If you live in Sydney, chances are you’re already knee-deep in an intense exercise regimen that dominates your Insta presence (more if you count post-workout brunches and coffees, obvs). But even the most dedicated athletes need to mix it up now and again...
Alternative workout classes are having a real moment—from floating pilates to aerial acrobatics, Sydneysiders are trading the repetitive gym grind for engaging and challenging classes that build confidence, develop new skills, and make interesting dinner-party convo starters.
Adam Childs at Bondi’s Vantage Jiu-Jitsu believes non-traditional workouts keep people active and healthy without feeling like a chore. “I don’t like exercising at all—I just enjoy jiu jitsu, which happens to have all sorts of fitness benefits,” he says.
Meanwhile, Chloe Glover, co-founder of Duality Pole finds that the mental benefits of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone are even more valuable than the physical benefits.
“Pole dancing is way more social than you’d imagine. It’s daunting to step into a space without much clothing, to remember choreography, and to put yourself out there. But doing it—and in an environment where the community really rallies around you—builds so much confidence, it’s unreal.”
So, if you’re bored of your gym routine, need to trick your mind and body into exercising, or just want to challenge yourself with something new, these are Urban List's picks for 10 of the best alternative workout classes in Sydney.
Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates
The Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre, 2 Rose Bay Avenue, Rose Bay and Sydney Uni Sports & Fitness, Codrington Street and Darlington Road, Darlington
Image credit: Aqua Sculpt | Instagram
Looking for a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups while improving your balance, flexibility, and strength? Oh, and did we mention it’s on water?
Aqua Sculpt offers floating pilates classes in Darlington and Rose Bay. Or, if you fancy something a little more therapeutic, you can also enjoy a floating sound bath at Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach. It’s exactly as relaxing as it sounds!
THE DETAILS
Cost: $45 for one class, $165 for a five-sculpt pack, $300 for a 10-sculpt pack.
Best for: Toning, strength, and balance.
Why we love it: It takes our core workout to the next level in a refreshingly fun environment.
Gymnastics And Calisthenics At Dalecki Strength
25 Euston Road, Alexandria
Image credit: Dalecki Strength | Instagram
Whether you want a sculpted gymnast’s physique or to perfect some impressive party tricks like acrobatics, handstands, and the splits, you’ll love Dalecki Strength in Alexandria.
This beginner-friendly gym offers personal training as well as small group workout classes across gymnastics skills, flexibility, and strength training.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $35 for a trial class, then six-month membership from $69 for two sessions per week.
Best for: Flexibility, strength, and perfecting impressive moves!
Why we love it: It feels more like playtime than a workout.
Pole Dancing At Duality Pole
Gadigal Land, Level 1, 88 Kippax Street
Image credit: Duality Pole | Instagram
Who said a good workout can’t also be sexy? Duality Pole in Surry Hills offers floor, chair, and pole dance classes where you can tone up, learn new tricks, and get in touch with your sensual side in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
If you’re not quite ready to release your inner vixen (or clumsy mess) in public, you can do Duality Pole Online with as little as some floor space and a kitchen chair.
THE DETAILS
Cost: Ranging from $270 for one class per week for eight weeks.
Best for: Toning and building lean muscle.
Why we love it: You can’t beat getting ripped while feeling sexy.
Aerial Arts And Circus Training At Aerialize
7–9 Close Street, Canterbury
Image credit: Aerialize | Website
Ever fancied running away with the circus? Or gawked at impossibly talented acrobats and wondered if you could ever bend that way? Well, now you can see if you’ve got what it takes to at Aerialize in Canterbury.
With classes for kids and adults, you can explore anything from static trapeze, silks/tissu, Lyra, straps, and acrobalance to acrobatics, hula hoops, juggling, Chinese pole, and contortion. (Yes, you read that right—contortion!)
THE DETAILS
Cost: Prices vary depending on the session type, starting at $50 for adult drop-in classes.
Best for: Skill building and muscle toning.
Why we love it: Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and mastering new skills feels oh-so-good.
Paddleboard Yoga At SheSups
Manly (Harbour Side)
Image credit: SheSups | Website
Some of us struggle to stay upright during yoga on solid ground, but if you feel like challenging your balance and core strength with paddleboard yoga, check out SheSUPs in Manly.
These classes are suitable for beginners as well as experienced yogis. Plus you’ll get to enjoy a little bit of paddleboarding as you make your way out to the open water ‘studio’. This one's just for women and women-identifying yogis.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $65 for 1.5 hours + all equipment provided
Best for: Toning and balance (both physical and emotional!)
Why we love it: Yoga on open water is invigorating and restorative all at once.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu At Vantage
Suite 1, 44 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction
Image credit: Vantage Jiu Jitsu | Instagram
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ to those in the know) is all the rage right now. Seriously, it seems like everyone we know is champing at the bit to get sweaty and roll around with strangers in the name of health and fitness.
Combining strength, self-defence, and strategic thinking, BJJ builds both physical and mental resilience. And, according to the experts at Vantage Jiu Jitsu, it’s also an intense, full-body aerobic and anaerobic workout. Classes range from ‘Fundamentals’ and ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Open Mat’ and Advanced PRO’ so you can pick whatever works best for your skill level.
THE DETAILS
Cost: From $55 per week for a 12-month unlimited membership, or $300 for a 10-class pass.
Best for: Strength, toning, and cardiovascular health.
Why we love it: It’s a full-on workout for the brain and body.
Dancing in the Dark At No Lights No Lycra
Main Hall Newtown, 189 Church Street, Newtown
Hate working out in a fishbowl gym where everyone can see you sweating and pulling awkward faces? No Lights No Lycra lets you bust all your most ridiculous moves in a low-light and judgement-free environment. You literally just show up, move your body, and have fun—what’s not to love?
THE DETAILS
Cost: $15 entry.
Best for: Fun and fitness.
Why we love it: It’s cheap and suitable for anyone and everyone.
Trampolining At SaltoFit
Concord Oval Recreation Centre, 8 Gipps Street Concord and World Gym Chullora, 62 Hume Highway, Chullora
Image credit: SaltoFit | Instagram
Looking for a low-impact, high-intensity Sydney workout class with bouncy HIIT sessions on mini trampolines to keep things interesting?
SaltoFit’s rebound classes are designed to engage and sculpt all your major muscle groups. They also boost balance and coordination, improve bone density, and support the lymphatic system.
THE DETAILS
Cost: From $25 for a casual one-class pass and $240 for a 12-class pass.
Best for: Improving overall fitness.
Why we love it: It’s fun and intense but also low-impact.
Parkour At Stunt Gym
4/13 Dale Street, Brookvale
Image credit: Stunt Gym | Website
Ever watched an action movie chase scene and thought “I reckon I could do that if I really tried…”? Well, now’s your chance to put your money where your mouth is!
Founded by a real-life stunt man, Stunt Gym offers Parkour training from vaulting, landings, climbing, and bar work to wall work, flow, and safety strategies.
THE DETAILS
Cost: From $34 for one-off Parkour Basics, or $44 per week for Adults Basic Plan
Best for: Strength, balance, and overall fitness.
Why we love it: You’ll finally know what it feels like to be Jason Bourne!
Capoeira At Aruanda
East Sydney Community and Arts Centre, 34-40 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Aruanda | Website
If you’re looking for martial arts mixed with dance, Capoeira is the one for you. This Afro-Brazilian martial arts game is played to the rhythms of traditional percussion instruments like berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro.
Classes at Aruanda are suitable for beginners and include technique practice, acrobatic practice, the actual game (jogo), and some fun music practice for anyone who wants to learn how to play the traditional Capoeira instruments. Part game, part battle, part dance, Capoeira is the ultimate workout for someone who wants to get fitter without realising they’re doing it.
THE DETAILS
Cost: $25 for casual lesson, $60 for 4-lesson intro package, $100 for 5-lesson regular package. You can also try with one free trial pass.
Best for: Flexibility, balance, cardiovascular health, and mental health.
Why we love it: It’s a full body workout that keeps you guessing.
Now check out our picks for Sydney's best Pilates studios.
Image credit: SheSUPs | Website