(The ClassPass team at the Chicago launch – photo courtesy of ClassPass)

I heard about ClassPass when it first came to Chicago early this fall, but I didn’t join until December. I was going on a family vacation in January and wanted to get in shape before hitting the pool.

Normally, my workouts would consist of running on the treadmill in the small exercise room in my apartment building until I got bored, or occasionally taking a yoga class. I needed to jazz up my fitness routine, and after researching ClassPass and getting some friends’ testimonials, I was convinced.

With ClassPass, each member signs up for one-month-long, $99 sessions that automatically renew unless you cancel your membership or put it on hold (pay $19 with the opportunity to attend one class per month). Each month, members have access to unlimited classes, with the only restriction being that they can only attend each studio — regardless of different locations — three times in the month. Members search and sign up for classes online, with the ability to filter searches by day, time, neighborhood, workout type and studio. Cancelling a class in less than 24 from its start time or skipping it will result in a $20 dollar fine to your account.

So, those are the rules of ClassPass.

At first, I was wary of the $20 fee for skipping out on a class. What if I was too tired to go? What if I got sick? What if I felt like having a glass — or two — of wine instead?

Once I began attending classes, though, this was no longer a concern. First of all, all of the studios included on ClassPass offer incredible workouts led by experienced, highly motivating trainers. While I felt intimidated in the beginning trying new and challenging workout classes, eventually I got the swing of it, and I began to feel myself getting stronger.

Each week, after planning my workout schedule, I was excited for the classes, in addition to the financial incentive reaffirming my decision to attend. Besides, I would rather earn my wine.

Friends of mine using ClassPass shared a similar opinion. One friend said the best part about the program, to her, is the vast array of workouts available, even within walking distance from her apartment — including studios she hadn’t even heard of before. While the three-class-per-studio restriction limits the frequency members can repeat classes, it also forces them to break out of their shells and try something new.

Another friend of mine boasts the value she reaps from the program. While typical, standalone classes can range from $20 to $25, the flat rate fee for ClassPass gives participants the opportunity to get a lot more bang for their buck. In the month of December, this friend attended 22 classes, which came out to only $4.50 per class.

If you take advantage, ClassPass can be an unbeatable deal. Furthermore, the variety of classes and studios available prevents exercise boredom; no more staring at the clock on the treadmill for me.