The Secret to Getting Free Fitness Studio Classes

Summary: You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to spend less on the same fitness classes, as long as you’re flexible and ready to put in a little more planning time.
 

Let’s be real. Fitness classes are fun and great way to mix up your exercise routine, but can be costly. While you may want to do drop-in classes because it allows you to do whatever you feel like that day, it can end up costing you quite a bit of money. For example, a drop-in class at Soul Cycle can cost you $34 before the shoe rental. At Orangetheory fitness, a drop-in class is $25 and that doesn’t include the heart rate monitor. Even at lesser-known studios, drop-in fees usually set you back around $20. If you go to four classes at various studios a week, that’s $320 a month.

 
Luckily, you can still get your fitness on while saving some money as well. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to spend less on the same classes, as long as you’re flexible and ready to put in a little more planning time.
 
First and foremost, consider getting a membership to a fitness studio. If you’re the kind of person who cannot commit to one type of workout (i.e. yoga or cycling) alone, try to find a studio that offers a variety of classes. Finding something with more variety may mean walking away from the popular “brand name” studios, but smaller, local studios can end up being a great fit.
 
Be sure to choose a membership that fits your habits. If you’re the kind of person who only goes to a class two times a week, an unlimited membership may be a waste of your money. Try buying a package of classes at one studio and see how often you go. Then, maybe buy a package at another studio with different classes as well. While you’ll be spending more upfront, you’ll be able to use them when and how you want.
 
Another little known secret is that you can take classes for free by working at a studio. I know what you’re thinking: “I already have a job!” But hear me out. Many studios will give you free classes for picking up one or two shifts a week. Work in the evenings or on the weekends and a few extra hours can save you hundreds of dollars. They may not advertise this fact, so just ask the next time you go in! This also works at some gyms, so if you have a favorite gym where you do your own workouts or take their classes, ask them about employee discounts as well.
 
Last but not least, if you’re willing to give up the class atmosphere, you can save a ton of money by working out at home. You may have to invest in some weights, but once you do, you can save hundreds of dollars a month. There are plenty of free workouts online, along with high-quality streaming programs like Beachbody on Demand or Daily Burn.
 
Now that you know a few tips for getting into your classes while saving money, go enjoy your workout with more peace of mind!