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Learn the difference between a fitness studio and a traditional gym. This guide breaks down the benefits of each, from community-driven classes to flexible solo training, helping you find the best fit for your routine.
Introduction
When first trying to develop a more consistent fitness routine, it can be hard to know where to start. Especially in the present-day fitness market where a series of events have lead to a decentralization of providers. Where large, commercial gyms used to dominate, new solutions have begun to gain popularity. Brands that make fully at-home fitness programs have become established as major competitors, and specialty fitness studios are gaining popularity, especially amongst younger generations.
So where to start? Well, each option has some unique benefits. In this article we will break down the difference between traditional commercial gyms and modern fitness studios.
Contents
Fitness Studios
Fitness studios are a type of fitness space that are rapidly growing in popularity. They are typically smaller, with a specialized form of workout meant to be done in a class style. This branded, class-style fitness creates a strong sense of community and accountability amongst members of a studio. This makes them hubs for social connection in addition to fitness. Because they typically have a lower member count and specialty equipment, fitness studios tend to be more expensive.
Benefit of Fitness Studios
However, the community is not the only benefit of becoming a member at these various studios. The style of studio classes helps you to carve out a routine time for fitness and the accountability of a set schedule. Additionally, if you have a specialty exercise that you really enjoy, a fitness studio will likely have a more advanced version than a regular gym.
Finally, if your favorite type of workout isn't found in a normal gym, it would make sense to join a studio that specializes in that type of exercise. Some types of exercises require specialized equipment in order to be done effectively: pilates, infrared saunas, or rock walls.
How to Try Different Studios
Specialized fitness studios can be intimidating for someone just starting out. The memberships are typically more expensive because of the specialization and smaller consumer pool. However, many studios offer various deals for day passes or even "first class free" deals. Check the studio's website or call a representative to find out more about their availability.
These small fitness studios have inspired the development of new companies like ClassPass and Wellhub. These nationwide companies develop partnerships with these smaller fitness studios. By getting a membership with these apps, you get monthly credits that can be "spent" on a day pass or class registration at a wide collection of these specialized fitness studios.
Common Fitness Studios
Lagree Pilates
Lagree pilates is a form of pilates that uses a slightly different machine from traditional pilates. These mega-formers are typically uses for a faster and more intense version of pilates that mirrors a HIIT cycle.
Barre
Barre is a low-impact form of fitness that combines elements of pilates, ballet, and yoga to isolate different muscle groups and create lean muscle.
Bouldering Gyms
Bouldering gyms usually incorporate some of the elements of a traditional gym with rock climbing walls. Bouldering is a great way to challenge you mind, body, balance, and coordination, at the same time! Check out our Beginner's Guide for more details.
Kickboxing / MMA
Kickboxing and MMA gyms contain some fitness elements, but also provide specialized training into a form of 'hand-to-hand combat'. The quality and application of this varies dramatically from gym to gym.
Infrared Fitness Centers
Infrared Fitness Centers provide the unique opportunity to workout within a private, infrared sauna. Check out our full article on this trend here.
Traditional Gyms
For the purpose of this article, traditional gym refers to the large, commercial gyms including: LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, Crunch, 24hr Fitness, YMCA, or Anytime Fitness. These gyms typically have hundreds if not thousands of members each and a wide range of options for fitness: weights, machines, cardio equipment, cables, courts, saunas, pools, trainers, and more. They can be found in strip malls and have affordable monthly memberships. These gyms are great for the average fitness routine with a mix of strength, cardio, and general fitness training.
Benefits of Traditional Gyms
Traditional gym's size is their biggest advantage. There is an endless diversity in the types of exercise you can do. For people just starting out, machines provide a great way to workout safely and learn how to do more advanced movements. For people who have been working out for years, there is an abundance of weight to push yourself to the limits. Additionally, these gyms have access to trainers who are gym experts that can help you to learn and create a plan for reaching your fitness goals.
Traditional gyms come with a high degree of independence which can be either good or bad depending on the individual. If you have a high intrinsic motivation, desire to move at your own pace, and freedom to go at whatever time you'd like, then the gym is a great option. If you have less intrinsic motivation, the dedicated class times and sense of community may be an opportunity to stay more consistent.
Fitness Classes in Traditional Gyms
Dance Fitness
Dance fitness classes are popular as they use loud music and an instructor to turn dance into a form of cardio workout. This differs from Zumba in that it spans a wider range of music genres.
Zumba
Zumba is the most popular and widely used form of dance fitness with upbeat music and simple moves. It's popular because the moves are very basic, low impact, and accessible to all ages.
Circuit Fitness
This kind of group fitness is most often found in CrossFit gyms. It includes a continues cycle of exercises and breaks that members of a "team" will move through at regular intervals.
Sports Courts
A benefit of some commercial gyms is that they come with various sports facilities: basketball courts, racquetball courts, handball courts, pickleball, tennis, or lap pools.
Benefits of Group Fitness Classes
Fitness classes provide a number of benefits that more independent workout routines do not inherently have. To be clear, neither is superior to the other, different people thrive in different environments. While group fitness classes are particularly good at developing a sense of community, individual training allow you to move at your own pace whether it is faster or slower than the average.
Group fitness classes are good for building consistent habits as the classes are typically at the same time each day/week and creates an incentive to maintain a streak. Additionally, because classes are made for groups, you can develop a stronger sense of community and accountability when consistently attending a class with the same group of people. Classes inherently tend to be more social than traditional training.
Fitness Classes in Both
Cycle Studios
While some studios specialize in cycling classes, they are also commonly found in commercial gyms and available at home via brands like Peloton.
Yoga
Yoga is a practice that spans a wide range of difficulties and benefits while only requiring a mat and instructor. Traditional gyms will often have yoga classes and more advanced practitioners can join studios dedicated entirely to this practice.
Pilates
Pilates has various forms that range in difficulty and specialty. Studios dedicated to the use of reformers, an exercise tool developed by Joseph Pilates, are becoming more common. Mat pilates is a series of exercise meant to mimic a traditional pilates workout without the use of the large reformer.
The Future of Fitness
As health and wellness continues to grow as an important part of popular culture, new ideas and innovations will continue to change the way we practice fitness. While it's impossible to say for sure, here are the top three areas of fitness that we think will continue to grow over the next 20 years.
Home Fitness
Home fitness was popularized during 2020 at the height of the pandemic. People needed to stay home but didn't want to give up their fitness routine. This lead to the growth of home gym equipment and online fitness classes. Going forward, I think this trend will continue to grow, but maybe on a smaller scale. Having the bare essentials to practice fitness at home for days your busy is great, but this will always be limited in versatility and less fun than more social forms of fitness.
Learn more about 'Home Gym Equipment Brands' or 'Home Gym Accessories' to create your ideal at-home fitness space.
Hyper Fitness Clubs
Next, there is a less common type of gym that is best described as a "hyper fitness club". These locations are even larger than the commercial gyms and come with access to studios, pools, spas, healthy food stands, and more. These clubs combine fitness with elements of nutrition, recovery, and mindfulness for a more inclusive solution to health and wellness. However, this also means memberships come at a premium price point.
Recovery Centers
The final trend we see continuing to develop is the creation of recovery centers or wellness centers. These studios focus on providing access to restorative practices and products: saunas, red light therapy, cold plunges, IV hydration, oxygen chambers and more. These therapies help the body to recover after a workout or supplement the health benefits of fitness. However, they are not a replacement for fitness centers and should be used supplementarily.
Fitness Studios vs Traditional Gyms
Choosing between fitness studios and traditional gyms comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and fitness goals. Studios offer a structured, community-driven experience with specialized workouts, while traditional gyms provide flexibility, affordability, and a wide range of equipment for independent training.
Both have unique benefits, and many people find success in combining elements of both. As the fitness industry continues to evolve, new innovations like home fitness, hyper fitness clubs, and recovery centers will shape how we stay active.
No matter which path you take, the key to a sustainable fitness journey is finding a routine that keeps you motivated, challenged, and engaged.
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