WELLNESS & FITNESS TRENDS IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Traverse City is bursting with incredible wellness and fitness experiences that capitalize on its abundant water, wineries and sauna culture.

Nestled between the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan and the serene beauty of the surrounding forests, Traverse City, Michigan, has become a destination for wellness and fitness enthusiasts seeking to rejuvenate both body and mind. Known for its natural beauty, wineries, and a rich sauna culture, Traverse City offers a diverse range of wellness trends that promote holistic health in a stunning setting. From outdoor adventures to the latest fitness classes and mindful retreats, the region has become a hub for those looking to live well while embracing the outdoors. Here’s a look at some of the top wellness and fitness trends making waves in Traverse City.

1. Water-Based Wellness: The Allure of Lakes & Rivers

With its proximity to both Lake Michigan and the picturesque Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City offers an abundance of water-based activities that support both physical fitness and mental relaxation.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) have become increasingly popular in the area, offering a full-body workout while providing an opportunity to connect with nature. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters allows for a low-impact workout that engages the core, arms, and legs, all while soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and dunes. We think PlayNorth Watersports’ LED night-time paddle experiences are lit.

Water Therapy: Local spas and wellness centers are now offering water therapy sessions, including floatation tanks and hydrotherapy pools in downtown Traverse City at Solitude Float and Wellness. These practices utilize the calming effects of water to reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation.

2. The Sauna Revival: A Nordic-Inspired Trend

Traverse City has a long-standing love affair with saunas, a tradition that has recently been making a significant comeback. Inspired by Nordic wellness rituals, saunas are considered one of the best ways to detoxify, improve circulation, and relax.

Sauna Experiences: The Finnish-style saunas and steam rooms found at local wellness centers are becoming a regular part of many residents’ fitness routines. Fox and Flame is one of our favorites, offering a more luxurious experience, some boutique spas offer sauna sessions that incorporate aromatherapy, cold plunges, and even guided meditation. This type of hot-and-cold therapy, known as contrast bathing, is gaining traction for its ability to enhance muscle recovery, boost the immune system, and reduce stress.

Sauna Social Clubs: In addition to standalone sauna experiences, Traverse City is also seeing the rise of sauna "social clubs," where members can enjoy sauna sessions in community-oriented spaces, often coupled with relaxation lounges and natural body treatments.

3. Outdoor Fitness: Embracing the Great Outdoors

With an abundance of scenic parks, trails, and beaches, Traverse City has become a mecca for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. From cycling to hiking to trail running, the region’s natural landscapes provide endless opportunities to get active while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Trail Running & Hiking: With miles of well-maintained trails weaving through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and other regional parks, trail running and hiking are top fitness trends. We especially love the trails at Hickory Hills, which are no joke. The challenging terrain and stunning vistas not only provide a great cardiovascular workout but also offer mental clarity as participants reconnect with the natural world.

Cycling: Traverse City is a haven for cyclists, offering an extensive network of bike trails and quiet roads that take riders through lush forests, rolling hills, and vineyard vistas, especially up M-37 on Old Mission Peninsula. With cycling tours and group rides gaining popularity, biking has become an excellent way to stay fit while exploring the region's scenic beauty.

Winter Sports: In the colder months, the focus shifts to skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The nearby Mt. Holiday offers ample opportunities for winter sports like night-time tubing, while Traverse City's cross-country ski trails at the VASA Pathway and Timber Ridge (which has rentals and post-ski firepits) allow for both beginner and advanced skiers to enjoy the winter wonderland.

4. Mindfulness & Meditation: Finding Inner Peace

In line with its emphasis on holistic health, Traverse City is also seeing an increase in mindfulness and meditation practices. Visitors can participate in guided meditations, sound baths, and yoga retreats that incorporate the region’s serene landscapes into their healing experiences.

Yoga by the Water: Outdoor yoga classes, particularly those held at sunrise or sunset near the water, have become a popular way for residents and tourists to start their day. We naturally must recommend Yoga in the Vines, which has been a favorite way to experience nature and yoga since 2015. The gentle sound of waves and the fresh air combine to create the perfect setting for meditation, gentle flow practices, or even power yoga.

Silent Retreats: Several wellness retreats in the area focus on silence and mindfulness, offering participants the opportunity to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. These retreats often include daily meditation, yoga, and journaling, as well as plenty of time spent outdoors in nature.

5. Farm-to-Table Nutrition: Eating for Wellness

A crucial component of any wellness regimen is proper nutrition, and Traverse City’s culinary scene has taken great strides in offering fresh, local, and healthy options for foodies seeking to fuel their bodies with the best ingredients.

Farmers Markets: Traverse City’s vibrant farmers market scene is a testament to the area’s commitment to healthy, sustainable eating. Visitors and locals alike can find fresh, organic produce, artisanal foods, and locally sourced proteins, all of which contribute to a balanced diet that supports overall wellness. We love Edson Farms and Oryana for locally sourced groceries and to-go meals.

Healthy Dining: The city boasts an increasing number of health-conscious restaurants and cafés offering plant-based, gluten-free, and organic menu options. Taproot is a great place for vegans and non-vegans; we also love Rare Bird for the same reasons. Many of these eateries focus on sustainable practices, serving meals made with ingredients sourced directly from local farms and purveyors.

Wineries with Wellness Programs: Traverse City is well-known for its wineries, and many of them now offer wellness-oriented events and experiences. Vineyard yoga sessions at Mari Vineyards, Black Star Farms and Brys Estate Vineyard, wine and wellness retreats, and nutrition talks are becoming more common, combining the pleasures of wine tasting with a focus on well-being.

6. Fitness Studios & Boutique Classes: From HIIT to Barre

Traverse City’s fitness scene is expanding rapidly, with a variety of boutique fitness studios offering personalized classes in everything from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to barre, cycling, and strength training.

HIIT & Bootcamp: With the growing trend of functional fitness, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a staple in Traverse City's fitness community. Local gyms and outdoor boot camps are offering specialized classes that promise to build strength, burn fat, and improve cardiovascular health in a short amount of time.

Barre & Pilates: Barre and Pilates studios are popping up in the city, offering a blend of ballet-inspired movements, strength training, and flexibility exercises. These low-impact workouts are perfect for those seeking a full-body workout that’s gentle on the joints but still effective in building strength and toning muscles.

Cycling Studios: Indoor cycling has seen a resurgence, and Traverse City is home to several boutique cycling studios that offer high-energy classes designed to challenge and inspire. With motivational instructors and top-of-the-line equipment, these studios are ideal for those seeking an intense workout with a focus on cardiovascular fitness.

Wellness in the Heart of Nature

Traverse City’s wellness and fitness trends reflect the area’s deep connection to nature, its commitment to holistic health, and the community’s desire to stay active and engaged in the region’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’re paddling through crystal-clear waters, recovering in a traditional sauna, or enjoying a guided yoga class by the lake, Traverse City provides the perfect setting to nurture your body and mind. With an ever-growing selection of wellness experiences, this charming Michigan city has become a top destination for anyone looking to prioritize their health in a truly unique and inspiring environment.