Gym memberships are always tempting. But they can also be intimidating. And there are a lot of boutique fitness studio cropping up, catering to specific forms of exercise and encouraging you to ditch your gym membership in favor of signing up for classes. For many people, a boutique fitness studio may be a better way to help you reach your fitness goals. But they aren’t for everybody. Here’s what you need to know before you ditch your usual gym.

• Boutique fitness studios compete more for the attention you receive from a personal trainer than from a gym. Classes tend to be small and give you one on one attention at a lower rate than what you pay a personal trainer.
• Boutique fitness studios are a good option if you prefer classes over using gym equipment. They tend to have more types of classes at a wider range of times
• If you’re short on time, boutique fitness classes may not work for you because they usually have times of at least an hour. So, if you hit the gym for 30 minutes on your lunch break, they may not work for you.
• If you fear boredom, try ClassPass or a boutique studio that offers a range of classes. ClassPass lets you try different boutique studios so that you never get bored with your workout. It is pricier than many monthly gym fees, but still a lot less than you would pay signing up at different studios on your own.
• Traditional gyms do often have multiple locations that allow you access with your membership while boutique fitness studios tend to be one-offs that are only in your neighborhood.

For many people, boutique fitness classes are a better fit than a traditional gym. But take a look at your budget and how you workout, including which amenities you use at the gym, before making the switch.

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