Studios in New York where women discover something better than the traditional gym
If the idea of walking into a big, crowded fitness floor has never appealed to you, you’re not alone. Plenty of people – especially women – have spent years thinking they just “aren’t workout people” when really they just haven’t found the right space yet. The good news: New York is packed with studios that feel nothing like a conventional gym, and the ClassPass community has a lot to say about them.
We searched thousands of reviews from across the New York ClassPass community, looking specifically for people who talk about feeling empowered, welcomed, and comfortable in spaces that offer a genuine alternative to the traditional fitness experience. The seven studios below kept coming up in reviews from people who found their thing after years of thinking it didn’t exist.
What makes these studios different
The studios on this list share a common thread in their reviews: members describe feeling seen, supported, and energized rather than intimidated or overlooked. These are places where the atmosphere is intentionally warm, the classes are designed to make you feel capable, and the community genuinely celebrates everyone who walks through the door – especially if you’re walking in for the very first time. Think boutique spaces, empowering instructors, and experiences that make movement feel like a gift, not a chore.
New York studios that women are raving about
TBT Fitness Studios
TBT Fitness Studios has earned 313 reviews and a 4.98 average rating, with members consistently describing it as the kind of place where you never feel judged or pressured. One reviewer specifically called out how the experience felt nothing like other fitness spaces they’d tried – challenging but not intimidating, with genuine support at every step. The welcoming atmosphere and encouraging ownership make this a standout for anyone looking for a space that meets you exactly where you are.
“I’m not really a strength-training person, but this class was honestly such a good place for me to start. It was challenging but not intimidating at all. I got help with modifications every step of the way, which made such a difference and made me feel really supported. The owner was super helpful and welcoming, and I never once felt pressured or uncomfortable like I have at other places. The vibe was encouraging, beginner-friendly, and empowering. I’ll definitely be back.”
Rating: 4.98 (313 reviews)
SassClass
With 2,156 reviews and a 4.95 average rating, SassClass has become one of New York’s most beloved studios for people who want to move their bodies in a space that’s playful, empowering, and completely judgment-free. Reviewers love that the energy is fun and lighthearted – “not serious at all” in the best way possible – and that the classes are genuinely open to beginners. If you’ve ever wanted to try a dance-based class but felt too self-conscious, this is the place where that fear disappears.
“Super empowering, open for beginners, and overall fun. It’s not serious at all. I’m still very pleased with the choreography learned!”
“The instructor is so empowering and gave everyone in the room the space, time, and comfort to shine. The class is so much fun.”
Rating: 4.95 (2,156 reviews)
Alana Life & Fitness
Alana Life & Fitness may be one of New York’s smaller studios with 87 reviews, but it has earned a 4.91 average rating and fierce loyalty from its members. What makes this space unique: it’s specifically designed as a women-only environment, offering Pilates sculpt along with nutritionist and personal trainer options. Reviewers describe classes with great pacing, the ability to challenge yourself at your own level, and plenty of breaks built in. If you’ve been looking for a space created with women’s comfort in mind, this one deserves your attention.
“Went for a Pilates sculpt class and it was great! Lovely pacing, ability to challenge yourself, and plenty of breaks. I also love the fact that there’s a women-only studio, with nutritionist and personal trainer options. Would definitely go back!”
Rating: 4.91 (87 reviews)
Pure Barre
Pure Barre is one of the most established names on this list, with 879 reviews and a 4.95 average rating across its New York locations. But what makes it land here is the sheer number of reviewers who use the word “empowering” to describe the experience. Instructors get consistent praise for being encouraging, welcoming, and for making even the most challenging classes feel doable. It’s the kind of place where members come back week after week because they leave feeling stronger in every sense of the word.
“This was one of the best classes I ever took! It was stimulating, empowering, and refreshing. I found it quite difficult, but the instructor did an excellent job being instructive to help my positioning while also letting me figure out and work at my own pace. An excellent class – five stars!”
“The instructor is energetic, encouraging, and empowering. Her classes are always challenging, but she is a very motivating instructor, which is why I keep coming back!”
Rating: 4.95 (879 reviews)
305 Fitness
305 Fitness has racked up 575 reviews and a 4.94 average rating, and the word that appears again and again is “empowering.” Reviewers describe classes that are equal parts challenging and fun, held in a space that feels welcoming from the very first visit. The studio’s dance-cardio format means you’re moving to the music in a high-energy environment that feels more like a celebration than a chore. First-timers consistently say they felt comfortable and supported right away.
“It was my first class and it was so empowering. It was the best class because it was challenging but fun! The space is beautiful and very welcoming. Definitely would recommend!”
Rating: 4.94 (575 reviews)
Harlem Cycle
With 756 reviews and a 4.96 average rating, Harlem Cycle brings a uniquely uplifting energy to indoor cycling in New York. Reviewers describe the experience as high-energy and confidence-boosting, with instructors who are thorough in explaining form while also keeping the atmosphere fun and empowering. The studio has a loyal community of members who keep coming back because the experience feels personal, celebratory, and nothing like riding a stationary bike in a big fitness floor.
“The instructor gave such a confidence boost – high energy and very thorough in explaining form and overall instructions. So friendly and empowering!”
Rating: 4.96 (756 reviews)
Pvolve
Pvolve has built a devoted following in New York, with 919 reviews and a 4.92 average rating. What earns it a spot on this list is how often reviewers describe the experience as accessible and clear, with a format that feels intentionally different from typical group fitness. Members highlight the crystal-clear instruction and fun atmosphere, noting that they never felt lost even as first-timers – something they say is rare in boutique fitness. If you want a low-impact, high-results class that meets you where you are, Pvolve is worth exploring.
“I had so much fun! The instructor has such great energy and is so crystal clear with instructions. I never felt lost as a first timer, which is so rare in many boutique fitness classes. Would absolutely come back!”
Rating: 4.92 (919 reviews)
Your next favorite class is waiting in New York
You don’t have to love the traditional fitness floor to love working out. These New York studios prove that the right space, the right energy, and the right community can make all the difference. Whether you’re drawn to dance, cycling, Pilates, barre, or strength training, there’s a studio full of people who started exactly where you are – and who now can’t imagine their week without it. Explore studios and classes on ClassPass and find the experience that finally feels like yours.
Compliance check
Round 1
| # | Check | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trial/pricing language: No “free trial,” no specific pricing, no “unlimited” | PASS | No trial, pricing, or unlimited language present. |
| 2 | Partner sentiment: All studio mentions positive, no negative comparisons, no partner-facing terminology | PASS | All seven studios framed positively. No studio compared negatively to another. No partner-facing terms (SmartSpot, SmartRate, etc.). |
| 3 | Lead gen language: No false urgency, no “best deal,” CTAs are inviting not pushy | PASS | Closing CTA uses “Explore studios and classes on ClassPass” – inviting, not pushy. No urgency language. |
| 4 | Savings/value claims: No specific dollar amounts, no direct price comparisons to studios | PASS | No pricing, savings, or value claims made anywhere. |
| 5 | Health claims: No guaranteed outcomes, no medical claims, all language experiential | PASS | All language is experiential (“feel stronger,” “feel empowered”). No guaranteed outcomes or medical claims. |
| 6 | Review attribution: No user names, all quoted reviews are 4+ stars, informal reviews paraphrased | PASS | All quotes sourced from 5-star reviews. All instructor first names removed or paraphrased out. No user names present. Informal language lightly cleaned while preserving authentic sentiment. |
| 7 | Terminology: “ClassPass” correct, “credits” not “tokens,” “studio” not “gym,” “community” not “customers” | PASS | “ClassPass” spelled correctly throughout. “Studio” used consistently – “gym” never used to refer to a ClassPass partner. “Community” used, not “customers.” Theme reframed as discovering studio alternatives rather than disparaging traditional gyms. |
| 8 | Inclusive language: Gender-neutral default with intentional women-focused framing appropriate to page theme, no ability-based metaphors, no elitist framing | PASS | Page theme is women-focused by design (audience_fit page). Language is welcoming and inclusive within that frame. No ability-based metaphors. No elitist or gatekeeping language. |
| 9 | One Narrative leaks: No SmartSpot, no revenue/payout discussion, no “excess capacity,” no cannibalization framing | PASS | None of these topics appear anywhere in the page. |
| 10 | SEO basics: Primary keyword in H1, city in title + subheadings, meta description present and under 160 chars | PASS | H1 contains “Studios in New York” and “women” + “traditional gym” (primary keyword concept). City appears in title, H1, and two subheadings. Meta description is 137 characters. |
Instructor names in quotes: Reviewed all 8 quotes. Original reviews referenced Amber, Malik, Arona, Kayla, Tina, Jasmine, and Deena. All instructor names have been removed or paraphrased out. PASS.
Terminology reframe check: The page theme says “hate gyms” but rules.md prohibits using “gym” for ClassPass partners. The page consistently uses “studio” for partners and uses “traditional gym” or “conventional gym” or “fitness floor” only when describing the concept being contrasted – never to refer to a ClassPass partner venue. PASS.
Result: 10/10 PASS on first review. No changes needed. Items for human review: Alana Life & Fitness has 87 total reviews (above the 20-review minimum but lower than the other studios). Consider whether this meets the bar for inclusion given the strong thematic fit of its “women-only” positioning.