For those of us on workout TikTok, Solid Core and Soul Cycle are having a resurgence, replacing treadmill walking and personal trainers. To make sure every pump is worth the price for Tulane University students and Uptown residents, I reviewed workout spots based on proximity to campus, variety of classes, atmosphere and flexibility in a busy schedule. These three are my top picks.
When people think about workout studios near Tulane, they think of Romney. Located on Magazine Street right across from the Whole Foods and about a 30-minute walk from campus, Romney offers cycling, hot yoga, reformer and mat Pilates as well as boxing classes. With its variety comes the price of walking through Audubon Park for 30 minutes before and after class.
Given the walk, Romney Studios is best for weekend or evening classes, not a quick workout between classes. An unlimited membership for one-month costs $410, and unfortunately, along with the steep price tag comes cold, unfriendly staff.
That being said, if you like reformer Pilates, I think it’s worth the hike to do a mega class at Romney. However, be warned it will leave you sore for a few days.
This spot is right next to Cava on Freret Street, a 15-minute walk from campus. They offer HITT+ flow Pilates-ish classes, HITT, dance and yoga. There is access to a sauna and cold plunge for members. An unlimited membership for students costs $189 a month, and you are able to pre-book months in advance via email or text.
After a workout, you have the convenience of stopping by Cava or Starbucks next door. The staff is friendly, the studio is clean and I have never felt unwelcome at Body Shoppe. I would recommend trying a HITT 45 class or a dance tempo class if you want a fun workout.
Swoot is a bit farther — a 10-minute drive from campus on Magazine Street. They offer sculpt, pilates, yoga, spin and many other classes. I have attended two 6 a.m. cycling classes and have been impressed with both.
An unlimited membership is $189 for one month. The staff is nice, the themed workout classes are interesting, the interior is aesthetically pleasing and class was relatively difficult — in a good way. Last month, they had a Hannah Montana vs. Miley Cyrus spin class, which is something you don’t see all the time.
Despite the drive over, it’s definitely worth taking at least one class at Swoot during your time in New Orleans. The only drawback for me was that the studio was very “millennial-coded” and was a crowd of older late 20s to mid 30s people.
These contenders are the three closest studios with the greatest variety of options. When balancing price and location, Body Shoppe stands out as the most valuable option for a workout studio in New Orleans. That being said, I recommend trying all three studios so you can find your fit.