The Real Deal: 220 Fitness Concepts in Santa Monica will be officially opening in October and is located on Main Street. The gym will feature state of the art of equipment, top-notch trainers and the most unique and fun classes. Some of the amazing classes featured are…Sunset Beach Yoga, Dance Party, 220 Sand Challenge, Kangoo Boot Camp, and Kangoo Jumps RUN. Kangoo Jumps…
The Real Deal: CorePower Yoga just opened this month and is located on Ventura Blvd. at Colbath Ave. in Sherman Oaks. CorePower Yoga classes combine heat, music, breath and movement. Most of the classes are held in heated rooms, anywhere from 80-105 degrees. The classes offered are CorePower Yoga, CorePower Hot Yoga, Hot Power Fusion, Yoga-Pilates, Yoga Sculpt, and Corerestore. CorePower…
The Real Deal: Core Barre is just one of the many classes offered at one of our favorite places to work out, Revolution Fitness in Santa Monica. Core Barre is offered several times a week in a small room Rev appropriately calls the COREner. While most of the class exercises have a traditional ballet feel, you also use small weights, bands, and weighted medicine balls to give these classic…
The Real Deal: 818 Fitnessis a hidden gem located in a strip mall on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills! 818 Fitness offers Yoga, Latin Jam Workout, Hit, and of course…Kick2Fit. The class had about 30 people, and most were regulars…both women and men. There is a small stage at the front of the room where regulars can show of their amazing moves and VERY toned bodies! …
The Real Deal: Physique 57, which has been all the rage in New York City, has finally made its way out West! The workout has inspired somewhat of a cult following, and celeberities such as Kelly Ripa swear by it as part of their regular fitness regimen. While the concept is similar to other barre workouts, Physique 57 places a greater emphasis on maintaining a higher heart…
The Real Deal: Fit Body Boot Camp is one of the most unique, creative and fun workouts that we have tried in a while. Irma Sandoval, the instructor, was so full of energy and enthusiasm…and it was 6:00am!!! In the beginning, the boot camp was offered as a traditional beach workout, but was soon moved to the Los Angeles School of Gymnastics because too many clients were…
The Real Deal: Club P-fit is a boutique gym in Venice that offers the benefits of an exclusive club membership without the ridiculous prices. Although P-fit is a small gym, it still offers all of the typical amenities you’d find in other clubs (state-of-the art gym equipment, experienced trainers, fitness classes), and then some! The club is truly set apart from the…
The Real Deal: StrollerFit is not just a workout for moms anymore, but for anyone that wants to stay healthy and get in shape. The majority of the class does consist of women, but Melissa Thomas welcomes all caregivers of stroller-age children. The best part about StrollerFit is that you don’t need a babysitter! It is geared towards all fitness levels,…
The Real Deal: Melissa Adylia Gutierrez of Controlled Burn Fitness is all about proper form and getting in shape. Her studio is located in the adorable town of Montrose, my new home away from home! Melissa has an adorable studio and teaches an amazing class. As a former dancer, she is very aware of form and injury prevention. Melissa offers a variety of classes, all of which…
The Real Deal: Teresa Ann Volgenau (TAVLifestyle Fitness) teaches an outdoor group FUSION class, and is also a personal trainer. The class is located in the Silver Lake/Los Felix area, class locations vary and are sometimes held at Bellevue Park or Griffith Park. Teresa was a former ballet dancer and has always loved fitness and the outdoors. Teresa…
The Real Deal: Christine Clark is a fitness guru! Not only does she teach TRX at Fight Forum, but she also teaches spinning at Pedal Spin Studio and at Pilates Plus…both in Montrose. Christine is ball of energy and gave me the TRX workout of a lifetime. She teaches two TRX classes per week at Fight Forum on Honolulu Street. The studio also offers Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Muay…
The Real Deal: Pilates Westwood is so much more than your average pilates studio. A warm, cozy interior, friendly instructors, and a low-key vibe are just a few things that make this studio so refreshing and unique! Not only does the studio offer traditional Reformer sessions, but also Mat classes, Functional Core work, Gyrotonic training, and Rehabilitation services. If you are a…
The Real Deal: This is by far the most unique spin studio that I have been to. Cindy Bell, one of the owners, wanted to make her studio stand out from the rest and she definitely accomplished that! Not only is there a disco ball and strobe light in the middle of the room, but they play the most amazing music. The class was packed at 9:45 in the morning, and most everyone…
The Real Deal: Topham Street Gym is located in Resdea, just off of Reseda Blvd. Leslie Maltz, the owner of Topham Street Gym, prides herself on the that fact that it is the ONLY green gym in the valley. They do not use any artificial energy when it comes to working out, all workouts are driven by your body’s own ability to perform the exercise. They will also be getting…
The Real Deal: V Pilates is located in Toluca Lake tucked away on Cahuenga Blvd., but with its hot pink and black exterior, the studio is hard to miss!! Piloxing is a combination of a traditional boxing class with pilates movements and, as we found, a bit of booty shaking! Piloxing requires the use of half pound weighted gloves, which adds an extra cardio blast to the workout. …
The Real Deal: Fitness Aly (a.k.a. Aly Krebs Covington), loves fitness and her passion truly shows during boot camp. The Boot Camp Blast class is filled with inspiring women of all ages and sizes with a common goal…to get fit and have fun!! Aly also coaches the Lululemon Calabasas Run Club and is a personal trainer at Future Physique Gym in Westlake Village. Please…
The Real Deal: Kristi Vacanti of Pilates Plus SFV (located in Encino) just opened an amazing new studio next door. Circuit San Fernando Valley offers a variety of classes ranging from power yoga to dance and the ultimate…TRX! Most of the classes are a combination of cardio and strength training, with half the time spent running on the treadmill, and the other half on the ballet barre,…
The Real Deal: The Electric Lodge is a visual and performing arts center just off of Abbot Kinney in Venice. It’s described as a laboratory for artists and engages the community through a variety of programs, including an incredible Tuesday evening, donation-based Power Yoga class. The tiny room is pretty bare and doesn’t offer any yoga “extras” like blankets and…
The Real Deal: If you like being outdoors as much as we do, we have the perfect suggestion for a lovely weekend workout that won’t break the bank. With Daylight Savings time in full effect, it’s time to take advantage of these long hours we are afforded with a bike ride (or run/stroll) down Santa Monica’s beach path. You can rent a bike at one of the many vendors along…
The Real Deal: The Heartbeat House is tucked away on Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village. This is a no frills studio, you are there to workout, not to buy clothes, jewelry or fancy water. This is not your ordinary mat pilates class. If you are looking for classic mat pilates, do not take this class. It is fun, funky and will engage every part of your…
The Real Deal: Bryan Kest has become somewhat of a legend amongst yoga lovers here in Los Angeles. All of his classes are on a donation basis, although it is suggested to leave $12 in the box on your way out. Kest has two studios, both in Santa Monica with different schedules for each. Classes taught by Bryan are the most popular (make sure you get there early!), but the studios offer…
The Real Deal: This is the BEST backyard bootcamp! Brooke and her husband own and operate the bootcamp at several locations across Los Angeles. It is hardcore, and definitely perfect for anyone that wants to get in some serious shape! Brooke is serious about getting you in shape, but makes the class so much fun. Brooke isn’t afraid to push you beyond your…
The Real Deal: Urban Warrior is a new class at Swerve and is taught by Jennifer Cassetta, who is a third degree black belt instructor for the World Pro HapKiDo Federation. Jennifer recently moved to Los Angeles and is very excited to share her skills with all of us. If you are looking for a Tae Bo style kick boxing class, this is not the one for you. Urban Warrior…
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! Are you ready to Cycle 4 LA’s BEST? We are so excited to share some information about a wonderful event that combines two of our passions: exercise and fundraising for a good cause! We hope that you might want to get involved too! WHAT: Cycle 4 LA’s BEST is an indoor cycling event to raise money for the LA’s BEST After School…
The Real Deal: Pop Physique is a full body toning class that incorporates ballet, pilates and light weights (1 and 2 pounds). Pop Physique has two locations, one in Silver Lake, and a brand new location in Studio City. Pop Physique is an amazing class for both toning and stretching. The class is an hour long and focuses on the importance of breathing and proper execution of form. …
The Real Deal: Yoga for Regular Guys and Girls (YRG), is exactly what its name professes…a no nonsense approach to yoga for the every day person without a yoga background. YRG was created by former WWE wrestler Diamond Dallas Page (DDP), who after an injury, began practicing yoga to rehabilitate. He soon realized that yoga was for everyone, not just for people who could bend like…
The Real Deal: RPM Fitness is located on the second floor of a mini mall at the corner of Lankershim and Moorpark. The spin room is very open with tons of windows, and lots of sunlight! The studio also offers pilates, (both mat and reformer), private training, bootcamp, and body barre. The studio is owned and run and by Karyn and Cynthia Graham, sisters with…
The Real Deal: RPM Fitness is a hidden gem located in a strip mall in Toluca Lake. Pilates Beat is an amazing class, and is not at all your typical mat pilates. Cynthia teaches the class and also co-owns RPM Fitness. She is so motivating and really helps to push you through each move with her positive attitude. The first half of the class focuses mainly on the upper body. Just…
The Real Deal: Sonki Fitness Boot Camp is an outdoor fitness experience for all ages and fitness levels. If your idea of a boot camp workout involves a drill sergeant screaming at you to do 20 more push-ups, then you will be amazed to find that Sonki Fitness is just the opposite. Sonki Hong, the creator of the workout, is a very mild-mannered man but knows how to motivate his clients by…
The Real Deal: Runyon Canyon is legendary amongst the Hollywood elite. On any given beautiful and sunny day, you are bound to see an A-Lister or two with their pooch or personal trainer jogging the trails. It’s also been rumored that Errol Flynn once lived on the grounds. You can walk the basic trail, but for those that crave more, you can venture high into the canyon for…
The Real Deal: Core Fusion is a trademarked workout by Exhale, which also offers yoga classes (Venice location only) and boasts a full spa. Core Fusion is, as its name suggests, a fusion of several practices including yoga, pilates and ballet. Class attendees are led through a series of exercises that incorporate light hand weights, stretching leg work at the ballet bar, and a variety…
The Real Deal: What once was a hidden gem nestled within a quiet Santa Monica neighborhood, has now become a workout hot-spot for outdoor fitness fans. The biggest draw of doing the Santa Monica Steps or “The Stairs” (either name works), is that they are free to the public and open 24-7, 365 days a year. There are two sets of steps, wooden ones that are wider across and offer…
The Real Deal: Cardio Barre is a low impact high intensity workout. The class consists of tight and precise movements of the legs, abs and arms, both with and without light weights. All classes are 60 minutes in length and incorporate exercises utilizing the ballet bar, as well as floor work. The studio is very large, and can hold about 75 people. They offer both beginner and…
The Real Deal: Circuit Works is an hour long class that consists of 60 second increments of continually changing aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The room looks like a huge obstacle course! Half the class starts on either the treadmill or the bike, while the other half is at one of the many strength training stations. There are flip charts on the wall…
The Real Deal: What can I say, Peeler is GREAT! His bootcamp is very tough, but he uses very basic moves…it’s almost like being at recess all over again! Brian Peeler might be most well known for his role on the Bravo TV Reality hit, The Workout! He is easy going, but tough at the same time. The bootcamp meets in Woodland Hills at Warner Center Park on Tuesdays and…
The Real Deal: Burn 60 offers a total body workout in a boot-camp style format, but without the boot-camp style instructors. It is an amped up cardio workout combined with strength training. The workout is very similar to Barry’s Bootcamp in that classes are split in half, with some students running on the treadmill while others complete a weight circuit on the floor. Contrary…
The Real Deal: Yoga Booty Ballet (YBB), is a dance/yoga class, but you need not be an expert in either to participate. YBB truly helps to empower you and build your inner strength, all while making you sweat! At the beginning of class you choose your goal or intention for the hour and then chant a mantra of strength. The class is designed to help breakdown your walls of doubt …
The Real Deal: Drake stadium is usually open to the public, except when there is a UCLA soccer game, track meet, or practice. Drake has many unique qualities that appeal to the fitness crowd. You can workout on the stadium stairs (you will see people doing crazy things like hopping up three sets of stairs at a time!!), on the track (4 times around is a standard mile), practice your long…
