The Hardest Fitness Classes To Get Into in Boston

Group fitness class photo via Shutterstock

Boston is a small city with a major thirst for fitness classes. However, some of these classes are so beloved, they are harder to get into than Toro on a Saturday night. Here is a list of some of Boston’s amazing classes to try—if you can get in.

Melinda Sarkis’ Core Fusion Sport at Exhale Spa; 6:30 a.m. Thursdays

Exhale allows clients to sign up for classes early, and that is a good thing considering this class is full two months in advance. As of today, you can’t even sign up to be on a wait list until the last week in January. Melinda is loved for her hilarious and blunt personality. Core Fusion Sport is a total body workout focusing on the core. The one hour “barre-less” class incorporates resistance bands, balls, flexibility movements, and a lot of the signature Exhale “jump back” cardio. Exhale Spa; 28 Arlington Street, 617-532-7000; exhalespa.com

Reboot Ride at Recycle Studio; 5:30 a.m. with Ann on Tuesdays;  6 a.m. with Christina on Wednesdays

Recycle Studio in the South End is the only exclusive spin studio in the city. Reservations can be made seven days in advance. But you better be waiting at your computer early in the morning a week out to sign up. Owner Cate Dwyer says that the rides book up the day they are available, and typically the wait lists fill up to capacity as well. The instructors ride with the students and incorporate total body movements with hand weights and pushups. NYC transplants that miss SoulCycle and FlyWheel will feel right at home. The hour long ride on Monday at 7 p.m. and the 75-minute Saturday ride at 8 a.m. also typically sell out within the first day of signups. 643A Tremont Street; 617-775-0282; recycle-studio.com

Hip Hop Yoga at Back Bay Yoga; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays with Goldie Kaufenberg

Back Bay Yoga also allows members to sign up a week in advance. Even though class sizes can be as large as 55, nearly every after work class during the week sells out within a day of being available to book online. The class is 90-minutes of sweaty Vinyasa flow to loud non-yogi music. Some instructors play Top 40 pop, while others go old school with Tupac. 364 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor; 617-375-YOGA; backbayyoga.com

Jenn Phelan’s Pilates Fusion at North End Yoga; 7:15 p.m. Thursdays

Phelan is one of the most sought after Pilates instructors in Boston. She says that people are always asking her how to get into her classes since they are so full. She tells them to mark their calendars and set reminders to sign-up online. Pre-registration opens Wednesday morning and the regulars reserve their spots early. “If you really want to come to class, chances are you may be able to get in by showing up to the studio 15 minutes before class starts,” Phelan says. “You’ll get put on a wait list and if someone no shows you will be let in. Worst case scenario if the class is still full, go take the yoga class that runs at the same time and get your zen on.” 256 Hanover St; 617-227-YOGA; northendyoga.com

Arnold Lee’s Pilates equipment class; 6:30 p.m. Mondays

This class at Boston Body Pilates fills up at least three weeks in advance. The reviews say his class is known for being tough but fun. The class uses the Pilates reformer, magic circle, Tower, and barrels for props. New members are required to take an intro class before beginning. Lee discovered Pilates while rehabbing a neck injury and has been teaching for 12 years. Boston Body Pilates; 8 Newbury St; 617-262-3333; bostonbody.com

The Bar Method Boston; 7 a.m. weekday class

The 7 a.m. weekday class at The Bar Method fills up well in advance. The instructors vary, but that pre-work class time sells out regularly. Reservations are recommended at least four days in advance. The Bar Method Boston; 234 Clarendon St.; 617-236-4455; boston.barmethod.com

Want to try these classes but not wait in line? Here is when you can get in:

Hip Hop Yoga with Goldie at 2 p.m. on Thursday (Just $5 too.)

Monday morning Pilates with Arnold Lee at Boston Body Pilates at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m.

Recycle Studio ReRock Hip Hop Ride with Aly at 8:15 a.m.

Bar Method Monday with Sarah at 9:30 a.m.

Core Fusion Sport at Exhale Back Bay with Melinda at 4:15 p.m.

Pilates with Jenn Phelan at North End Yoga Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m.