A good fitmob story + Lululemon giveaway
Disclaimer: I received the opportunity to take part in the fitmob campaign through my ambassadorship with Fit Approach. While I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, all thoughts are my own.
I have a story for you. And I also have an awesome giveaway, in which one lucky reader will win a $50 gift card to Lululemon. Sound good? Let’s get started …
A story about finding a workout
So here’s how it all went down. I woke up on a Thursday morning very tired from teaching a double-header of group fitness classes the night before. I knew I wanted to get in some sort of a workout, but I wasn’t sure what, and I wasn’t up for much. Knowing that fitmob, an awesome fitness company serving the Bay Area I’ve highlighted before, had just launched a new all-access passport program, I went online to check it out. I found a listing of tons of classes, starting at 6 a.m. and running throughout the day at different gyms, studios and outdoor locations around San Francisco. I used the filters to narrow down my selection. I wanted it to be close to my home, so I selected the neighborhoods near me. I wanted it to be in the middle of the day, and I was thinking of something mind/body inspired with no cardio involved. Yoga was calling my name. In no time at all, and with a few clicks, I reserved one of the last spots in a noon Vinyasa flow class at Satori Yoga in the Financial District that I had never heard of before. I showed up to class, checked in, enjoyed every minute of the totally packed class and walked out. Just like that. No registration, no payment, no key card, no nonsense. And friends, that’s the way of fitness these days.
I brought my own shiny Lululemon mat, but Satori offers complimentary mats.
As I sat on my mat before class began, I started thinking about how quick and easy it was to make my way to Satori for a much-needed yoga experience. And I realized that it’s companies like fitmob that are changing the game, by opening up access to all varieties of classes and workouts that you may never even knew existed. Sometimes I take it for granted that I live in a place like San Francisco where these types of services are launched, but it sure is great.
And fitmob just keeps growing …
fitmob launches all-access passport program
Last month I told you about fitmob‘s latest program, MobTribes, which is all about small-group training. Now, fitmob’s latest announcement is that starting this month, the company began offering unlimited all-access to even more popular partner studios, classes and workouts in the Bay Area for just $99 a month. Yes, I said unlimited. Do you know how many classes you can take in a month? A whole lot. Do you know how many choices there are on fitmob’s site? A whole lot, in fact more than 1,000. Do you know how helpful it is to go onto the fitmob website or use the fitmob app and narrow down a selection of great workouts to end up with something that sounds just right for you at a particular time? Pretty great.
And now, let me continue with my story …
Details on Vinyasa yoga at Satori Yoga studio
So this cute little studio I attended that day is housed on the bottom floor of a big tall building in the Financial District, which just so happens to be where my dentist is located too. Of course, I didn’t make that connection until I showed up and had no idea there would be yoga in a building like that. The studio was small, no frills, two yoga rooms, a massage room, some changing areas and cubbies and that was it. While there was a class taking place when I arrived and an empty lobby, about five minutes before class the room was full. Tons of women (two men) in work clothes filled in, changed clothes and piled into the yoga studio.
A shot from the back of the studio before class began.
This was perhaps the most packed class I’ve ever attended, in fact, the instructor had to limit the movements that we could do so we didn’t bump into each other, less than a foot between mats on both sides. We did all of the usual Vinyasa poses, including chair, downward dog, all the warriors, some core work and even my favorite wheel pose, then we ended with a lovely meditation. It went by super fast and felt great on my body. Just what I needed after taking a beating in the group fitness room the night before. Perhaps the best part of Satori Yoga was at the very end when the instructor walked around and sprayed some scented oil above everyone’s face as we were lying down. Good touch.
I’d definitely go back to Satori, but with my month of unlimited access to fitmob stops around town, I should probably try something new next.
Win a $50 gift card to Lululemon
Thanks for reading my story. And to show my appreciation, me and the kind folks at Fit Approach and fitmob, would like to offer you a chance to win a $50 gift card to buy anything you want at Lululemon. Follow the directions to enter below, and this contest is open to everyone. However, Bay Area people: I kid you not, fitmob is pretty cool. Enter using your email, and it’s possible the folks at fitmob will give you a shout. You can sign up for the service for free to search around, and they won’t charge you until you book a class. This contest closes at midnight on Monday, so enter today and, share with your friends!
P.S. fitmob and Fit Approach/SweatPink are hosting a Twitter party on Tuesday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time, if you want to join in at #HolidayMobbing.
Questions of the day
Do you ever have trouble deciding what kind of workout you want to do in a day? What would you buy from Lululemon? Have you heard of fitmob?
I really wish I could get in to yoga. I am such a cardio girl and over the past year have finally spread my wings to incorporate more weights. But yoga I really struggle with. I get so obsessed with doing the moves correctly, and when I can’t due to my inflexibility or just because the pace of the class is too fast, I get frustrated and feel like it was just a big waste of time. But yoga is still on my list of workouts I would like to incorporate into my workout routine.
Don’t worry about being perfect in yoga! It’s all about the journey with that one. You don’t have to be super flexible at all, just enjoy the quiet of the poses. hehehe 🙂 Hope you have start to like it one day.
I have never heard of fitmob, but what a cool concept! And what don’t I want to buy from Lulu?! I am loving their new Rebel Runners Vest!
I love everything at Lululemon too!
I’d put the gift card towards a new tank top or leggings. I’ve heard of fitmob during your last review 🙂
Good luck in the giveaway!
id like to try some aerial yoga!
I’ve somehow never tried yoga but I think it’s something I would really enjoy! Everytime I hear about it I get inspired.
I have a fairly set workout routine that I will plan for the week. I have trouble some days when I am limited for time or just sore and not sure what my next move should be! I think this is a great way to try out new studios to get a feeling for them.
I would love to try a bootcamp style workout.
I tried Barre once and loved it and would definitely want to try it again.
I really want to try PIYO or Barre classes! Thanks for the awesome give away! I wonder when something like this will come to Charlotte, I would definitely pay $99 a month for unlimited classes!!
If I haven’t planned ahead, I definitely have some trouble figuring out what to do for my workout, and then I feel like I waste half my time in the gym…. I’d probably try to find a nice tank at LuLu 🙂
I love trying to new classes, especially yoga because each one is different. Although I’ve never been to Pure Barre class so that is #1 on my list!
I’d love to try a TRX class!
I have some very hyper-flexible joints which have made yoga off-limits according to my doctors, but I think I just need the right kind of yoga that allows me to stretch, lengthen, tone, etc. without risking injury. Still on the hunt!
I’d love to try a bare class – I haven’t found one local to me yet though to try out. Hopefully soon!
Hi, I randomly stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago. I just moved this past weekend from Orlando to the San Francisco area for my fiancee’s job. I have loved reading all your SF posts of what to see and where to go and eat! Thanks for all the great info!
i would love to try a yoga class! believe it or not, i don’t own a single item from lululemon – i would love to purchase a pair of leggings/pants if i won the gift card. =)
I love pet snuggles!
There’s a new Bikram yoga studio near my house that I’m dying to try. Now that it’s not 100 degrees outside I think it’s going to be my next fitness “adventure.” 🙂
I am dying to try a Pure Barr class!!! <3
Sweet giveaway, Ashley! And I think the fitmob passport is brilliant. I hope they expand it to the east bay soon!
I would probably try out a TRX or barre class first.
I really want to try piyo classes!
I’d love to try hot yoga. I’m training for a half-marathon so I’m sure it would be great for me.
Hot yoga is tough! Good luck!
I am dying to try hot yoga or barre class 🙂
Hi Xoch! Best of luck in the giveaway … beware – hot yoga can be tough!
I want to try Pure Barre!
Thanks for entering, Jenny! Good luck!!
Pure Barre is a great studio. Good luck in the giveaway!
Looove Lululemon, fingers crossed I will win! The workout I want to try is aerial or anti-gravity yoga. It looks like so much fun and seems like a really interesting experience.
Thanks for entering! Good luck!!
Still want to try a pure barre class. Also would love some new LuLu leggings 🙂
Good luck!
aerial yoga!! that sounds so cool!
I totally do have trouble deciding what workout to do sometimes! I would MAYBE try Cross Fit just to see if I could do it ; ) and I would loveee a pair of Lulu leggings!
Your blog, like you, is pretty adorable! We missed you when you left LA Fitness and Orlando, but I’m so glad that you are doing so well in San Fran, it’s great to see your adventures along the way! Great giveaway and I’ll have to look you up if we find ourselves back to that wonderful city.
Hi Amy! So great to hear from you. I hope you’re doing well. And yes, please let me know if you ever visit the Bay Area. 🙂
I’d definitely do the yoga classes – but I really want to try barre workouts. As for the Lululemon gift card I’ve been really wanting to buy another pair of Wunder Unders “roll down” in the cotton – in black this time. I have them in a nice army green colour right now, and wear them to yoga + climbing allllll the time.
Well we’ve got to get you to a barre class soon!
I seriously want to try all of these workouts you do!! I have been hearing so much about Barre though, I wouldn’t mind giving that a try!
Barre is so different from a regular workout that you must try. The small pulsing movements and holds are really a great burn. Good luck in the giveaway!
I’d love to try some HIIT workouts!
Hi Lizzie! HIIT is intense! Thanks for entering. Good luck!
I would love to try hot yoga
Hi Mona! It’s tough. Bring a towel!
Great giveaway Ashley! Just one minor quibble – it’s Satori Yoga, not Sartori. Perhaps the spellcheck had its own ideas today! 🙂 It’s a great studio, I’ve been going there for 5 years but usually try to attend some of their less-crowded classes. I took Fitmob classes for about 3 months when they first started out earlier this year but I found there just wasn’t time on my schedule with Les Mills classes, running and yoga to fit any more in. But I liked the boot camp concept and the variety of workouts they offer. I’m a big believer in doing something different every day.
Hi Klara! Thanks for catching that. Change has been made. As a former copywriter, I do NOT like to misname a brand or company. 🙂 And yes, it can be hard to fit all the workouts in that we have available here. Hope to see you soon!
I want to try hot yoga!
Good luck in the giveaway!
I’d love to try a hot yoga class or maybe a barre class.
Both are great workouts!
I’ve actually never taken a yoga class and would love to try that!
Well you’ve got to try yoga!! Maybe an online video to get started? Just Google around. 🙂
I’ve really wanted to try aerial yoga!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I’ve done aerial and done yoga, but never together. I’d like to try it too.
A new yoga studio just opened nearby and I’m having fun trying all the different styles of yoga classes they offer. So far Yoga flow and aerial are my favorite. I would love to try Paddleboard yoga as well.
Hi Lisa, Oh yes, paddleboard yoga sounds very fun. And a bit scary.
This sounds just like class pass here in DC! I would love to try out a TRX class!
Hi Sue! It’s similar yes. We have ClassPass here too. Thanks for entering!
I wish I lived in the Bay Area! For a number of reasons, haha…but fitmob sounds awesome, can’t wait for it to sweep its way over to this side of the country! 🙂 I’d love any workouts in cool outdoor spaces!
Yes, Kim! The Bay Area is the best. 🙂 And I need more outdoor working out in my life for sure.
I’d love to try SoulCycle – it is something that sounds the most interesting being a spin teacher and bootcamp coach
I tried it! It was definitely different. Dark lighting, loud music, lots of people in a small place!
I would love to try a real Crossfit class. I’ve tried crossfit-style classes, but never at a real box!
I’ve never been to a real box either!
Aerial yoga sounds interesting
Hi Liz, sure does. Thanks for entering!
I’d love to try hot yoga but maybe not in the summer 🙂
Hi Tessa! Unless you walked straight out of class into an air conditioned car!
I want to try more rowing workouts!
Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I really want to try barre! We just had a new studio open in my area.
I know I need more yoga in my life. Still on the hunt for more mid-day classes throughout the week, though I do love the 5:15 flow class at OMPower in SoMa! Also would love to try more Pilates… I heard about fitmob but wasn’t quite sure how it worked. Can’t wait to give it a try soon! As far as Lululemon… I have my eye on the manifesto hoodie.
Hi Catherine! I’ve never tried OMPower, I’ll need to check that one out. And yes, I do love a good lunch-time yoga class. Good luck in the giveaway!
I’ve never tried the barre classes, so I think that would be a good one to try.
Hi Julie! Yes, barre classes are a great workout.
hot yoga sounds like fun!
I LOVE the idea of Fitmob! It seems like it takes all the red tape out of fitness classes and I love being able to just pop in to different studios!
Leave it to San Francisco to come up with something great like fitmob!
Oh you know I’m all about the lululemon! 🙂 And with one of my favorite colors coming back on the scene in the next couple weeks, this giveaway is well-timed. Fingers are crossed!
One of the bummers about living in my small town is that the fitness scene is pretty sad. I get kind of jealous reading your posts about all these great fitness classes and new reports of innovative new stuff like fitmob. We have 3 yoga studios in the whole town. Three! But I guess, most people around here spend time on trails mountain biking and such, so I guess that’s the tradeoff. 🙂
Hi Suzanne! Yes, we have so many awesome workout options that I RARELY get outside to do any running or anything, which I should because the Bay Area scenery is pretty good too. Good luck in the giveaway!
great post! I don’t have that many exercise options where I live- super jealous of you big city ladies!
Hi Mary Beth! Thanks, and I know, we seem to have it all in SF. But we pay for it! Have a great Thursday:)
I want to try fit mob after my class pass is over in December! I checked out that yoga studio… it’s high on my list of studios to try!!
hot yoga
I would love to try a soul cycle class.
Good luck in the giveaway!
I want to try hot yoga
I want to try a pure barre class.
Thanks for entering!
I am a full time Vinyasa yoga teacher so can always use a lululemon gift card! I really want to try acro yoga.
Well good luck to you!! Thanks for entering:)
Wow, yeah that class was busy! That’s pretty cool about the scented oils too! 🙂
Hi, I noticed that you reviewed ClassPass previously on your blog. I am just curious – do you happen to know what the difference between ClassPass and the fitmob Passport is? They sound remarkably similar – $99/month, unlimited classes, 3x/month for each studio, wide range of classes or studios offered. What would make someone choose ClassPass or fitmob Passport over the other?
Thanks! Love reading your reviews of the different studios and classes here in SF.
Hi Sonia, Thanks for reading and stopping by. I would say that fitmob offers a little bit more, and that’s because there are a ton of “fitmob exclusive” classes that are outdoor bootcamps or held at studios that you won’t find anywhere else. Also, fitmob doesn’t appear to have a hard limit on the amount of classes you can take per studio that I see (whereas it is definitely no more than 3 visits to a studio per month for ClassPass), however I think SOME studios place a limit on fitmob. I think if you look at the studios where classes are offered, you’ll find which one suits you better. As far as booking and searching, the system is visually quite different for both services, but the confirmation is the same. It’s really up to you. I’d try a month of each to see what you think. You really can’t go wrong though. Happy sweating!! 🙂
I’d like to try Pilates
I’d like to try a pure barre classs.
Thanks for entering, Ellen!
I would like to get more into yoga. I love it, but I have never done it consistently. That, or barre classes.
Hi Nicole! Yoga is great. Good luck in the giveaway!
Zumba!