For the month of January, ClassPass offered a free trial of classes so I figured I’d give it a try! I’ve had a lot of co-workers and friends sign up, but I had never tried it myself. I’m constantly wanting to experience new workouts to help push myself to the limit, so I used this as an opportunity to try workouts I’ve never attempted before.
The free month offered 45 credits, which gets you about 4-8 classes. Each class corresponds with a credit amount, which varies from studio to studio. For example, I booked a Barry’s Bootcamp class for 17 credits and a boxing class for 3 credits.
Class Booking
The ClassPass app made it so easy to book classes with a tap of your finger. For each class, you can see a description of the class and studio, reviews, map, parking information and preparation details. Many of the studios use the preperation section to address what newbies should expect, how early to get to class, type of attire, etc. I found this really helpful when I was trying studios or types of workouts for the first time.
You are able to book classes up to a week in advance. The schedules usually go live everyday at noon. I liked being able to look a week ahead and plan out my workouts accordingly.
The credits required for each class varied, and some require more credit the more times you visit the same studio. I assume this is because the point of ClassPass is to try different studios and not go to the same one over and over again. If you find a studio you really like, it’s probably more feasible to just buy a class pack or membership at that specific studio. In Chicago, the average class cost 7 credits.
I do love that any unused credits roll over to the next month, up to 10 credits. Once I got down to the end of the month, I only had 6 credits remaining, which narrowed my class options.
Class Variety
I was truly blown away by the variety of classes offered through ClassPass and the ease of sorting through the various types of studios. You were able to choose from the following categories:
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Barre
- Pilates
- Strength Training
- Dance
- Martial Arts
- Boxing
- Rowing
- Gym Time (Traditional gyms)
- Outdoors
- Running
- Sports
- Wellness
- Free
Throughout the month, I wanted to try studios and types of workouts I had never experienced before. I ended up choosing interval training classes at Barry’s Bootcamp and Studio Three, boxing at Hammer Fitness and Boxing, and aerial yoga at AIR Aerial Fitness. All of which were different and super challenging.
Pricing
To be honest, ClassPass is pretty expensive. For only getting a few classes a month, it’s a lot to spend. Their pricing packages start at $49 for 27 credits (about 2-4 classes) and go up to $139 for 85 credits (9-13 classes). You can also purchase additional classes.
Considering my gym membership at Chicago Athletic Clubs is $60 and offers a variety of quality classes, steam room, sauna, and additional amenities, this is a lot to spend to only get a few workouts in a month.
ClassPass is a great supplemental component to your workout regime since it only allows you to attend a small number of classes a month. Even 9-13 classes is not a lot, at least for me. I workout 5-6 times a week, which corresponds to about 20-24 workouts a month.
The Verdict
I would recommend ClassPass to a friend or collegue that really prioritizes fitness and could justify spending the money on quality workouts. I really do believe the classes offered through ClassPass are the best workouts you can get in the city.
It’s a fun way to change up your workouts and enjoy classes with friends, if they also have ClassPass. It was so nice to try the month out with some of my best friends in the city and spend time doing something healthy together, rather than grabbing drinks or dinner.
As I mentioned earlier, ClassPass would be great to supplement an existing membership to a gym or studio, but I wouldn’t recommend it for your sole regimen. If you can afford to do it, I suggest you at least give it a try!
ClassPass Newbie?
If you have never tried ClassPass but would like to, head to their website to get two weeks free. Your first paid month could be $9 if you follow my referral link. It’s definitely worth the try, if nothing else!
So am I Contunuing with ClassPass?
When I started the free trial, I referred three of my friends, so I ended up with credits to my account. Because of this, I will be continuing to do ClassPass over the next few months. Stay tuned for workout class reviews on Instagram and on the blog!