Joining a gym for the fitness classes?

[Deleted]

I have a bike/treadmill/elliptical at home so I don't really NEED a gym membership but I was thinking about joining on primarily for fitness classes.

I currently take kickboxing and I enjoy yoga but let my membership lapse because it was getting pricey.  I am also interested in trying out Spin and Pilates.  Paying for all those classes would be several hundred dollars a month though and that isn't in my budget.  We have several gyms in the area (think national chains) that have a good variety of classes and memberships are $40-50/month.

Does anyone have experience with these sorts of classes?  Are they decent or subpar to going to a dedicated studio?  Would it be worth it to join for the classes or would I be better off picking 1 or 2 things I really enjoy and just paying for classes elsewhere? Or doing dvds at home?

[Deleted]

I joined the gym at work mostly for the classes! I rarely work out on my own there. It's about 30/month.

[ebeth]

I personally have found yoga, spin, and pilates classes at the gym to be subpar compared to dedicated studio.

most places have some sort of trial period that you can sign up for. I might try studio hopping for a bit. if you find a specific type of class you like I'd probably opt for the dedicated studio. if not, I'd go with the gym option.

[jaylea]

I only go to my gym for classes, but I love them so it is worth it. It's at work and only $11 every other week.

[Deleted]

I would have no use for the gym if it wasn't for classes. Between running and park bootcamp a (which are super popular here), I don't know if I'd join one if it wasn't for spin.

[Wines Not Whines]

I mostly go to the gym for classes. I've found that the quality of the classes varies widely between different gyms. My current gym has awesome classes and instructors, so I feel lucky. It's worth trying them out.

The yoga and pilates teachers at my gym also teach at studios, and I hope they'd give the same quality of instruction wherever they are. I've had some bad yoga teachers at other gyms though.

[cinco]

I joined a gym and love the classes. I have no complaints about the quality of instruction, but I would imagine that is very gym specific.

[niq]

I joined a gym mostly for the classes. I pay $60/month for unlimited "basic" classes -- spin, yoga, Zumba -- and four "premium" classes per month -- Crossfit type stuff, Barre, Hot Yoga, kickboxing. The quality of instructors is fine, it definitely varies person to person, but I figure that's true at a dedicated studio too, KWIM?

I think the class instructors do personal training and/or private lessons to supplement their income.

[awick14]

I used to have gym membership at a chain place and I loved the classes. But I really enjoyed the instructors there, and that obviously varies gym to gym.

I would try a few gyms for their free trails if the gyms in your area have them.

[twinspired]

I love the les mills classes at my gym! I don't have a gym membership just pay monthly to go to unlimited classes every month! Around $30. Love it!

[coconutbug]

I usually love taking classes at the gym, but classes vary quite a bit depending on the instructor, type of class, and the type of people who show up at the classes. But I think it'd be worth trying out classes, esp if your gym offers a trial period.

[ebeth]

well apparently my gym just sucks then.

also, I am not a fan of the les mills classes and like all of the classes at my gym are les mills. or zumba.

it's gold's gym if anyone cares. . . .