Free Studio Fitness Classes

Even if race participation has been on the decline for the last two years, that doesn’t mean people are choosing not to work out; instead, studio and group fitness classes have become much more widespread, as 42 percent
of Americans are members of a studio, according to MarketWatch. With winter around the corner, these
numbers are likely to rise again.

Studio fitness classes tend to be pricey – the popular classes, such as SoulCycle and PureBarre, can cost up to
$40 a session, which may deter customers from coming back. But as these classes become more and more trendy, they are offering free or discounted opportunities for first-time clients, according to Fox News. So go ahead, try out a few before committing to a pricing plan.

Core Power Yoga: With 14 different locations just in Chicago, and 13 others throughout the suburbs, Core Power Yoga is an accessible yoga studio that gives new members free classes for their entire first week. After that, customers can purchase different tiers of memberships, and an individual class is $21.

Crunch Gym: Although it’s not a group fitness studio, Crunch Gym has the standard workout equipment, and
new clients all receive a free one-day guest pass. Crunch has locations in Aurora, Mount Prospect and Schaumburg.

David Barton Gym: David Barton’s glamorous gym offers unique classes, such as Rock Star Yoga and Rope Burn, and everyone’s first class is free. You can find David Barton in River North, Chicago.

Gold’s Gym:  The TV commercials don’t lie: every new member of Gold’s Gym gets a complimentary seven-day
VIP membership trial or a free group  tness class. There are nine locations in Central and Southern Illinois.

Lululemon: While the retail store is known for its stylish, yet often expensive clothing, Lululemon offers
complimentary classes at various stores, including yoga, meditation or the Lemon Run Club. There are eight
locations around the Chicagoland area.

Nike+ Training Club: With three stores in Chicago, Nike offers several opportunities for fitness classes both indoors and outdoors, and all Nike trainer-taught classes are free. Sign up in advance online.

November Project:  This fitness group is not a studio or gym, but it hosts frequent free outdoor activities for
athletes of all abilities. Information about the workouts can be found on its website at november-project.com/
category/chicago/.

Orangetheory Fitness: An orangetheory workout is a combination of interval treadmill running, weight
training and indoor rowing, and every first-timer gets to try the class for free. After the first class, it costs
about $30 to participate again.  There are six locations around the Windy City.

REI: Commonly known as the outdoor-supply store, REI offers several outdoor classes, including stand up
paddleboarding and mountain biking, both of which are free. Other classes may have a charge.

Flywheel: Found in Old Town and Gold Coast, this fitness studio has spin and barre classes, and first-time
participants get a 55 percent discount, with a $15 fee for the first class.

SoulCycle:  The hip cycling class gives first time bikers a $14 discount, and is $34 a class every time afterwards.
Aspiring SoulCyclers can spin to Old Town, Southport or The Loop to participate.