I think one of the most interesting things about fitness is how unique everyone’s journey is. There is absolutely no one-size-fits all regime, unless we’re speaking in general terms. major weight loss or simply the ability to impress the pants off of everyone with headstand pics that result from hours in a yoga studio,
Some fitness journeys focus on major weight loss. Other are about impressive Instagram photos – like headstand pics on a paddleboard that result from hours in a yoga studio.
As far as my own fitness journey goes, I’ve been hitting the gym since there was a really damn nice one at my college. But I didn’t really know what I was doing. I’d watch the Food Network and bounce around a bit on the elliptical, lift some 5-pound weights and call it a day. I never thought to challenge myself by increasing weight in reps. I didn’t measure my results by anything other than what was on the scale.
Occasionally I threw myself into a class that was way out of my fitness level and got discouraged. Some people genuinely salivate when they see the word “bootcamp” in the title of the class. I don’t. To each their own.
At first I was skeptical about spending all the dough Classpass demands. Eventually I realized that, yes, while it is a splurge, your body is one of the best things you’ll invest in. You’ll only ever have one, and it’s not replaceable. Better to spend your hard-earned cash on cycling classes now than triple bypass surgery later. Other things I consider a great investment: pets of all sizes, quality coffee you can brew at home, bits of chocolate just for sanity checks on a tough day, the kind of basic tee you end up wearing for years, a plane ticket to a place you’ve never been and anything within reasonable cost that makes you laugh.
In a nutshell, this is how my fitness journey has evolved since Classpass: I’ve tried out new studios, stuck to a few favorites, ended up joining a gym that I was visiting through Classpass, and now use the 5-class plan to supplement my gym sessions and bat boredom into the outfield.
Now that I’ve used Classpass for more than two years, here are some of my favorite studios in the San Francisco Bay Peninsula.
Yoga
MYNULIFSTUDIO,San Carlos
I love the yin yoga classes here, but if you’re looking for something more intense they also offer heated yoga and TRX classes, which are no joke.
Cool fact: this is the most zen space I’ve practiced yoga in. I love the minimalist elegance of this studio.
Peacebank Yoga, Redwood City
This studio is conveniently located by the train station, which gives easy access for commuters. One bummer of a downside is that sometimes you can hear the train rattle by mid-om.
Cool fact: they have two large studios and the sunrise yoga view here is pretty bomb.
Scoop Studio, San Mateo
I’ve only tried yoga here, but pilates is on my list. Parking can be tricky in downtown San Mateo. Factor that into your timing and leave home a few minutes early.
Cool fact: the studio is adorable, the instructor I had was super passionate about yoga, and because it’s downtown San Mateo so the post-yoga food options are plentiful.
Butterfly Yoga, Foster City
A huge space where parking isn’t a problem. This is the studio that introduced me to the concept of using yoga balls, which are ah-mazing if you have tension in your back or other parts of your body and can’t afford frequent massages.
Cool fact: the first time I went here, they were playing Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” and giving out blueberries at the front desk.
Pilates
Rocksalt Pilates, San Carlos
I’ve been going to Rocksalt for awhile, but I still remember my first visit. The owner, Adrian, was so nice and patient about explaining the equipment and the class format. Throwing T. Swift into his playlists didn’t hurt, either. It’s pretty amazing how someone so nice can bring you to the edge of vomit – and I didn’t even take the Sweat class!
Cool fact: Rocksalt has opened up a secondary location in San Mateo and added stretch classes for the days you’re looking for a moderate workout.
Pilates ProWorks, Burlingame
I haven’t been in awhile, but this place was my go-to when I worked in Burlingame. It’s clean, organized and inviting, with a nicely sized locker room.
Cool fact: they also offer TRX, barre and kickboxing so you’re pretty covered if you like to switch up your workout.
Lagree Studios
Balance Tread, San Carlos
This is one of the newest Lagree studios on the Peninsula, and they also offer Lagree/treadmill classes if you’re really looking for a cardio boost. It’s located in a shopping plaza, so parking’s not a problem.
Cool fact: the instructors are so willing to work with people of all levels. Lagree is no joke – it’s been called “pilates on crack,” but here it can be as easy or hard as you want.
Transform Fitness Studio, Mountain View
Another studio that offers Lagree on the Megaformer and spinning. I don’t make it here too often due to location, but everyone was so nice here.
Cool fact: if you’ve ever wanted to take a Lagree class with an Aussie narrator who has a great sense of humor, Adrien’s your guy.
Revelry Fitness, San Mateo
Free lockers, a lot of individualized attention from the teacher and a killer playlist greet you at Revelry Fitness, which also offers spinning.
Cool fact: the class size here is small which gives it more of a semi-private lesson feel than that of a class.
Spinning
This may sound like borderline sacrilege, but I’ve actually never been to SoulCycle. $40/class is steep for me. I’ve heard so many rave reviews that I decided to give spinning another try after a bad experience years ago – and voila, I’m hooked!
Uforia Studios, Palo Alto
Cool fact: keep an eye out for themed rides. I love classic rock, so their Almost Famous themed class was totally in my wheelhouse.
Flywheel Sports, Sunnyvale
This is for pretty serious spinners. You even have the option to have your results displayed on the electronic screen at the front, which I could totally see being a plus for the competitive set. The place is huge and super well ventilated, which is important when everyone’s sweating for 45 minutes straight! They’re also great about helping make sure your bike is properly adjusted for your height.
Cool fact: cycling shoe rentals are free!
Barre
Barre3, Menlo Park
I’ve tried a lot of barre classes – Dailey Method, Alkalign, Avant-Barre, Pop Physique – but so far Barre3 is my favorite. I think it’s got a little bit more of a ballet element than the others, which I love because I used take ballet as a kid.
Cool fact: they also do the occasional themed class. The most recent one I remember is a country themed class that I regret not making it to.
PureBarre, Burlingame
This one was consistent, but definitely got challenging at times! I remember it being quite the inner thigh killer.
Cool fact: if you’re competitive, they have plenty of club goals that they set for their clientele each month.
Dance
Poletential, Redwood City
You may have heard that pole dancing is a great workout, but it’s a lot harder than a lot of people realize! Once you start climbing, you’ll become the proud bearer of leg bruises and calloused hands. But I wish more women did it, if only for the purpose of gaining a bit more confidence! So I’m glad there’s a studio near me.
Cool fact: in addition to pole classes, this studio offers aerial yoga and ballet.
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