The best fitness classes in Paris

The first studio in Paris to take on the SoulCycle concept, all classes at Dynamo are led by bilingual teachers. Lights go down as endorphins go up – this class is made for Duracell bunnies so expect whooping and the occasional high five. With up to six sessions a day, it’s ideal for early birds and the pumping soundtrack is the equivalent of approximately five morning expressos. Even better, a live DJ accompanies the 8pm Wednesday class. Who needs clubbing, eh? 

Opéra (14 rue saint Augustin, 75002) or Boétie (79 rue la Boétie, 75008).
€30 for one session or €45 for three

Location wise, the Centre de Yoga du Marais couldn’t be more zen. Hidden away on a quiet side street, Michelle Jacobi and her team of ten bilingual teachers lead all types of hatha yoga classes; so whether you’ve been practising for years or never once set foot on a yoga mat, you are in good hands. They also run a €10 mixed ability community class on Sundays at 11.30am.

Centre de Yoga du Marais, 72 rue du Vertbois, 75003. 
€20 or €148 for 8

To get you up to speed, Bikram is a 90-minute yoga session of 26 postures and two different breathing exercises. The catch? It’s in a room heated to 40 degrees. Prepare to sweat like never before (no seriously, you will be amazed at the puddle you leave behind) in the English classes at both Yoga Bikram Paris studios. Wear light clothing, bring a towel and drink plenty of water before you arrive. The rest is for the expert teachers to explain. 

11am at 13 rue Simon le franc (the Marais), or 4pm at 17 rue du faubourg Montmartre (Grands Boulevards).
€25 or €39 for an unlimited 10-day pass. 

Sundays at 11am

Based on the American SoulCycle concept, Kiwill coaches Ornella and Candice lead 45-minute spin sessions entirely in English on Sunday mornings. Fruit, water bottles and all shower necessities (and luxuries) are provided free of charge. So all you need is your workout gear…and perhaps some elbow grease. 

Kiwill, 27 rue du Grand Prieuré, 75011. 
€16-25 with the first class free of charge

Perhaps the most hardcore of the lot, Midtown Studio is the first spot in Paris dedicated to bootcamp-style fitness. A 60-minute bootcamp workout using weights, running machines and ropes will see you burning up to 1000 calories. Classes of 10 allow coachs to give you their full attention (and much needed encouragement) – in English or French. And thankfully, the studio is only five minutes walk from the metro station. Because after this kind of exertion, don’t expect to rely on your legs. 

Midtown Studio. 21 rue de Bassano, 75016. 
€25 per session

Run by a New Yorker and a Californian, Let’s Ride promises to break all fitness codes: an intense 45-minute group spin class in the near darkness of their swish Oberkampf studio. And if sweating it out to Justin Bieber is your idea of hell, don’t panic: each teacher’s online profiles shows their recently played tracks and you can even choose the position of your bike for each session. Like your most energetic night out – just on a bike.

Let's Ride. 21 rue des 3 Bornes, 75011. 
€16-25 with a welcome offer of two for €25