What You Might Not Know About ClassPass (and Why Supporting Small Studios Matters)
- Groove Studio
- Oct 31, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 23
ClassPass has made it easy for fitness enthusiasts to explore different studios, try new workouts, and discover their passions. For many, it’s a convenient way to book classes without committing to one place. We understand the appeal — after all, discovering new forms of movement is part of the journey.
From a studio’s perspective, however, there are behind-the-scenes aspects most people don’t see. This blog shares our experience so ClassPass users can better understand our studio, our approach, and the effort that goes into creating a safe, effective, and enjoyable learning environment.
🧾 How ClassPass Works for Studios
ClassPass is a third-party platform. While students pay ClassPass for credits, studios do not receive the full value of those credits. The rate paid to studios varies — sometimes only a few dollars, sometimes slightly above $10.
For new ClassPass users, studios do not receive any payment at all for their bookings. In some cases, multiple accounts are created to take advantage of “new user” promotions, which means studios may receive no payment for certain bookings.
Even with the best intentions, ClassPass bookings can create financial and operational challenges for small studios. Each class requires preparation, instructor time, and studio overheads such as rent, utilities, insurance, and equipment maintenance. Instructors often teach after their main jobs, so their time and effort deserve recognition and fair compensation.
⚖️ Managing Class Expectations
At Groove Studio, our classes are progressive and structured. Each studio has its own syllabus and teaching methodology. Our approach focuses on fitness, strength, conditioning, and technique development, rather than purely performance-based pole choreography or pole flow.
Because ClassPass allows students to explore freely, we occasionally see mismatches in class expectations. For example:
Sometimes experienced students book an “absolute beginner” class.
At other times, absolute beginners book higher-level classes.
In some instances, this happens simply because the class description was not read carefully. Level descriptions are provided to help students choose the most suitable session for their safety, enjoyment, and progress. When there is a mismatch, the class may feel “too easy” or “too difficult,” which can understandably affect the student’s experience.
We gently encourage all students to read the class descriptions carefully before booking. Doing so ensures expectations align with the class structure and helps everyone have a positive experience.
There have also been occasions where feedback shared publicly does not reflect a misunderstanding of level suitability, but rather a difference in expectations. As a third-party platform, ClassPass does not typically investigate or mediate reviews — they reflect individual user experiences. While we fully respect every individual’s perspective, this can sometimes feel challenging for small studios when contextual factors are not considered.
We view feedback as an opportunity to improve, and we remain open to constructive communication. We simply encourage open dialogue during or after class so concerns can be addressed directly and positively.
A few other observations we’ve noticed:
Experienced students occasionally respond with “I know, I know” when instructors offer guidance. In these cases, instructors respect their experience and may not insist, which can limit opportunities for correction and growth.
Occasionally, students may be unhappy with a trainer but do not communicate why. Even when instructors check in during class, students may smile and say everything is fine — yet leave a negative review afterward. In small classes, each review carries significant weight.
On some occasions, students may not follow guidance, such as removing jewellery, which can affect equipment and safety. We never turn students away; instead, instructors adapt by guiding students on how to perform moves safely or finding creative solutions to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Our goal is always to create a supportive and respectful learning environment. Understanding our structure and respecting instructor guidance ensures students get the most from each class.
💔 The Hidden Costs for Small Studios
ClassPass bookings can also bring unseen costs:
Students book a spot but don’t turn up (no-shows) yet request replacements.
Groups request new time slots to avoid group-class fees charged directly by the studio.
We open more slots on ClassPass but may receive little or no payment due to platform rules.
Every class, whether booked via ClassPass or directly, requires time, energy, and preparation. Only a small percentage of ClassPass users continue on to full-term courses. While ClassPass increases visibility, it does not always provide sustainable support for small studios.
For larger gyms, one or two challenging bookings may be manageable. For small studios, every class counts — financially, operationally, and emotionally for instructors who invest their heart into teaching.
💪 Commitment and Care, No Matter Who Joins
Even with these challenges, we give every student the same quality of teaching, guidance, and attention.
Sometimes, only one or two ClassPass users attend a class with no other in-studio students — yet our instructors still proceed fully prepared. Occasionally, instructors may even wait in an empty studio if users don’t turn up.
Despite these moments, our commitment remains unchanged. Every class matters. Every student matters.
🌟 ClassPass as a Marketing Tool
While ClassPass presents unique challenges, it also provides opportunities:
Exposure to new students – People discover studios they may never have found otherwise.
Encouraging trial and curiosity – Students hesitant to commit to a term course can try a class, gain confidence, and then join regular programmes.
Building a community – Even a single ClassPass user may become a loyal student or recommend the studio to friends.
Feedback and growth – Interacting with new students helps instructors refine and strengthen class structure over time.
ClassPass also provides tools for studios to flag inappropriate behaviour, helping maintain a safe and respectful environment for both students and instructors.
💛 How You Can Support Small Studios
If you’ve enjoyed your ClassPass experience with us, the best way to support us is to join our regular term courses directly. Your enrolment helps sustain instructors, maintain the studio space, and keep our community thriving.
Before booking, we also encourage you to read the class description carefully and choose the level that best suits you. A small step like this helps ensure you have the right expectations — and the best possible experience.
Supporting a small studio is about more than attending a class. It ensures instructors are fairly compensated, the space can continue operating, and students enjoy a safe, thoughtfully prepared learning environment.
Small studios are built on passion — not volume. Every student who joins a term, attends regularly, and supports classes directly makes a meaningful difference.
Thank you for helping us keep movement accessible, creative, and sustainable for everyone.
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