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The hardest classes in New York that you’ll want to take again and again

Some people scroll the schedule looking for the class that sounds the most intense. Not because they love suffering – but because they’ve figured something out: the harder the class, the better you feel when it’s over. That post-class high, the shaky legs, the quiet pride of knowing you didn’t quit – it’s addictive.

We analyzed over 13,700 reviews across New York studios on ClassPass to find the places where members consistently describe the experience as brutally challenging and deeply rewarding. These are the classes that make you question your life choices mid-set, then book again the next morning.

What makes a class “hard but rewarding”

It’s not just about being difficult. Plenty of classes can exhaust you. The ones that earn the “hard but rewarding” label in review after review share a few things in common: thoughtful programming that pushes you progressively, coaching that guides you through the tough moments instead of just counting reps, and an atmosphere where everyone in the room is working toward that same finish line.

Across the reviews we analyzed, words like “challenging” appeared alongside “encouraging,” “motivating,” and “accomplished” far more often than they appeared alongside complaints. That pattern tells a clear story – when the difficulty is intentional and well-coached, members don’t just survive the class. They love it.

Classes that will test you in New York

FORM50 Fitness

With locations in Williamsburg and Midtown East, FORM50 has quietly become one of New York’s most talked-about studios for members who want to be genuinely humbled. The megaformer-based classes build intensity through slow, controlled movements that have your muscles shaking before you’re halfway through. Members describe compound movements that get “arms and legs fighting for their lives at the same time,” and instructors who correct form with precision while keeping the energy encouraging. Across over 2,100 reviews and a 4.95 average rating, one word appears constantly: hardest.

“This class almost took me out. Body shaking, muscles screaming. If you’re looking for a challenging class that will leave you sore, this is it. Very intense for beginners – be mentally prepared.”

“Among the hardest classes I’ve ever done. But I feel empowered to take breaks and time moves fast when you’re having fun. It’s a class that really sets your day up for success.”

Rating: 4.95 (2,100+ reviews)

Tabata Ultimate Fitness

Tabata Ultimate Fitness in Brooklyn has built a loyal following around one simple promise: you will work harder than you thought possible, and you will want to come back. With more than 3,400 reviews and a 4.98 average rating, this studio consistently delivers high-intensity interval classes where the pacing never lets up. Members describe creative programming that changes regularly, instructors who push you to go heavy while refining your form, and a community energy that makes the suffering feel shared.

“This may have been my favorite class on ClassPass so far. The variety of exercises was great, and you can improve through the month. It was hard – like WOW – but super rewarding.”

“The HIIT Express class is the hardest class I’ve taken since I joined ClassPass. Super intense, and totally the kind of challenge you want if you’re looking to push yourself.”

Rating: 4.98 (3,400+ reviews)

Holydog Pilates

Holydog Pilates has earned a reputation as one of the most humbling Pilates experiences in the city. Don’t let the word “Pilates” fool you into expecting gentle stretching – members consistently describe classes that leave them shaking, sore, and immediately ready to rebook. What sets Holydog apart is the combination of fast-paced sequencing, hands-on form corrections, and movements that challenge even experienced athletes. Across over 2,800 reviews and a 4.95 average rating, the theme is unmistakable: prepare to be humbled.

“One of the most challenging classes I’ve been to. I loved the hands-on corrections and individual interactions. I’ll definitely be recommending this class to friends.”

“Challenging yet rewarding and fun – the perfect way to end the week feeling energized.”

Rating: 4.95 (2,800+ reviews)

Tizana’s

Tucked into Brooklyn, Tizana’s is the kind of neighborhood studio that punches way above its weight. The bootcamp-style classes have developed an almost cult-like following among members who describe it as “the hardest and most fulfilling class I’ve ever done.” With a 4.98 average rating across more than 650 reviews, the studio delivers an experience where you’re pushed to your absolute limit while feeling genuinely supported and celebrated. Members describe leaving with a glow, an endorphin rush, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

“One of the most challenging but rewarding classes I’ve taken in a long time. The instructor modified moves and cheered you on with a challenge instead of giving up. Amazing vibes and a welcoming space for all body types.”

“The community brought such good energy. I left feeling super energized and strong to start my day. Don’t sleep on this neighborhood gem.”

Rating: 4.98 (650+ reviews)

[solidcore]

If you’ve never tried a megaformer class, [solidcore] in Chelsea will introduce you to muscles you didn’t know you had. The slow-burn, high-resistance approach is deceptively brutal – what looks like small movements on the machine translates to full-body shaking and deep muscle fatigue. Members consistently describe it as “the hardest class I’ve ever taken,” and the instructors make it work for every level by offering clear modifications while still pushing you to dig deeper. With over 1,200 reviews and a 4.93 average rating, the consensus is clear: you will be sore, and you will come back.

“The intro class kicked my butt in the best way. Great energy and great guidance on form. Excited to go back.”

“Very welcoming, challenging, and rewarding. The instructor made sure to pay special attention to assist newcomers.”

Rating: 4.93 (1,200+ reviews)

Prime Cycle

Prime Cycle delivers heated cycling and barre classes that members describe as “no joke.” The combination of heat and high-intensity choreography creates an experience where you’re drenched in sweat and working harder than you expected – and loving every second of it. Members highlight the playlists, the energy, and the way the instructors motivate you to push yourself in a way that feels rewarding rather than punishing. With more than 1,800 reviews and a 4.96 average rating, this studio has earned its reputation as one of the toughest rides in the city.

“The best and hardest barre I’ve ever done. Clean, lovely facility and nice people.”

“If you have not taken a heated class at Prime Cycle, you are missing out. Their classes are no joke. Best experience by far.”

Rating: 4.96 (1,800+ reviews)

bode nyc

bode nyc on the Upper East Side brings the heat – literally. Their hot yoga and HIIT hybrid classes take place in seriously elevated temperatures, creating an intensity level that catches even seasoned athletes off guard. Members describe classes where form corrections are constant, the community is supportive, and the challenge is relentless. With over 1,600 reviews and a 4.93 average rating, bode has built a following among members who want their classes to feel like a genuine accomplishment.

“Hands down the toughest hot yoga class I’ve been to. The instructor is so knowledgeable and always there to help you nail the poses with on-the-spot corrections.”

“The class was hard and really hot, but I had so much fun and felt like I got an incredible experience. The energy was high and super encouraging.”

Rating: 4.93 (1,600+ reviews)

Ready to earn that feeling?

The best part of the hardest class on the schedule isn’t the class itself – it’s the moment right after, when your legs are wobbling and your heart is still pounding and you realize you just did something most people wouldn’t even attempt. That feeling doesn’t come from easy. It comes from earning it.

Explore challenging classes and appointments in New York on ClassPass and find the one that makes you come back stronger.

Compliance check

  1. Trial/pricing language: PASS – No mention of trials, pricing, “free,” or “unlimited.”
  2. Partner sentiment: PASS – All seven studios framed positively. No negative comparisons between studios. No partner-facing terminology.
  3. Lead gen language: PASS – CTA is inviting, not pushy. No false urgency, no “best deal” language.
  4. Savings/value claims: PASS – No dollar amounts, no price comparisons, no savings promises.
  5. Health claims: PASS – All language is experiential (“shaky legs,” “muscles shaking,” “endorphin rush,” “feeling energized”). No guaranteed results or medical claims.
  6. Review attribution: PASS – No user names in any quotes. All quoted reviews are from 4+ star ratings. Informal reviews paraphrased to maintain sentiment while improving clarity. Instructor names removed from all quotes.
  7. Terminology: PASS – “studio” (not “gym”), “credits” (not “tokens”), “community” (not “customers”), “membership” (not “subscription”), “classes and appointments” used in CTA.
  8. Inclusive language: PASS – Celebrates intensity without gatekeeping. Mentions modifications, welcoming environments, “all body types,” and every fitness level. No ability-based metaphors or exclusionary framing.
  9. One Narrative leaks: PASS – No SmartSpot, SmartRate, revenue, payouts, “excess capacity,” or cannibalization framing.
  10. SEO basics: PASS – Primary keywords (“hardest classes,” “New York”) in H1 and first paragraph. City name in title, H1, and multiple subheadings. Meta description is 130 characters with soft CTA.

Studio changes vs. previous version

Previous version New version Change reason
F45 Training FORM50 Fitness FORM50 had 50 theme-matching comments (highest of any studio); F45 had only 23 from the broader keyword search
Crunch Gym Tabata Ultimate Fitness Tabata had 23 theme hits and a 4.98 avg rating across 3,400+ reviews; surfaced by comment-first search
Vertical Freedom Holydog Pilates Holydog had 24 theme hits across 2,800+ reviews; much larger review base than Vertical Freedom’s 218
Sportset Health and Fitness Club Tizana’s Tizana’s surfaced 14 highly specific theme comments (“hardest class I’ve ever done”); stronger theme signal than Sportset
RAF Strength & Fitness [solidcore], Prime Cycle, bode nyc RAF had 116 reviews; replaced with three studios each having 1,200-1,800+ reviews and strong theme signals

Data extraction method