Review: Most Popular Ann Arbor Workout Classes
February 7, 2023
Author: Megan Hoying
Editor: Lexie Meltzer
I went to some of the most popular workout spots in Ann Arbor. Here’s what I thought…
Solidcore
Overall: 8/10
Solidcore is low-impact, high intensity pilates that primarily revolves around the reformer, which is a pilates machine that has a carriage and five springs that can be adjusted to different weights. Workouts focus on slow and controlled movements to break down small muscle fibers, creating a lean look and building muscle.
Location: 5/10
It is about a 10 minute drive from the main campus of Ann Arbor. Starbucks is right across the street which is a plus.
Sweat factor: 7/10
Not necessarily a “sweaty” class, but it is definitely a great workout. I was very sore the next day; but, because it is low-intensity, you aren’t sweating excessively.
Facility: 9/10
Love the studio! The reformers are kept in great condition, and are wiped down in between classes. You also get to choose which reformer you want when you get to class, which I love.
Instructors: 9/10
I went a lot last year so I became best friends with some of the instructors here, and they are really great people. They will push and challenge you during the workout.
Price: 5/10
A single drop-in class is $26, so not very budget-friendly. However, with a student discount you can get a 5-class package for $89.25. The monthly unlimited is $239.00, but with a student discount it is around $170.00.
Pure Barre
Overall: 8/10
Pure Barre uses a strength training barre technique to tone muscles and improve agility. You use small weights, body weight, sliders, and resistance bands throughout class to get your muscles to shake. It is a low-impact, full-body 50 minute workout.
Location: 10/10
There are two locations in Ann Arbor: one that is right by Solidcore (around a 10 minute drive) and one that is right by the Starbucks on State Street (super accessible for those on campus)!
Sweat factor: 7/10
Even though it is a low-impact class, holding each position and using the slow movement definitely made me sweat. You have to trust the process because it sometimes isn’t until about 30-45 seconds into holding the position that you feel it working.
Facility: 8/10
The main check-in area is bright and full of merchandise available for purchase. The actual studio looks exactly like a dance studio and is very aesthetically pleasing.
Instructors: 9/10
Instructors give a vibe of wanting to be your best friend. They’re young and fun and super energetic throughout the class.
Price: 8/10
You get a free first class at Pure Barre — always amazing! A single drop-in class is $24, but their membership deals are awesome. They have a $138.00 unlimited membership.
F45
Overall: 9/10
F45 is a 45 minute full-body workout that alternates between classes that are strength training, cardio, and hybrid. Every class looks different and incorporates different moves. The various gym equipment in a learning environment keeps F45 engaging and super fun.
Location: 6/10
It is located on Washtenaw Avenue, about a 10 minute drive from the main campus.
Sweat factor: 9/10
Because the class is resistance and cardio that focuses on functional training, you definitely work up a sweat in the 45 minutes. I was sweaty, but the class difficulty depends on how hard you push yourself.
Facility: 8/10
The facility boasts a lovely layout with big windows. Everything is ready to go when you get there, with all of the equipment (barbells, dumbbells, stepping blocks, etc.) already set up. There are no mirrors in the facility, however, which I think is its only downside (though some may enjoy this).
Instructors 10/10:
The instructors are great at pushing you throughout the class. They encourage you by motivating you to go up in weight and correcting your form. Everyone high fives at the end of the class, which makes an otherwise independent workout feel more like a team sport.
Price 8/10:
F45 has a free trial for 3 free classes in 2 weeks. Now through the end of March they also have an $80.00 unlimited membership deal, and thereafter the price goes up to $130 for students. Drop in classes are $28.00.
Orangetheory
Overall: 9/10
Orangetheory is a 60 minute workout class that splits its time between rowing, running, and strength training. You are also able to personalize and modify as much as you need throughout the class, and the instructors provide modifications and different levels of difficulty to choose from for each workout.
Location: 6/10:
Orange Theory is located on Main Street around 10 minutes off the main campus.
Sweat factor: 9/10
The length and speed of the class make it quite sweat-prone. Even so, I still felt energized after class. I wasn’t as sore as I thought I would be the next day, which can probably be attributed to the splitting of the time between treadmill and rowing machine.
Facility: 10/10
The gym is very nice and spacious, and the darkness of the room adds to the intensity of the workout. The treadmills at Orangetheory provide a nice cushion while I’m running, and I would go back just to go for a run on those treadmills.
Instructors: 9/10
The instructors are very motivating during the workout. The team was inspiring, welcoming, and endearing, adding to the great ambiance here.
Price: 7/10
Orangetheory also offers a free first class! The unlimited membership is $169.00 per month and a drop in class is $28.00.
