03.21.2024

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Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 7:37 p.m.
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🏋️ Workin’ on our fitness

Get your sweat on at gyms around Columbia

Get fit in rhythm at the new BEATS Barre Studio. | Photo by BEATS Barre Studio | Amy Guinn

Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else. Fun fact: all of the gyms listed below were nominated by our readers, so you can see what other Soda Citizens are doing and find something that works for you.

Columbia is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, dancing to hip-hop tunes for a little cardio action, or boxing for a full-body workout. Use this guide as a resource for all things fitness in the Soda City.

Pro tip: Not sure which to try first? Try out multiple gyms with a free trial on ClassPass.

For those looking for variety

BEATS Barre Studio, 1835 Gervais St., Suite C, Columbia
BEATS — standing for burn, energize, tone, and sculpt — offers a 360-degree floor routine with optional ankle weights, arm workouts featuring wristbands, weights, resistance bands, ballet-inspired barre sessions for full-body strength, and high-energy dance classes set to invigorating beats.

*Pro tip:* Complimentary childcare is available for every group training class. | Photo by EQ Fitness + Physical Therapy and Hannah Boyles

For those who want one-on-one training

EQ Fitness & Physical Therapy, 2414 Devine St., Columbia
This local gym hopes to challenge what it means to be physically fit and offers physical therapy by Dr. Kate Newsom, PT, DPT along with training classes. It also offers group classes that are 45 minutes, 24-hour gym access, and one-on-one personal care. Pro tip: Complimentary childcare is available for group training classes.

For those who enjoy the flow

Rooted Yoga, 141 S Shandon St. F, Columbia
Rooted Yoga offers a diverse range of classes, including warm power vinyasa, all-level vinyasa yoga, gentle yoga + guided meditation, Tai Chi, dynamic flows, and more.

Want even more flow-style workouts? Check out our Yoga City Guide.

Woman working out on astroturf rooftop — The WKRT staff recently worked out on Brookland’s lush rooftop | Photo provided

For those who want to shake and strengthen

The WRKT, multiple locations
The WRKT, founded by Karis Loewen in 2019, aims to blend professionalism in Pilates instruction with tangible results, offering methods like The Tower, The Reformer, and The Megaformer. Coming soon is the WRKT Method — on-demand classes + Lexington, SC.

30+ more gyms

City Guide presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union.

Asked

What’s your biggest gym pet-peeve?

A. Loud grunting/noises
B. Not wiping down equipment
C. Not re-racking weights
D. Talking loudly on phone

Tell us which fits the best

Events

Thursday, March 21

Taste of Lake Murray 2024 | Thursday, March 21 | 6 p.m. | Doubletree by Hilton, 2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $125 | Enjoy an evening of local cuisine, drinks, music, and fun with Lake Murray friends is the sole fundraiser for the Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Lake Murray.
Floral Flair: Brighten Up Any Space | Thursday, March 21 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $20-$35 | Learn general principles of floral design + tricks for stylish accessorizing.

Friday, March 22

Foraging Walks with Matt Kip of Full Belly Foraging | Friday, March 22-Saturday, March 23 | Times vary | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $35 | Celebrate Art Blossoms a little differently on a nature walk with Kip at the Columbia Riverwalk to explore what’s right here in our city’s natural landscape.
Gamecock Baseball vs. Vanderbilt Commodores | Friday, March 22 | 7 p.m. | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $20-$25 | Vanderbilt brings a top ten squad to town to take on the Gamecocks at Founders Park.

Saturday, March 23

Cherry Blossom Brunch at Boku | Saturday, March 23 | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Boku Kitchen + Saloon, 916 Gervais St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Dine while a local DJ spins bright + fun music, and enjoy a dim sum menu.
Roses & Rosé | Saturday, March 23 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $100 | Sip into spring with wines paired expertly with Art Blossoms arrangements and nibbles from F2T Productions.

Sunday, March 24

High Tea | Sunday, March 24-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 2-4 p.m. | Stone River, 121 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | $30-$55 | Start your experience with a glass of champagne, then choose from the selection of premium winter Rishi teas.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Wellness

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Shop a variety of products from Mood like gummies, edibles, and sweet treats. | Photos provided by Mood; GIF created by 6AM City

Whether you need help concentrating, relaxing, or getting a good night’s sleep, Mood offers a variety of high-quality THCa products for whatever mood you’re feeling.

Grown by a small American family and lab-tested to ensure its quality, Mood’s shop features everything from flower and concentrates to gummies and vapes delivered straight to your door.

Pro tip: Fast nationwide shipping is free on orders over $100 with a 100-day, money-back guarantee.^†

Use FIRST20 to get 20% off

†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Mood advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City.

News Notes

Coming Soon

Pannerpete Vintage is launching an online store for nationwide shopping. The website will offer select items for purchase. Stay tuned for the official launch date announcement.

Development

Forest Acres announced the start of Richland Mall’s demolition yesterday. The 32-acre site demolition is set to last a year. Southeastern Development leads the $100 million plan for apartments, businesses, and a green space. Get caught up on the development.

Biz

New Brookland Tavern, a local music venue that recently relocated to Five Points, plans to expand by adding another stage next door. The move aims to provide more performance opportunities + offer rehearsal space. Shows in the expanded area are scheduled to start in May. (The Post and Courier)

Sports

Good luck, Gamecocks. USC’s men’s basketball team will play in the first round of the NCAA tournament today against the Oregon Ducks at 4 p.m. If they win, they will move on in the bracket and play on Saturday. Keep up with the tournament and scores on the NCAA website.

Outdoors

The 2024 Richland County Ag+Art Tour sites have been announced, featuring 20 diverse locations including farms, markets, and gardens. Check out the tour map online and stay updated for more news.

Festival

Mark your calendars: Soiree on State hits Cayce’s State Street on Saturday, March 23, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy a fun-filled day with artists, bounce courses, face painting, food, and live music headlined by the band Cash Money Experience. Get details + see the full lineup.*

Listen

USC’s men’s basketball team looks to silence doubters in the NCAA tournament vs. the Oregon Ducks. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Home

It’s time for beautiful, energy-efficient windows in your home. Save on new windows in Renewal by Andersen^®’s spring savings event — happening for a limited time only.*

Learn

Meet The Daily Upside, a free business newsletter that offers sharp analysis of the latest finance, economics, and market news. Navigate the complexities of inflation, rate hikes, and more without clickbait headlines. Join 1+ million subscribers when you sign up for free.*

Development

⛲️ Finlay Park updates

The City of Columbia released updates on Finlay Park

Construction on Finlay Park with COLA's skyline in the background.

Finlay Park is coming together. | Photo via COLAtoday

Finlay Park is aiming to reopen this fall. According to Assistant City Manager Henry Simons, the City of Columbia is hoping the redevelopment will be completed by September. The city has also shared a YouTube video featuring a timeline and images of the revitalization project.

This would roughly keep the city on its anticipated timeline. When crews broke ground in September 2023, they anticipated constructions would take 22-24 months. However, Simons said that delays are possible, but the park should be completed by at least the end of 2025.

The city has invested $24.1 million into Finlay Park’s revitalization. The plan is to update existing amenities and increase accessibility, safety, and visibility so citizens are encouraged to partake in outdoor activities.

One of the biggest key features of the new park will be the renovated fountain that will flow into a new central pond. The new water feature will also incorporate sustainable techniques to treat stormwater.

Other renovations include:

Multi-use structures, including a band stage, and lawn areas will be improved for events.
Additional features like strolling gardens, walkways, an overlook plaza, restrooms, shade shelters, and public art will be added for visitors’ enjoyment.
Increased visibility, cameras, call boxes, and improved lighting will be implemented.
The project also involves adding office space for hospitality services and park rangers, as well as accessibility upgrades and parking modifications.

Take time to read through the full 40-page master plan.

The Buy

The Buy 3.21.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

These No. 1 best-selling women’s running shorts, because spring is officially here and that means more workouts outside (yay). Under Armour’s shorts have a built-in brief and are lightweight and breathable, thanks to sweat-wicking material.

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The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor

Did we miss your favorite gym or fitness studio? Email us and let us know. Pro tip for students in Cola — many gyms will offer student discount memberships.

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