BARTable wellness and fitness spots for the new year

Last Updated On Jan. 01, 2024

Cycle and stretch at Wheelhouse's SOMA and Embarcadero locations, both close to BART stations. Photo courtesy of Wheel House.

What would the new year be without the promise of setting and tackling self-improvement goals? And just as we help you get to where you need to go, we've rounded up an assortment of fitness and wellness spots that will not only help you remain motivated, but also keep you up-to-date on the newest trends in the industry. Places like Wheel House incorporate the adrenaline-pumping sport of cycling with the whole-body therapeutics of yoga. Indoor activities not your thing? We've got suggestions for outdoor experiences, too, all BARTable and accessible.

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

San Francisco

Work out in a private booth using VR technology as your guide. Photo courtesy of Black Box VR.

Black Box VR | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Virtual reality meets the HIIT fitness fad with Black Box VR. In 30 minutes, you’ll experience an immersive video game while working out with resistance cables, reaping the benefits of a whole-body workout. Anyone who loves the adrenaline rush of playing video games has the potential to not only enjoy gaming but also lose weight and get fit. Membership rates vary. Free trials are available. Travel 0.1 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza to 1390 Market St.

Warrior pose with the San Francisco skyline as your backdrop. Photo courtesy of Hot 8 Yoga.

Hot 8 Yoga | Montgomery St

Get ready to sweat, in a good way, with this popular yoga studio that started in LA. Like Bikram yoga, hot yoga keeps the studio temperature around 100 degrees, which helps with flexibility and calorie burn. The unique thing about Hot 8 Yoga is that they offer more than just hot yoga. There’s yoga barre, yin and vinyasa, among other popular styles—all within a beautiful studio with all the perks that come with a gym membership. Various membership packages are available. Travel 0.2 miles from Montgomery St to 248 Sutter St.

Glen Canyon offers views and trails in the middle of San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Mike Kirschner.

Glen Canyon Trails | Glen Park

No need to travel hours to the mountains to enjoy a little forest bathing with Glen Canyon located in the heart of San Francisco, just steps from the Glen Park station. With 60 acres of wilderness and 3.7 miles of trails, several scenic routes exist to burn calories or simply slow down and breathe deeply. Travel 0.2 miles from Glen Park to Bosworth Street and O'Shaughnessy Blvd.

The pickleball courts at The Crossing. Photo courtesy of The Crossing.

Pickleball at The Crossing | Embarcadero

This popular racket sport shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. The popularity of The Crossing also shows no signs of slowing down, so book a court for a game or two with friends and then head to the plaza for drinks and food. This popular hub also offers outdoor movies, dance classes and shopping pop-ups, so check their schedule and make a day of it. Travel 0.3 miles from Embarcadero to 200 Folsom St.

East Bay

Enjoy working out together at Mighty Pilates. Photo courtesy of Mighty Pilates.

Mighty Pilates | Lafayette

Pilates and its whole-body workout continue to draw fans seeking fitness, strength and flexibility with little or no impact on joints. This mini-chain recently opened its second East Bay location in downtown Lafayette, near BART and downtown Lafayette shops and restaurants. The bright space offers 11 reformers and group and private sessions. Introductory rates are available. Travel 0.2 miles from Lafayette to 3589 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

A couple enjoys some down time while hydrating. Photo courtesy of Hummingbird Nursing IV Hydration.

Hummingbird Nursing IV Hydration | Pleasant Hill

Feeling stressed, tired and run down are often signs of dehydration and many people turn to IV treatments to combat the effects of this common ailment. Dehydration can even be debilitating, which is why places like Hummingbird Nursing IV Hydration continue to be popular. Vitamin infusions are also on the menu at this Pleasant Hill treatment facility. Travel 0.9 miles from Pleasant Hill to 140 Mayhew Way, Suite 901.

UCB students love this Berkeley indoor climbing spot. Photo courtesy of Sharkyboy1248.

Mosaic Boulders | Downtown Berkeley

Berkeley’s indoor climbing facility, Mosaic Boulders, isn’t just for stressed-out students. Anyone wanting to learn how to scale nature’s geological playground should practice under the guidance of pros and without the added climate obstacles like rain and wind. Climbing incorporates every part of the body, especially one’s mental endurance. Rates at this locally owned outfit are reasonable with a variety of climbing options. Travel 0.7 miles from Downtown Berkeley to 2369 Telegraph Ave.

Find solutions for wellness issues through the ancient art of acupuncture. Photo courtesy of East Bay Acupuncture.

East Bay Acupuncture | Ashby

The ancient art of acupuncture is said to alleviate several health and wellness issues from infertility, inflammation and migraines to digestion and sleep disorders. Many prefer to go the Eastern medicine route to solve health issues and acupuncture is the first stop. East Bay Acupuncture is also well-versed in herbal medicine. Travel 0.9 miles from Ashby to 2346 Stuart St.

Where do you like to get your fitness and wellness on?

Let us know where to go! Tell us on social media at SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.

by Sophia Markoulakis

Sophia Markoulakis is a Bay Area-based freelance journalist covering lifestyle and human interest topics. Her first memory riding BART was while attending UC Berkeley. It was the fastest way to escape her seven roommates and head to San Francisco. She still rides BART to access the best the bay has to offer.