Amsterdam may be known as a top city for bikers, but the only bike I got on during my visit was at an indoor cycling studio. I’ve been biking my whole life but it’s been a few years and I wasn’t feeling quite confident enough to take on the city streets. Not only is it looked down upon to wear a helmet (legit I saw zero people wearing helmets) but also there are SO many bikers, it was overwhelming. Surely I’d crash into one, veer off the narrow streets and into a canal (I think I have residual fears from the time as a child when I didn’t know how to use breaks and biked off a trail and literally landed in a creek), or I wouldn’t obey the proper biking laws and locals would yell at me.
So, I opted to use my feet to get around, but still got in some cycling from the safety of a spin room. Whether you’re more confident than me and bike around Amsterdam, or you just use your legs, you might crave a harder workout and a better calorie burn. I visited 3 studios and went on a run during our trip to Amsterdam. This city has a really amazing health scene, it was hard to narrow down my choices. If you’re visiting this beautiful canal city full of pancakes, fries and dutch apple pie, here’s where you can go when you’re craving a sweat. Side note: all of the below classes are taught in English!
High Studio (for HIIT)
It only seems fitting to try a workout called High Studio while in Amsterdam. It’s a 45 minute class that combines time on a non-motorized treadmill (the leading picture shows these curved treadmills) and time on the weight floor. The class will get your heart rate up and will challenge you. I loved the class, my only complaint is that I wish it was longer! If that’s not a testament to the creativity of the workout, I don’t know what is. First class is only 9 euros.
Rocycle (for cycling)
Choose from 45 or 60 minute cycling classes at Rocycle, a bright and energetic studio. Based on the one class I took, I’m a fan. And as a cycling instructor myself, I’m hard to please in the spin studio. The class was rhythmic, but not so insane that someone without rhythm (like myself), can’t keep up with. I liked that sufficient resistance was encouraged throughout class. Thanks to great instruction, plus a style that was challenging but doable, I left feeling really positive, and really sweaty. The studio is beautiful, has nice locker rooms, and has a juice shop inside. A drop in class is 12 euros, or take advantage of a new rider deal, first two rides for 18 euros.
PLTS (for barre + pilates)
Slow things down with micro-movements at PLTS. They offer barre and pilates reformer classes. I tried the barre class. The 50 minute session went by so quickly even though my muscles were burning like woah. Another beautiful Instagrammable studio you should check out. It’s definitely on the pricier side at 25 euros for a one-class drop in, but if you have more time in the city, go for the 3 class trial pack at 35 euros.
Where to Run
And lastly, I took myself on a touristy run through Amsterdam. I don’t have an amazing route to share with you, I sort of wandered in and out of different areas. My advice to you is wake up early, make sure you run by one of the IAmsterdam signs for a crowd-free pic, and run up and down the canals. The architecture along the water is so gorgeous that it will keep you distracted during your miles.
If I lived in Amsterdam, I’d definitely be a regular at all of these studios and of course wouldn’t mind running through the pretty streets (reminder, look out for bikers!!).
Pin this for your future Amsterdam trip!
Have you worked out in Amsterdam? Any awesome studios I missed?
