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TURNER Fit Girls Guide: The Boutique Fitness Grading System

Katie Kulczyk : March 13, 2017

So you want to be a ClassPass Master — but where to start? You’ve read all the Well+Good articles. You’ve meticulously combed through SHAPE Magazine for the latest workouts on the scene. But there’s so much! With so many fitness choices now, how do you evaluate where to spend your hard earned dollar? Don’t worry: the TURNER Fit Girls are here to help. We’ve developed a patented system (OK, it’s not really patented) to assess boutique fitness concepts that breaks down the essential categories and gives you some tips on what to look for. Each category is given an overall grade. Just like school, we’re going A/B/C/D (we’ll spare the Fs) and for those indecisive moments, we throw down +/- ratings to keep it interesting. Let’s begin! 09-Gym

#1 – Environment

If the studio looks like a Jazzercise class from the 80s, keep movin’ – pun intended. Studios like 305 Fitness and Monster Cycle incorporate hip-hop lyrics and neon emojis to give their studios some edge and playful décor. Beyond the superficial aesthetics, the first moments in a studio can set the tone for your experience. Long check-in lines? No, thanks. Many studios, such as Flywheel, have apps where you can check yourself in and simply high five a smiling studio staffer on your way to sweaty bliss. However, the most important environment element is frequently ignored in assessment: traffic flow. Nobody wants to rub sweaty elbows with class goers while gathering personal belongings. Talk about a Zen killer. A good flow of class-goers in and out is essential. Let’s not start a fight in the shower line because it blended in with the equipment return line and caused chaotic confusion.

#2 – Instructor

Whether you’re up at dawn to conquer your workout or dragging yourself there after a 10-hour workday, it can be tough to find the motivation to push yourself. An engaging and motivated instructor is a must. A knowledgeable instructor is also key. Let’s remember that exercise is incredibly physical and can cause or exacerbate injuries. An instructor who is able to correct your form with hands-on adjustments or verbal cues will keep you safe and get you strong the right way. Also, an instructor knowing clients by name goes a long, long way. 12276999_532935856870421_199497314_n

#3 – The Actual Workout (Yes, we were getting there)

Seems obvious, right? You’d be surprised. Many get distracted with all the various bells and whistles of the intoxicating boutique fitness scene that we forget to assess if it’s even the right workout for us. Are you able to go at your own pace, if needed? Can you challenge your body? Are you sweating simply because the room is blistering hot? Listen to your body, pay attention to results and make sure to invest your time where you feel you’re getting a solid bang for your buck. Just because it’s hitting hard with the Victoria’s Secret Angels, doesn’t mean it’s for you. Screen-Shot-2016-03-15-at-16.43.04

#4 – Amenities

When shelling out $25-$38 dollars per class, the perks matter. For busy professionals on the go, the shower and/or changing room set-up can make or break a studio. Good products, free towels, and hair driers that provide more than a light gust of wind are a few things to look for. The number of showers is also important – if you’re waiting for a shower longer than your actual workout, that’s a problem. Bonus amenities include smoothie bars, wi-fi, complimentary water or bananas. Also a nice in-studio retail boutique showcasing the latest and greatest athleisure trends is a nice add-on. Look good, feel good – amirite?

#5 – Music

Last but certainly not least, music selection — because nobody got a P.R. rocking out to Vivaldi’s greatest hits. Music is a huge motivator. Many studios will offer themed workouts such as Jay Z vs. Kanye, Broadway Hits, 90s Jock Jams, etc. Workouts should be challenging, but also enjoyable, and music can help distract you from the burn and push you over that plateau.

Report Card

Now that you’ve given everything an individual grade, it’s time to take the average and assign a final mark so you can assess if each studio is worth a return visit. Godspeed, our fellow #fitsquad!

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