fitness levels.

Read my detailed Blok Manchester review.

High Intensity cardio & weights at Barry’s

The world’s famous Barry’s concept can be experienced in Manchester. If you a love high intensity workout and haven’t tried Barry’s yet, hurry!

Combining treadmill sprints and strength training in a dimly lit, music-driven environment with enthusiastic trainers, the classes are designed to improve endurance but also build muscle as you are encouraged to challenge yourself with the weights.

Each class targets specific muscle groups, ensuring a full-body workout over the week.

The motivating atmosphere and group energy not only pushes you during the class but also helps you maintain that uplifted mood for the rest of the day. I personally love doing a Barry’s class first thing in the morning for this reason!

Read my Barry’s (London) review.

Cycle with a twist at Ryde

Think spin classes are boring? Try Rhythm Ryde and you’ll change your mind. Set to heart-pounding beats, this high energy, full-body workout pushes both physical endurance and mental resilience.

My first Ryde class was a shock to the system, I didn’t expect this to be so immersive and upbeat, but I loved it.

The dynamic session challenges you to move with the rhythm, blending in dance moves and dumbbell arm exercises into the class.

Way more than just a cardio session, it not only leaves you drenched in sweat but also empowered and inspired to take on any challenges life throws your way today.

Fancy trying any of these? I’d highly recommend Classpass which allows you to book classes at a variety of studios so you can try as many different workouts as you want! If you’re new to Classpass, sign up via this link for an almost free first month!