What's the Deal with ClassPass?

ClassPass is a fitness platform that lets you book classes and wellness services at various studios using credits. You pay for a monthly plan, get a certain number of credits, and then use them to try out different workouts. Yoga? Sure. HIIT? Why not. Pilates on a reformer that looks like a medieval torture device? Absolutely!

So far, ClassPass is available in seven major German cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. The best part? They often work with high-end studios that might normally make your wallet weep. But with ClassPass, you can strut into that trendy bootcamp like you own the place (without the accompanying price tag). Here's a sneak peek of studios you can expect to find on the app:

• Berlin: Feel the burn at Barry's Bootcamp or find your zen at Ohia Studio.

• Munich: Shake things up at Studio Lagree or Time To Shine.

• Hamburg: Strengthen your core with Pilates at Urban Heroes or pedal to the beat at Rocycle.

While these swanky studios are a big draw, ClassPass isn't just about the fancy places: the platform offers a mix of high-end and more affordable options. You can splurge on a luxury class one day and balance it out with a more budget-friendly option the next, or just stick to a place that you like – there are no limits on how often you can visit the same studio.

Let's Talk Credits: How Much Bang for Your Buck?

Alright, let's break down the numbers. ClassPass works on a credit system, and here's what it costs in Germany:

• 9 Credits: €15/month (€1.67 per credit)

• 23 Credits: €34/month (€1.48 per credit)

• 42 Credits: €59/month (€1.40 per credit)

• 64 Credits: €89/month (€1.39 per credit)

• 80 Credits: €110/month (€1.38 per credit)

Now, you might be wondering, "Okay, but how much do I have to pay per workout?" The number of credits each class costs varies depending on the studio's popularity, location, and class type. Here's a rough guide with credits per class based on my experience in Berlin:

• 3-4 credits: First-time offers in select studios (hello, newbie perks!)

• 5-7 credits: Your regular fitness/yoga studios and gym passes

• 8-9 credits: Newer studios, gym+spa combo passes

• 10-14+ credits: Trendy places, Pilates reformer, special workshops and longer classes

• 27+ credits: Massages (because sometimes your muscles deserve a treat), personal training

Is ClassPass Worth It? Let's Do Some Math

I know, I know – math isn't everyone's favorite workout. But stick with me, because this is where it gets interesting. ClassPass offers some serious savings, especially if you're into trying those premium studios.

Take Barry's Bootcamp in Berlin, for instance. It's the kind of place where your muscles and your wallet both get a workout: booking directly will set you back around €26-28 per class, or €21 per class if you buy a monthly package of 8 classes or more. But with ClassPass? You're looking at 13 credits for most classes, which translates to about €18-19 if you're on the 42-credit plan. That's savings of nearly €10 per class, with no package commitment.

Or consider a yoga session at Ohia, one of the most high-end yoga studios in Berlin. Direct booking could cost you around €25, or €70 for 4 classes (that's €17.50 per class) with a monthly subscription. But through ClassPass, most classes are 8-11 credits, which is roughly €11-16. There are good deals on wellness too: the massage place I go to offers a 60-minute session for 30 credits (about €42) — if you book directly with them, it costs €80.

Of course, it's not just about the high-end studios. There are plenty of more regular, budget-friendly options too. A typical class at these places costs you 5-7 credits, which is approximately €7-10. Plus, some studios offer first-time visitor discounts, where you can snag a class for as low as 3 credits (€4-5). It's like happy hour for your fitness routine!

The ClassPass Flex Factor

Here's where ClassPass really shines: flexibility. You can roll over unused credits to the next month, switch to a lower credit plan if you're having a lazy month (hey, it happens to the best of us), or just cancel your plan and restart whenever you feel like it.

There's even a secret 8-credit plan for €19 that you won't see on the list of plan options – it only pops up when you are trying to cancel your membership. While it's not the best value per credit, it could make sense if you can only go once this month and don't want to cancel completely.

Conversely, if you're on a roll and need more credits, you can buy extra — but keep in mind that these are pricier than your regular plan credits (€1.70-1.90 vs. €1.38-1.67). A smarter move is to switch to a higher credit plan and choose the option to make it start immediately, not on your next billing date. It's a lot cheaper than buying extra credits, plus it might just give you that extra push to work out more. Win-win!

Ready to Give It a Try?

If ClassPass sounds like it might be up your alley, you should take advantage of their generous free trial offer: you get 62 credits to use over 1 month, completely free! No strings attached – cancel until the end of the month if you don't want to keep the membership. When I did my trial last year, I managed to visit 10 different studios in a month, found some favorites, and... well, let's just say, since then ClassPass and I have been living happily ever after. Just remember, you can't visit the same studio more than once during your trial. But hey, that's the perfect excuse to try something new every day!

Curious to see if ClassPass could be your fitness match made in heaven? You can sign up for a free 1-month trial with the link below, which will give you an extra 20 credits — that’s 62 credits total! Consider it my virtual high-five for taking a step towards your fitness goals.

I find ClassPass to be a fun and cost-effective way to explore my city’s fitness scene without committing to an expensive membership or paying high drop-in fees in premium fitness studios. The variety of studios keeps things interesting, and I appreciate the flexibility. If you're curious about trying new studios or looking to kickstart your fitness journey, ClassPass might be worth a spin!