2017 was the year I decided to devote more time to becoming healthier. My previous workout routine consisted of begrudgingly dragging myself to a dank-smelling gym a couple of times a week and counting down the 30 minutes on the elliptical while trying to distract myself with music and television. Although it was easy and free, it was neither enjoyable nor really producing any noticeable results.
I needed motivation, some skin in the game. I needed variety. I also wanted to incorporate fitness into my lifestyle so that it became a part of me, not just a task on the to-do list.
Enter boutique fitness. I actually liked the idea of working out in small group classes with other motivated individuals. Most boutique fitness class participants were young women who were similarly minded. Even if I wasn’t a Lululemon hard body yet, I aspired to be one.
I joined a platform called ClassPass that allowed me to explore the fitness studios around me. The iPhone app is easy to use and search for classes. For a flat fee every month, I had access to a number of studios that partnered with ClassPass. Each class that I booked through ClassPass was actually cheaper than if I had booked a single class through the studios themselves. Without being locked into individual memberships at each studio, I was able to try new classes before deciding if I wanted to eventually commit to a studio membership. I discovered local Lagree or megaformer classes (more on this later), got the best cardio workout in a while through spin class, and almost threw out my back in a hip hop class. I was never bored!
The caveats of ClassPass are that you can only book classes up to one week ahead of time, each studio limits you to 1-3 visits per month depending on your monthly plan, and sometimes classes get booked up quickly. Additionally, if you do not cancel your booking at least 12 hours in advance of class time, then you risk not only losing a class but also a late cancel or no-show fee. But sometimes, a “stick” is necessary to get out of bed for that 6am class.
I have continued to enjoy ClassPass throughout the year and plan on sticking with it, even though I have invested in a couple of local studios that I visit more frequently than ClassPass would allow. ClassPass still allows me to visit the other studios that keep my fitness routine interesting throughout the month. Another great feature for those who travel frequently is that you can take your ClassPass membership all over the country, and even internationally! Simply change your location in your profile, then search for nearby studios.
Get $40 off your first month of Class Pass here!