Recently, I was asked how I can afford to workout at multiple boutique fitness studios. She was interested in trying out a studio but wasn’t committed to the price of the classes. If you aren’t familiar, a boutique fitness studio is one that primarily incorporates group exercise and typically focuses on one or two specific areas of fitness. Examples of boutique fitness studios include Pure Barre, CycleBar, Solidcore, and Orangetheory to name a few.
Most boutique fitness studios have a strong emphasis on building a community and creating an experience for their members. Having been a member at a few boutique fitness studios myself, I can attest to the fact that these workouts are like no other. I love showing up to a class and having a sense of belonging with the other members and the instructors. I thrive off of direct interaction with others and I really love showing up to a space where I feel empowered to push through a workout {even on the days I don’t want to}.
If you are looking for a sign to try a boutique fitness class, here it is! For me, working out in boutique studios are where I feel my best. Each boutique has their own rates for classes but it is fairly common for a single drop in rate to be anywhere from $20-$30 per class. Monthly memberships drop the price per class and if you are committed to multiple classes a week, an unlimited plan might be the best option. But what if you want to try a few different places before committing to one studio or you simply want to take classes at a few locations without being locked into any one studio? Well friend, i have just the app for you! Let me introduce you to ClassPass.
What is ClassPass
ClassPass is a health and wellness app that partners with studios, gyms, salons, and spas worldwide to give their users access to the best of the best! The app has over 30,000 studio and gym options and over 5,000 beauty partners. ClassPass offers multiple plan options and makes finding your next workout or beauty appointment the easiest it has ever been!
How does ClassPass work?
ClassPass requires a membership to use their app. The type of membership determines the number of credits that can be used toward classes or appointments. There is a location feature that shows all of the partners within your area that offer services through the app. Click on the studio or salon you are interested in. Then, select “view schedule” at the bottom of the screen to view all classes or services offered.
On the right side of a class or service is a box with a number. The number represents how many credits are needed to book that service. If the box and number are blue, it means the class is available for booking. If a class/service is grayed out, it means the class is not available to be booked. Continue reading to get a few tips on how you may be able to get into a grayed out class!
Once a class or service is booked, a confirmation will appear and the credits will be deducted from the overall credit bank. Don’t worry if you run out of credits before the next cycle. There are options to add credits or change the membership for the next month! If you’d like to try a free trial {includes 10 credits}, click here!
Why choose ClassPass?
PRICE: For me, the primary reason I use ClassPass is because of the price. I am able to book classes for considerably less than the typical drop in rate at most studios. While most drop in rates are anywhere from $20-$30, my average class rate is anywhere from 6-8 credits. My credits cost just over $2/credit so I typically pay anywhere from $12-$16 per class. Class credits vary based on demand, time, location, etc. so I can’t promise this will be the class average in your area. However, when I compare the ClassPass pricing with the drop in rates for the classes I typically take each month, I’m saving ~$150-$200 PER MONTH. I firmly believe in investing in what is a priority {and for me, workouts are absolutely a priority}. However, I also know that realistically I cannot afford to pay the standard drop in rate for each class and attend multiple classes per week.
ACCESS TO TRY NEW STUDIOS: If you are simply wanting to try a few studios to find your perfect fit, this app is the perfect way to start. Try that kickboxing class, go take a barre class, clip into a bike at CycleBar. You can find what works for you! I am a firm believer in trying out different workouts to mix it up every now and then! I share more about that in this blog post!
ACCESS TO MULTIPLE STUDIOS: If you want to take classes at multiple locations, this is going to be your bff. I try to incorporate 2-3 strength workouts and 1-2 high-intensity or cardio classes each week. ClassPass allows me to take classes at 2 different locations without locking me into a membership. Right now, this is the perfect solution for my desire to workout at multiple boutique fitness studios.
CREDITS ROLL OVER: If you don’t use all of the credits one month, don’t sweat it! The credits will automatically roll over to the next month {up to the normal credit limit in the monthly membership}. No worrying about lost money!
When can I book a class or service?
This can depend on the preferences of each studio but typically, classes and services are open to book one week prior to the class or service. The classes close 1 hour prior to the start of class.
If you need to cancel a class, be sure to cancel up to 12 hours prior to avoid a late cancellation fee. A cancellation fee will be charged if the class is cancelled within the 12 hours prior to the class. The fee varies based on class type, credits needed, etc. If you do late cancel, you do get the credits back.
What are the membership options?
At the time of writing this post, the current membership options are:
- 13 credits for $29/month
- 28 credits for $59/month
- 38 credits for $79/month
- 80 credits for $159/month
- 100 credits for $199/month
There are also options available to purchase additional credits throughout the month. If you are looking to try it out before committing to a membership, you can get a free trial {10 credits} by clicking here!
What are the cons of ClassPass?
ACCESS TO CLASSES VARIES: Not all class times are open on the app. If a class is typically full, it might appear on the app as a grayed out class. The studio’s members get first access to classes. So you may have to be flexible if looking for a prime time class. However, there are workarounds to this sometimes {see my tips and tricks below}!
NOT ALL SERVICES/CLASSES ARE OFFERED ON THE APP: Some studios or salons opt to only put certain classes or services on the app. For example, the spa I typically go to for facials only offers 3 services through ClassPass. I book directly through the spa if the specific service I want is not offered on the app.
What are some tips/tricks to using ClassPass?
So glad you stuck around for this part! I’ve been using ClassPass for a few years now and have definitely learned a few tricks to getting the classes I want to get in!
HOW TO GET INTO A GRAYED OUT WORKOUT CLASS: Classes can be grayed out for a variety of reasons but it can become available to book closer to the time of the class if the class isn’t full. ClassPass just added a new feature to notify you when a class opens {like just this past week}! Be sure to click the little bell icon to be notified when the class opens to snag a spot!
HOW TO GET A BETTER PRICE FOR A CLASS: Occasionally classes will drop in credits after I have booked a class. I check on classes until the class time. If I am outside of the 12 hour cancellation window and the class shows a lower credit, I will cancel the class and add it back immediately at the lower credit rate! I’ve only done this once or twice but it helps if you are running low on credits for the month!
I hope you found this post super insightful on everything to do with ClassPass! I love using the app and I hope you will too! If you would like to try ClassPass, click here to sign up and receive 10 free credits! If you’ve tried it before, let me know what you think about in the comments! I’d love to hear your opinion!
Leave a Comment