Best Fitness Studios To Try in Alexandria, VA
From Yoga to Core Training to Barre – Where to Move, Breathe, and Flow
Living in Alexandria offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern wellness culture. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, knowing where to move your body, calm your mind, and build your strength can make a big difference in your health journey. Here are some of my absolute favorite fitness studios in town, each offering something unique, whether you crave quiet introspection, high-intensity challenge, or graceful, full-body movement.
Radiance Yoga – Haven in the Heart of Old Town
Address: 701 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
Website: radiance-yoga.net
If there’s one place I always recommend to beginners and seasoned yogis alike, it’s Radiance Yoga. Tucked into a charming historic building just a few blocks from the King Street Metro, this studio radiates warmth the moment you walk through the door. Allow yourself a few extra minutes before or after class to browse through the bookshelves and enjoy a fresh cup of tea, you’ll thank me later. They always have events and workshops, and offer teacher trainings and retreats.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Welcoming for All Levels: Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an existing practice, Radiance has a class for you. Choose from Slow Flow, Yin, Vinyasa, or specialized series like Kundalini, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
- Top-Tier Instructors: The teachers here are deeply knowledgeable and often trained in multiple modalities. You’ll experience not just movement, but true mind-body integration. My favorite teacher is Angelina regardless of which class she teaches because she has a way of softly supporting and guiding you with an angelic kind of voice.
- Community Energy: There’s a sense of belonging here. Many of the students I talked to have been coming for years, creating a nurturing environment that’s especially comforting for newcomers. There is a good selection of different products for purchase, from bracelets and headbands to clothes, esential oils, and did I already mention…books!
Tip for First-Timers:
Try their New Student Special – typically two weeks of unlimited classes for a reduced price. Bring your own mat if possible, and arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in and meet your teacher.
Solidcore – Strength, Shakes & Sweat

Address: 800 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA
Website: solidcore.co
Looking to tone, sculpt, and sweat? [solidcore] is not your typical workout class — it’s 50 minutes of intense, low-impact strength training that’ll push your muscles to the edge. But you better like planks…
In the beginning days of [solidcore] they used to have towels for everyone, which was very helpful. Please, bring back the towels, solidcore! They might have towels for purchase though.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The Machine: Classes revolve around the “Sweatlana,” a custom resistance-based reformer-style machine. It’s tough, effective, and addictive. There are free weights for upper body, and oh… the bungee – yep, your hamstrings will be screaming.
- Dim Lights, Music & Energy: Under the blue lights you surrender to the shaking, the muscle fatigue as you get stronger and more confident. Expect loud, energetic playlists, and motivating coaches that keep you pushing your limits. It’s like a nightclub, but for abs.
- Fast Results: If you’re consistent, you’ll see and feel changes in your strength and endurance quickly. You will be sore definitely, but pay attention to the basics in the fist few classes and make sure you have the proper form as you can put a lot of stress on the low back if you’re slouching. Maybe not the best for total beginners, but if you have a strong plank – this is a game changer!
Tip for First-Timers:
Book a Foundations or Intro class to learn the machine and form. Let your coach know it’s your first time! They’re super supportive and will check in on your form throughout class. Wear grippy socks if you don’t want to be barefoot and bring water and a towel. You will feel the burn!
Barre3 Alexandria – Balance Meets Burn
Address: 2805 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA
Website: barre3.com
Barre3 offers a beautiful blend of ballet-inspired movement, functional strength training, and mindfulness. Their classes combine pulsing barre movements, cardio bursts, and breathwork for a whole-body experience that feels elegant and empowering.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Inclusive Philosophy: No need to be a dancer. Barre3 is all about honoring your body’s needs and adapting movements accordingly. You may use equipment like bands, balls, and light weights. They also have mats, so you don’t need to bring your own. Grippy socks are recommended.
- Beautiful Space: The light-filled studio is calming, clean, and modern. It’s a place that makes you want to show up for yourself. The playlists are always thoughtfully selected and the instructors are very supportive and motivating.
- Childcare Options: Bonus for parents – they offer play lounge hours for little ones during select classes. No more than 5 kids per session.
Tip for First-Timers:
Arrive early and let the instructor know you’re new. Bring a water bottle and be ready to feel muscles you didn’t know you had! Their online schedule makes it easy to plan ahead, and their intro offers usually include a great class pack deal.
Row House – Full-Body, Low-Impact Power
Address: 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA
Website: therowhouse.com
Looking for a cardio workout that’s low-impact and community driven? Row House delivers. Set to music and coached like a team sport, their rowing-based classes combine intervals on the rowing machine with strength work off the rower. It’s intense, energizing, and incredibly effective.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rowing is a total-body workout because 85% of your muscles are engaged!
- Inclusive and beginner-friendly with different class types (Strength, Full Row, Restore, etc.)
- Friendly coaches and team-based energy.
Newcomer Tip: Show up 15 minutes early for your first class to get properly set up on the erg (rowing machine). Wear sneakers, bring water, and get ready to sweat together. The room is dark and very well air-conditioned, so if you’re like me, you’d want to bring a layer to cover up and can easily be removed once you warm up.
Try Something New & Different
These studios represent a small part of the vibrant fitness culture of Alexandria – from meditative movement to team-based rowing, from deep-core strength to barre balance. They all offer a safe and supportive atmosphere for you to explore, grow, and have fun while staying active.
New to town? Start with intro passes or get a ClassPass membership and sample all of these and other studios and services in the area. Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and with options like these, you don’t have to choose just one. Many studios offer a free first class, so try something new and keep an open mind. Each space has its own vibe and community, and all are beginner-friendly with attentive, well-trained instructors.
Trying a new studio can feel intimidating, but remember: everyone was a beginner once. These spaces aren’t just places to work out, they’re invitations to reconnect with yourself, build new habits, and maybe even find your people.
P.S. To succeed on your fitness journey you need more than just motivation. To build consistency, you need to have discipline, and the best way to build discipline is to make your workouts fun, enjoyable, and rewarding. Find an exercise buddy, or someone to keep you accountable. March 1st is National Exercise Buddy Day, so hop onto www.exersicefriens.com and find new friend with similar goals to yours.

