ClassPass Memberships to Improve Well-Being Among Psychiatry Residents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: Resident physicians experience high rates of depression, anxiety, burnout, and loneliness, yet few evidence-based interventions have been evaluated in this population. This randomized controlled pilot trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of ClassPass, a flexible fitness and wellness platform, to improve mental health outcomes among psychiatry residents. METHODS: Twenty-eight psychiatry residents were randomized to receive a 16-week ClassPass membership (n = 14) or waitlist control (n = 14). Intervention participants received 20 ClassPass credits/month (equivalent to $45/month) to book activities of their choosing. Outcomes included measures of depression, anxiety, burnout, and loneliness, assessed at baseline and 16 weeks. Multivariable linear regression models evaluated intervention effects on change scores relative to the waitlist control, adjusting for baseline scores and demographics. Participant feedback was assessed post-intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 56 eligible residents (50.0%) enrolled and were randomized; 26 (92.9%) completed the 16-week assessment. Participant engagement was high, with 76.9% reporting use of most or all credits, and 100% recommended program expansion. Qualitative themes highlighted appreciation for variety and flexibility, improved exercise habits, and enhanced social connection. The intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction in anxiety (p = 0.012, d = 1.07), while improvements in depression (p = 0.059, d = 1.06) and loneliness (p = 0.062, d = 1.12) were not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed for burnout (p = 0.224). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a flexible fitness platform is feasible, acceptable, and may reduce anxiety symptoms among psychiatry residents. High engagement and satisfaction suggest such platforms may overcome barriers common to traditional wellness interventions. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.