At just $14.99 per month, I was impressed by the variety within the app. There are more than 100 workouts with unique playlists. You're also invited to stay motivated by registering on the Leaderboard--a virtual ranking system--to compete against other Studio users in real time. This added element of competition had me hooked. Plus, you can also earn Fitcoins aka in-app money, which founder Jason Baptiste says you'll eventually be able to exchange for real-world prizes.
The next day, I decided to try Flywheel instructor Cedric Green's class. I was sold the moment "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry began blaring through my headphones. His '90s playlist immediately transported me back to my youth, before Meghan Trainor was even a blip on the Billboard 100 chart. Since I was, once again, pressed for time. I chose a 20-minute workout that got my heartrate way up but left me wanting more.
I returned later that day for a calorie-torching Britney Spears Run. I felt guilty that I hadn't finished my workout that morning. Plus, I was actually getting hooked, mostly because I couldn't wait to listen to another great running playlist since every single class offers its own mash-up of popular music.
This time, my coach was Bakari Williams, another Flywheel vet who held my attention for an entire 45 minutes.. Not only was I drenched in sweat, but my legs felt like jelly by the time I headed towards daycare to collect my munchkins.
I still prefer running outdoors, but for extra motivation when the treadmill is a necessary tool, the app is gold. Having access to so many classes with the touch of a button really helped me push myself harder during my workouts.
Despite being surrounded by sweaty weightlifters, I would definitely use this app again to get a great workout on busy days. After all, as Studio's own tagline claims, "Running on a treadmill doesn't have to suck."
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