Every January comes with the same energy: fresh calendar, big plans, and a sudden urge to become a person who works out regularly. But if the thought of another treadmill session makes you want to mysteriously “forget” your gym shoes at home, it might be time to switch things up. This year isn’t about forcing yourself into a routine you’ll abandon by February, it’s about finding movement you actually look forward to. From dance-based workouts and adult sports leagues to high-energy studios and strength-focused classes, there’s no shortage of creative ways to break a sweat. Whether you’re chasing strength, stamina, or just a better mood, these unique workouts make staying active feel less like a resolution and more like a lifestyle you’ll actually love.
Adult Sports Leagues
Looking to make friends while also staying in shape? Join a local adult sports league. Peake Social is an Annapolis staple, hosting co-ed sports from soccer and kickball to bowling, volleyball, and more! From former athletes to complete beginners, the leagues are open to everyone, creating a friendly and competitive environment while also building new relationships!
Jazzercise, Zumba, or Dance
Jazzercise classes combine strength training and dancing cardio to give you the best full-body exercise possible. You’ll feel the benefits in how it helps tone and sculpt your muscles. Led by instructors who will support you at every stage of your health journey, it’s an amazing outlet, whether you’re searching for physical results or a way to reduce stress and feel your best! Jazzercise Annapolis is also offering New Year’s deals! On a similar note, many chain gyms will also offer Zumba and dance classes, some of which can be found at LA Fitness, Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club (SPRFC), and The Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold.
Kickboxing
A complete workout experience that’s fit for all ability levels, kickboxing is both a workout and a family. Before turning up the volume and starting to work, each session begins with a warm-up to get you relaxed and ready to go. This combat-inspired exercise combines explosive intervals, agility drills, and heavy bag combos to help you strike hard and move quickly. These workouts are intended to increase grit, endurance, and coordination. There are several kickboxing gyms in the area, including East Coast Martial Arts, RISE Fitness & Kickboxing, and chain gyms such as Life Time.
Orangetheory
Founded in 2010, Orangetheory is a heart-rate-based interval workout that blends cardio and full-body strength training into one fast-paced class. The goal is simple: help participants build strength while laying the foundation for long-term health. Workouts rotate between treadmill intervals, rowing, and weight training, keeping things engaging while challenging strength, endurance, and power. According to the brand, members often see measurable changes in body composition after several weeks of consistent classes. If you’re curious but hesitant to commit, Orangetheory offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Orangetheory Fitness in Annapolis has four different membership options, allowing you to find what fits best for your schedule.
Pure Barre
Pure Barre offers a low-impact workout that focuses on small, controlled movements designed to strengthen and tone muscles from head to toe. Classes blend elements of ballet, Pilates, and isometric strength training, using light weights, resistance bands, and your own body weight to target muscles you didn’t know you had. While the movements are subtle, the workout is deceptively challenging and emphasizes core strength, balance, and endurance. With class formats that vary in pace and intensity, Pure Barre works well for beginners and experienced exercisers alike. The Annapolis studio offers multiple class types and membership options, making it easy to find a routine that fits your schedule and fitness goals.
Repke Fitness
Repke Fitness takes a personalized, no-nonsense approach to training, focusing on strength, movement quality, and long-term progress rather than quick fixes. Workouts are designed and coached by experienced trainers who tailor programming to individual goals, whether that’s building strength, improving mobility, or gaining confidence in the gym. Sessions often blend functional strength training, conditioning, and skill development, creating workouts that feel purposeful and adaptable. With an emphasis on proper form and sustainable habits, Repke Fitness is a strong option for anyone looking for structure, accountability, and results without the pressure of a high-intensity group class environment.
solidcore
solidcore workouts have surged in popularity thanks to their unique approach to strength training. These high-intensity, low-impact classes use a reformer-style machine and focus on slow, controlled movements designed to fatigue muscles efficiently. The result is a challenging workout that emphasizes strength, endurance, and muscle definition—without high-impact stress on the joints. Often described as a blend of Pilates and boot camp, the 50-minute classes target the entire body using spring resistance and precise repetition. The Annapolis studio, located in the Harbour Center, offers a variety of class packs and memberships for those looking to build strength in a focused, intentional way.
The Yard Gym
The Yard Gym is one of the newest gyms in the area, with four basic training principles: progression, overload, specificity, and individualization. Their workout system strikes a balance between structure and variation, allowing members to train in a number of ways while preserving consistency in effort and results. Strength and endurance are combined in their main classes, RIG and TURF, to help develop a powerful, capable physique. The iconic PAYDAY and GAMEDAY sessions are hybrid workouts that foster friendly competition and a strong sense of community within the gym. These sessions are supplemental to the other classes.
If the new year has you craving a reset, consider this your sign to stop doing workouts you tolerate and start choosing ones you enjoy. Whether you’re joining a team, dancing it out, hitting the bags, or sweating through a structured studio class, the best fitness routine is the one you’ll actually keep coming back to. Skip the pressure, ditch the quick-fix promises, and focus on movement that fits your life and your personality. Show up, try something new, and let consistency do the heavy lifting. This could be the year exercise stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like part of your routine in the best possible way.
Zero Alcohol, All Flavor: Mocktails in Annapolis