First Week of ClassPass

Last week I decided to take advantage of the free month of workout classes offered by ClassPass for January 2019. I have always been a sports/running/gym person, and haven't taken classes since my cardio pilates days at Bucknell. In the spirit of the new year and taking advantage of deals, I signed up. The offer is for 45 credits that can be used for ~6-7 classes, though they also offer "wellness" options that include blowouts and massages.

I started last week and took three classes at very different studios downtown. Being insanely inflexible, yoga was a necessary choice for the first week. It was also a complete reverse culture shock to feel like I was back at the Bucknell gym, surrounded by 20 something females decked out in Lululemon and carrying S'well water bottles (myself included). The full membership is expensive, and worth weighing the pros and cons, but here is a short summary/review of my first week. {Image}

Mind Body Bootcamp | 57 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
The Good: This class was a combination of yoga, kickboxing and basic cardio. There were several times that we were instructed to just release all out energy with every punch and kick. While it felt a bit much at first, I really liked the communal feeling in the room of everyone doing it together. 
The Bad: Not too much to report- the class was the perfect combination of challenging, engaging, and fun. 
Final Takeaway: Overall, a solid class that started and ended calmly. ☆☆ ☆ 1/2

Pure Barre |  80 Pine St, New York, NY 10005 
I had been wanting to try Pure Barre specifically for a while after hearing rave reviews. 
The Good: It's an efficient workout and I felt thoroughly sore. 
The Bad: I like to consider myself pretty in shape, however this was painful. Additionally, you have to have grip socks and the only ones at Target were toe socks...enough said. (No shade to anyone who likes toe socks, but when you are doing barre movements in a room full of non toe socks, it feels a little weird.)
Final Takeaway: A good workout, but I would not recommend for your first workout class. ☆☆ ☆

Soul Sweat Yoga @Laughing Lotus | 636 6th Ave 3rd floor, New York, NY 10011
The Good: This class was the perfect combination of challenging flexibility and strength. The studio was enormous and colorfully decorated- truthfully, I kept thinking about what I would do with an apartment space that size. 
The Bad: I made the mistake of sitting in the front row. I have taken a couple of yoga classes, but not enough to feel like I could easily hold my own. I found myself looking at the expert next to me (who had every right to be in the front row). 
Final Takeaway: The perfect way to end the weekend/start the week. If you are looking for a way to end the weekend feeling ready for Monday, I highly recommend a yoga class. I was able to get a good workout in, and even run a couple of last minute errands to Trader Joes and Bed, Bath and Beyond with no lines while finishing an audio book- ideal Sunday night! ☆☆ ☆☆