a revolution in uptown

New Uptown boutique fitness studio spins an intense workout for Houstonians

Revolution Studio Uptown Park new location

The Uptown crowd can spin away at the newest Revolution Studio outpost.

Photo courtesy of Revolution Studio

Houstonians looking for new ways to get ripped in Uptown have no shortage of options, thanks to a soon-to-open, celebrity gym TruFusion and now, a locally spun fitness gym.

Revolution Studio, a boutique fitness studio founded in Houston, will open a new location in Uptown Park on Saturday, August 10. The new gym will offer cycling, yoga, and strength training classes and will be open seven days a week.

The new Uptown location boasts 3,400 square feet of workout space and features Revolution Studio’s signature Cycle and Lotus Studios, locker rooms, and a retail boutique of fitness clothing and accessories, according to a release.

Revolution Studio offers three class formats. RIPPED is a high-intensity, circuit training class designed for a full-body workout. Classes hold up to 15 “warriors” and utilize dumbbells, bands, and medicine balls with lifting, squatting, pushing, and jumping movements to build body strength, per a release.

Meanwhile, The Cycle Studio, designed for 45- or 60-minute rhythm-based cycling classes, features 56 Stages bikes organized in stadium-style seating. The classes incorporate cardio, weights, and core strength paired with high-energy music.

Other workouts include yoga classes, which are heated and hold up to 28 “yogis” with a variety of props, including blocks and straps. RS Ride is a 45-or 60-minute rhythm-based cycling class.

Revolution Studio was founded by husband-and-wife duo and native Texans, Mitch and Kim Syma, who opened their first studio in Sugar Land in October of 2012. Revolution Studio currently operates in River Oaks, Memorial City, and Sugar Land.

“Our new studio at Uptown Park brings us closer to our clients in the uptown neighborhood,” said Kim Syma, in a statement. “Partnering with EDENS and bringing our high-energy cycle, creative Vinyasa yoga, and HIIT strength classes to Uptown Park offers convenient access to over 75 classes a week at Houston’s most sought-after fitness studio.”

fitness openings

hey, joe

Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

openings trader joe's