Gone are the days of generic group exercise classes… or so it seems. While your local gym probably offers daily group exercise classes, more and more boutique gyms are popping up. Offering classes that go beyond a workout and enter a new dimension of sensory experiences. In this article we’ll discuss what makes these classes so successful and why you may want to join one.

Boutique gyms or studios are those spaces with tailored offerings. This description can cover any workout from CrossFit to Pure Barre to Hot Yoga to Soul Cycle. From the moment you walk in you can tell the aesthetic was planned - from the lighting to the smell, maybe even a juice bar or a la carte cafe.This leads to tip #1 - prepare for the atmosphere. You may want to become a power-lifter but if an open gym, and very plain environment doesn’t appeal to you, CrossFit probably isn’t for you. Along the same lines don’t expect to go to yoga and hear rap music (unless a studio offers this as a specific class).

Possibly the biggest barrier of these classes is the cost but you can see it as one of two things - an issue or a motivator. Depending on your geographical location you’ll find boutique studios charge $15-$40 a class but if you consider the class an investment, you're likely to invest your time and show up. Still, we'd like to share some options to help you save: 

1. Introductory classes - do new members get their first class free or a discounted rate? 

2. Class passes - instead of buying one class at a time buy passes for 5, 10, 20, etc. classes saving you money and motivating you to go. 

3. Become a member - If you like a studio, commit and become a member. Membership typically saves a lot of money and comes with perks, such as discounts on merchandise, sneak peaks, and special events.

4. Use the classes as treats - Purchase a 10 or 20-class pass to save money and then pick one day every week that you go.

Boutique studios also have tools to help you set and smash goals. Methods will vary but include writing progress on a community board, using heart rate monitors, and giving points for attendance which can be redeemed for merchandise. You may feel silly at first, but these tools keep you motivated to keep pushing to build your best you.

How do you feel about boutique studios? Do you have a class you regularly attend and love? Let us know what you like, don’t like, or want to know about these types of classes in the comments below.