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/ https://www.the2percent.club/ 👉 Learn more about ClassPass: https://classpass.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   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