Miami is known for its vibrant fitness scene, offering everything from high-energy HIIT classes to serene hot yoga sessions. To test out some nearby workout studios and book my classes, I used a platform called ClassPass.
If you’re new to the Miami area and struggling to find places to work out, ClassPass is a great solution. It’s an app that works on a credit system, letting members try different workouts each week without being locked into a single membership. It’s perfect for exploring what’s out there and finding what fits your schedule and style.
Because Miami is well-known for its healthy lifestyle, classes can feel a bit intimidating at first. I’ve done some weight lifting and tried a few cycling and yoga classes before, but not much beyond that. As I explore Miami’s diverse fitness options, I’m approaching them from the perspective of a beginner as someone just starting out with group workouts. ClassPass has made that much more approachable.
SoulCycle
As one of the most well-known names in group fitness, SoulCycle offers an intense, high-energy cycling experience. The instructor was very motivational and kept pushing us to do more, but not to the point where it was too much. By the end, I was sweating and felt as though I had challenged myself. For me, music is a key part of keeping me going, and the playlist kept the energy high throughout the class.
As a beginner, I found the pace a little overwhelming at times, especially when trying to keep up with the choreography-based movements on the bike, but it was easy to go at your own pace and tailor the movements to what you are able. For a bonus at the end, we did some light arm workouts with dumbbells, which was a nice change to traditional cycle classes. I would absolutely go again and highly recommend this.
Beginner-Friendliness: 4/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Instructor Support: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
TruFusion Cycling
TruFusion was very similar to SoulCycle, also incorporating upper body movements with light dumbbells at the end, which again was a detail I appreciated.
The vibe felt less intimidating than SoulCycle, as the class was dark for most of the ride except for a light on the instructor, providing comfort by allowing me to focus on my own workout without feeling self-conscious about others watching.
The choreography was also straightforward and simpler than SoulCycle, but there were modifications available at times to make it more challenging. The class was still difficult, but it felt like it went by much quicker. My instructor, Steph, was so much fun and kept the class very upbeat.
Beginner-Friendliness: 4/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Instructor Support: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
PureBarre Classic
Barre was completely new to me, and I was not sure what to expect. I decided to sign up for PureBarre Engage on their website which included a simple 30-minute introduction class to give beginners an expectation of what was to come. The movements were small but incredibly effective and I felt the burn almost immediately in places I didn’t even know existed, making me excited to try the Classic class.
The Classic class was very similar to the introduction class; it was just longer with added movements. The instructor helped demonstrate proper form, though some of the cues were fast-paced, making it slightly difficult to follow at first. This class focused on toning and endurance rather than cardio, which was a nice change from the high-intensity cycling classes.
Beginner-Friendliness: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Instructor Support: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
CorePower C2 Yoga
This was not my first time doing yoga, but it was my first experience with hot yoga, and it was something I would be interested in getting better at. The heat was at 92 degrees, adding an extra layer of intensity, but the instructor guided us through the flow with directions and modifications.
The sweat made it hard for me to do the movements fully, but next time I would bring a big towel to help with my grip. The class incorporated a mix of traditional yoga poses and strength-building movements, making it a good full-body workout. While I struggled with some of the more advanced poses, I was still able to go at my own pace.
If you are a beginner to yoga, I would recommend going to a C1 (Yoga Level 1) class to understand some of the movements beforehand and achieve that muscle memory, but overall, it was still beginner-friendly.
Beginner-Friendliness: 4/5
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Instructor Support: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
OM Warm Power
This was not my favorite class and it felt more complicated and challenging than the CorePower session I had tried before. The flow of movements was fast-paced, and some of the poses required a level of flexibility and strength that I was not quite prepared for.
As a beginner, I found it difficult to keep up, and there were not many modifications offered to make things more accessible. The instructor did not provide much guidance, which could be challenging for someone without much prior experience. While it may be a great fit for more experienced yogis, I would not recommend it for beginners looking for a smooth introduction to heated yoga.
Beginner-Friendliness: 2/5
Atmosphere: 3/5
Instructor Support: 3/5
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Each workout offered something different and discovering new studios around the city made staying active exciting, not stressful. With so many options nearby, it’s easy to find something that fits your vibe and schedule. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to switch things up, ClassPass is an easy way to jump into Miami’s vibrant wellness scene and keep your energy up all year long.