One of my favorite things is trying new workout classes.
One of my least favorite things is paying a boat load of money for said workout classes. Let’s be real, those things aren’t cheap.
Enter: ClassPass. I should mention, I’m not affiliated with or sponsored by ClassPass (that would be cool), I’ve just had a really good experience it with it in NYC. For $99 a month I have access to all affiliated studios in the city and can take three classes at each studio per month.
What I love most is the variety of classes. Spinning, yoga, barre, running, strength training, Pilates, kickboxing, etc. The sign-up is super easy and you can search and register for classes online or through the app. You’ll get an email confirmation telling you when and where to arrive as well as a list of the studio amenities (water, towel service, juice bar, etc.).
I’ve heard that the ClassPass options are not as extensive in other cities, but I can’t speak on that. However, I can see how it may not be the most sensible option if you have one favorite studio or prefer to workout only in a particular area. It’s good for me this summer because I’m here short-term and my goal is to explore.
Here’s where I’ve been so far…
Mile High Run Club (NoHo) See this post for my experience there!
Drill Fitness (TriBeCa) “New York’s indoor cycling studio and boot camp training center.”
I went to the “30:30” class which was about 30 minutes of spinning followed by about 30 minutes of HIIT (it ended up being about 25 minutes of each). The best way to describe this is Orange Theory with spin bikes instead of treadmills. You wear a heart rate monitor and work to reach a certain zone. The “goal” zone is ironically orange-colored. It wasn’t the hardest workout I’ve ever done but that doesn’t discount it.
Moving Strength (UWS) “Moving Strength combines the most effective techniques offered by Pilates, yoga, weight training, Physio-balls, tubing and other modalities to provide the ideal workout for your body.”
I took a 1 hour “power” yoga class, although I’d argue that it was a more basic/vinyasa class. Still, I enjoyed it and the instructor gave great assists, which I always appreciate. I was able to use their mat as I didn’t bring one up north with me. The studio was so small and cozy.
TrampoLEAN (Garment District) “Based on a premium fitness trampoline, trampoLEAN blends cardio endurance, muscular toning and high intensity training.”
I didn’t expect much from this class other than a good time (which it was), but I ended up breaking a little sweat. I went to a 50 minute “Total Body” class. Every person has their own trampoline with resistance bands tied around the bottom. We used the bands for donkey kicks, upright rows and seated overhead presses. While jumping you are supposed to focus on pushing down on the trampoline rather than jumping super high. You want to press down with force and drive your knees up (it makes sense and feels harder when doing it). During the class we did a variety of jumps with added kicks, arm movements and twists. It was actually fun, and I’m not just saying that. It brought me back to my gymnastics days.
Pushlab Fitness (UES) “Brief high intensity workouts that target muscle, build strength, cardiovascular endurance and make you lean & defined.”
I went to the 45 minute Upper Body & Core class. After the warm-up we did 3 different circuits (3 moves in each, 2 times through each circuit). We used TRX, kettlebells, medicine balls and body weight. As seems typical in the city, this studio was super small and packed to the brim with equipment. My favorite love-to-hate move was a TRX plank with knee tucks. I liked that it was 45 minutes…shorter but effective.
EVF Performance (Columbus Circle) “High-intensity classes that combine the most effective aspects of cardio and strength training at this beloved studio.”
This was the hardest class I’ve done since I’ve been here. I haven’t done consistent strength training in a while (or ever) and this did me in. There were so many things I loved about this studio: the vibe, the instructor, the workout and the facility. We started the class by going around and introducing ourselves and answering the “question of the day” which was “what was the last goal you accomplished.” Then we warmed up and started the workout: 5 circuits, 6 minutes each with a 2 min break in between. As many rounds as possible during those 6 min. (I remember most of the circuits and will share in my recap Sunday). The 6 minutes of burpees and stair climbs was the hardest. I plan to bring my mom to a class when she visits, you know, so she can join in the torture :)
I will probably cancel my membership for July because I won’t have as much free time as I’ve had in June, especially since I had the whole first week of June to wander the city. I will keep you posted because I’m sure you’re dying to know what I decide.
woah this pass looks so cool! I come from a small town so we don’t even have one Forbes class available I don’t think! Here in trance though I’ve been trying to go to ballet barre once a week and I love it! I’m at tally considering getting my fitness instructor certification so I can bring it back to my hometown !
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Becoming a fitness instructor is a great idea. Then you can make money, workout and spread your love of fitness. It would benefit many people!
OMG that trampoLEAN (most clever name ever) class looks awesome!! I don’t think I’ve ever taken a weird class, but I’ve HEARD of a really weird class…laughing yoga!? What the? Haha. I did gymnastics as a kid, too, for about 5 years! #leotardlife
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Wait is that class in Tampa?! I want to try it now haha. Seriously I was sold on the trampoline class when I saw the name.
I love the ClassPass concept and am hoping it comes to Michigan soon. I love that you are able to try out so many different types of classes and get a feel for what types of workouts, facilities, and instructors you like. I did gymnastics as a kid for about a month (haha) and stuck to dance instead.
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I did dance too but can’t remember at the moment which one I preferred. I think I was better at dance though.
You’re SO adventurous with your workouts! It’s actually kind of inspiring since I’m the biggest creature of habit haha. I did do gymnastics as a kid, even though I was never flexible at all hahaha.
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It’s funny because I’m such a creature of habit too but I love trying new workouts. I never was and probably never will be flexible! Even with a couple years of yoga touching my toes is a chore haha
I am so boring… I feel like I haven’t tried any fun/weird workouts! I wish I took advantage of ClassPass when I was working in NYC but my hours were so crazy and with my commute, I never had time. I have always wanted to try a treadmill class, so that is on my to-do! Never did gymnastics… I did do ballet until I was 15 though. I wish I was still that flexible!
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People always ask me if I am a ballerina because I have very high arches. I kind of wish I tried when I was younger! I don’t know if ClassPass would be worth it if I had a full-time internship and commute. This summer it seems to be the ideal time for me to experiment with it.
These all sound SO fun! We don’t have Class Pass in Pittsburgh yet (or any cool studio classes like this to be honest) but I would love to try it out if we get it! I’d say the most interesting class I’ve taken is Bokwa. It’s sort of like Zumba or other dance classes, but you trace out letters for your “dance”. It sounds really weird but it’s easy to catch on to and it’s actually really fun and tough!
I’ve never heard of that but now I want to try! Zumba is really the only dance fitness class I’ve done. I’m surprised it’s not in Pittsburgh yet! Hopefully soon.
DC has ClassPass, but I didn’t get it. I just don’t like group classes enough! But I think it’s a fun option to get and try many things! So cool!
And yes I did gymnastics when I was younger! I wish I had stuck with it, but being a competitive dancer, I had no extra time to continue with gymnastics :/ :'( I’b be SOOO good now, haha!
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I really enjoy group ex classes. A few days of solo running and a few days of group ex is a good balance for me. I wish I stuck with gymnastics too!
I’m dying to try out one of those trampoline fitness classes. THey just seem like a good time. I thought about trying classpass here in baltimore but we didn’t have a lot of choices and the studios I know I like already you could only go to the less popular instructors. But if I lived in New York I think it would definitely be worth it!
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It really was so fun. I would totally do it again! I’ve heard the same thing about other cities not having great options. I never looked into it in Tampa but I don’t think I would do it there because I already have my favorite studios (but I guess I could always branch out).
LOVE that service they offer! What a great idea and I wish they had it in my hometown since I’m here all summer.
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They have it my hometown too (Tampa) but I was never home long enough to try it out. The variety is so awesome. I also like that it’s a month-to-month contract so I can cancel without penalties.
This is so cool – if I lived in a city I would totally try this one month! I get exercise ADD and bored of doing the same thing over and over so this would be fun.
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If given only one exercise option I would just run but I LOVE trying different workouts. I’m glad I don’t have to choose.
I tried one of those pure barre classes and it was definitely not my cup of tea…LOL! The ballet workout isn’t for me. I didn’t like that it had carpet or the energy. I’m glad I tried it, but I won’t be doing it again.
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I tried one too and thought the same thing. I’m willing to try it again at a different studio, although I don’t know if I want to pay much for it.
So cool! I think we have an equivalent here in Portland. Maybe I’ll have to give it a try!
I bet there is ClassPass in Portland! It seems to be in major cities.
I found this post eye-opening in that I had no idea how many boutique fitness classes there are! I’m a bit jealous you get to spend the summer taking all sorts of unique classes for a totally reasonable price.
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NYC is so unique when it comes to boutique fitness classes. I had never seen anything like this before this summer! Hopefully this trend spreads throughout the rest of the country.
I loved classpass when I did it. It’s such a great value and all the classes you went to look like so much fun. That running studio sounds like such a cool experience. Also trampolines. Yes. Like you said, I realized I didn’t have enough time in the spring to keep up but I definitely want to do it again soon.
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Especially because all of the studios here (and most places) are $20-$30 a class, ClassPass has been very budget friendly. I probably never would have paid for a trampoline class on my own.
I’ve been toying with the idea of ClassPass! In fact, I ALMOST did it the other day, but I am actually going to be going in and out of town for the next month and a half, so I think when I return, I will reconsider it for sure!
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Good idea to wait when you’re in town for a full month! I think it’s great to experiment with for a month or two.