It’s nomination season over at Style Weekly and we are shamelessly asking for you to not only nominate Moore Than Fitness Gym for Best Gym is Richmond, but to also vote for us once voting season begins!
Every year, Style Weekly asks readers to highlight the best that Richmond has to offer. We want you to choose your favorite things that totally wow you – the coolest businesses, the tastiest restaurants, and all the awesome entertainment and top-notch people who make life in RVA so great. – Style Weekly
Where’d we get the audacity to ask for your support?!
Well, it comes by us honestly. We know we make your life in RVA so great. You make ours so great too! Gyms are central to community. We know we’re your Third Place, and we know how valuable Third Places are for connection, collaboration, and care. We know you spend way too much time sitting on your computer at home, or working with the same people day in and day out doing repetitive movements that have become completely second nature for you and you need an outlet. The long & short of it is: we know that we’re good for your life, and we know how much you value your Personal Trainer.
And we know that because of the cards that we get from you at Christmas, the heartfelt texts you send us when you’ve done something that you never thought you could do, and the hugs that we get when we haven’t seen you in… two days (or more). We love you too.
Winning Best of Richmond helps us stay alive. It gets Moore eyes on your favorite gym. It gets Moore people in the door. And it gives all of us the opportunity to make Moore than Fitness a sustainable part of our lives for years to come!
Here’s Who Gets Our Vote:
It should be no surprise to you that we like to eat… so we’re pretty heavy on the Food + Drink Category.
Food + Drink
“A humble coffee and BBQ shop on Brookland Park Boulevard, The Smoky Mug serves beautifully crafted drinks and meats to the residents of Northside. They have a tremendously thoughtful staff who always remember your name (and often your drink order!) And their BBQ is out of this world with brisket, bbq chicken, and pulled pork that melts in your mouth.” – Russell
“The Smoky Mug is honestly just a favorite of pretty much all of us. It’s right down the road from the gym and on Saturday mornings, we like to totally take over the patio after our Community Circuit Class + Mobility Class. Don’t miss the breakfast bagel sando with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese and suadero.” – Kate
“Towards the Boulevard side of Carytown, you will find one of the best Indian spots in all of Richmond. Carytown Indian Kitchen is an elegant dining experience with rich flavors that are authentic and memorable.” – Russell
“I echo Carytown Indian Cuisine. Absolute fire. I was recommended by a Moore Than Fitness member and I think I went 5 times over the next two weeks. When I’m hungry and cold to my bones, this is what I crave.” – Kate
“On Hull St in Richmond’s Southside exists an intellectually and artistically aware vegetarian cafe where people gather to read, eat, and have thought-provoking conversations. Their menu is expertly crafted, with dishes for every palate. Bring a book and relax in this cafe. You won’t want to leave.” – Russell
“Gersi is my favorite place for pasta! The noodles are hand made and their fresh ricotta is soo good. It’s a small restaurant with a cozy vibe and they have a great aperol spritz.” – Maggie
“I LOVE their ice cream! There’s always fun and unique flavors (banana pudding is my favorite).” – Maggie
People + Places:
Julisa Basilis @ Black Rabbit Tattoo
“Yall Julisa has been through a LOT since I got my last tattoo from her. Check out her instagram to see if she has availability on her books. I went in to see her with only a general idea of what I wanted and she completely made it come together. I also love that Black Rabbit is queer/woman owned. I’ve had other tattoo artists make me feel like a “silly little girl getting a silly little girl tattoo” and Julisa made me feel welcome.” – Kate
Arts + Culture
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
“I took a multi-week drawing class here and had an awesome experience. They have classes for every day of the week, including weekend workshops. They have a diverse group of creators and classes and I will be taking another class for sure.” – Maggie
The Black Coochie Podcast by Lacette Cross & Ebony Waldon
“Let me tell you, sitting down and having a conversation with Lacette Cross is everything. She’s the ED of Diversity RVA, a reverend, a coach, and an incredible facilitator. I’m so grateful that she’s a member of Moore Than Fitness. Her podcast with Ebony Waldon is such a breath of fresh air. It’s powerful to listen to two women openly share their wisdom, experience, and knowledge on sexual health and wellbeing. The podcast description says it best: Black Coochie is intersectional, informational, and inspirational.” – Kate
The Duality of Harm and Healing by Kate Moore & Ruby Chandler
“I told you, I have the audacity. The Duality of Harm and Healing in Fitness, Yoga, and Wellness is a project that my business partner and I have been working on since 2017. It began as a Leadership Retreat in Nashville, evolved into a weekend workshop that we’ve facilitated with Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Studios, and Yoga Studios ever since. And we’ve finally turned it into a free, easy to access limited series podcast. I know that fitness, yoga, and wellness is good for us AND, as it is structured right now, these industries cause a whole lot of harm too. The podcast shows a new way forward.” – 5 stars – Kate Moore
Goods + Services
“Diversity Thrift is a wonderfully comprehensive thrift store located in The Diamond. They offer wall to wall deals on furniture, appliances, clothing, and nearly all other odds and ends imaginable. Their commitment to equity and social justice in a time when public support for both is risky reflects the sincere values of this nonprofit. In addition to their storefront, they frequently host markets and events geared towards social justice ideals and which promote local makers and artists.” – Russell
“Dr Allison at Formation Physical Therapy in Carytown offers meticulously organized and individualized physical therapy services out of her private clinic. She is thoughtful, inquisitive, and seeks to understand your body on a deep level in order to provide the best service possible. She will have you feeling like a new person!” – Russell
Nic Charlie Perez – barber at Hell’s Bottom Barber
“Nic is my partner’s barber who they’ve been seeing for awhile and Nic never misses. Lauren’s hair always looks fresh throughout the various styles they’ve rocked over the years! Nic does free touch ups too!” – Maggie
Same Address Different Spot: Jessica at Immortal Beloved
“Jessica is the best. She was recommended to me by another curly girl from Moore Than Fitness and I’m just here to spread the word. It’s not easy to find someone you love to cut your curly hair. It’s like dating. I’ve had a lot of hair angst in my life so it’s a lot to find someone new. Jessica will take good care of you.” – Kate
“CUTE local bookstore on a cobblestone street. They have all these notes around the shop of employee recommendations for books and it’s very nice and the workers are super friendly. They also have a few book clubs for various genres that look really cool! My go-to place for book browsing” – Maggie
Obviously, that’s not everybody in town who we love – that’s the hard part amiright?! So now it’s your turn to tell Style Weekly all about your favorite and necessary Third Places (and 4th places and 5th places…).