Are you in need of a little encouragement to squash the “first timer” intimidation factor and show up like a regular at one of the many fitness studios in the Charlotte area? Join the club.
Take in our video shorts shot by Ana the Intern, along with our scoop tips, to get you schooled on how to sign up, what to bring, when to show, and more.
Our two main tips on How to Be Like a Regular?
- Take more than one class. Duh. But seriously, it takes everyone more than one class to find their fit and start to enjoy themselves and get some real work done. Right now, most studios have awesome package prices, challenges and deals going to incent you to take several classes. Our January 2018 DEALS round up is HERE.
- Show up early for your first, 2nd and 3rd classes. You will need the extra time to figure things out and get set up. Plus, you want to be able to pick your spot, just like the regulars do.
Air Aerial Fitness (2 studios)
How To Sign Up ~ Go to their website and click on either the Myers Park or SouthPark location to create your account and for the class schedule at each studio.
New Client Special? First Class Free with promo AIRCHARLOTTE and $100 for 30 days of unlimited classes.
What To Wear ~ Form fitting tights and tops ~ you may be upside down or sideways. Bare feet or Socks (optional) no shoes.
What To Bring ~ Bring water and a towel with you, all equipment is provided.
Pre-Class Prep ~ First time students are asked to take the FOUNDATION class a few times to learn the ropes. Or hammocks in this case. Arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.
Insider Tip ~ The new SouthPark location shares its space with the fabulous MUD FACIAL BAR. Get your workout in and your glow on.
First Wind Cycling & Fitness
How To Sign Up ~ Through their website or the Spivi mobile app – just find First Wind Cycling and Fitness.
New Client Special? 30 for $30 first time month unlimited.
What To Wear ~ Fitted leggings are best for the bike. You can borrow cycling shoes for free, but bring tennis shoes if you’re taking a circuit class. Barefoot is fine for barre, but grip socks are welcome.
What To Bring ~ Water. If you have an ANT+ compatible heart rate sensor, wear it during class to give you a more accurate calorie burn count (check to see if your sensor is compatible here (https://www.thisisant.com/directory/). Sensors also available at the studio to rent for $3.
Pre-Class Prep ~ Arrive 10-15 minutes early to class for a brief tour of the facility and get set up on the bike .
Facilities ~ First Wind provides free of charge cycling shoes, towels (gym and shower), and everything you need to shower and clean up before you head out (soap, shampoo, hair dryers).
Insider Tip ~ Park in the deck at the intersection of Hawkins Street and Doggett Street as First Wind validates your parking for up to 90 minutes (the entrance is on Doggett St).
Flywheel & Flybarre Charlotte
How To Sign Up ~ Sign up online in advance; you will pick either your bike or your mat. Make sure to enter your shoe size for your complimentary cycle shoes (generally your cycle shoes run the same size as your running shoes).
New Client Special? Your first class is only $15
What To Wear ~ Form fitting clothes that you feel comfortable in plus socks for the cycle class (altho you can buy some at the studio if you forget) Socks with grip for barre or feel free to go bare-foot..
What To Bring ~ Bring a water bottle for the filtered water machine, and make sure you bring socks. Towels and seat pads (good for first few times) are provided.
Pre-Class Prep ~ First time cycle students should arrive 15-20 before the start of class. This will allow the instructor and/or a facility coordinator to properly set you up on your bike, explain the class structure, and answer any questions you may have.
Facilities ~ Lockers with programmable locks. Showers and changing rooms with Bliss Body care products, bath towels, dry shampoo, spray deodorant and hair dryers.
Insider Tip ~ For your first ride, you may want to hide in the back, but having a clear view of your instructor is your best option so you can see them for reference and they can see you to guide you better with form cues or assistance if needed. And don’t forget to check your account for your stats and to see how far you went, how many calories you burned and where you ranked in the class.
Hillard Studio Method
How To Sign Up ~ Through their website or mobile app. Packages include a New Client Special (10 classes in 60 days) as well as Monthly, Auto-Renewing, and Class Packages ranging from 1-20 classes valid for up to a year.
New Client Special? All January long, new clients get 10 classes for $99
What To Wear ~ Fitted pants and a workout tank/t-shirt that moves and can be tucked in if you’d like. No socks, no shoes, no nonsense.
What To Bring ~ Yourself – Hillard Studio Method provides everything else you’ll need during class.
Pre Class Prep ~ If you’re a first timer, stop by the front desk to fill out some paperwork. Your trainer will then talk about any goals and walk you through any modifications you might need to take advantage of during the class. Store your personal belongings in the cubby area and then look to your instructor for any equipment you might need to gather for the class.
Insider Tip ~ HSM just rolled out a brand new class concept, Let’s Dance by HSM. This 60-minute, just-for-fun workout is great for clients at all levels who want to work up a sweat. HSM also offers $15 drop-in classes Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. for HSM Live Class filming!
Orangetheory Fitness Charlotte (4 CLT studios)
How To Sign Up ~ Your first workout is complimentary, but a credit card is required to reserve your spot. After that, book online or call to book a class at one of the 4 local studios (Arboretum, Quail Corners, Southend, and Ballantyne)
New Client Special? First Class Free
What To Wear ~ Simple, comfortable workout clothes & walking/running shoes. Orangtheory fitness experts will get you set up with a heart rate monitor you can borrow for the first session.
What To Bring ~ Water and a small towel. Because the OTF lockers do not have locks, most members only arrive with a set of keys plus their water & towel. OTF will store your keys at their front desk.
Pre-Class Prep ~ Plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to class start for a quick introduction. Check in at the front desk and a staff member will give you a quick tour of the studio. After that, you’ll complete a client intake form and chat with the staff on your fitness goals. Staff will then set you up with a heart rate monitor and give you an introduction to the class with a rowing demonstration. This will give them the opportunity to correct your form. Once this is done, you’ll have a brief introduction to your class “coach” who will guide you through the entire session. Once the session is over, you’ll receive an email detailing out your workout summary and your results from OTbeat, Orangetheory’s heart rate monitor system.
Insider Tip ~ Each treadmill has a fan – use it to keep cool throughout your workout.
VIBE5 Fitness
How To Sign Up ~ First, you have to decide what you want to try first at this multidimensional studio. Check out all the yoga, cardio and other options on their website here. Create your account and sign up for your class of choice.
New Client Special? First Class Free. Plus 1 Month Unlimited for $35 (one per customer, must be a new client)
What To Wear ~ Whatever workout or yoga gear is comfortable for you. If you are hitting BootCamp VIBE5, be sure to bring athletic shoes/sneakers.
What To Bring ~ Bring your mat for yoga (there are some available to rent if you do not) and your water or water bottle with you.
Pre-Class Prep ~ First time students should arrive 10-15 minutes early for paperwork.
Facilities ~Complimentary towels are available as are lockers, showers and products.
Insider Tip ~ It’s pronouned “vibes”. And it’s not just for adults = VIBE5 also offer youth programs for young men and women. Guru Girls Yoga Founder, Margot Brinley, is bringing “Lessons from the Mat” to Vibe5 for girls 4th through 8th grade and they’ve also partnered with Trifecta Athletics and its former NFL player owner Eric Johnson to offer youth workshops specifically aimed at young athletes. Read up on their website!
