Five Questions With: Kinsey Livingston

ClassPass has arrived in Providence. It’s a subscription app designed to connect users to fitness studios and gyms where they might not be members, allowing them to try them out.

Live here but travel for work? The app is usable at participating fitness facilities across the U.S., said Kinsey Livingston, ClassPass senior director of partnerships.

PBN: Where was ClassPass originally founded, and when?

LIVINGSTON: ClassPass was founded in 2013 by Payal Kadakia after she struggled to find a dance class to take after work in New York City. After countless Google searches, schedule cross-checking and frustrating log-in attempts, Payal never made it to class. Rather than accepting that attempt as a failure, Payal asked herself if there was a way to make finding a workout easier.

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PBN: The app seems to allow access to myriad classes: yoga, spinning, martial arts … so the user is not locked into one membership at one place. But does it also have features for those who aren’t familiar with where to try?

LIVINGSTON: Yes. ClassPass is the perfect way to find new fitness studios, try new workouts and find the perfect routine for your lifestyle. You can filter through open slots with the app, coordinate with friends, connect with recommendations and get access to ratings and reviews.

PBN: Does the app hold value for those who don’t go to fitness classes but may prefer to work out alone, for example?

LIVINGSTON: Members have the option to work out from home – or wherever they may be – with access to ClassPass video and audio workouts.

PBN: What is next for ClassPass in terms of feature adds?

LIVINGSTON: Now that we’ve established a presence in Providence, we’ll continue to onboard local studios in the area. We’ve started testing wellness options such as facials and massages in other cities, but you’ll have to stay tuned for more on that.

PBN: Might the app have potential growth in areas of corporate wellness programs?

LIVINGSTON: We actually do offer a corporate wellness program that connects employees to classes at the best studios and gyms around the world. It’s a great perk that keeps your team happy, healthy and more productive.

Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.