Long Beach Island, New Jersey, may be known for its stunning beaches and delicious seafood but there’s another aspect of this coastal paradise that might surprise you: the impressive fitness culture. As you drive along the boulevard, you’ll notice runners jogging and cyclists pedaling for miles at any time of day. It’s clear that staying active is a way of life here.
If you’re visiting LBI and want to maintain your workout routine between indulging in crab cakes at Kubel’s and homemade pop tarts at the Local, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of LBI’s top ten places to work out to keep you fit while enjoying your time at the shore.
Black Sheep Studios, Haven Beach & Manahawkin
Black Sheep Studios is a fitness enthusiast’s dream. Their extensive class list includes Pilates (with private and group reformer training), TRX, DFI Surf Training, barre, beach boot camps, boxing, and a cycle studio that will have you dancing (and sweating) in the dark. Black Sheep has recently expanded to two locations, including a new space in Manahawkin, and they even offer Zumba and Barre classes at Manahawkin Lake Park. For a guaranteed great workout in a beautifully designed space, book a class at Black Sheep.
- Known for: Pilates, Boot Camps, Cycling
- Recommended Class: Cycology/Barre for two classes in one.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Yoga Bohemia, Surf City & Beach Haven
With three studios and three beach locations on the island, Yoga Bohemia offers something for everyone. Choose from challenging classes like Vibrant Vinyasa, Ashtanga/Vinyasa Remix, or Yoga Sculpt, or opt for more relaxed options such as Slow Flow, Gentle, and Restorative. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Aerial Yoga at the Bay Village studio or Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga on the bay.
- Known for: Beach Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Retreats
- Recommended Class: Morning Beach Yoga to get your day started off right
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Pyour Core, Ship Bottom
Pilates fans, rejoice! You’ll love Pyour Core in Ship Bottom. This studio offers mat and reformer training, as well as Real Ryder Cycling for a core-strengthening cardio workout. With various group fitness classes, private sessions, and injury-focused training sessions, Pyour Core caters to a wide range of fitness needs.
- Known for: Pilates, Cycling
- Recommended Class: Real Ryder Cycling for a unique cycle experience
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced (good balance recommended)
Elite Fitness, Beach Haven Terrace
As LBI’s only year-round gym, Elite Fitness has been a local staple for over 25 years. This small-scale facility offers three fitness sections during peak season: outdoor weight lifting, boxing, and group fitness classes on their Palm Patio; the Bamboo Spin Room for outdoor cycling enthusiasts; and the year-round Gym Floor with cardio machines, weight lifting equipment, and a stretching station.
- Known for: Weight Lifting(indoor and outdoor), Cycling, Boxing
- Recommended Class: Spin in the Bamboo Spin Room
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
Hot or Not Yoga, Manahawkin
While technically not on the island, Hot or Not Yoga is the only studio in the area offering hot power yoga and the classic Hot 26 sequence. Classes range from gentle to hot power, catering to all levels. They offer two large studio spaces and a number of excellent teachers to choose from.
- Known for: Hot 26 Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga
- Recommended Class: Happy Hips & Hamstrings to stretch out after a beach day
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
Lyceum Fitness, Ship Bottom & Manahawkin
With two locations (one on the island and one in Manahawkin), Lyceum Fitness provides everything you need from a gym, plus showers and saunas for after your workout. Enjoy a peaceful gym environment with plenty of natural light and a variety of classes, including Step, Zumba, Yoga, and Pilates. There’s even a women’s-only gym upstairs.
- Known for: Weight lifting, Zumba, Step, Women's Only Section
- Recommended Class: Zumba to turn your cardio session into a party
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
AME Fitness, Ship Bottom
Founded by former USA Gymnastics Junior Olympian, Alessandra Maria Elenis, AME Fitness is one of the newest additions to LBI’s fitness scene. This studio offers unique classes like Feet Up Yoga, Pilates Wheel, and Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga, as well as aerial yoga classes and clinics. AME also offers Yoga Teacher Training for those looking to deepen their practice.
- Known for: Aerial Yoga, Paddle Board Yoga
- Recommended Class: Aerial Yoga to go upside-down in a safe space
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced (should be comfortable being upside down)
Retro Fitness, Manahawkin
Weightlifters will feel right at home at Retro Fitness. With a wide range of equipment from old school to new, plenty of space, and personal training options, this gym caters to those looking for a more traditional workout experience. Fuel up after your workout at the shake bar.
- Known for: Traditional gym
- Recommended Class: Body Pump to feel strong with a full-body workout
- Difficulty Level: Suitable for all levels
LBI Foundation, Loveladies
For those seeking a cultural twist to their fitness routine, the LBI Foundation offers outdoor yoga classes and occasionally hosts pop-up classes from Black Sheep Studio. It’s a great way to combine art, scenery, and exercise during your island stay.
- Known for: Outdoor Yoga, Pop-up Classes
- Recommended Class: Full moon yoga on the outdoor deck
- Difficulty: Beginner to advanced
The Great Outdoors
Sometimes the best gym is nature itself. With 18 miles of island to explore, LBI offers endless opportunities for running, walking, or biking. Water enthusiasts can try their hand at surfing or paddle boarding for a full-body workout with a side of ocean views.
- Recommended Spots: Barnegat Light State Park, Edward B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge
- Workout Groups: Shore Brake Cyclery, Holgate Greenhead Run Club
These are some excellent options to keep you in shape or kick your workout routine into high gear while enjoying all that LBI has to offer. Whether you prefer the structure of a gym, the serenity of a yoga studio, or the freedom of outdoor activities, LBI has something for every fitness level and interest.
There are also several free and donation-based fitness classes available throughout the island. We’ll cover more on those options in a future post, so stay tuned!
About the Author
Cori Dombroski is a writer and yoga teacher who has been happily living in the LBI area since Covid interrupted her adventures around the world. She is also the Director of Marketing for Outthinker and her writing has appeared in FastCompany, Harvard Business Review, and Quartz. She is passionate about anything yoga or fitness related, travel, finding hidden local gems, pursuing the endless quest to learn to surf, and her rescue dog, Bailey.
