Pros and Cons of Using ClassPass

Nov 6

Nov 6 Pros and Cons of Using ClassPass

See below for a link to try ClassPass free for two weeks!

Have you tried ClassPass before? ClassPass is a subscription service that lets you sign up for a variety of group fitness classes/gym access within a single month. ClassPass offers a variety of membership options based on credits that can be used at a wide variety of studios throughout your local area.

Credits vary based on the studio, time, location, and more. In the DC/Arlington area, classes are typically 7-8 credits with some high-end studios like [solidcore] or Barry’s Bootcamp commanding prices of 10 credits or more. You can find some classes for less than 7 credits if you pop over to Alexandria or try a less expensive studio. Finally, if you’re looking to get the most out of your credits, you can go to a group fitness glass in a gym for 3 credits.

With all that in mind, here are the pros and cons that I have found of using ClassPass. (Read on for $40 towards ClassPass if you haven’t tried yet!)

Pros

Opportunity to try out a variety of classes! If you’re someone who likes to vary their workout routine or work out in different neighborhoods, ClassPass is an amazing way to try new things whenever and wherever you want.
Price per class is great! 7 credits is roughly $12, which is definitely lower than a drop-in class price at any of these studios. With that in mind, ClassPass financially makes sense if you’re committed to going to boutique studios frequently.
It’s motivating! With a recurring subscription and credits that you have to use, ClassPass is a recurring reminder to get out there and sweat. And, if you’re having a busy week, you’re able to roll over up to 10 credits per month.

Cons

You don’t get first dibs at classes. Studios have a limited number of ClassPass spots so if you’re trying to get into a popular class at a popular time, you might not always get in. I haven’t experienced much difficulty with this, but it’s good to keep in mind if you’re trying to get into a class with limited machines (like [solidcore] or reformer pilates).
You can only go to your favorite studio a few times. Depending on your membership, you can only visit a studio a limited number of times per month. However, you are able to keep going back but at a bit higher credit price.
Difficult to plan ahead. If you’re someone who likes to have your workouts planned on your calendar for the month, that’s not possible with ClassPass as classes open up a week in advance.

How I Use ClassPass

I first tried ClassPass years ago when I moved to a new neighborhood as a way to quickly discover what fitness studios were a good fit. I found ClassPass to be a great way to do just that and ended up cancelling my subscription so that I could focus my time at the one studio that was the best fit for me (looking at you, Xtend Barre).

I recently jumped back on the ClassPass wagon thanks to a promotion they were running purely as a way to get some free classes. When I went to cancel my membership, however, they offered me a limited membership of 7 credits (basically one class) for $12. Seeing as none of my favorite studios offer a single class for $12, I jumped on this membership and have been using it for the past few weeks to use my little credit to jump in to whatever class I need to add to my routine. (Lately, barre3 or MADabolic)