The lounge at Pickle Athletics.
Lauren Edith Andersen
EDITORS’ PICKSBest Fitness Studio Experiences
↣ Community Events
Our local fitness scene reflects California’s health-forward lifestyle, but the aftereffects of the pandemic have made something clear: People need their villages to thrive. Fitness studios are answering that call by building social connections around movement.
“Pickleball gets you in the door. The lounge, sauna, the wine—that’s what makes the game the beginning of a conversation, not the end of it.”—Kady Pooler, founder and CEO, Pickle Athletics
Hipline is a body-affirming, gender-expansive dance fitness studio in Oakland, creating space for movement, self-expression, and interaction. The studio hosts outdoor dance parties and wellness events alongside its classes. On Telegraph Avenue, Pickle Athletics was born out of a desire to connect people beyond the (pickle)ball. Kady Pooler spent years building her “modern social club for both members and the broader East Bay community.” The wife-owned business features four indoor courts, wine tastings, game nights, and gatherings in its social lounge. In Richmond, Gaia Yoga founder Martina Chavez-Young nurtures her community with sound baths, postnatal support groups, and Lunar New Year workshops. With multiple studios across the East Bay, Mighty Pilates keeps things playful with candlelight classes and happy-hour Pilates. And in Dublin, the Well Studio offers fitness and workshops, including an outdoor class under the olive trees in Livermore with live music and mimosas.
Enjoy a class at Barry’s.
Courtesy of Barry’s
Best New HIIT Boutique Gym
↣ Barry’s / Walnut Creek
Coined “the Best Workout in the World” since launching in West Hollywood in 1998, Barry’s made its East Bay debut in April. Its signature RUN x LIFT classes blend high-intensity treadmill intervals with strength training in the iconic Red Room, where guests are bathed in dim crimson light. Full locker rooms with showers, a post-workout smoothie bar, and Dyson hair dryers lend an elevated vibe. As for those red lights, “They’re just Barry,” one receptionist explains. “He thinks it makes it more intense.” True—it does. barrys.com
San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club
Courtesy of San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club
Best Spot to Try an Olympic Sport
↣ San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club / Oakland
Care for a game of chess on ice? The San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club—California’s only dedicated curling facility—is riding a wave of Olympic-fueled curiosity with its learn-to-curl clinics, plus lessons and leagues designed to bring in new curlers. The East Oakland facility averages more than 200 members, and part of the sport’s appeal is that curling is accessible for all ages and athletic abilities. The club provides everything from stones and brooms to ice grippers and Teflon sliders. bayareacurling.com
Expert Pick
↣ Markham Nature Park and Arboretum / Concord (markhamarboretum.org)
“The Markham Nature Park and Arboretum is quite remarkable, with themed gardens, a self‑guided tree walk featuring different trees from around the world, and walking paths—all in the heart of Concord. Best of all? It’s free!”—Beth Javens, executive director, Visit Concord READERS’ PICKSBoot Camp
↣ Martinez Athletic Club / Martinez
Cycling Studio
↣ Joya / multiple locations
Martinez Athletic Club
Johnnie J. Webb Photography
Dance Studio
↣ The Ballet School Performing Arts / Walnut Creek
Gym / Training Facility
↣ Martinez Athletic Club, Martinez
Hiking Spot (Tie)
↣ Briones Regional Park / Lafayette and Martinez
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↣ Lafayette Reservoir / Lafayette
Courtesy of Livermore Valley Half Marathon
Local Road Running Race
↣ Livermore Valley Half Marathon / Livermore
Every spring, the Livermore Valley Half Marathon winds runners through Wine Country past lush vineyards, hop fields, and the Olivina Arch and into the serenity of Sycamore Grove. Starting and finishing in downtown Livermore, the event is going on its 13th year; a post-race beer and wine festival, live entertainment, and free race photos make it a satisfying full-day experience.
Courtesy of Livermore Valley Half Marathon
Mountain Bike Trail
↣ Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park / Pleasanton
Personal Trainer
↣ Ben Borsellino, Martinez Athletic Club / Martinez
Pilates / Barre Studio
↣ The Bar Method / multiple locations
Place to Have a Picnic
↣ Lafayette Reservoir / Lafayette
Sports / Country Club
↣ Claremont Resort and Club / Berkeley
Joya
Megan Trant Photography
Yoga Studio
↣ Joya / multiple locations