Ambar Ramirez
Words by Ambar Ramirez
Disclaimer: If you’re a dedicated gym bro or loyal to one workout spot, this article might not be for you. But if you’re open to trying new and exciting ways to break a sweat, keep reading. In just one week, I took a Pilates class, a barre class, a cycling class, and a hot yoga class — each at a different studio, all booked through ClassPass. But is ClassPass worth the monthly subscription, or is it better to stick with one gym or studio? Let’s dive in.
What is ClassPass and How Does It Work?
ClassPass is a new fitness and wellness app redefining how people can achieve a healthy lifestyle with a flexible, credit-based subscription that lets you mix and match your workouts. Whether you’re into Pilates, cycling, dance or just need a good massage or manicure, ClassPass partners with studios, gyms and wellness spots to give you plenty of options — all in one app.
Your monthly cost depends on how many credits you want. For example, 8 credits cost $19 per month, 15 credits are $35 and the default 28-credit plan is $59. The more you pay, the more credits you get, which means more classes you can book. The number of credits needed for a reservation varies based on factors like class type, location, popularity and time. My first Pilates class was 4 credits, while a beginner pole class was just 1 credit.
A standard gym membership might run you anywhere from $10 to $40 per month — but that’s just for one gym. With ClassPass, you’re paying more for variety and access to multiple studios and services. Make sense? Cool, let’s move on.
I lucked out with 53 free credits by using a friend’s referral and scoring an extra 10 credits just for opting into SMS promos. If you don’t have a friend with ClassPass but still want to do a test run before committing to the app, you can get a free trial of 43 credits which will last you a month or even longer depending on how you use them.
My ClassPass Experience
I’ve always been a workout class girly—don’t even think about asking me to hit the gym. Weights? Not my thing. Machines? Way too complicated. I need an instructor to tell me exactly what to do and how to do it.
I also thrive in a group setting — there’s something about working out with others that pushes me to do better. Or maybe I’m just a little competitive and love the challenge of keeping up. OK, jokes aside, I genuinely enjoy trying new things. So when I heard about ClassPass, I knew I had to give it a go. And boy did I give it a go 5— workout classes in one week. Talk about being an overachiever.
I started my week off with a beginner Pilates class at Studio Rhythm. I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous. Not only had I never done Pilates, but I had that first-day-of-school feeling. Would I stick out as the outsider using ClassPass instead of being a dedicated member? The short answer is no. In fact, the moment I walked in I felt incredibly welcomed. They gave me a tour of the studio, showed me the amenities, and, to my relief, I wasn’t the only first-timer or ClassPass user. One woman even told me she had taken a dance class the night before through ClassPass to “take the edge off.” Personally, I’m more of a take-a-tequila-shot-to-take-the-edge-off kind of girl, but hey, to each their own.
The next morning, I tried something else new—a barre class at Pure Barre. Yes, I was sore for an entire week. Yes, it was worth every second. The beauty of ClassPass is stepping out of your comfort zone and finding what sticks, and it’s safe to say this one is making its way into my regular rotation.
By my third class — a cycling session at Full Psycle — I felt like a ClassPass pro. The nerves? Gone. I was fully embracing my new role as the person who proudly announces, “Yep, I signed up with ClassPass” and “Nope, never taken this class before.”
The Pros and Cons of ClassPass
So, is ClassPass worth it? In my opinion, absolutely—but that’s based on my experience, and everyone’s different. I only used the free trial, so I didn’t get full access to nail studios or massages, but just knowing those options are available with a subscription is a game changer. To make things easier, I’ve broken it all down into a classic pros and cons list so you can decide for yourself if ClassPass is the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Variety: I think one of the most attractive qualities of ClassPass is that you don’t have to tie yourself down to one gym. Or even to just one activity. With ClassPass you can take a ballet class, a pilates class, boxing class, barre class, yoga class and so on. You can create your own workout routine by the click of a button and a few credits. If you are into going to the gym, you can also book gym time. Did I mention you can also book nail appointments and massages? Name one gym membership that gives you that variety … I’ll wait.
- Sociability: Not only is there the social aspect of taking a workout class versus going to the gym by yourself, but you can also add friends onto the app and see what classes they are signed up for. If a spot opens, you can take that class with them! ClassPass is truly making being fit, fun. And I never thought I would use the word fun with working out but here you have it.
- Travel Access: Going out of town but don’t want to mess up the workout routine you’ve got going on? Well with ClassPass you can sign up for a class in any city, regardless of where you live. There are 2,500 locations globally that work with ClassPass.
- Credit Flexibility: Any unused credits from the month before roll into the next month. No. Credit. Wasted.
Cons:
- Availability: One downside with ClassPass is that there may be a popular class you want to book but the spots are filled. Or maybe the class isn’t offered at a time that works with your schedule. This is a minor downside as you could easily book through another studio or wait till a spot opens up. But if you are dead set on a certain class and know that it’s at a popular location, you’ll want to book the class way in advance.
- Cancellation fees: I’ll be honest, I missed one of my classes and had to pay a no-show fee of $12. That’s on me for booking a 9 a.m. pole beginner class the Monday after my birthday. If you book a class and find that you won’t make it, ClassPass does offer a 12-hour free cancellation period, but that only works if you remember to cancel 12 hours prior.
- Pricing: While I do believe you are getting a bang for your buck with ClassPass, it can get a bit pricey the more credits you want or need. Again, for a classic gym membership, you’re paying a flat fee for the amenities but with ClassPass you are paying for credits.
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