Nothing says New Year more than a few choice resolutions. And if you’re like me, it seems that always includes getting in better physical shape. 

I’m Sue Krider, the high-rise real estate authority in DFW. I’ve lived in Big D for many years. My focus is the luxury market and I know it well. Providing information to my clients and sending them off to the right spot for any number of activities is a wonderful feeling.


Who couldn’t tone up a little, feel better, and look better too? That’s why I’ve put together a list of quality gyms to consider in 2024. Try these options on for size.

First on this list is the Cooper Aerobics Center on Preston Road in Dallas. Calling this institution, a “gym” doesn’t come close to describing it. Since the 1970s, renowned Dallas physician Dr. Ken Cooper has built a distinctive reputation in fitness, and healthcare in general. He moved to Dallas to further his scientific research on fitness and reinforce its scientific legitimacy. Cooper’s vision was to improve the quality and quantity of people’s lives through prevention.

Today, Dr. Cooper, now in his 90s, is internationally known as the “father of aerobics.” He continues to see patients and speaks to groups sharing his proven philosophy that exercise is medicine and fitness is a vital sign.

For many, feeling fit starts at the YMCA. The Y is dedicated to serving the community and very few cities do it much better than Dallas. Two of the best facilities in the central corridor include the Moody YMCA Park Cities on Preston Road and the Semones Family Town North YMCA off Northhaven Road. Both have aquatic facilities, and sizable youth sports leagues, specialize in group and personalized training, and have extensive childcare programs.

John Reed Fitness took over the 30,000-foot Gold’s Gym at Preston Center in 2021 and has become quite the scene. With spin classes, free weights, Pilates, yoga, and an abundance of machines, the place is a mixture of high-energy fitness in a nightclub atmosphere with “DJ-driven workouts.” The crowd is younger, and there is a social component at play, while the vibe feels eclectic and electric.

With fitness classes, personal training, Pilates, and more, Equinox is a wonderfully, upscale option for serious-minded fitness freaks. “Where luxury and fitness meet,” is how the company positions Equinox. The Highland Park facility on Oak Lawn Avenue is lovely … and effective!

Trophy Fitness on Mockingbird Lane is all about group training, personal training, and smart muscle recovery all delivered in a clean, healthy environment.

The Bar Method is another popular spot. For over twenty years it has offered their challenging barre workouts infusing power into movement. While they are all over town, the West Lovers Lane location is a Park Cities staple. Believers declare that precision exercises transform bodies through the high-repetition, low-impact resistance training. Pilates, yoga, and other strength training methods are blended into a ballet-inspired barre workout for flexibility, total-body definition, and metabolism-boosting endurance.

While franchises are all over the globe, Barry’s in West Village stands out. Located on McKinney Avenue there is complimentary parking, a large lobby and Barry’s distinctive “Red Room” workouts that have turned heads and challenged fitness mindsets for years.

Welcome to SPENGA, a studio that puts equal focus on cardio, strength, and recovery, all in one 60-minute workout. Since opening in 2021 on McKinney Avenue, SPENGA has prided itself on delivering a workout designed to maximize results without breaking down bodies.

There are spin classes and then there is SoulCycle. Located on West Northwest Highway at Preston Center, it is convenient to Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and North Dallas devotees. Insiders call it “a party on a bike,” driven by penetrating curated music selections, and experienced instructors leading high-intensity workouts for interval cardio and focused toning.

CorePower Yoga on North Henderson Avenue in Dallas has also gotten a ton of good press. Focused on achievement for each individual, instructors guide participants to strength through finely tuned physical workouts that are embedded in the mindfulness of yoga.

 

Diesel Fitness at CityPlace is a well-oiled machine. They specialize in personal training, aerobic classes, and boxing, which has grown into a huge local favorite. Boasting an attentive staff, and a central location the tribe of like-minded gym rats and others make up an enthusiastic membership.

I wish you the best on your fitness journey in 2024, and beyond! Hopefully, some of these suggestions will play a role in the quest to be a better and healthier you!

For more information on top high-rise properties in Dallas, and a continuing flow of information about the market, community happenings, and special things to see and do check with me.