7 of the best Black-owned fitness studios in Atlanta we abs-olutely recommend

Over the past few years, the fitness industry has had a reckoning. Diversity in body types, lifestyles and more have played a big part in rethinking what it means to be healthy, and many Black entrepreneurs are stepping in to make that a reality. Don’t weight to try out these seven Black-owned fitness studios in Atlanta.

E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness

Side effects of trying out E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness include experiencing positive energy, high intensity, body transformations and an inspiring community! Owner and founder Dooley created E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness in his home garage, and it has now grown into a thriving gym with options including boot camp, spin, yoga, zumba and Keddlesthenics (a mixture of Kettlebell and Calisthenics). E.F.F.E.C.T. also has a 501(c)3 nonprofit, “Cause of E.F.F.E.C.T.” with a mission to bring fitness to low-income neighborhoods of Atlanta.

Location: Southeast Atlanta - 1995b Metropolitan Pkwy SW; Website: effect.fitness; Contact: 404-254-0684

Finao Fit

You’ll find the right fit at Finao Fitness, a 17,000-square-feet training complex in Smyrna. Owner Denzell Jones created Finao Fit to help everyone, no matter their skill level, reach their full fitness potential. Beginners can take the Foundation Training course to set the stage and learn all the movements, while other class options include H.E.A.T., Strength Full Body and Full Body Ripped and Tone. Open gym and personal training options are also available.

Location: Smyrna - 3075 Jonquil Dr; Website: finaotraining.com; Contact: 678-403-8790

I Am/I Can Strength and Conditioning Gym

Positive affirmation is in the name! If you are searching for functional fitness, look no further than I Am/I Can Strength and Conditioning Gym. Sign up for either personal training or group strength and conditioning classes with owner and head coach Malcolm Strapp. Combined with nutrition counseling and meal prep offerings, you’ll be on your road to your best self.

Location: Southeast Atlanta - 515 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW Suite D1; Website: iamicansc.squarespace.com; Contact: 254-630-4479

The Loft Athletic Club

If you’re in the mood for something completely unique, try out classes such as Twerk N Sweat (“twerk those calories off”), Trampolean Fitness (fitness on your personalized mini-trampoline) or Trap Yoga (exactly what you think: yoga set to trap music). Additional offerings at this athletic gym owned by Jason Lobdell and Gee Bryant include bootcamp-style classes and Zumba, as well as sports massages, cryotherapy and personal training.

Location: Buckhead (Upper Westside) - 1122 Old Chattahoochee Ave NW UNIT E; Website: theloftathleticclub.com; Contact: 404-732-3795

Project: Body ATL

Project: Body ATL is on a mission to make fitness as inclusive as possible. Owner Claudia Fitzwater created Project: Body ATL with diverse representation in mind specifically focused on Black and brown women of varying body types. Classes are available to anyone who identifies as a female. Concentrating on resistance, cardio and flexibility, class offerings include Sweat HIIT, Booty Luv, ABC (Arms, Back and Core) and more are available in the studio, virtual or on-demand.

Location: East Atlanta - 1 Moreland Ave SE A; Website: projectbodyatl.com; Contact: 470-819-8804

Stellar Power Yoga

It’s not a stretch at all to say that this Vinings’ yoga establishment is stellar. Find your center with classes such as Vinyasa Power Flow, Sequence Flow and Restore, and Deep Stretch/Yin Yoga. Owner Miriam Frost created Stellar Power Yoga after retiring from her corporate job, with a mission to bring balance, encourage community and improve the quality of life for all.

Location: Vinings - 3300 Cobb Pkwy SE Suite # 110; Contact: stellar-poweryoga.com; Contact: 704-909-9569

Vibe Ride

Located in Midtown and Grant Park, Vibe Ride brings good vibes and a new spin to indoor cycling classes. “Party on a bike” as you pedal to immersive videos and colored lights set to rap, trap, R&B and hip-hop tunes. Your stats will be measured by Keiser M3i bikes that will keep track of your progress. The studio also offers circuit classes, bootcamp, yoga and more. Owned by Courtney Anderson, Vibe Ride is on a mission to make spin classes available to everyone, regardless of fitness level, income, age or race.

Location: Multiple Locations: Website: theviberide.com