When I moved to New York City a few months ago, I was keen to discover my favorite ways of working out and check out different studios. I had heard of ClassPass previously and was excited to try it out in the city. After three months of using ClassPass, I finally have a good understanding of how it works.
This review will be based on my experience using ClassPass for workout classes in New York City.
What is ClassPass?
ClassPass is a monthly subscription service where users can purchase credits that can be exchanged for gym time, workout classes, pampering services, and more at participating locations.
How does it work?
Users can sign up for class times at each studio weekly on the ClassPass website or via the ClassPass app. Each class is worth a different amount of credits depending on what the class is “worth.” From my experience, the cost of classes seems to depend on the class type, studio, location, duration, and time of day. Once you are signed up for a class, that amount of credits will be deducted from your monthly account.
Credits can be rolled over monthly with the caveat that users cannot roll over more credits than their monthly subscription plan. For example, if you are on the 23 credits/month plan, you can roll over 23 into the next month and have 46 credits for that month. On the other end of the spectrum, ClassPass also allows users to purchase additional monthly credits if they run out. Users can change or cancel their plan each month.
A bang for your buck!
The value for the cost ratio of ClassPass for NYC workout classes is truly a bang for your buck and, ultimately, the #1 reason why I’m still enrolled in ClassPass. Let’s do the math!
Upon signing up, ClassPass offers a trial of 43 credits for your first month ($89 value!). This is how I got started because I was intrigued and was able to attend 4 classes that month completely for free. In this day and age, especially in the big apple, nothing is truly free. A few workout classes for free is pretty insane.
Cost Breakdown
After the trial, you can choose from several monthly subscription levels: 8 credits for $19, 23 credits for $49, 43 credits for $89, 80 credits for $159, and 100 credits for $199.
This means that depending on the plan you select, the cost of one ClassPass credit comes out to between $1.99 and $2.38.
In my experience, a workout class typically costs between 6 and 14 credits in Manhattan, though I’ve been to some awesome classes that only cost 3 or 4 credits.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 3–4 credits: hidden gems that are typically smaller, lesser well-known studios in less prime locations
- 5–10 credits: the majority of yoga, cycling, barre, etc.
- 10–14+ credits: the trendy workouts at popular chains (ie solidcore, soulcycle, corepower)
Cost Analysis
The best part of ClassPass is that users have so much flexibility and choice in how they choose to spend their credits. With the options avaiable, I’ve been able to try different classes in all of these different categories and have found the classes on the lower end of the price spectrum to be just as effective and fun.
Using this big range of class costs combined with the range of credit packs available for purchase, each class comes out to between $5.97 (a 3 credit class on the biggest plan) and $33.32 (a 14 credit class on the smallest plan).
In comparison, the cost of a single drop-in class for any studio in New York City typically ranges from $30 to $50. For example, a single solidcore class costs $42 as compared to ~$30 on ClassPass. On the lower end of the spectrum, a row house class typically costs $32 as compared to ~$8 on ClassPass. Regardless of the plan you choose and the classes you’re going to, it will always be cheaper to use ClassPass than to buy single drop-in classes at a studio.
The good
(Other than the cost)
Variety — In New York, plenty of workout studios are partnered with ClassPass. I rarely see a studio I want to try that isn’t on ClassPass. These classes also have an incredible range of rowing, running, yoga, pilates, strength, cycling, and more. Through ClassPass and its easy access to various studios, I’ve tried out several different classes that I wouldn’t have signed up for otherwise.
Travel — ClassPass credits are also redeemable when you travel to other cities, states, or even countries that offer ClassPass. When I visited Seattle and San Francisco a few months ago, I was able to try some different studios there and it was a great addition to my vacation itinerary. It can be difficult to get a workout in when you’re on the go, and I found it a fun option.
Social aspect — I like having friends on ClassPass and seeing where they go. It’s a great way to get recommendations based on what your friends like, and it often prompts me to reach out to my friends to ask if they want to go to a class together.
The bad
Availability — Some studios reserve a select number of slots for ClassPass users and fill up very quickly. I work in the Chelsea area and have found it nearly impossible to book certain studios for a post-work workout class in the area for that time. However, this isn’t an issue in other studios, in other locations, and at less prime times. If you have a flexible schedule, this likely isn’t an issue for you.
Cancellation Fees — ClassPass charges a fee for a class canceled within 12 hours of the class and a missed reservation fee for a class you didn’t cancel but missed. The fees for late cancelation and missed classes vary heavily based on the class. In my experience, these fees typically cost between $12 and $40. I generally think these fees are reasonable because they ensure that people sign up for classes they will attend and that studios are still paid for holding a spot for someone who didn’t show up. However, as a user, I must be cautious when signing up for classes. I either cancel more than 12 hours before a class if I want to sign up to avoid the fees. It’s also not forgiving when things do come up.
ClassPass strategy
After three months of being on ClassPass, I’ve developed some light strategies for getting the most out of my subscription.
All of these tips come with the disclaimer: only if it’s doable for you!
- Go to classes during off-peak hours (9 am — 5 pm).
- Sign up for classes the day of when you know you want to go to avoid wanting to cancel or miss the reservation (unless the class you want to go to typically fills up quickly).
- Go to neighborhoods where the same classes are less popular (avoid pilates classes in Chelsea and Soho)
- Set a reminder 13 hours before the class to ask yourself if you want to cancel
- Use the map feature to explore new studios that can be convenient
- Choose studios with lockers and showers to get a workout in during a busy day out
- Some corporations partner with ClassPass to offer a free subscription or a discounted rate, check if your workplace offers it!
Is it worth it?
I have found ClassPass to be one of my favorite monthly expenses because it’s been very worthy addition to my new routine in the city. I love getting to try out new studios, working out with friends, and supplementing my gym routine with fun classes for a fraction of the cost of directly purchasing drop-in classes.
Additionally, while ClassPass offers other services besides workout classes like gym time, spa time, nails, hair, etc., I’ve only ever heard of people using it primarily to go to workout classes.
If you like workout classes, I would recommend trying out ClassPass! My general opinion is that while ClassPass can be very worth it for the majority of people who like to go to workout classes, I can think of a few groups of people who may not get as much out of it:
- You live in an area where there are not a lot of ClassPass-partnered locations
- You’re committed to one specific studio or chain — You might be better off buying a package from that studio. Several studios offer monthly packages which offer a significant discount on the cost per class. If you buy a big enough package, it can typically come out to less than the cost through ClassPass.
Try ClassPass for free!
Thanks for reading my honest review of ClassPass going into 2024. To use the free ClassPass trial, use this link (this is a referral link that will give you 20 additional credits for free)!
