Finding the energy to workout on the weekend can be difficult. However, if you have the right motivation, anything is possible — which is why having post-workout brunch plans is an absolute must. To help you, we’re pairing some of Denver’s best brunch spots with a variety of nearby workouts for our new series Brunch & Burn.
To kick-off our Brunch & Burn series, we’re focusing on LoHi. Choose one of our five pairings to kick-start your weekend mornings. After pushing yourself to your physical limits, you should reward yourself by refueling your body with a nourishing — or decadent — neighborhood brunch.
Surf around the World – City Surf Fitness & Linger
City Surf Fitness
Where: 595 E. 19th Ave., Denver
Hours: On the weekends, City Surf Fitness is open on Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 a.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Lowdown: City Surf Fitness is perfect for people who easily get bored during workouts. These 45-minute, surf-inspired group classes offer a unique way to squeeze in cardio while strengthening the core. City Surf Fitness host a variety of classes from Beach Body Bootcamp — a high-intensity cardio session — to Big Kahuna — a full-body strength workout.
You can test out City Surf Fitness by signing up for one week of unlimited classes for $15. After the first week, it offers two different monthly membership packages. An unlimited membership costs $95. You can also purchase a four-class package for $49 per month.
Linger
Where: 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver
Hours: Linger is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for brunch.
The Lowdown: After working up an appetite, you will be thankful for the quick three-minute walk to Linger. With a menu inspired by flavors from all around the world, Linger offers something for everyone. Many of the dishes can also be made vegan or gluten-free.
Its dairy-free and nutrient-dense AM smoothies ($7) will help your body recover after working out. For more protein, you can pair the smoothie with its Chinese Egg Crepe with Lobster ($17). Of course, since you did exercise, no one will judge if you indulge in some Hangover Ramen ($17) or a Nutella Waffle ($12).
Paddle to the Coast – Paddle Boarding and Lola
Paddle Boarding
Where: South Platte River
The Lowdown: If you would rather actually get outside and onto real water, you can head to the South Platte River for some paddle boarding. You can park near Confluence Park or at Fishback Park and paddle down to Evans Street. Both beginner and advanced paddle boarders can try out the 6.5 mile run down the river. The entire trip would take about one to two hours.
If the weather isn’t cooperating — or you’re just not the outdoors type — you can take a walk around the nearby REI. A quick walk is still a great way to stay active, and when you’re surrounded by so much workout gear, you’ll feel like you were actually outside.
Lola
Where: 1575 Boulder St., Denver
Hours: Lola is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch.
The Lowdown: Once you have paddled your arms to exhaustion, you can take a 10 minute stroll across Highland bridge to Lola for some coastal Mexican fare. To start, you can’t miss the table-side Guacamole ($8 or $11), which is as entertaining as it is tasty.
The Smoked Front Range Trout ($15) packs a spicy punch to refresh you after your workout. Topped with a poached egg and paired with purple sweet potatoes, this dish has all of the protein and carbs your body needs to refuel. The Maduros ($4) — honey-fried plantains served with powdered sugar and sesame seeds — will satisfy your sweet tooth while still providing a serving a fruit.
Cycle across America – Endorphin and Old Major
Endorphin
Where: 3210 Tejon St., Denver
Hours: On the weekend, Endorphin is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lowdown: Although Endorphin may be known for indoor cycle classes, it offers a wide variety of exercise options. Its programs include HITT, yoga, barre and combination classes. Whether you are looking to tone up, increase flexibility or get your heart rate up, Endorphin has a class for you.
You can purchase one class for $20 or 10 classes for $180. Membership options include four classes per month for $59, eight classes per month for $89 or unlimited classes for $159. These class packages and membership options can be used at any Endorphin locations.
Old Major
Where: 3316 Tejon St., Denver
Hours: Old Major is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch.
The Lowdown: Only two minutes away, Old Major will satisfy your appetite with an all-American brunch. You could keep it healthy with some eggs and a side of fruit, but this is the type of place where you should go all out.
The Country Fried Chicken and Waffles ($16) with maple syrup and gravy will satisfy your sweet and savory cravings all in one bite. For slightly lighter fare that still hits the spot, you may want to try the Blue Crab and Shrimp Omelette ($18), which comes with a small salad.
Run to Italy – Highland Park and Bar Dough
Highland Park
Where: 3201 Federal Blvd., Denver
The Lowdown: You can start off your morning with a serene jog around Highland Park. This small, green get-away right in the middle of Highlands sits right off Federal. It’s easily accessible, but you will still quickly forget you’re right in the middle of the city.
If weather or preference take an outdoor run off the table, you can head to the Orangetheory Fitness on West 32nd Avenue. If you’re not a member, you can try one of the 60 minute, high-intensity cardio and strength classes for free.
On the weekend, Orangetheory Fitness is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Bar Dough
Where: 2227 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Hours: Bar Dough is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch.
The Lowdown: To cool down, you can take a 20 minute walk over to this Italian eatery. Post-workout is the best time to treat yourself to Bar Dough’s decadent menu. The Cacio e Pepe ($12) comes with handmade paccheri pasta topped with a poached egg and pecorino romano. A hint of lemon and kick of pepper help lighten up the gooey yolk and salty cheese.
It wouldn’t be brunch without mimosas, and after exercising, your body will thank you for all the vitamins and potassium in the orange juice. At Bar Dough, you can order bottomless mimosas ($15) during brunch.
HITT the Farm – Fierce45 and Root Down
Fierce45
Where: 1208 W. 38th Ave., Denver
Hours: On the weekend, Fierce 45 is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Lowdown: Fierce45 focuses on Lagree fitness. This high-intensity but low-impact workout method is suitable for people of all fitness levels — even pregnant women are invited to participate.
You must reserve space in one of Fierce45’s 45-minute classes online ahead of time. The first class is free if you put a credit card on file. After you try it, it has a variety of memberships and class packages ranging from $30 for a drop-in class to $899 for an unlimited six-month membership.
Root Down
Where: 1600 W. 33rd Ave., Denver
Hours: Root Down is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for brunch.
The Lowdown: After a fierce workout, you will enjoy a 10 minute walk to Root Down. This farm-to-table eatery focuses on cooking internationally-inspired dishes with seasonal ingredients.
For some vegan protein, you will want to order the Masala Tofu “Scrambled” ($12). Another healthy option is the Roasted Baby Beet Salad ($13), which you can order with crispy tofu ($5), chicken ($6) or cured salmon ($7). To finish off your meal with a sweet treat that won’t weigh you down, you can try the gluten-free Vietnamese Almond Pancakes ($6 or $11) topped with a light coffee custard and cinnamon syrup.