Gyms & Fitness

Biltmore Fitness is a gym on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, between downtown and Biltmore Forest. According to its website, it is family-owned, has been open since 1987, and spreads over three floors with more than 20,000 square feet. The site lists general gym equipment, weightlifting facilities, fitness classes for different levels and personal training. It describes the gym as having an old-school feel without high-pressure sales. Memberships can be started online through its membership portal or in person, and the gym says it welcomes walk-ins. Check the website for current membership terms.

The Asheville JCC (Jewish Community Center) is a community center on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Its website says it aims to strengthen Jewish identity, celebrate Jewish culture and build an inclusive community. Programs include the Shalom Children's Center, a JCC Kids after-school program for kindergarten through fifth grade, and summer camps: Camp Ruach and a Leaders-In-Training program for teens. Adults can join social, cultural and holiday events, and the calendar lists film and music evenings. The center has an aquatics center with a year-round pool. Its website lists lap swimming, recreational swimming, swim team, swim lessons and water fitness. Membership and event details are on the website.

Asheville Kung Fu is a martial arts school on Smokey Park Highway in Candler. It teaches Ving Tsun kung fu, also spelled Wing Chun, which its website describes as a traditional Chinese martial art. The site frames the training as both self-defense and a way to work on economy of motion and relaxation. Its pages cover a class schedule, the lineage behind the system and a photo gallery. The website lists introductory lessons for newcomers and says its standard program is for active students.