why we are no longer on Classpass

We launched our low cost community class spots next to our main classes a few years ago now. We understand how tough things are for so many of us at the moment, and that the cost of a dropin or a credit bundle is more than some can afford. Community spots offer spaces in classes for an £8/10 flat fee and we release them first thing in the morning, around 630am.

We wanted to provide our own lower cost alternative to Classpass, which as a platform is not sustainable for small studios. I know we can’t compete with them as a huge corporation that doesn’t need to make a profit or pay studios or teachers but we had to try something.

We have been reducing the spots we offer with them for a while now, but as of Jan 1, 2025, we will no longer be accepting any Classpass bookings.

When we first launched with them, 9 years ago, they committed to only allowing a maximum of 3 visits a month to a single studio and there was transparency in what we were paid. However these studio protections are long gone, and they now actively market to small studios’ customers offering a whole free month of classes, something we cannot compete with. In addition, they are forcing all studios to sign up to a new contract which essentially gives them control over our timetable and booking. If we accepted it, we would not be a viable business, not without putting up prices significantly for direct customers or paying teachers less, neither of which I want to do, especially not as a result of pressure from a massive US corporation whose only goal is shareholder profit.

I do understand that Classpass is a really appealing option for people that want to go to multiple studios and take advantage of a free month of classes, but if you are able to, please do support your local studio directly. Thank you so much.

We wanted to provide our own lower cost alternative to Classpass, which as a platform is not sustainable for small studios. I know we can’t compete with them as a huge corporation that doesn’t need to make a profit or pay studios or teachers but we had to try something. We have been reducing the spots we offer with them for a while now, and as of Jan 1, 2025, we are no longer accepting any Classpass bookings.

When we first launched with them, 7 years ago, they committed to only allowing a maximum of 3 visits a month to a single studio and there was transparency in what we were paid. However these studio protections are long gone, and they now actively market to small studios’ customers offering a whole free month of classes, something we cannot compete with. In addition, they are forcing all studios to sign up to a new contract which essentially gives them control over our timetable and booking. If we accepted it, we would not be a viable business, not without putting up prices for direct customers or paying teachers less, neither of which I want to do as a result of pressure from a massive US corporation whose only goal is shareholder profit.

If you are able to, please do support your local studio directly. Thank you.