Studio Three in Chicago | Everything You Need To Know
Curious about Studio Three in Chicago? Here’s everything you need to know!
*My outfit details are linked here!
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Studio Three here in Chicago. Ever since they opened their 2nd location in Lincoln Park, it’s been a major happy place for me. If I lived closer to it, I would literally be there every single day. It’s amazing.
But what makes it so great? What are my favorite classes? How much does it cost? These questions come up every time I mention it in stories or my weekly email blast, so I figured it’s about time I put together an informational post about what you should know, my personal experience, and FAQs!
What is Studio Three?
Studio Three is a fitness studio in Chicago that includes 3 different studios in one place: Interval, Cycle, and Yoga. Think studios like Orangetheory, SoulCycle, and CorePower… but all in the same building!
Studio Three Locations:
Their first location is in River North at Clark and Erie (648 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654). I only went to a few classes down there when I lived in Old Town, mostly because there were so many other options closer to me. But then, after I moved up North, they opened a 2nd location in Lincoln Park. That one is right at Fullerton and Halsted (2401 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614) and it’s just a short walk from the Fullerton Brown Line/Red Line.
Types of classes at Studio Three:
Hot Power Flow
If you’re a fan of yoga, Hot Power Flow at Studio Three is EXCELLENT. It has a similar structure to other popular hot yoga studios, but each teacher has their own style, so no class is ever the same. I’ve been prioritizing other classes over yoga recently, but I really liked a class I took with Charlotte recently!
Also, if you’re new to yoga, they have a few additional formats. Charlotte teaches a Power Yoga/P Stretch class on Sundays that is 40 minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of stretching. It’s a great option for beginners, or just if you want a low impact workout and solid stretch. Sometimes that’s exactly what our bodies need! (River North has a candlelight format, too.)
And lastly, Studio Three offers complimentary Manduka yoga mats for you to use. That means you don’t need to lug your mat all over the city if you want to go to class before or after work. You’ll also use these for 3×3 and Hi Def!
3×3
MY FAVORITE!!!! This class is my jam. My friend Nikki and I try to schedule workout dates to make sure we both get there with some regularity because we love it so much. The best part? It’s only 40 minutes. In and out, baby!
You start with a quick yoga warm up and then you move into circuits. The teacher leads you through 3 arm exercises, 3 leg exercises, and 3 ab exercises… and you do all of it 3 times through. (3×3, get it?!) In between each set, you’ll do a short cardio burst – usually something like jump squats, high knees, or burpees. Once you’re done with the 3 sets, there’s a short stretch and you’re out the door!
All of the teachers are awesome, but Dustin is definitely my favorite. His classes are so high energy – I always find that I push myself harder in his classes. Maybe because he tells me to grab heavier weights ? He also has a 3×3/P Stretch class on Sundays which is the same 40 minute 3×3 class, but with 20 minutes of stretching after. It’s awesome!
Hi Def
When I first tried this class, I assumed it would be similar to Sculpt at CPY, but it’s really not. First of all, the room is heated, but not stifling-can’t-breathe hot. And second, the format features both yoga and weights – but never together.
Instead, it starts with a yoga flow, followed by different circuits featuring weights, bodyweight, bands, and cardio. They have a 60 minute class, but I recommend starting with the 45 minute version if you’re new. It’s not easy, so the shorter format is a great way to gauge how hard you should push yourself in the heat and which weights you should pick up!
Torch
If you get bored during workouts, Torch is a GREAT high energy option for you! Especially if you like cardio, or know you should do more cardio 😉 It’s very similar to Orangetheory or Barrys in the sense that you rotate between the treadmill, weights, and rower throughout the class. I know it sounds intimidating, but you can take everything at your own pace. You control your treadmill speeds. You control which weights you pull. And while the teachers will push you to work hard, they are far more motivating than scary – I promise!
I also like that you can take classes that target different parts of the body. So, instead of only doing Full Body each time you go, they have formats that focus on Arms & Abs, Chest & Back, and Butt & Legs. If you’re a beginner, I recommend trying out the Full Body 45 minute class before trying out the 60 minute version!
Cycle
And of course, they have cycling classes! Their special Studio Three bikes are made of carbon steel and have a signature metric system. That way, you can track how you’re doing throughout class, plus opt into challenges if you want to. Once class begins, the lights go down and the music goes UP!
If I’m being honest, it’s pretty similar to the other options out there… but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great option if you like spinning! I personally like that I have a lot of information during the ride, instead of just turning a knob and hoping I’m working hard enough ? I also think their themed classes are really fun! (Justin Bieber and Mumford & Sons are both happening this weekend!)
Like a lot of the other studios, you can choose a 45 minute or 60 minute class. They also provide complimentary cycling shoes, so you won’t need to bring your own or pay to rent them. Look for Sayre on the schedule if you go – she’s so fun!
Studio Three FAQs:
What are the amenities/locker rooms like? Is it easy to get ready after class and go straight to work?
YES! Guys, they have DYSON HAIR DRYERS. My hair dryer at home isn’t anywhere near as nice as that ? I find their facilities to always be clean, and showering there is lovely. I’ve only ever gotten ready at their Lincoln Park location though, so I don’t have much insight into what it’s like to get ready at their River North location during peak hours.
What is the pricing?
There are a lot of different options for pricing, based on how often you think you will come and what studios you want access to. For $245 a month, you can get unlimited access to all 3 studios. If you prefer to focus on just one studio, unlimited access to yoga is $155, unlimited interval is $185, and unlimited cycling is $205. And if you work from home or have a flexible schedule (like me!), and can go to classes between 8:30am-4:30pm, you can get an Off Peak Membership to all three studios for just $150!
If you prefer to buy a class pack, you can buy packs of 5 for $145 (expires in 30 days) all the way up to 50 for $1150 (expires in 12 months).
And if none of these work for you, they’re also on Classpass! Ultimately, it really depends on how often you’ll go. Their classes/memberships aren’t cheap, but if you’ll go and enjoy it, it’s way more worth the money than the gym you haven’t been to in 2 months 😉
How hard/easy is it to get into classes? How early do you need to book?
I find it’s very easy to get into their classes. I rarely go during peak times, so you might need to do a little trial and error when it comes to the classes right before and after typical work hours. That being said, their weekend classes are always packed and I’ve signed up for those just a few hours before it starts and gotten in!
What are your favorite classes?
Well, I kind of already gave this one away – but 3×3 is definitely my favorite class. It goes by super quickly, it makes me feel really strong, and I genuinely enjoy it. I really try to find workouts that I look forward to, and this one fits the bill. But honestly, every class is awesome. It just depends what you are in the mood for!
Do you think the classes get old?
NO! Because there are so many different options, I’m never bored with their classes. Maybe if I lived closer and went all the time, I’d feel differently, but I really don’t think so. Even when I only go to 3×3 for months, each class has a different set of exercises in the circuit – so you never really know what’s coming for you.
How does it compare to Corepower?
I think the Hot Power Yoga classes are very similar to a C2 class at CPY, but that’s about it. Each class has a different flow and each teacher has a different style, which I really love. I was never really a C1 or HPF gal anyway!
And as I mentioned in the Hi Def description, that format is very different from their sculpt class. Instead of incorporating weights into a yoga flow, the yoga portion is totally separate from the weight training.
How would you rank their cycling class compared to Soul Cycle and Flywheel?
I think Studio Three cycling is kind of a mix of those two studios. The low lights and loud music remind me a lot of SoulCycle, but the bikes are much more intense, which reminds me of Flywheel. Instead of just turning a knob, you can see what your torq is, what your RPMs are, and other stats as you ride.
Can you drop in when visiting the city?
Yes! You can drop in to any class for $30.
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Do you have any other questions about Studio Three? Let me know in the comments!
PS. You might also like All About Solidcore, Fit Body Bootcamp Review, and my 2020 Workout and Wellness Planner.
