Your first studio visit in New York should feel this good

Walking into a studio for the first time can bring up a lot of feelings — excitement, curiosity, and yes, a few butterflies. Where do you put your things? Will the instructor acknowledge you’re new? Will you feel out of place? We searched thousands of reviews across New York studios on ClassPass, filtering specifically for first-timer feedback, to find the spots where newcomers consistently describe feeling welcomed, guided, and genuinely glad they showed up.

What makes a great first studio experience

Across hundreds of first-visit reviews, a few themes come up again and again. The best studios for newcomers share these qualities: instructors who check in with you before class starts, clear explanations of what to expect, thoughtful modifications so you’re never left guessing, and a community that makes you feel like you belong from the moment you walk in. It’s less about the class itself and more about how supported you feel doing it.

New York studios where first-timers feel right at home

Pilates Habitat

With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.94 average rating, Pilates Habitat stands out for making beginners feel at ease on the reformer from the very first visit. Reviewers highlight patient instructors who explain every movement clearly, work with two different machines to keep things engaging, and tailor the intensity so newcomers feel challenged without feeling lost. The intimate class size — a maximum of six people — means you get the kind of attention that makes all the difference when everything is brand new.

“It was my first time ever doing Pilates, and the instructor explained everything so clearly that I could easily follow along. We got to use two different machines, which made the class really fun and engaging. The class was well-paced, supportive, and never felt intimidating for a beginner.”

“This was my first time doing any type of Pilates class. The instructor was amazing, very patient and extremely professional. Great with spotting you to ensure no injuries.”

Rating: 4.94 (2,000+ reviews)

Sui Yoga

Sui Yoga in Soho earns a 4.92 average rating across more than 4,200 reviews, and first-timers are a huge part of the story. Reviewers love that the space is beautiful and clean, the staff greets you warmly, and instructors take the time to remember your name — even if you’ve never been before. Whether you’re stepping into your first hot yoga class or trying vinyasa for the first time, the atmosphere here is designed to make you feel at home, not on display.

“This was my first time here and I will definitely be back. I felt welcomed the second I walked in and the instructor was such an amazing guide. It was a great class and the ending made me feel so relaxed and at peace.”

“Amazing first class — this place is beautiful and clean, staff were friendly and helpful. The instructor was great and I will definitely have to come back.”

Rating: 4.92 (4,200+ reviews)

CycleBar

CycleBar holds a 4.95 average across nearly 3,000 reviews, and first-timers consistently describe a studio that goes out of its way to remove every barrier to entry. From helping you pick out your cycling shoes to getting your bike set up before class, the staff walks you through the whole process. Once the lights drop and the music starts, instructors keep things encouraging without putting anyone on the spot — the kind of energy that turns a nervous first ride into a new weekly ritual.

“This was my first cycle class and my first spin class in general, and I had such an amazing time. I was so nervous walking into it, but all the staff were so helpful and explained everything to me. The instructor just radiated joy and was such an encouraging presence — I can’t wait to come back.”

“As a beginner, this being my first time, I was welcomed with open arms. A team member was very informative and let me know where to get everything, even helped me pick out my shoes. The instructor made sure to push and motivate all of us throughout the class.”

Rating: 4.95 (2,900+ reviews)

Rumble Boxing

Never thrown a punch before? Rumble Boxing’s 4.95 average across more than 2,800 reviews says you’re in good hands. Reviewers describe an environment where the energy is high but the vibe is zero judgment — instructors demonstrate every combination clearly, check in with first-timers throughout the class, and make sure you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. The mix of boxing rounds and strength training keeps things dynamic, and the dim lighting means nobody is watching you figure out your jab.

“Such an amazing first experience at Rumble Boxing. The class was challenging but fun, and the energy was incredible. The instructor was super supportive and encouraging the entire time, and really made me feel comfortable and motivated.”

“It was my first time boxing and everyone was super welcoming and helpful. The instructor kept everyone motivated and the environment was very friendly.”

Rating: 4.95 (2,800+ reviews)

ID Hot Yoga - Nomad

ID Hot Yoga earns a 4.92 average across nearly 2,400 reviews, with first-timers raving about the welcoming team and the approachable atmosphere. The heated room can sound intimidating, but reviewers say the instructors set the right pace and the space itself — spotless and calming — puts you at ease before you even roll out your mat. Whether it’s your first hot yoga class or your first fitness class ever, the community here meets you where you are.

“First time here, the team was helpful and the instructor led a great class. The temperature was perfect. Looking forward to going to another class.”

“As a first timer to any fitness class, this experience has me obsessed. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and the studio was spotless.”

Rating: 4.92 (2,300+ reviews)

[solidcore]

The megaformer can look intimidating from the outside, but [solidcore]’s New York locations hold a 4.93 average across nearly 1,300 reviews — and first-timers are among the most vocal fans. Instructors earn praise for clear transitions, timely form corrections, and a coaching style that pushes you while making sure you feel safe. Reviewers describe a space that’s welcoming without being soft, where you’ll shake, sweat, and absolutely want to come back.

“Great transitions, clear instructions, and timely corrections. Loved my first class and couldn’t have asked for a better intro to [solidcore]. Challenging, with a fun playlist.”

“The instructor was absolutely amazing. She gave clear instructions and made physical adjustments to ensure I was doing everything correctly and safely. So motivational and sweet. The studio was so welcoming for a first timer — not pretentious, and it felt like a community.”

Rating: 4.93 (1,200+ reviews)

BODYROK

BODYROK Chelsea holds a 4.93 average across more than 1,300 reviews, and first-timers single out the instructors for going the extra mile. Reviewers describe coaches who arrive early to walk newcomers through the reformer, explain the class format in detail, and even check in after class to make sure you know what to expect next time. The projector displaying each move is a thoughtful touch that keeps you from ever feeling lost mid-class.

“This was my first time at BODYROK and I’ll definitely be returning. The instructor explained how everything works in detail and also made a point to meet with me again after class. I felt like I got a great class and appreciated the corrections. The studio was very clean and the atmosphere was wonderful.”

“It was my first time trying reformer Pilates and the instructor couldn’t have been greater at guiding me through it. Challenging in the best way — everything was on fire. Will be returning.”

Rating: 4.93 (1,300+ reviews)

Ready for your first class in New York?

Every studio on this list was surfaced because real ClassPass members said the same thing: they walked in nervous and left smiling. Your first visit should be the beginning of something good — and these New York studios make sure it feels that way. Explore classes and appointments in New York on ClassPass and find a studio that’s ready to welcome you.

Compliance check

• All 10 checks passed on first review. No changes needed.
• Instructor names: All removed from quotes and body copy.
• Items for human review: None – page is ready to publish.

Data extraction report

Method: SCORE_COMMENTS-first keyword search across ALL New York venues (MSA_ID = 1), not limited to TOPS_IN_CITY venue pool.

Keyword search: 12 first-timer/welcome keywords across SCORE_COMMENTS joined to TOPS_CLASS_DATA. Returned 80 top-scored matching reviews, then grouped by VENUE_ID to surface studios with the highest concentration of first-timer praise.

Studios selected (7) with validation:

All 7 studios exceed the 20-review minimum. Lowest total review count is 1,293 ([solidcore]).

Changes vs. previous version:

All six old studios were replaced. The new extraction surfaced studios with significantly higher review volumes and deeper first-timer review signals by searching across the full New York MSA rather than the limited TOPS_IN_CITY venue pool.