Studio Three is a fitness studio in Chicago that offers cycle, interval, and spin all under one roof. About 9 months after my last ankle surgery, I decided that I just need to get back into the fitness world regardless of pain. I’ve always been into spin, but I was intrigued by a studio that had more than one offering.
Classes motivate me to work out more than anything. Yes, I could go to a gym, but classes provide this level of accountability to get me there. And not having to plan my workout makes it very freeing.
Now, let’s get into my background since that also shapes my experiences and this review! I have some past athletic experiences so this wasn’t brand new to me. However, when starting Studio Three, I was extremely out of shape (and looked it). Also, with my ankle surgeries, I have limitations. I truly can’t do a lunge on one side due to my mobility so a structured class can be an adventure.
You are probably wondering why the heck are you reviewing a fitness place. Well, I just hit 50 classes! I’ve tried almost every discipline and class type. And spoiler, I’ve found something that really works for me. I’ve only attended the Lincoln Park location so my review is not fully comprehensive, but most instructors do float between the three Chicago locations.
Environment
Studio Three really prides itself on being a community. It is always intimidating to walk into somewhere new and there is just a natural fear of the unknown. The studio, especially yoga and spin classes, skews to be more female, but you do get a decent mix throughout. You also get a good mix of ages and fitness levels.
What makes Studio Three a bit different from what I have seen with other studios is their emphasis on celebration. When you hit milestones, you get announced in the class with a card. They put birthdays on the welcome sign. They take it just a step further which I really appreciate.
On the flip side, there is also a sense of cliques too. It’s hard to describe, but you more of a feeling. On top of it, their social media only features a select few. I actually stopped tagging them in things because I knew it wouldn’t be shared. This doesn’t feel true to their aspired culture so it did turn me off that you need a following to be featured.
Classes
Going into joining the studio, I thought I was going to be a spin girl for life. Boy did things change!
Signature and Interval Rides
There is only a slight difference in the approach to these class, but to me, they feel like standard spin classes. The bikes don’t feel as nice as high end spin classes, but they aren’t the worst I’ve seen either.
3×3
3×3 has easily become my favorite class type. It’s challenging, but accessible at all levels. At first, the fact the class was heated absolutely destroyed me, but now I don’t even feel it. This is a strength class featuring three sets (arms, legs, abs) of three exercises done three times through. So many threes! There are just a few cardio spots, but it’s mostly focused on the strength.
Hi Def
This class is another strength-based class. Unlike 3×3, it is not a circuit and features the use of resistance bands. It’s also a bit more infused with cardio. The bands are not very accommodating to all sizes. I personally opt to take classes without it.
Deep Release
This is my second favorite class and one of the best parts of my Sundays. This is a mobility class. It’s part dynamic, major stretch, and you get to roll out with a lacrosse ball at the end.
Flow & Interval
I’ve only taken one flow class, but my limitations make these classes unattainable at this time so I can’t give a fair overview.
Let’s look at some of the pros & cons for the classes overall:
- Pro: The instructors have amazing energy
- Pro: It’s really accessible for anyone who wants to try
- Pro: The room is dark (a major pro for me)
- Pro: For 3×3 and Hi Def, good instructions are provided for newbies
- Pro: The variety of the classes
- Pro: The value, especially in the unlimited memberships
- Con: The bike equipment and shoes aren’t high quality compared to other studios
- Con: Many of the yoga studio classes are jam packed which makes it hard to see the instructor and the studio gets hot
- Con: Modifications are sometimes hard to get
- Con: Not all classes are easily available at the same times each day. The schedule is not as accommodating for people who work 9-5 in the office
- Con: The instructor quality greatly varies
Instructors
Overall, the instructors make or break a fitness class and not all are created equal. Just like any fitness studio, there are going to be instructors that you enjoy and ones that you don’t. Here are some of my favorite instructors at Studio Three:
- Courtney Aronson
- Laken Browning
- Stuart Fisher
- Dustin Hogue
- Sayre Masters
- Heather Stevens
Overall, Studio Three has taught me so much about what I like. I can really take what I enjoy and apply to my own workouts. My recent move put me a little farther from the studios, so I’ll be in classes a bit less. With that being said, I think it is a great place to find what may work for you. And maybe, I’ll see you in class one day!
Xoxo
Janelle
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