How to Choose the Right Fitness Class: My Journey
- Sarah Tian
- May 26
- 7 min read
Updated: 17 minutes ago
As the weather warms and life seems to spin faster than ever, I’ve found my body and mind craving more movement to stay balanced and healthy. Group fitness classes have been my go-to way of staying active since my college days. Now, as I transition back to life in the U.S., I’ve been rebuilding a routine that fits my current lifestyle.
After hearing recommendations from friends, I decided to sign up for a free two-week ClassPass trial. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity to try various workout classes and tune into what my body and mind needed most.
Why Choose Group Fitness Classes?
There’s something undeniably powerful about sweating it out with others. The collective energy in the room, the encouragement from instructors, and the unspoken motivation of seeing someone next to you push through elevate the workout beyond just exercise.
As someone who works mostly remotely and enjoys solo activities at home, group fitness gets me out of the house. It helps me soak up the sun and interact with real, live humans. Some days, a fist bump from a workout buddy is all the social interaction I need to feel recharged.
How Do I Choose Which Fitness Class is Right for Me?
Step 1: Define Your Fitness Goals
When I joined ClassPass, I wanted more than just to burn calories. I craved variety. I know myself: after about two months of the same workout, I hit a plateau—physically and mentally. My attention drifts, and so does my motivation. I wanted to break out of routine, explore new movements, and have a little fun doing it.
Like many who sit for long hours at work, I’d begun noticing neck and shoulder tension from poor posture. After a visit to the physical therapist, the advice was clear: strengthen my core to better support my posture. Swapping my second screen from above to beside my laptop also helped immensely.
Additionally, I wanted to ensure I was getting at least one or two hours of cardio each week for heart health and stress relief. Since I’m not a fan of running outdoors (thank you, pollen allergies), indoor classes became the ideal alternative.
Finally, I’ve always struggled with flexibility. I hoped to find classes that could enhance my range of motion—particularly for dance and pilates. Improving flexibility would help reduce my overall risk of injury as well.
Step 2: Try Them Out and Take Notes!
With my goals in mind, I began exploring. Here are my unfiltered takes on the classes I tried:
This class reminded me—in a good way—of PE circuit training and university HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). It’s fast-paced, efficient, and perfect for when you’re short on time but want maximum impact.
Every session is either cardio-focused, strength-based, or a hybrid of both. With over 5,000 exercise variations, you’ll rarely experience the same thing twice. I loved how clear everything was—demo videos play on screens, so you know exactly what to do at each station. Equipment is prepped for you, and staff handle all the cleaning.
The end-of-class ritual of high-fiving your teammates and cheering each other on truly fosters a sense of community. Yes, the first class (and the next morning) might be painful—but if you stick with it, your body adapts. The soreness fades, replaced by a quiet sense of strength.
[solidcore] is a reformer-based, high-intensity, low-impact workout rooted in pilates. It's designed to challenge your muscles so they can rebuild stronger. Think of it as strength training in slow motion. Every move is ultra-controlled, and those 15-second isometric holds? Brutal—in the best way.
I initially struggled to follow the instructor (they talk fast), but that wasn't a deal-breaker. I observed others and adapted as needed. Instructors were always ready to help if you looked confused or visibly frozen in time. Keep in mind, there’s no built-in warm-up or cool-down, so plan to stretch before and after on your own.
This class is not for the faint-hearted—but if you believe in the “no pain, no gain” philosophy, this will definitely ignite your muscles on fire. In a good way.
I didn’t expect to enjoy boxing, but TITLE stole my heart. Each individual gets their own bag, while the coach guides you through combinations using six basic punches. I was so focused on following along that I barely noticed my exertion—until witnessing my drenched clothes and hand wraps afterward.
Boxing is an incredible stress reliever. There’s something cathartic about visualizing frustrations and channeling them with each punch. If you’ve ever needed a release, this is the place to do it.
Rumble divides the class into two groups: one starts with boxing while the other begins with strength training. You switch back and forth, which offers variety. However, I personally signed up for boxing, not to lift weights in a dark, neon-lit room.
The "nightclub" vibe with flashing lights and loud music tries to create a fun atmosphere, but I found the dim lighting made it easier for me to slack off. The self-paced nature of the class means the intensity is largely up to you, and I didn’t push myself as hard as in other workouts.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a ballerina—or wish you’d taken ballet as a child—this class is for you. Pure Barre mixes elements of ballet, pilates, and yoga, using a bar, mirrors, and small, targeted movements.
Expect to point your toes, engage your core, and tuck your belly with elegance. It’s gentle on the body but surprisingly challenging for the muscles. I left class feeling graceful, stretched, and more in tune with my body.
SoulCycle offers a 45-minute, high-intensity indoor cycling class that blends cardio, choreography, and strength training. Each session combines segments of climbs, sprints, upper body weights, and what they call the “soulful moment”—a chance to reflect, release, and reconnect with yourself.
What sets SoulCycle apart is the music. Each instructor curates their playlist, bringing full energy and presence to every ride. My first class was a Taylor Swift-themed ride, and believe me, it was as fun as it sounds. Clipping into the bike felt intimidating initially, but once the lights dimmed and the music kicked in, I was fully immersed. You're not just pedaling; you’re dancing, sweating, and vibing with a room full of people who are just as into the music.
It’s a joyful way to feel part of a community—even without exchanging words. If you’re drawn to the music your local SoulCycle instructors play, this class might become your weekly highlight. It combines cardio with connection—and a whole lot of rhythm.
Step 3: Choose the Fitness Class That Works for YOU!
So, how did I decide which class to stick with?
I started by eliminating the ones with clear red flags—those that, for one reason or another, didn’t fit into my lifestyle.
First to go was boxing. As much as I enjoyed the release and intensity, I wasn’t ready to invest in extra gear like hand wraps and gloves, especially knowing I wouldn’t commit long-term.
Next was SoulCycle. While the music and atmosphere were enjoyable, the studio was too far from where I live, making regular attendance impractical. The limited number of bathrooms led to long lines, adding unnecessary stress.
Then there was Pure Barre. I loved the gracefulness and nostalgic ballet vibes, but I felt that many of the movements could be replicated at home with a good online class and some self-discipline.
That left me with two contenders: F45 and [solidcore].
Reflecting on the goals I set at the beginning—strengthening core, getting regular cardio, and improving flexibility—F45 and [solidcore] surprised me by checking all the boxes.
F45 has become my dependable go-to—the “bread and butter” of my fitness routine. It provides a reliable dose of cardio and strength training, helping me stay consistent with movement while supporting my posture and cardiovascular health. The circuit-style workouts also keep things dynamic and fun, essential for someone who easily gets bored.
[solidcore] captured my heart from the first class. It focuses on my core through slow, controlled movements that engage muscles deeply—especially the small stabilizers I often overlook. While it’s the most physically demanding, it’s also the most rewarding. I fell in love with the slow, deep burn, leaving each session feeling stronger than before (even if I was shaking). Maybe there’s a fine line between pain and love—turns out, I don’t mind walking that line.
To complement my flexibility goals, I've also started attending one-on-one assisted stretching sessions with StretchMed. This gentle but necessary addition has helped me stay limber and injury-free amidst the intensity of the other classes.
Together, these practices have created a balanced, sustainable routine—one that supports my physical health and uplifts my mental and emotional well-being.
Final Thoughts
When you find a workout that truly clicks, exercise stops being a chore. You no longer drag yourself to class—you look forward to it. It becomes something you crave, something that fills you up rather than drains you.
Whether you're seeking to break a sweat, boost your mood, meet new friends, or reconnect with your body, I hope this review encourages you to explore what’s out there. Try, reflect, and, most importantly—listen to what lights you up.
Once you discover that match, watch how your energy, health, and mindset begin to shift. Movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s one of the most powerful tools for creating a joyful, resilient life.
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