Review: I Tried 5 Workout Studios in Denver with ClassPass
Happy New Year, friends! I made a commitment to myself last month to start my 2019 goals early + I did it, guys. I got my little butt to the gym + visited a few workout studios from cycling to yoga. Some classes I really loved + some I dreadfully slapped myself in the face for signing up for because they were so challenging. Although it was a literal kick in the behind, I’m proud of myself for getting through it + getting out of my comfort zone.
Each studio had their pros + cons + I’ll go through each one.* But first, I want to inform you guys about how I did it — ClassPass, y’all!
If you don’t know about ClassPass yet, then where have you been? Just kidding, I’m sure you’ve been around. You’ve probably heard about it or seen it in a Facebook ad like I did. It wasn’t until my best friend started talking about it + telling me how great it is that I had to look into it myself. And let me tell you, it truly is great!
What it is
ClassPass is a monthly fitness membership that gives you access to thousands of different classes + workout studios in your area. So lots of options! Pricing depends on how many classes you’d like to take a month + what city you live in.
How it works
You can sign up for classes directly on the ClassPass site or by downloading the ClassPass app on your phone. From there, you can search for thousands of classes by neighborhood, time, activity, level + amenities (like, do they have showers available? Lockers? Parking spots?). Depending on your membership, you’ll be given a number of credits + each class is worth a certain number of credits. Some are higher than others depending on the size of class or if you’ve revisited the same studio within the same month.
Things to note
ClassPass works for me because I love being in a class setting + trying out different forms of exercise. One day I may feel like sweating my ass off on a bike + another day I may want to slow things down + do some yoga. You’re not restricted to one type of workout + I personally enjoy that aspect about it. Another thing I like about ClassPass is it holds you accountable. If you sign up for a class, you have 12 hours prior to the class to cancel without a late fee. If you decide to cancel within the 12 hours, you will be charged a late fee of $15. If you don’t cancel at all, you’ll be charged a no-show fee of $20. This definitely is an incentive to get your booty to the gym!
If you guys are new to ClassPass, check it out. You get your first month for free + you can cancel at any time. Also, let me know if you’d like some company! I’m still trying to figure out what type of classes work for me + what classes don’t so I’m always up for something new! And without further ado, here’s my opinion on the ones I took this past month.
*Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions. All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.
5. Pilates Evolution cherry creek
THE CLASS: “A combination of cardio, strength training + Pilates. 40 minutes of heart pumping, muscle quivering, body strengthening moves.”
CONS: This is not your normal Reformer Pilates class. This class is very challenging. If you’ve done Fierce45, it’s very similar to that. It’s intense + definitely BURNS. I felt like the weakest link in my class because I had no idea what I was doing, I was sore from my workout the day before + was getting over a cold. It’s actually recommended that you take a private session if you are new to the class which I should have definitely done.
PROS: It’s only 40 minutes. The class surprisingly goes by fast. You will be aching every minute of it but at least you’ll know it’ll be over in less than an hour. Also, the class has a maximum limit of 12 people so the instructor truly cares that you are gettin the best workout. Another plus, the music!
OVERALL: I can see why people love this workout. It’s short but gets all the muscles working. Guarantee soreness for the next couple days. I’d love to come back to this class after I’ve gained a little more strength, muscle + endurance. I’m pretty out of shape at the moment so this class was definitely the most challenging.
4. barre3
THE CLASS: “A 60-minute workout inspired by ballet barre, yoga + Pilates. Movements tone + lengthen all major muscle groups, rev your heart rate + strength your body.”
CONS: I didn’t expect it to be SO damn hard. I figured it would be some work but I thought it was mainly stretching. I don’t know where I got this idea from because I was dead wrong. This class focuses on little muscle movements from head to toe + your body will definitely be shakey afterwards. My instructor was also very keen on getting us to hold positions + pushing ourselves more out of our comfort zone but it was important for me to take little breaks from time to time because I was working muscles I didn’t even know existed + my body started feeling fatigued a couple times.
PROS: Barre workouts target multiple muscle groups at the same time. The tiny movements you’re making require you to hold, pulse + push even further so you’re not just working solely on your quads but you’re also working your upper-back + abs at the same time. You also feel a stronger awareness of your mind + body. Because barre is a slower-pace workout, you have a deeper connection to what your body is doing that you wouldn’t normally get in a faster-pace workout.
OVERALL: I genuinely enjoyed this class because the muscle groups it focuses on are muscles I'd personally like to strengthen. However, there is not much cardio involved, if any. I would either add a cycling class or another form of cardio to this class for a well-balanced workout routine.
3. The River Yoga
THE CLASS: Power Vinyasa, Hot Yoga. “An invigorating flow class that will strengthen your body focus your mind + empower your spirit.”
CONS: It wasn’t challenging enough for me. I am by no means a “yogi” but I’ve been to my fair share of yoga classes + felt this class was just a little too basic for me. I also expected to leave the class dripping in sweat since it was suppose to be hot yoga but left with little to no sweat which is not a big deal but was kind of hoping to detox my body.
PROS: I loved the community. Oftentimes when I walk into a yoga studio, I feel like its a popularity contest on who has the cutest outfits or who can do the most advanced variations. And then I get into my own head + not focus on the actual practice. I think because The River is a local yoga studio in Denver, you really feel that sense of community even more. I felt safe + comfortable. I even started a friendly conversation with the girl next to me which I feel like never happens! The instructor was also so sweet + adjusted me when I needed it, which is something I love.
OVERALL: I’ll definitely be back. I love the energy here + they have a variety of yoga classes such as Yin Yoga, Deep Stretching + Meditation class, + Yoga Bootcamp!
2. firehaus pilates
THE CLASS: “Combo equipment class will utilize the Reformer, Tower + Chair for a challenging full body workout.”
CONS: The only ~minor~ thing I had against this class was that there was no music. Personally, I enjoy having some music in the background to get me “in the zone” but that’s the only issue I had with this class.
PROS: There were only 3 of us in the class + one of them was my best friend! I’m not sure if the classes are kept small that way or if we got lucky but I loved having that one-on-one connection with the instructor. She took the time to show us the moves + adjusted each of us when we needed it. This studio has different types of Pilates equipment including Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair + ropes so you get a well-rounded workout.
OVERALL: I would love to come back to this studio. They offer a variety of different classes that target different areas of the body by using a variety of equipment. They even offer a Barre Pilates class + a high intensity cardio-based Pilates class!
1. High Ride Cycle
THE CLASS: A 45-minute cycling class that “incorporates cardio, weights + resistance to provide a killer full body workout.”
CONS: ZERO. Any “issue” I had was easily resolved. First problem I encountered was not having cycling shoes. They actually have cycling shoes there that you can borrow at no cost. Just make sure to wear socks ;). Second, I had no idea how to adjust my bike but the instructor quickly ran over to help me + even gave me a quick breakdown on what each adjustor does so I know for next time.
PROS: I absolutely love the setting of this place. The lighting, the music + the energy you feel from the instructors make it such a fun but rewarding experience. One of the reasons I love cycling is that you can adjust it to YOUR body. Not all bodies are created equal + not all of us are at the exact same strength + endurance level, so I love that you can change the level of resistance + slowly push yourself more + more as you go. They also incorporate an upper-body workout using weights + small movements so you truly do get a full body workout.
OVERALL: I went to High Ride twice in the same month because that’s how much I loved it. They also sometimes have different themes to their classes so one of the classes I took was an Illenium vs. Odesza class (which are two of my favorite EDM artists) so the whole class was blasting their music, which gave me all the motivation + strength to push through the hard parts. The instructors get you feeling pumped + the community is also so positive that you truly leave the studio with a smile on your face.
And there you have it! I hope to continue my wellness journey in this new coming year + hope you all make the effort to take care of your mind, body + soul. It is so important. Remember to take time for yourself + make your health a top priority. You deserve it.
Love + light,
Cris