The world of fitness can feel overwhelming—there are big box gyms, boutique fitness studios, small gyms, specialty gyms, outdoor boot camps, personal training studios, and the list goes on. How’s a person supposed to find the right workout if they don’t even know what type of facility they want to join?
One of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between a specialty gym and a boutique fitness studio—they sound like the same thing, right? They’re actually fairly different, especially when it comes to facility availability.
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Offers “open gym” time plus classes
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Type of workout: CrossFit, boxing, trampoline, rock-climbing
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Classes only
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Type of workout: Yoga, cycling, barre, Orangetheory
Typically, specialty gyms offer “open access” periods when members and the general public can use the facility’s amenities and equipment without the direct leadership of a trainer or instructor. For instance, some CrossFit gyms offer this type of open access apart from their standard classes.
Boutique fitness studios, on the other hand, are only available during scheduled classes led by a studio instructor. That’s why, generally speaking, specialty gyms can be a good buy—you have the option to exercise alone or as part of a class, while still having access to amenities that often aren’t available at traditional gyms. If you’re in the market for a gym membership, but you don’t want to sign up for the standard weights-and-cardio version, check out some of the unusual specialty gyms popping up in cities around the country.
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Boxing Gyms
Some boxing gyms are specialty gyms, while others fall into the boutique fitness studio realm, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before you sign up.
Typical boxing gyms have a boxing ring, some strength training equipment, and a whole slew of boxing bags lined up for a killer workout. At specialty gyms, you can exercise on your own, work with a trainer, or join a class. Sometimes these facilities are intimidating to newbies because it’s not unusual for clientele to be actively training for boxing matches.
Boutique boxing gyms, on the other hand, typically only offer boxing and kickboxing classes, so there are no options to work out on your own.
There are two boxing gym franchises that actually walk a fine line between boutique studio and specialty gym, and both offer a welcoming environment that’s easy for newbies to join. Title Boxing Club primarily offers classes, but many facilities also have some equipment that members can access on their own. 9Round, on the other hand, has a set workout that all members do, but members aren’t restricted by time—they can start their workout whenever they want and still get feedback from the trainer on-site.