Escape Your Limits & LIFTS LIFTS Episode 89 - ClassPass Debate: Does It Help or Hurt Studio Owners? Jeff Bladt vs. Rachel Hirsch
In this special debate episode of the LIFTS Podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by guest co-host Jack Thomas (Fitness Business Asia) to moderate a high-level discussion on the impact of ClassPass for boutique fitness owners.
Industry voices Jeff Bladt (ClassPass/Playlist) and Rachel Hirsch (Wellness Growth Ventures, The 2% Club, and studio owner) share opposing perspectives on whether ClassPass is a powerful growth partner or a dangerous dependency. Discussion highlights include:
- The origin and evolution of ClassPass.
- How ClassPass transformed consumer behavior in fitness.
- Free trials, pricing power, and fairness for studios.
- Parallels with aggregators in travel, dining, and delivery.
- Revenue data showing both growth and risks for studio owners.
- Strategies to avoid over-reliance on ClassPass.
- How ClassPass affects women-led boutique studios.
- Industry-wide calls for better collaboration between aggregators and studios.
👉 Learn more about Jack Thomas:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
👉 Learn more about Jeff Bladt:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bladt/
👉 Learn more about Rachel Hirsch:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-hirsch-43b31265/
👉 Learn more about ClassPass:
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0:00 Intro & Hosts
4:21 Why ClassPass Matters
5:50 The Origin Story of ClassPass
10:30 Consumer Perspective with Rachel
12:46 Free Trials Debate
19:10 ClassPass as an Aggregator
23:05 Discounting & Devaluation Issues
27:40 Revenue Data Insights
33:44 Consumer Wins vs. Studio Risks
38:22 Women in Leadership Discussion
47:51 Final Thoughts & Takeaways
54:34 Closing Remarks