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What You Might Not Know About ClassPass (and Why Supporting Small Studios Matters)

Updated: Nov 1

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 some things most people don’t see behind the scenes. This blog aims to share our experience so that ClassPass users can better understand our circumstances and approach our studio with kindness and consideration. Understanding these realities can help appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into running a small studio.


🧾 How ClassPass Works for Studios

ClassPass functions as 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 is determined by ClassPass and varies widely — sometimes only a few dollars, sometimes slightly above $10.


For new ClassPass users, studios do not receive any payment at all for their first booking.


In some cases:

  • Users create multiple accounts with different emails to join classes as “new users,” meaning studios do not receive payment.

  • Experienced fitness instructors join as ClassPass users and sometimes challenge the teaching approach, which can be disheartening for instructors who design classes carefully for that level.

  • On top of that, studios cannot cancel individual ClassPass bookings even when we know a user is abusing the system — we can only cancel the entire class. This makes it difficult for small studios to manage fairness and space effectively.


Even with the best intentions, ClassPass bookings can create financial challenges for small studios. Each class involves preparation, instructor time, and studio overheads, such as rent, utilities, insurance, and equipment maintenance. Instructors also travel to teach, often after their main jobs, so their time and effort deserve fair compensation.


⚖️ Managing Class Expectations

Our introductory classes are designed for absolute beginners — no prior experience needed. While experienced students are welcome to join, these sessions follow a set syllabus and focus on building fundamentals. They are not private classes, and we’re unable to accommodate individual requests for specific tricks.


We’ve observed that:

  • New ClassPass users sometimes join intermediate or advanced classes without reading the class description, only to find the moves too challenging.

  • Experienced users may join intro classes expecting advanced techniques and feel disappointed that the class is focused on fundamentals.


This isn’t anyone’s fault — it simply highlights how important it is to check the class level before booking.


Sometimes, if a user experiences an issue with ClassPass, they may approach the studio directly. While we want to help, it can create additional complications because ClassPass controls the booking, payment, and replacement policies.


💔 The Hidden Costs for Small Studios

There are also unseen costs when:

  • Students book a spot but don’t turn up (no-shows), yet request replacement classes.

  • Groups request new time slots under ClassPass to avoid group-class fees.

  • We open more slots on ClassPass but receive little to no payment due to platform rules.


Every class, whether booked via ClassPass or directly, requires time, energy, and preparation. To make things harder, only around 1% or fewer of ClassPass users go on to sign up for a full term course directly with the studio. This means that although ClassPass may increase exposure, it rarely translates into meaningful support or sustainability for the studio.


For larger gyms or studios with many instructors and bigger capacity, one or two challenging bookings or students may be negligible. For small studios, however, every class counts — financially, operationally, and for the well-being of our instructors.


ClassPass tends to work better for large fitness chains or big studios that have higher capacity, multiple rooms, and more flexibility to fill last-minute empty slots. They also have the financial resources to absorb low or inconsistent payouts — something small, independent studios cannot easily sustain.


💪 Commitment and Care, No Matter Who Joins

Even so, we always give our best — whether a student books directly with the studio or comes through ClassPass. Every participant receives the same quality of teaching, guidance, and attention.


There are times when only one or two ClassPass users are in a class, and no in-studio students — yet we still proceed with the session, fully prepared and ready to teach. Sometimes, our instructors even wait in an empty studio when ClassPass users don’t turn up at all. Despite these moments, we continue to uphold the same commitment and passion for what we do, because every class matters.


🌟 ClassPass as a Marketing Tool

While ClassPass can create some challenges, it also provides unique opportunities:

  1. Exposure to new students – Many people discover studios they may never have found otherwise. ClassPass acts as a gateway for students to explore different types of fitness, dance, pole, and aerial classes.

  2. Encouraging trial and curiosity – Students who are hesitant to commit to a term course may try a class via ClassPass, gain confidence, and then decide to join regular classes.

  3. Building a community – Even a single ClassPass user may become a loyal student or recommend the studio to friends once they experience the atmosphere, teaching quality, and community.

  4. Feedback and growth – Interacting with new students gives instructors insights into how their classes are perceived, helping improve class structure and content over time.

  5. On a positive note, ClassPass does provide a reporting system that allows studios to flag abusive or inappropriate user behaviour. When necessary, ClassPass can block such users from booking future classes at our studio. This helps maintain a safe and respectful environment for both students and instructors.


By presenting ClassPass as a marketing tool, we hope users understand that while it’s not always financially beneficial, it can still help small studios grow their audience and attract students who genuinely enjoy what the studio offers.




💛 How You Can Support Small Studios

If you’ve enjoyed your ClassPass experience with us, the best way to show support is to join our regular term courses directly. Your direct enrolment helps sustain our instructors, maintain the space, and keep our community thriving.


Supporting a small studio means more than attending a class. It ensures that instructors are fairly compensated, that the studio can continue operating, and that students continue to enjoy a safe, welcoming, and well-prepared learning environment.


Small studios are built on passion — not volume. Every student who joins a term, attends regularly, and supports our classes directly makes a real difference.


Thank you for helping us keep movement accessible, creative, and sustainable for everyone.




 
 
 

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