Brighton woman launches fitness app ClassPass in her home city

ClassPass, which links fitness fanatics up with classes in the local area through a smartphone app, launched in Brighton yesterday (October 23).

Ms Ross, who has lived in Brighton for more than ten years, is international vice president for ClassPass, which launched in America in 2013.

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The app offers a monthly ‘no-strings’ app-based subscription which allows fitness enthusiasts to book studio classes anywhere on its network, without the need for multiple memberships.

Ms Ross worked for the Government during both the Brown and Cameron administrations, before co-founding her own software company. She is now responsible for growing ClassPass’ international network outside the USA.

ClassPass, which is already operating in London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and 50 other cities worldwide, launched in Brighton and Hove with a network of local studios offering activities ranging from boxing and strength conditioning to martial arts, yoga and Pilates.

Ms Ross said: “ClassPass is a new adventure for me and in just a few months I’ve led the rollout of this fantastic service in some of the world’s biggest international cities in Asia and the Middle East. But nothing is more exciting for me than launching here in my home town.

“ClassPass is a revolution in fitness, which now allows people in Brighton to go all over the city and beyond in search of their favourite class. Using our app you could do Pilates on Monday, cycling on Tuesday, hot yoga on Wednesday and HIIT on Thursday.

“Commuters who work in London will be able to use our network of more than 550 studios there too, which is a great benefit. Having access to the very best classes where you live and work means you have the best of all worlds – but without long-term contracts and tie-in clauses.”

ClassPass members purchase bundles of credits as part of their subscription and book via the company’s app. The number of credits per class depends on the location, activity and time of day.

Brighton and Hove members will be able to book studio classes at new boutique fitness studio ROX, Marina Studios, Barre Studio Brighton, TheBox, Brighton Pilates, Yoga with Olive, It’s Yoga Brighton, and martial arts studio Elements. Other studios on the app will offer kettlebells, acro yoga, strength training and Zumba classes.

Alex Boito, who opened boutique fitness studio ROX with his business partner Jon Chatterton in September, said: “The fitness industry has changed. People don’t necessarily want to be tied down to just one studio in one location. We believe fitness should fit around your lifestyle and not the other way around. With its extensive network of studios across the globe, ClassPass’ unrivalled national and international network allows its members to train whenever and wherever they want.

“Members can book indoor cycling, HIIT, boxing or yoga classes in our brand new studio in Brighton & Hove one day and then take advantage of the ClassPass network when they commute to London the next. We’re partnering with ClassPass because we understand fitness in the same way and are both committed to delivering the very best possible experience for members.”

Annelies Omari, who runs Marina Studios said: “We’re thrilled to be part of ClassPass as it launches in Brighton. We have a fantastic selection of dance and dance-fitness classes - including Zumba - here at our studios. ClassPass offers not just a new way for people to find us, but also a really easy way for those who love dance and dance-fitness to book and pay for their class. We can’t wait to welcome the first ClassPass members through the door.”

For more information, and to view the full list of fitness studios available, visit: www.classpass.com