Offering an approachable, affordable, and community-driven yoga experience, Black Swan is a donation based, 90-degree heated studio with locations in the Heights,

West U, + Midtown. The suggested donation is $10-20 per class, but you pay what you can and there is no need to reserve spots ahead of time. If your busy schedule does not allow for in-person workouts, Black Swan also offers online classes for as little as $8 a month so subscribers can practice yoga at home or on the go. 

SWEAT stands for Specialized Weight Endurance Athletic Training, and you can expect to burn around 1000 calories in each 1 hour workout composed of interval training, functional training, core stability work, athletic training, and agility training. Originating from South Africa, SWEAT 1000's Houston Heights location is the only location in the U.S. Sure to be unique to any class you've taken before, the workout is different every time and combines treadmills, weights, and mat exercises all in one program. SWEAT 1000 offers a Buy 1 Get 1 deal for all first time visitors, plus a 20% discount on your first in-studio purchase. 

DEFINE is one of Houston's most transformative fitness studios, offering barre, cycling, trampoline, hammock and yoga classes under one roof. DEFINE's mission is to help each and every client look and feel their absolute best through strength, length, + balance. There are currently six locations in the Houston area. Each location is independently owned and operated, and the Heights outpost is offering a New Year Special until January 31st--one month unlimited for $125 (regularly $250). Click here to purchase!

"Come as you are" is the philosophy at reformer Pilates studio Citizen Pilates, where founder Jess Hughes is focused on creating a place where everyone feels like they can join. Citizens offers many different levels and types of classes aimed at making Pilates appealing to all, whether you are in peak shape or recovering from an injury.  Be on the lookout for free community classes offered throughout the year taught by new instructors. Citizens has two locations in the Heights and a third location in Oak Forest scheduled to open February 2020. New client specials include 3 classes for $59 or 5 classes for $99. Click here for intro offers!

With two locations in River Oaks and Downtown, plus over 100 million calories burned, 160K donated to charity, and continuing to grow a strong community, RYDE indoor cycling sets the standard for local boutique fitness. Classes are 45 minutes and taught to the beat of high-energy music, offering a cutting-edge atmosphere with personal performance metrics sent after each class. RYDE founders (and Texas A&M graduates) invite the Houston community  to experience the next generation of indoor cycling. New client specials include First Ryde for $20 + Infinite Week for $40. Click here for more info.

The Preserve, offering "Nature. Inspired. Fitness." is not your average gym. The ultra chic, private facility has an upper deck for sunrise and sunset yoga, a 25-meter pool and classes, an open gym surrounded by floor to ceiling windows with garden vistas, and a lush, green atrium. In addition to luxury facilities, members enjoy a variety of challenging yet fun classes as well as private services. New members have the option to purchase a personalized "Roadmap for Success" 4-6 week fitness plan. 

New Year promotions include $0 enrollment fees + a discounted monthly rate of $169/month (regularly $219) for the first 3 months. 

Vortex is Houston's first multi-sensory indoor cycling and boxing studio. They aim to deliver world class fitness against a backdrop of absolute luxury. Expect cycling classes that are full-body workouts designed to reboot and strengthen your body and boxing classes that incorporate traditional boxing combinations, body weight strength exercise, and cardio. Vortex also sponsors 4 charities and donates 100% of the revenue of 1 class each month to support those causes. The studio offers Unlimited intro week passes for new members for $40. Click here for more info. 

STRETCH studio is a luxury fitness studio located in Montrose, owned  by two Houstonian sisters who take pride in giving each client their best possible experience. The studio offers small Pilates, yoga, and indoor cycle classes  as well as solo lessons in your own private suite. Small class sizes allow STRETCH instructors to give everyone a personalized experience, offering modifications for those who need it or advancements for those who are ready. The studio is by appointment only, so be sure to reserve your spot. New clients can enjoy their first group class at an introductory rate of $20 or first private session for $99. Click here for details. 

Re/forme offers the revolutionary Lagree fitness method, focused on making your workouts more efficient and effective by constantly working multiple muscle groups in your body through compound movements, and utilizing the megaformer for low impact with high intesity. The full body workout combines cardio, strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance during resistance and counter resistant exercises. Re/forme is offering one month unlimited in January for $175 (regularly $195-260) + new clients can try 2 classes for $30 and their first month unlimited for $160. Click here for current pricing.

Fitness doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of public parks around the city to kick-start your exercise routine. Memorial Park is at the heart of Houston's running community and one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The Memorial Park "loop"  is a 2.9-mile long trail that is well-lit and filled with people, even after dark. The route is accessible from all parts of the park, but the Memorial park Running Trails Center at 7575 N. Picnic Lane offers lockers for your belongings and showers to freshen up after your workout.  

Recent initiatives have transformed the city's underused bayous into an interconnected series of parks and bike trails. The well paved trails allow for a smooth biking experience through a collection of landscaped parks and stunning skyline vistas. Bring along your four-legged friends and visit Johnny Steele Dog Park located near Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard, featuring a pond, shade structures, dog washing areas, benches, and drinking fountains. If you are still around at sunset, check out the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony where more than 250,000 bats emerge nightly.  

It is easy to forget the stunning Rice University campus located within our bustling city. Located along the perimeter of the campus, the Rice University Loop offers locals a sheltered trail along the outskirts of the Museum District and nearby Medical center complete with towering oak trees and scenic vies of ivy-covered homes. The track is always populated, but not well-lit at night, so it's best to visit before dark. End your workout at sunset and experience a view like no other at the famous James Turrell Skyspace located at the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion. 

This 500-acre park on the west side of Houston offers fun for all ages. Enjoy the park's signature "anthills," a series of challenging earth mounds for cyclists and trail runners, or a paved trail ideal for running, walking, and biking. Exercise stations are sprinkled throughout the trail for strength training, and a playground with several covered pavilions offers a great venue for play dates and picnics. The park also features an access point to the 26-mile Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail, where you can bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for a one-of-a-kind workout experience. 

Don't forget about nutrition when it comes to meeting your health goals. Adopting a healthy eating plan can be overwhelming. If you are tired of  uninspired options or tasteless prepared meals, give Austin at Goodvibes Lab a call. Dubbed "The Food Man," Austin is passionate about delivering personalized nutrition counseling to his clients through highly specialized plans. Try his fan-favorite proprietary bone broth or follow him on social media for ongoing health tips. Contact Austin via email to learn more--austin@goodvibes-lab.com. Mention Kyla Linn for 5% off your first full week of meals.