Patch Picks: 5 Places to Get a Great Workout

Each Thursday, Patch highlights staff and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.

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This week's list: 5 places to get a great workout in Bradenton:

• , 3549 53rd Ave W, has quickly become a favorite workout destination for a wide variety of clientele, ranging from professional athletes striving to keep their bodies in top condition to the Average Joe simply looking to shed a pound or two and get in some good cardio.  Go Legs instructors offer a grueling workout, but encourage everyone to progress at their own pace. The indoor cycling studio is owned and operated by Karen Moyer, whose husband, professional Major League Baseball star, Jamie Moyer, swears by the workout routine. The air conditioned studio is a great alternative to cycling in the sweltering Florida heat, and the first class is free. Give it a spin!
• , 7463 Manatee Ave W, offers a variety of group classes for every fitness level in both yoga and pilates, as well as personal training options. Additionally, Bonnie Gray of Starfire Dance Company also does instruction in basic ballroom and tap dancing at the Balance Pilates & Yoga studio. The goal at Balance Pilates &  Yoga is to provide a workout that is as invigorating to the mind and spirit as it is to the body. Rather than leaving exhausted, instructors at Balance Pilates & Yoga aim for their clients to leave refreshed and serene.
• , 5404 26th St W, is a unique fitness studio owned and operated by Brittany Rohr – also known by her title as Miss Pole Florida 2010. Inspired By Dance teaches pole fitness – a fun way to get in shape, and keep the body toned and flexible – as well as chair dancing, belly dancing, strip tease cardio, contortion, and even amateur kickboxing. Although the studio is primarily geared toward women – “…a safe place where [women can] feel sexy, get a good workout and have fun,” according to Rohr – there are also classes available for men or for couples.
• , 5942 34th St W, is owned and operated by Master Boon Brown, who can trace his Celtic heritage all the way back to 650 AD Scotland. What sets Ancient Ways apart from other martial arts studios is that it combines concepts relating to Celtic fighting style with traditional Korean martial arts, Tae-Kwon-Do and Hapkido. Rather than training his students to become clones of their master, Brown encourages individuality and focuses on each student’s personal strengths and goals. PArticipants attend classes to get in shape, learn self defense, or achieve proficiency with ancient weapons like the war flail or broadsword.
• , 8194 Tourist Center Dr., is a locally owned and operated fitness center geared toward those with a busy schedule. When Tom and Sherry Wilson opened Snap Fitness in 2007, they did so with the intention of providing the convenience of 24 hour gym access to busy locals. Gym members have access to the entire facility 24 hours a day, and special discounts are provided for police, fire and EMT employees. Additionally, month-to-month offers are available for teachers and students. Along with state-of-the-art equipment and a free fitness assessment and training, members have access to the gym’s thermal massage beds.