The best places to break a sweat in the capital. No need for fluent French
@Virginie Kahn
Written by Megan Carnegie
Freelance contributor
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An hour-long body conditioning session is hard enough in your own language. Make exercising easier by heading to one of the city's best Anglophone-friendly fitness classes. From spin classes in the dark to hot yoga, we've selected the best workouts - so whether you know not a single word of French or just need a break from the brain fug, we've got you covered. Happy perspiring!
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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Spin at Dynamo
The first studio in Paris to take on the SoulCycle concept, all classes at Dynamo are led by bilingual teachers. Lights go down as endorphins go up –this class is made for Duracell bunnies so expect whooping and the occasional high five. With up to six sessions a day, it’s ideal for early birds andthe pumping soundtrack is the equivalent of approximately five morning expressos. Even better, a live DJ accompanies the 8pm Wednesday class. Who needs clubbing, eh?
Opéra (14 rue saint Augustin, 75002) or Boétie (79 rue laBoétie, 75008).
€30 for one session or €45 for three
Hatha Yoga at Centre de Yoga du Marais
Location wise, the Centre de Yoga du Marais couldn’t be more zen. Hidden away on a quiet side street, Michelle Jacobi and her team of ten bilingual teachers lead all types of hatha yoga classes; so whether you’ve been practising for years or never once set foot on a yoga mat, you are in good hands. They also run a €10 mixed ability community class on Sundays at 11.30am.
Centre de Yoga du Marais, 72 rue du Vertbois, 75003.
€20 or €148 for 8
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Bikram Yoga at Yoga Bikram Paris
Daily at 11am and 4pm
To get you up to speed, Bikram is a 90-minute yoga session of 26 postures and two different breathing exercises. The catch? It’s in a room heated to 40 degrees. Prepare to sweat like never before (no seriously, you will be amazed at the puddle you leave behind) in the English classes at both Yoga Bikram Paris studios. Wear light clothing, bring a towel and drink plenty of water before you arrive. The rest is for the expert teachers to explain.
11am at13 rue Simon le franc (the Marais), or 4pm at 17 rue du faubourg Montmartre (Grands Boulevards).
€25 or €39 for an unlimited 10-day pass.
Indoor Cycling at Kiwill
Sundays at 11amBased on the American SoulCycle concept, Kiwill coaches Ornella and Candice lead 45-minute spin sessions entirely in English on Sunday mornings. Fruit, water bottles and all shower necessities (and luxuries) are provided free of charge. So all you need is your workout gear…and perhaps some elbow grease.
Kiwill, 27 rue du Grand Prieuré, 75011.
€16-25 with the first class free of charge
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Barre Fitness at BarreShape
Set in the idyllic Elephant Paname dance school, BarreShape combines ballet, yoga and cardio training in a dynamic 60-minute class. No need for prior balletexperience - the bubbly teachers will have you using long-forgotten body parts with the help of a mat, weights, ball and of course, the barre. Whether it's all the lycra or the groovy soundtrack, there is a distinct Jane Fonda vibe to this workout - and we love it. Elephant Paname, 10 rue Volney, 75002.
€20-25 per session
CrossFit at R2 Bastille
After sweeping the UK and the US, this high-octane fitness craze has hit Paris. Not for the faint-hearted, CrossFit mixes body conditioning, cardio and weighlifting, with a focus on smashing times and targets with every session. R2 Bastille's spacious studio may resemble a torture chamber but the bilingual coaches will make you feel at home right away. Known for it's community atmosphere, expect to come away with some solid CrossFit friendships. And perhaps a few bruises. But hey –no pain, no gain.
R2 Bastille,30-34 rue du Chemin Vert, 75011.
Free trial session, then a three-month or annual subscription
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Urban BootCamp at Midtown Studio
Perhaps the most hardcore of the lot, Midtown Studio is the first spot in Paris dedicated to bootcamp-style fitness. A 60-minute bootcamp workout using weights, running machines and ropes will see you burning up to 1000 calories. Classes of 10 allow coachs to give you their full attention (and much needed encouragement) – in English or French. And thankfully, the studio is only five minutes walk from the metro station. Because after this kind of exertion, don’t expect to rely on your legs.
Midtown Studio. 21 rue de Bassano, 75016.
€25 per session
Spin at Let’s Ride
Run by a New Yorker and a Californian, Let’s Ride promises to break all fitness codes: an intense 45-minute group spin class in the near darkness of their swish Oberkampf studio. And if sweating it out to Justin Bieber is your idea of hell, don’t panic: each teacher’s online profiles shows their recently played tracks and you can even choose the position of your bike for each session. Like your most energetic night out – just on a bike.
Let's Ride. 21 rue des 3 Bornes, 75011.
€16-25 with a welcome offer of two for €25
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