Last year, I wrote about my experience moving to Boise, Idaho. A city that is growing by leaps and bounds, the capital of the Gem State is located in Ada County, which saw its population swell by 3.6 percent last year. Will this trend continue? If my inbox is any indication, it seems likely! Since publishing that piece, I’ve received countless emails from readers asking for more information.
As such, I’ve decided to put together a “Booming Boise” series over the next couple months to address some of the most common questions. In this one, we’ll take a quick look at how wellness options continue to expand and evolve in one of America’s fastest-growing cities.
Growing Fitness Options
Gone are the days when people relied on traditional gyms or home workout videos. While there is absolute value in both, fitness lovers want a wider selection of services. You might expect a smaller city like Boise to be limited in this area, but the truth is that we’re seeing more variety being added all the time.
You’ll find multiple locations for Orangetheory Fitness and Pure Barre, for example, along with many options for workouts like CrossFit and even Ninja Warrior training. After all, “Cowboy Ninja” Lance Pekus is from Idaho and has been known to make appearances at local fitness events!
Any runners out there? You’ll find major races happening in Boise too, which is important to our household. Along with traditional events such as the Spartan Sprint, you’ll find the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon and Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon as well as the Race to Robie Creek, a half marathon that features 2,000 feet of elevation gain and is known as the “toughest race in the Northwest.”
Love yoga? It feels as though a new studio is opening every day in Boise! In fact, some are even expanding their services to meet the demand. Essential Hot Yoga, for example, has grown to include four studios across the Treasure Valley. You definitely won’t struggle to find a place to roll out your mat!
Evolving Wellness
Want a deep stretch without having to get into a yoga pose? There’s a StretchLab in the Boise area now! We’d heard of StretchLab, but based on the current locations of their studios, which are largely located in major cities, we weren’t expecting one in Idaho. Yet, they opened in late 2018, and after a long trek from Orlando, we made our way down for a free session (it felt absolutely amazing)!
Not only that, but the area is seeing an explosion of shops offering chiropractic care, acupuncture, salt floating and even hyperbaric chamber therapy. After traveling, for example, we head over to BodyCalm for an infrared sauna session. You’ll have to research the potential benefits for yourself, but we definitely enjoy sweating it out after a long flight!
Recently, I wrote about my experiences at Appleton Clinics, a facility that offers an alternative to the traditional medical insurance model. That, combined with all the other new offerings in the area clearly shows the demand for a wider range of options is growing along with the population here in Boise. Fortunately, local businesses seem to be rising to the occasion. Some are even saying that the city is firmly establishing itself among cities associated with a greater focus on wellness across the country.
Local Health Food Scene
We’re also seeing a rapid increase in locally-made healthy foods, with some products being shipped to people all over the country. With the keto diet continuing to gain in popularity, the demand for low carb/high fat ice cream from Killer Creamery is on the rise with orders coming in from coast to coast. Real Phat Foods creates keto-friendly breads and fat bombs, too!
Along with the healthier options available at Boise-based grocery chain Albertsons, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s can be found downtown, with a second Trader Joe’s coming to the suburbs soon. There are smaller, locally-own stores too, including the hugely popular Boise Co-op where I recently spotted a sign that read, “Yes, We Carry CBD Oil.” While this might not be noteworthy elsewhere, hemp-derived products are technically illegal in Idaho, but stores are carrying them because customers want them.
Want a baked treat but you’re following a special diet? There’s a Cinnaholic in town! Everything is vegan, and absolutely delicious! You can also stop by Fit Donut, a store that specializes in protein-packed donuts, cookies and shakes without all the sugar!
Is Boise the New Portland?
Thrillist is among the outlets asking whether Boise is the next Portland and even included the burgeoning capital on a list of top “Hipster Cities.” When you look at the push for more diverse wellness options, along with the evolving brewery and foodie scene, it’s easy to understand the comparison.
Yet, if you spend any amount of time here, you’ll see that Boise is its own city. There may be similarities to other places, and this transition has had its share of downsides, but we’re carving out our own spot in the country. While the growth in the wellness sector is great, a population spike can be difficult. Rather than wanting to morph into the latest version of Portland, many are trying to hold on to the unique culture that existed before the boom.
Hopefully, things will begin to even out and we’ll find a balance. In the meantime, if the population growth gets overwhelming, we’ve got more options for managing our stress. After fighting traffic to get to the new Albertsons on Eagle road, I’ll be heading over to the nearest Essential Hot Yoga to reclaim some of my sanity. If you’ve ever tried to navigate that parking lot, you’ll know why!
