3 Cool New Ways to Find Exercise Classes

Self Magazine

by Amanda MacMillan



Courtesy of Classivity
Courtesy of Classivity

If you've spent any time in or around the New York City boutique fitness scene, you know that the options are endless -- and slightly overwhelming. It used to be that you went to class at your gym, or maybe that one local yoga studio; now, we've got cycling, boot camp, barre, CrossFit and countless other workout-specific studios that hone in on one particular niche. And now, the pay-per-class trend is catching on in cities all across the country, as well. But how do we keep track of what classes are offered when and where? Luckily, we've got options there now, too.

1. Classivity: This online directory contains class listings throughout your city (and currently covers eight major metro areas), for everything from photography and cooking to martial arts and yoga. The main draw, though, from Classivity, is it's signature "Passport" deal: For $40, you can book 10 classes that normally retail for $20 to $30 a piece. Score!

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2. FitMapped: A new app for iOS, FitMapped is currently available only in NYC and LA, with Boston and Chicago next on its agenda as the services continues to expand. FitMapped uses your phone's GPS to find gym and studio classes filtered by location, time, activity, price and membership type (i.e., whether you can just walk right in or not). You can even book right through the app, and rate and review the class afterward. No iPhone? No problem: You can also search for a class using the online neighborhood map.

3. Gravy: Available nationwide for iPhone or Android, Gravy is another app which also aggregates a variety of events focused around active lifestyles, music, brainy stuff, arts and crafts, and more, and includes cool features like estimated driving times and highlighted free events. Find a Spin class one day, a pottery lesson the next, and a lecture after that. How cultured of you.

Not sure which type of class is best for your fitness goals?Check out our handy cheat sheet!

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