Tis Me Michelle

One of my goals that I’ve had consistently is to really actually take my health seriously. There are plenty of improvements to make, and one of them is to exercise more. I’ve had stints in gyms every now and then, but I always fall out after just a couple months. Some things I’ve learned are that, aside from walking outside I rarely find motivation to work out at home. And I’m not a huge fan of extreme cardio or HIIT workouts. As 2024 ended, I took a bunch of intro workout classes and then started a trial with ClassPass. Here’s a review of what I’ve tried so far.

Pure Barre – This was the first workout class I tried. This was actually a little while ago. It sounded like a great option because I was expecting to learn some ballet. I found out very quickly that it was more of a cardio/body strength workout with a ballet bar that you use every now and then. If there was more of a dance element mixed in, I would have enjoyed it much more. After a few classes, I felt like it was any different than a workout I could have found online. Rating: 5/10

Planet Fitness – I had a good little run here at the end of last year. I’m pretty sure I went on vacation and totally lost my momentum. It’s a simple, straightforward gym and has what you need to get a workout in. The reasons I stopped going were I kind of got bored of my routine, I didn’t know enough about what I should be doing, so I just kept doing the same few things. And I felt self-conscious especially because the only times I was able to go was when the gym was full. I should have gotten the basic membership which was $15 (ugh inflation, I swear it used to be $10), but I went for the fancy $25 one. Still not as bad as most other gyms, but I didn’t end up using any of the ‘added benefits’. The online portal didn’t have an option to downgrade the membership, and that annoyed me enough to just cancel it. I have a terrible all-or-nothing mindset. Rating: 7/10

Club Pilates – I was very nervous about trying Pilates. I’ve heard that it is much harder than you think. I’m always nervous when there are contraptions where I could injure myself. But I wanted to see what it was like. The intro class was only half an hour and the instructor was great at explaining things. I found it relaxing and interesting. I ended up liking the contraption (reformer) and want to keep getting better. CP offers classes at different levels, so I can clearly sign up for the ‘beginner friendly’ options because I am so far from being ready to stand or do anything actually cool on the reformer. It actually helps with relieving body stress/aches, which I need. My only qualm was that signing up for CP itself is super expensive. It is on ClassPass, but very rarely actually available to book. I’ve only been able to book one class. If I see an opening when I am available, I will definitely be going back! Rating: 8.5/10

Rumble – This was an option I found while Googling free intro workout classes. I had heard of it but didn’t realize we had any locations local to where I live. Once I knew there was, I signed up for an intro class. This intro was also another half-workout of the usual full version. Even though it was a half-class, it was intense. I was in pain for a few days afterward. The setup is half a boxing class and half a strength HIIT workout. I don’t love HIIT workouts, but the boxing side is what really appealed to me. It’s not ‘real’ boxing, you aren’t going up against each other. Rather you get a bag and go through different routines. I was surprised by how much of a full-body workout it was. And I loved the vibe. The lights are low, the music is so fun and I really loved punching the crap out of something. My only downside is that the location closer to me is not on ClassPass, the one on it is a hike. My goal is to go at least once a month with ClassPass. Rating: 9/10

Orange Theory – My cousin raved about OT and I know quite a few other loyal OT’ers, but I never gave it a go until just a few weeks ago. This is the only place I’ve gone that has a full-length free intro class. Each workout goes through three circuits Cardio (treadmill), Strength (free and body weights), and Rowing. At this point, you shouldn’t be surprised, I don’t love cardio, but the other portions I didn’t mind. The group and instructor are super supportive. I totally understand why people love it. The people that go have a sense of community and the structure keeps things interesting, and a bit competitive. On the flip side, it also seems very sales/culty, I still get calls and texts from them to come back. OT is not on ClassPass and is one of the more expensive memberships. If it was more affordable, I would have given it a real go. Rating: 7.5/10

CycleBar – This was one of my first ClassPass classes. My friend recommended it, and I can be swayed here. She told me to give it a few more classes, I’ve taken 2 so far. It’ll take a few more classes for me to simply figure out how to hook into the bikes. This is another spot where the vibes are fantastic, again mood lighting and great music. I was able to push through because of the upbeat music and both instructors I had were fun. It was very cardio-intensive, and I felt it, leaving with a good sweat. Both classes I took were basically full, yet there are always plenty of CycleBar locations with availability on ClassPass. I am open to giving it another go, I just didn’t enjoy the actual movement. It may be because I felt too restricted being stuck on the bikes. Rating: 7.5/10

Aerial Yoga – Over the years I’ve tried a few different yoga classes and types. ‘Regular’ or ‘Traditional’ yoga, at home and in classes, is fine, but I don’t find it particularly engaging. I tried a Hot Yoga class last year for the first time, and the overheating does not bode well for me. Just the other week I started Aerial Yoga with a friend through ClassPass. This is one I’ll be adding to my regular rotation. As someone who is very tense and so uncomfortable in my body, this class has already helped me find a sense of trust in my body. The ability to attempt moves and flips, even if imperfectly and very slowly, has been fun and freeing. I’m excited to learn how to do more and push through my discomfort. Rating: 9.5

It’s super important to find something you enjoy doing. I find it hard to keep momentum if I’m just doing it for the sake of doing it or because I should or have to. My goal is to take three classes a week, doesn’t matter which kind. I like having a variety of workouts. As we know I get bored rather easily, so the mix of classes definitely helps. ClassPass isn’t inexpensive, but it is not as expensive as most of the places I checked out if I opted for a subscription through them. I do appreciate that some of the places I enjoy are offered through it and that I can try different workouts. So far it has been worth it. I really do feel good after I do any of these workouts, the hardest part for me is simply getting there.

Are there any workout classes I haven’t checked out you’d recommend? Let me know!