If your workout plan depends on sunshine, living in Spokane, WA, will put your routine to the test. The good news: U-District, wedged between the river and Gonzaga, is stacked with exercise studios and fitness centers built for exactly this weather. You don’t really need a car, a regular gym membership, or extensive planning. There are multiple indoor activities to do in Spokane when days turn gloomy, and U-District apartments are perfectly placed near attractive options such as yoga, indoor cycling, pilates, or climbing.
How Unconventional Indoor Sports Support Your Health
Bouldering, spin, or hot yoga might seem as “unconventional” workouts, done only by professionals. However, they’re some of the most complete activities you can try, even as a beginner. For example, climbing builds grip strength and problem-solving in the same breath. Cycling balances your stress hormones as fast as it burns calories. Dance classes sneak cardio past your brain by disguising it as fun.
Then there's the much-needed mental health payoff. Movement demands focus, which washes off negative thoughts, while group classes offer some social connection that’s proven to ease anxiety. Anyone new to a college-adjacent neighborhood that is in search of things to do in Spokane, WA, should consider the benefits of giving something new a try.
Sweating, as it turns out, is underrated medicine. Sprinkle some courage and motivation on top, and you might discover your new hobby.
What to Know Before Trying Your First Spokane Fitness Class
For a first timer, there are a few things to keep in mind before your booking. Show up 10 minutes early to get oriented. The Spokane gyms presented in this article are beginner-friendly, so if you tell the instructor or the team that this is your first time, they’ll be able to guide you and adapt the workout for your exact needs.
You can bring a water bottle and a towel, as heated yoga rooms and cycling studios will turn hot fast. For climbing, special shoes are usually available for rent on site. Even so, you can check each studios’ policy, either on their website or by giving the reception a call. Jump into comfortable, breathable clothing, pack a small bag with essentials, and you’re ready for an exciting activity!
Now, let’s explore some of the gyms in Spokane and their variety of classes!
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Yoga
Yoga quiets your mind down and teaches you better breathing, better balance, and how to switch adrenaline rushes for focus. Empire Fitness (1028 N Hamilton St) runs weekly yoga flow and vinyasa classes. Vinyasa yoga is a style that combines continuous movement with breathing techniques, gliding from one posture to the next, keeping full focus. This studio has both morning and evening classes, perfect for every schedule.
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Hot Yoga
Hot yoga uses high temperatures to flush out tension and to force deeper strength. Shala Living Yoga (412 W Boone Ave), a yoga studio in Downtown Spokane, has multiple weekly options. Buti Yoga aims to release and tone the body, Shala Flow builds flexibility, while Yin Yoga relaxes your body in a gently warm room.
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Dance Classes
Who says dancing is only reserved for parties? Dance classes hide training inside choreography, which means cardio and coordination without the classic workout dread. Artistry in Motion Dance and Performing Arts Studio (1011 E 2nd Ave #3) offers a variety of lessons, suitable for all ages and abilities. These dance classes in Spokane offer multiple style options: you can give ballet, tap, or jazz a try.
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Pilates
Pilates became a popular choice in the past years. And for a good reason! Pilates rebuilds the muscles your desk job quietly disables. You can work on core strengths and posture, all in a relaxing setting. Alura Pilates & Wellness (111 W North River Dr #203) helps you reclaim your wellness with beginner friendly classes, held by passionate experts. You can book a drop-in class, ideal for visitors or for those with a flexible schedule, then switch to one of the bundle options.
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Cycling (Spin)
Indoor cycling is a low-impact sport, but it provides serious cardio sessions that are also easy on the knees. If you’re a Gonzaga student, Kermit M. Rudolf Fitness Center offers non-credit Spin classes for students, staff, and faculty. For non-GU residents, The Union Studios are one of the most popular options among locals. With two locations, Union Northside (7704 N Division St) and Union WEST (1301 W First Ave), you can easily book a session online – 45 minutes of heart-pounding intervals, energizing playlists and uplifting instructors.
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Climbing and Bouldering
These fun workout options build forearm and core strength while sharpening focus. There are a couple of options to consider when deciding upon spots to try indoor rock climbing in Spokane, but Wild Walls Climbing Gym (202 W 2nd Ave) is considered one of the go-to choices. Open all week long, this gym creates a controlled and enjoyable environment for anyone to experience all that indoor climbing has to offer. On the other hand, bouldering is a sub-style of rock climbing, done on short walls without ropes. If you want to focus on raw power and intense moving, check out Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym (233 E Lyons Ave).
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Group Classes
If you’re in the mood for something more social, group classes are a popular service offered by multiple gyms in Spokane. This way, you can add a bit of friendly competition to your daily workout, a proven motivation boost for slow days. Besides physical therapy and counseling, U-District PT (730 N Hamilton St) offers bootcamp, force, grit and golf fit classes. These are ideal for people looking for non-specific fitness training, held in a vibrant, uplifting atmosphere.
Small-Space Workout Gear for U-District Apartments
If your schedule is tight during the week, you can look into home workouts. Studio and one-bedroom living require gear that earns its space. You don’t need an entire home gym to get active at home. For instance, resistance band sets can replace the weight training done in an exercise studio. A foldable yoga mat needs virtually no space, since you can quickly roll it into a closet. Invest only in qualitative items that you can reuse. Bigger, heavier gear doesn’t necessarily mean better workouts. You can handle your daily exercise with a band, a mat, and your body weight.
The Bottom Line of Indoor Workouts
Rainy days are no exception when it comes to workouts. Whether you were once much more physically active or have never been one to exercise regularly, now is a great time to start an exercise and fitness regimen, according to Howard E. LeWine, MD. U-District has room for every kind of training mood. Spokane fitness classes offer various options, suitable for diverse schedules and lifestyle – you decide if you want your daily workout to be intense, quiet, competitive or solo. Just pick one from our list and give it a try.
Book a tour of our Spokane apartments for rent, perfectly located in this vibrant pocket of the city!