Find your preferred workout with 7 new fitness centers in the heart of the Bull City
By Sharon Kinsella | Photography by John Michael Simpson
Off the Wall
The Boulder Garden is arguably unlike any other rock climbing gym you have ever visited. Sure, there are holds on the walls and routes to tackle, but this space – housed in the 101-year-old former Durham Brazing and Welding Works building at 328 Roney St. – feels more like an indoor oasis and gallery than your standard bouldering setup. Lush greenery fills the space, psychedelic artwork lines the walls, and the vibe is intentionally social, making it natural to cheer on a stranger or strike up a conversation between attempts.
Owner Johnny Davis founded The Boulder Garden to build confidence in climbers and inspire them to explore the outdoors. Membership perks include free crash pad and guidebook rentals for outside adventures, while in-house events like headlamp climbs and solstice celebrations keep things fresh inside the gym. “It’s a really happy space, and it’s also a bit of an escape for people during the work day and from the turmoil of life,” Johnny says. “It’s a chance to just focus on friends, the wall, pushing yourself and attempting to meet your goals.”
Beginners can ease in with the gym’s popular Intro to Bouldering class – an option included with the price of admission – while advanced climbers find challenge in its monochromatic route system and topping-out walls designed to mimic real rock. Youngsters also find a home here, with after-school programs, summer camps, youth teams, birthday parties and Third Friday kid nights providing opportunities for children to grow not only as climbers but as confident, curious people with a passion for adventure. It’s also the only climbing gym downtown, making it an accessible option for those traveling on foot or by bike, or downtown workers who are looking to squeeze in a climb during a lunch break.
New early morning hours and a growing events calendar continue to build The Boulder Garden’s reputation as more than a gym. It’s a third space – part climbing haven, part art gallery, part gathering spot – where adventure and creativity thrive side by side.
Hit the Ground Spinning
Rhythm-based spin studio Revel opened its doors at 115 Morris St., Ste. 111, in June, bringing high-energy rides and a strong sense of community to its location at The Novus. Owner and lead instructor Mia Wise first turned to spin after an injury ended her career as a Duke University field hockey player. She found it to be the perfect blend of “gritty athleticism and graceful choreography” and has been hooked ever since.
For years, Mia noticed a gap in the local fitness scene: Despite Durham’s flourishing downtown, there wasn’t a spin studio within 10 miles. She and her husband, Durham native Kyle Mumma, set out to change that. The couple first tested the waters with a pop-up next to the Durham Farmers Market earlier this year. The buzz around the music drew curious passersby, many of whom became the studio’s first members. “We knew the Durham community would be welcoming and supportive, but it has exceeded our expectations,” Mia says.
Revel distinguishes itself by stripping away screens and numbers to focus purely on movement, music and instructor-led motivation. Each class is designed to be immersive, with lighting, rhythm and coaching that encourages riders to challenge themselves while connecting with others. Popular offerings include Swiftie Saturday rides and Revel Reset, a Sunday evening class that helps participants refocus before the week ahead. First-timers receive personalized guidance to get set up comfortably, then are led through an inclusive class with options for every skill level. “We want Revel to be a place where anyone can feel the benefits of in-person group fitness,” Mia says.
Revel aims to become a true fixture in the community beyond its bikes, too, and has already partnered with several other Durham businesses; hosted free, private rides for local groups; and commissioned artist Mayanthi Jayawardena of Serendib Creative for a custom installation in the space. Mia envisions the studio as a place where riders not only build strength and stamina, but also confidence and connection. “We celebrate progress, both on and off the bike,” she says.
Good Vibes Only
Play isn’t just encouraged at Recess Yoga Studio, it’s part of the philosophy. The second-floor studio at 345 W. Main St. opened in March, marking the Durham debut of founder and teacher Tom Sowders’ popular Carrboro concept.
Tom’s inspiration came after a night out with friends when a realistic FaceApp rendering of his future self surprised him. The man in the picture still had a spark – backwards hat, easy smile – and represented a version of himself who had pursued his deepest dreams and kept yoga close to his heart. Tom signed his first lease within weeks and, a year and a half later, trusted an inner pull that led him to bring that vision to Durham.
Tom says he values his independence as the sole proprietor of Recess. “I make decisions that benefit my student and teacher community first and the bottom line second. Or third!” he says. That means no bells and whistles, and no gimmicks – just movement, meditation and a lighthearted approach that makes yoga accessible.
First-time visitors can expect beneficial movement and a deeper sense of self. “You’re going to see a bunch of really cool people who are here not to judge or be judged, but to fully inhabit their bodies and lives,” Tom says. Teachers often invite students to bring curiosity and play into their practice – wiggling hips, laughing through a lion’s breath or tapping into the freedom that comes with releasing your inner child. Tom believes motivation comes from pleasure – not pressure. “The things that will make you happier come from within,” he says. “We’re trying to tease them out of you.”
Vinyasa flow remains the most popular class, but students seem to return for the uplifting energy and supportive community. Recess also launches its first 200-hour yoga teacher training this fall, offering students the chance to deepen their practice and lean further into the studio’s focus on curiosity, connection and rich mindful experiences.
Lift, Laugh, Love
Strength, inclusivity and empowerment drive Tribal Fit, a new group fitness studio co-owned by Anjanette Jackson and Jecenta Merritt. The gym opened in January at 807 E. Main St., Bldg. 6, Ste. 20, with a clear objective: create a space where people – especially those 30 and older – can stay strong, confident and supported.
“We’re building a community that’s OK with who you are, right where you are,” Jecenta says. That focus on inclusivity helps remove the intimidation often felt walking into a gym, especially for those returning to exercise after years away. Members and trainers leave judgment at the door, share encouragement freely and hold one another accountable. “Clients end up supporting one another more than we support them in class,” Jecenta, who’s also a trainer, adds.
Classes center on strength and conditioning, with lower-body and deadlift sessions filling the room. The training itself is popular, but it’s the camaraderie that keeps folks coming back. They swap numbers, check in with one another and celebrate progress together. Jecenta also meets one-on-one with clients for up to two goal assessments per month, offering personal encouragement and tailored support for each member’s fitness journey.
Community doesn’t stop at the gym door. The studio hosts monthly happy hours that bring morning and evening groups together, plus the occasional movie night – opportunities for gym-goers to bond outside the studio. “We get to know their kids, spouses, their lives,” Anjanette says. Tribal Fit reminds its members they can stay strong as they age – and never have to do it alone.
Go With the Flow
owner and CEO Jodi Myers, “where yoga is a vehicle for transformation, laughter and authentic growth.” Photo by Alex Boerner
Step inside Virge Yoga, and you’ll quickly feel its “house of wellness” approach. The studio, which opened in January at 200 Morris St., Ste. 140, at Durham ID, embodies owner and CEO Jodi Myers’ vision to create a space where yoga could be utilized as a vehicle for connection, joy and authentic growth. “Our mission is not only about movement on the mat, but also about empowering people to discover their strongest selves while forming genuine bonds with others,” she says.
Every visit is designed to foster a sense of belonging. First-time students find warm welcomes, caring guidance and encouragement to explore yoga at their own pace. Jodi says the word “family” best describes the Virge community; participants aren’t just students – they’re members of a supportive group that grows together.
Classes range from traditional flows to innovative formats. Power Vinyasa embodies the studio’s focus on alignment and mind-body connection, while Sculpt Vinyasa blends strength training with dynamic movement, creating an energetic, full-body workout that remains rooted in breath. Students find motivation in the laughter and encouragement that fill each class – an energy Jodi believes is far more powerful than pressure. Teachers emphasize that progress comes from showing up for yourself rather than striving for perfection. “Motivation becomes less about pushing and more about discovering joy in the journey,” she says.
The studio balances reverence for yoga’s roots with innovation that keeps its methods fresh and relevant for modern practitioners. That philosophy has propelled growth beyond the Bull City, with two new locations in Holly Springs. Even as it expands, Virge Yoga holds tight to its core vision: providing a sanctuary for wellness and belonging, serving as the center of a community where every individual feels at home.
Double Dose
Two new high-intensity, low-impact boutique studios bring fresh energy to the downtown fitness scene. Solidcore opened its first Bull City location in June at The Novus. The Pilates-inspired franchise is known for its small classes, personalized attention and challenging 50-minute sessions on custom resistance machines, delivering a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance and community. Down the street, FlowCorps arrived in Brightleaf Square at 905 W. Main St., Ste. 19, early this year, joining locations in Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Diego, California. Its signature classes blend Pilates, yoga and cardio into full-body workouts set to music, syncing movement with rhythm to build strength, boost mood and improve coordination in a fun, high-energy environment.
