Strength Ratio offers evidence-based training programs in an inclusive environment. | Photo by @robb_leahy via @zach_strengthratio
Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, Asheville is home to dozens of opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip-hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all things fitness in Asheville.
Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.
For those who enjoy working out alongside others
All Bodies Movement & Wellness, 211 Merrimon Ave. All Bodies prides itself on offering an inclusive space that provides small group classes for all bodies. Classes include strength training, pilates, 60+ training, cardio kickboxing, and more. Bonus: The studio also offers open gym time + personal training.
For those who want to dance it out
Uphora Dance Fitness, 1501 Patton Ave. Salsa, Zumba, flamenco, line dancing, hip-hop cardio, bachata, belly dance, jazz funk — you name it, and Uphora likely offers it. The West Asheville dance studio hosts more than 25 classes a week and various events + workshops.
Monday, Jan. 6 Tai Chi for Beginners | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Dragon Phoenix | $15+ | Practice the Yang 10 and 24 forms along with some gentle Qigong exercises.
Tuesday, Jan. 7 Spanish Conversation Practice Group | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Intermediate-level Spanish speakers can join the group to sharpen their skills through discussion prompts and icebreaker games.
Wednesday, Jan. 8 Brian Regan | 7:30 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville | $48+ | The longtime comic will bring his sarcastic humor to the stage for this benefit show — net proceeds support the Always Asheville Fund.
Thursday, Jan. 9 Code Purple Volunteer Training | 6 p.m. | ABCCM Transformation Village | Free | Complete the training to assist with intake, supervision, driving, and cleaning at the Code Purple shelter site.
Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussion | 7-8 p.m. | Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site | Free | Unpack the impassioned short story “April, Late April” in person or via Zoom.
Friday, Jan. 10 Asheville Vaudeville | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $25 | Experience an action-packed evening of acrobatics, aerial arts, magic, and burlesque.
Bouchon is downsizing and will soon reemerge as Crêperie Bouchon with counter service and a full bar. Crêpes, salads, soups, and sandwiches will be on the new menu. Its sister restaurant, RendezVous, will remain open in East Asheville serving up the same hearty French fare like steak frites and beef bourguignon.
Open
Breakfast just got a (w)hole lot better. Joey’s Bagels recently opened at 707 Merrimon Ave., serving up fresh-baked bagels daily. It’s the shop’s third location, adding to its Hendersonville and Fletcher stores.
Festival
Craft beverages, an artisan market, and decadent mac and cheese. That’s what you can expect from “For the Love of Craft,” a new festival from the Asheville Brewers Alliance and FIRC Group. Foodies and art lovers will convene at the Haywood Park Atrium on Saturday, Feb. 22 — get tickets, starting at $43.
Plan Ahead
Beginning Friday, March 21, the Biltmore will debut its newest exhibit, “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures,”at the Amherst at Deerpark Exhibition Center, detailing the discovery of King Tut’s tomb with expert-crafted replicas of artifacts. See more of what’s to come at the Biltmore this year as the estate celebrates its 130-year anniversary.
Number
Nearly $17.5 million. That’s how much the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has distributed to nonprofits aiding with Helene recovery. Of that sum, the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was recently awarded $1 million to grow the Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair, helping low-income households receive home repairs.
Biz
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Family
When school’s out, the YMCA is open with a variety of childcare programs. Whether it’s after school, during holiday breaks, or a snow day, kids have a safe place to learn, play, and grow. Sign up before Jan. 31 to save $75.*
Travel
Make 2025 your year of travel when you sign up for a Going membership and secure unmatched airfare deals. For a limited time, Premium + Elite memberships are 25% with code GOING2025.*
The Buy
The Buy
The Goddess app. Made for women, by women, this comprehensive well-being library includes meditations, yoga sessions, breathing exercises, and podcasts. Right now, Premium subscriptions are 75% off — you’ll get lifetime access, plus unlock your Archetype Personality Analysis.
Speaking of breaking a sweat, if the gym isn’t your preferred workout, there are plenty of local running clubs to help you go the distance. It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions to increase my mileage, so I might just see you out there.
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