If the number of people running around town in stylish active wear is any indication, it’s safe to say residents of Hoboken and Jersey City are into fitness. Fortunately for us fitness freaks {or wannabes}, gone are the days of needing to venture across the Hudson to find top-notch health and fitness services. The number of gyms, boutique workout studios, and other wellness-centered shops that are popping up around our community seems to be growing constantly, and we’re happy not to have to leave our neighborhoods (let alone take a ride on the PATH) to take advantage of them. To add to your ever-growing list of places to get your sweat on {and health kicks in} is the Brunswick Center in Jersey City — located at 189 Brunswick Street.
Located in a former Catholic School in the Village neighborhood of downtown JC, the Brunswick Center is a one-stop-shop for wellness lovers, housing several fitness studios, community and education spaces, and even a colonic expert {oh hayyy Doody Free Girl}! There are over a dozen businesses in the center that provide services for self-improvement. It’s like a little mall for all things wellness — off-the-beaten path in Jersey City. Here are a few of the coolest things you’ll find inside and why you should head over, STAT.
Hudson Play
Hudson Play is located within the bottom level of the Brunswick Center, and if you’re interested in any gladiator-type activities, this is your spot to come for a little adventure {or you know, if you have kids!}. There are activities ranging from toddler tumbling to a 6-week robotics course that teaches kids math and engineering skills using Legos. There are also more “holistic” programs like Chess & Play, where kids can work their problem solving skills in a game of chess and then get moving on a rock climbing wall or other fun physical activity. There’s even a virtual rollercoaster. Kid you not. And a small café. Sidenote: the hibiscus tea is a must-try!
Yes, it sounds like a kid’s dream, but also a totally fun weekend afternoon adventure.
Blackbird Gallery & Art Studio
Blackbird Gallery & Art studio is housed on the 2nd floor of the Brunswick Center and focuses on contemporary art and photography. They offer a variety of fun and educational studio art classes for both children and adults. {When we stopped by there were some little ones about to learn to paint, but paint-n-sip happens too!}.
Arts United Capoeira
Arts United Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines art, music, dance, and self-defense — for both children and adults. We stopped into their class and got to see lots of action. It’s so unique, and a must-try! You can tell they house quite the community.
Rush Cycle
Fitness enthusiasts can find studios like Rush Cycle, a spinning studio featuring RealRyder bikes {they move side to side while you ride for some serious core work}.
Other fitspo can be found at Jersey City Kickboxing, Power House Pilates, and the Max Challenge. For those who are looking for a comprehensive health and fitness routine, one of our Hoboken faves, Iron Plate Studios, has a second location offering private personalized training and nutrition plans. They offer both small group and one-on-one training, and even have bridal, pre- and post-natal, and competition prep fitness plans.
Dance Lessons
To keep your little ones active, check out JC Ballet for children’s dance classes.
For the brides-to-be, Jersey Ballroom offers dance classes in a wide variety of dance formats, including Swing dancing and Tango. Getting married? They will work with you to choreograph a wedding dance you’ll love to the song of your choice.
The Brunswick School
Yes – this is the *actual* name of the building, but it’s also a preschool for children, focusing on holistic approaches to learning.
The Art of Living
To round out your wellness routine, check out The Art of Living’s Happiness Center for stress-busting meditation sessions, including a “Happiness Program,” which they created to offer a one-stop shop to a happier life. Ummm yes please.
Doody-Free Girl Colonics
{Literally} cleansing your body from the inside out — which we did, here, Doody Free Girl’s owner Jen is a certified colon hydrotherapist who performs gravity colonics. She is your go-to girl for all things gut health – a perfect complement to the wealth of mind and body services you can find at the Brunswick Center. {Plus, her Insta is pretty poo-tastic and punny, lolz}.
Find a complete list of the businesses located inside the center here. Happy exploring!
