Fitness has never been more fashionable than it is today. Fuelling the trend — along with neon trainers and ridiculously fit Insta stars — is the invasion of boutique fitness studios, offering so many exciting new classes.
So how do you choose which yoga studio to go to or which boot camp is the right one for you? We sat down with Natasha Prasad, from ClassPass to get her top tips on how to navigate your way around the ever-changing fitness industry.
Do Your Research
Nowadays, we're exposed to fitness in real time. Trainers and their clients are posting snippets from their gym sessions every day, so this provides a real insight into the type of fitness you can expect from a specific trainer or fitness studio. If you are unsure what to expect, hop onto a studio’s Instagram, Facebook or website and you’ll be sure to find a video that will give you a pretty accurate sense of what to expect.
Try Before You Buy
With hundreds of fitness options available to you, it can be hard to choose. Fitness class apps, such as ClassPass, are a great way to dip your toe into the fitness industry and discover all the options in your area, as your one pass gives you access to so many studios both in Australia and around the globe.
Buddy Up
Visiting a new studio for the first time and unsure what you’re supposed to do? Partner with someone who has been there before and follow their lead or take a back seat and follow the lead of the person in front of you. Trainers will pick up that you are a first timer pretty quickly and offer their help in getting you started and acquainted with the moves.
Take A Beginners Class
Most fitness studios will offer a beginners class so if it’s your first time make sure you choose the beginner class option. Don't stress about whether you're doing everything right the first time, you'll get better and better each time you go.
Get Specific
Boutique fitness takes each genre of exercise more seriously because different studios can specialise in a certain area, while traditional gym chains may not. For example, you can go to a yoga studio and take a class with a specially trained yoga instructor or go to a boxing gym to have a few rounds with a punching bag. It’s the real deal and a unique experience.
Plan Ahead
To boost your motivation and make the most of the different fitness options in your area, reserve your spot a week in advance and sync these bookings with your calendar. This is another area where the buddy system comes in handy! Good workout pals can encourage you to come along, even on the days when you really don't feel like it.
Explore New Studios
Keep an eye out for new studios that open near your home or work. Plan to try a new one each week to push yourself outside the your comfort zone and possibly discover your new favourite class.
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