Eight Fitness Alternatives to Consider Post-Classpass Price Hike

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Does the Classpass unlimited price hike have you tweeting Beyoncé-smashing-a-car-window-with-a-baseball-bat GIFs nonstop today? Channel that energy into something a bit more productive, like considering all the other fitness options that are out there for $190 (or less! much less!) in New York City. We have a few suggestions:

Consider your Classpass membership

Are you really using that unlimited option to the max? If you're actually attending classes three times per week, then it makes sense to stay — compared to the $35 drop-in rate that Classpass cited in its email to customers this morning, you're saving nearly $20 per class if you're going 12 times a month. But if you can swap two of those workouts for a yoga sequence at home and a good old-fashioned run, drop down to the "Core" package of ten classes per month and keep paying the same $125.

Join Equinox. Really.

Classpass's new price for unlimited classes quickly drew comparisons to Equinox's monthly membership (and the gym has taken notice on Twitter). New York City rates start at $168 per month and vary by location, going up to $230 if you choose an all-access pass. So if you're willing to part with $200-ish a month for your fitness regime, you might as well choose the luxe spot that has Kiehl's products in the locker room and plenty of top-of-the-line group classes over studio-hopping. Don't forget that you'll also need to pay that initiation fee.

Or join a cheaper gym that offers classes.

You don't need to go top-of-the-line to get good group fitness. Crunch, New York Sports Club, and more "regular gyms" offer solid classes, and there's no limit on how many you can take per month.

Look into personal training options.

If you go the budget-friendly gym route and have that leftover cash burning a hole in your pocket, look into your spot's personal training offerings. This doesn't need to be a long-term commitment — a package with as little as five sessions can get you started on a solid solo gym routine.

Start picking up those studio intro deals...

Lots of places offer introductory deals to new members (especially yoga and cycling), so burn through those before paying full-price. And don't forget to check your in your promotions tab for Gilt City emails, since they frequently offer discounts on class packages to first-time students — there are currently available deals for Pure Barre, Peloton, Beatbox Fitness, and more.

...or just buy class packages at your favorite spots.

If you discovered a favorite studio through Classpass, just take the plunge and buy some classes already. On the pricier end, five classes at any NYC Soulcycle costs you $165, while five classes at Flywheel is $160, so you can go more than three times per month and still save a little. Also be on the lookout for deals from studios like these — Barry's Bootcamp already sent out an offer to those who have visited their studios through Classpass.

Don't forget the little guys.

One of Classpass's perks is its element of discovery, especially when it comes to classes that operate out of rented studio space. Since workouts like these have much less overhead, their prices are cheaper than name-brand studios. For example, you can get ten sessions of the HIIT-style Killer Bodies for just $120, and Beebe's Buttcamp just launched an option that gets you as many classes as you want in a month for only $88.

Take advantage of freebies.

Lululemon offers free classes and run clubs in many of its stores. All of the classes at Athleta's in-store studio in Flatiron are free. If you're willing to wake up early enough, you can join the crew at the November Project for free. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, more and more free outdoor workouts like these will pop up all around the city. So participating in group fitness doesn't have to cost you anything at all, as long as you know where to look (and, in most cases, sign up early enough).