ClassPass fitness service offers alternative to gym membership
A rapidly expanding fitness company called ClassPass is offering an alternative to a gym membership. It lets members mix up their exercise routines with access to different types of classes at multiple locations.
Monthly subscribers to the service can take unlimited fitness classes at more than 7,500 studios and gyms across the country and even internationally.
Ashley Diamond, who recently took a Pop Physique barre class in New York City as part of her ClassPass membership, explained why the service is so appealing. "You have access to over 200 classes all day long. So you can make working out fit into your schedule," she told CBS News.
CEO Payal Kadakia started the company in New York in 2013. It has since expanded to 29 metropolitan areas in the U.S. -- with more on the way.
"We are going to be continuously expanding to cities with different models through the rest of this year and into next year," Kadakia said. "We'll be in every market in the U.S."
According to the company's website, prices vary by city, ranging from $79 to $125 per month. Classes can be reserved online or through a mobile app, and users can cancel or put their membership on hold at any time. Popular classes fill up fast, so users may find they have to plan workouts far in advance.
The service also requires a commitment to working out. If you cancel your reservation for a class less than 12 hours before it starts, your account is charged $15. If you don't show up, the fee goes to $20.
The pass allows you to visit any studio a maximum of three times a month, which means it's not for everyone. Rebecca Buckner says she'd rather have the option to keep going back to a favorite spot.
"When I like a studio, I'll go to that studio and I won't really shop around," she said.
But for those who like variety, ClassPass provides plenty of options.
"If I'm doing something, maybe Pilates one week, I want to do something that gets my cardio going a little more the next week," model Kate Michael said.