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Note: Since the pandemic, a few of these studios have closed. I’m currently working on an updated class workout guide post-COVID, where I’ll include new studios. Stay tuned!
The last time I wrote a full post of my favorite classes was in 2017 and a lot has happened since! My body has become leaner and stronger. When I went home for the holidays in 2018, all my relatives and acquaintances kept pointing out (in a good way) how different my body was. Mind you, I don’t weigh myself, and I don’t believe in short-term diets, but 2018 was the year I made the conscious decision to change my eating habits. I’m a big proponent that moderation is key to everything.
When I first tried out many of the fitness studios you’re about to read, I struggled to keep up with the instructor and I would almost pass out from the exertion. This experience also taught me the importance of drinking water. If you’re not properly hydrated, your body can’t perform at its highest level.
Two years ago, when I still went to a gym and took maybe one fitness class once a week, I was completely horrified at how people were able to do these classes on a regular basis without passing out. Growing up in Spain, the concept of “workout classes” seemed a really far-fetched concept to me, since I, and probably you too, often associate the word “fitness” with traditional, old-school gyms. But that concept has changed in the last few years.
When I moved here, as much as I enjoyed going to the gym at first and testing out the waters with weight training, going to the gym by myself for the sole purpose of lifting weights became monotonous and boring.
In 2017, I was a complete novice to the overwhelmingly giant pool of fitness classes. It’s taken a lot of trial and error. Even though two years ago I wrote about my love of circuit training classes, that has changed. I don’t like to lift weights with the fear of hurting myself just for sake for getting as many reps as possible in a short amount of time. Good posture is everything. I do circuit training maybe once every two months, but it is not my favorite workout. I’m also very lucky to have worked out with a trainer when I first moved here, who introduced me to the amazing world of weight training.
Not only has working out become a fun habit and something that I look forward to, but it’s also a mental release and a time where I only focus on myself and my body. I’ve also learned that I hate working out by myself and that I need someone to push me to the next level.
Do you want to know a crazy fact? Thanks to the Classpass website, I could gleam that there are over 1,000 fitness studios in the LA metro area, around 700 in New York City, and 114 in Miami. This is without counting the studios that aren’t in partnership with Classpass and the ones that will keep popping up!
These are my all-time favorite workout spots in LA. I added more workout places, but these right here are my top, “come here all the time” spots.
LA is huge, so please note that most of the studios I go to are in the Hollywood area and the Eastside. The Westside of LA is another world when it comes to fitness studios.
Location: West Hollywood, Brentwood
I go to Body By Simone at least twice a week. Not only do I love the vibe of the instructors, but I also like how the class are personalized, in the sense that the instructors go around the class and check in on everyone’s form.
BBS has a wide array of classes: trampoline cardio (which is super fun but it’s the most challenging class), dance cardio (not recommended if it’s your first time), ABC (arms, back, and core), and my favorite, HTB (hips, thighs, and buns).
The latter is my favorite because it incorporates sliders, ankle weights, and resistance bands! Lower body workouts are so important for muscle and joint development, not to mention the countless benefits of resistance bands. If you drive around all day or you’re sitting at your work for long hours, this class is the best thing you could ever ask for your lower body. I love feeling the burn and the activation of my glutes.
The ABC class is another extremely challenging one, which incorporates two sets of weights, wrist bands, and stretching bands. This gear is combined with killer sets of push-ups and planks. Every time I take this class, my arms tremble for the next hours of the day! Oh, and of course, every class incorporates the signature Body By Simone dancing sets in between! The full-body class is a combination of the two classes aforementioned – also a favorite!
613 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
I’ve been going there since 2017 and it is still a favorite! This 30-minute full-body workout will leave you drenched in sweat! After having jumped on the spinning bandwagon a few times, I have concluded that is not for me. Having my butt completely numbed on the seat and bouncing up and down with the fear of falling off the bike like in the movie I Feel Pretty, is not a good combo for me. Let alone the shoe rentals.
The star of Rise Nation is the Versaclimber, a vertical cardio machine that mimics a climbing motion. Not only are you working the major muscle groups of your body, but the best thing of all is the zero impact on the knees and ankles. Although there’s no science behind the use of the Versaclimber, moving your arms and legs at different speeds for 30 minutes is what makes it so challenging and fun! If you’re a first-timer your hands may feel cramped, which is what happened to me.
A rule of thumb for this place is to eat a good nutritious snack before this workout. I mean it! When I took my second class, Level 2, back in 2017, I nearly passed out. It was a 9:30 AM class and I was running late, so I mindlessly rushed through the door without eating anything (big mistake). Depending on the workout, you can get away with not eating anything before class, but certainly not here. Since this is such a high-intensity class, you NEED to eat something so that your body has enough fuel to power through this workout. And also, a water bottle is a complete must! Just make sure not to go there on an empty stomach or dehydrated and you’ll be fine.
If it’s your first time, I highly recommend taking either the Level 1 or the Level 2 class, where they teach you the basics of the Versaclimber, and then as you get familiar with the machine, work your way up to the extreme Level 3.
When I first tried out the Level 3 class with Jason Walsh, I sweated in places where I didn’t even know I had sweat glands, and I’m not saying this lightly. I had never sweated so much in my entire life! If it’s your first time, you may feel like you want to give up! But the more times you do it, the easier your body will respond and eventually the moves will become second nature.
Pilates
Pilates has changed my life. I still remember to this day my first Pilates class ever when I moved here in 2015. The last time my dad came here to visit me, he mentioned how taller I was! I guess the old adage that Pilates lengthens your body is true after all!
I’ve tried a lot of Pilates studios. Some of them I got mean girl vibes from, and others were good but the actual workout wasn’t anything to write home about. Another thing I must add is how the instructors make all the difference in the world. If you don’t take fitness classes, you must know that instructors either make or break the class. I don’t go to a Pilates studio anymore as much as I did because a certain instructor, who I encountered earlier when I moved here, teaches there. She didn’t check on anyone’s form and through the entire class, she kept staring at herself in the mirror, the whole thing was laughable. Huge red flag!
There are way too many studios to name, but these are the ones that have worked out the best for me.
2630 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
On the weekends, I drive all the way here from West Hollywood. I have tried so many different Pilates classes around LA, but this one is the winner on my list for the following reason: the classes here are really intense and difficult, but they’re very beginner friendly. It’s a no-frills Pilates studio and it opened in 2009! My favorite instructor here is Katie Horning. She’s so nice and will really make you feel at ease if you’re starting out or if you have any injuries. She’s truly one of the best Pilates instructors I’ve ever come across here in LA. I have never worked my abs so hard as I have here, and after each class, I feel like my legs just climbed a mountain! I also love how the instructors emphasize proper form and safety.
After living here, having gone to so many events and seeing celebrities on a regular basis, I barely blink when I recognize someone. However, I did get a little bit starstruck when Lisa Love from The Hills was in the reformer behind me.
8604A Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Little did I know that in 2018 this would become one of my all-time favorite studios. Hot Pilates goes beyond a regular Pilates workout. Not a lot of people can say that they can manage to hold planks at 90°F, let alone survive almost an hour-long workout in that heat! To read my full review of this studio, as well as how to properly prepare for a heated workout, click here! It goes without saying that you must properly hydrate before coming here. To ensure this, I always chug a bottle of water at least 30 minutes before my workout, and if I’m going in first thing in the morning, I always eat a fruit or a nutrition bar.
The classes are here are challenging but highly addictive! I’m always looking forward to my next workout at Hot Pilates. After I leave the room, I feel like my body and soul are soul are completely rinsed from head to toe – that’s how much I love this studio. The instructors here are lovely, and they always encourage you to go at your own pace if it ever gets too intense. Heated workouts have helped me become more conscious of my breathing and to be more focused. The first time I came here my body was in shock, but like everything in life, my body got used to the heat the more times I did it. Now the only thing that is somewhat bothersome is the sweat that drips down my body, not the heat!
3110 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
This might be the cutest Pilates studio I’ve ever been to in LA! The concept is genius: chic Parisian apartment in the middle of LA meets Instagram. The owner of the studio, Jenny Williams, lived in Paris and dreamt of having a place that would transport her to the historic Marais neighborhood in Paris every time she walked in, and boy, did she nail it! I was a little bit hesitant to try it since the studio has been heavily Instagrammed by influencers. I didn’t know what to expect, so I went there with an open mind.
The instructor and the girl at the front-desk were super welcoming and nice. I had lower back pain a few weeks ago, and the pain stopped me from working out a few days. I communicated this to Julia, who was my instructor that day, and she checked up on me throughout the entire class. The workout here was super challenging, but I never felt like I was compromising my lower back. Most people in my class were also new to the studio, and we had a great time. Since it’s a brand new studio, the reformers are brand new and spotless! Other bonuses include free parking and the fact that your spot at the reformer is reserved!
Additional favorites:
Fitmix Studio. Permanently closed (601 N La Brea Ave) Intensity Level 5/5. Fitmix is a very nice spacious studio located on La Brea. It’s close to where I live, but for one reason or another, I prefer the vibe at Pilates Plus in Silverlake. Fitmix also has mashup classes, where you alternate between the reformer and the treadmill! They also have another location in Altwater Village.
Claudia Martin. Permanently closed (7603 Melrose Ave) This is a cute, small Pilates studio on Melrose. The classes here are good but a little bit boring in comparison to the other ones I mentioned. It’s a really good option for me when I don’t want to drive all the way to the Eastside but still want to get my workout in.
They have multiple locations but I go to the one on Sunset. 7519 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA.
I love Pure Barre! This ballet-inspired workout is a fusion of yoga, ballet, and Pilates. The workouts target every single muscle on your body with isometric movements but without compromising your joints. It looks really easy, but it’s not! There are so many YouTube videos of guys – yes, guys – trying out this workout and the look of their faces is everything. The classes are fast paced, and the instructors are really good at correcting forms. The rooms at Pure Barre are really big and spacious, so you will never feel crammed. If it’s your first time, the instructors will keep an eye on you and will never pressure you if you’re struggling to keep up with the moves – regulars included! The classes are challenging, but they’re so worth it! I love feeling the burn, knowing that my muscles are getting leaner and stronger. The workout gear includes ball, ankle weights, and resistance bands. Besides the signature Pure Barre class, my other favorite class is Pure Cardio. Their schedule is the best!
7375 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Playground LA is the go-to place for professional dancers in LA. If you look up on YouTube “choreographies,” you will see the brick wall and the big play sign in the background. There are many classes if you want to get into dancing but my favorite is the JJ Banging body, which leaves your body banged for sure! This class is taught at LA’s most famous dance studios five days a week. The class at Playground LA, which is super conveniently located for me, is every Saturday at 10:30 AM. The classes consist of upbeat songs that focus on high intensity cardio. The first 30 minutes include very fun and upbeat dance sets, and the other 30 minutes, you do a series of strength training sets that include sliders, resistance bands, and killer crocodile walk exercises to strengthen your core! The moves of the class are similar to me being alone in my bedroom dancing carelessly.
The classes here are taught by professional dancers – not just any dancers, but background dancers who have worked for renowned singers like Beyonce or Justin Timberlake. The creator of JJ Banging Body is Jennifer Johnson, who has performed with Beyonce, Kanye West, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Carlos Santana and many others.
If you look up your instructor on Instagram, I guarantee that he or she will be known in the dancing community. Not everyone teaches here. Something that truly baffled me about living here is how vast the dancing industry is. Prior to me moving here, I thought LA was just about the acting/modeling industry, but the dancing industry here is an entirely different animal.
The official website says, “This class will leave you breathless, sweaty and feeling amazing!” I’m also surprised to see that they also offer private sessions. The class is so much fun, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t worry, just keep dancing like no one’s watching. If you have sensitive knees, however, I would advise you to bring a mat with you. For more information regarding the workout, schedule and locations click here.
Other studios:
Training Mate (West Hollywood, Studio City and Santa Monica) – I come here maybe once every two months when I want to switch things up. The joyous Aussie instructors always have a smile on their faces, so it’s impossible to not have a great fun workout. The class consists of circuit training and a killer set of abs in the last 10 minutes.
Dogpound
627 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
If you want to train like a Victoria’s Secret supermodel, this famous NY-based star-studded gym has now its second location in LA. A semi-private session with you and another person is $100. Which considering the massive upscale level of this place, it doesn’t sound so bad. For more rates, go to the official website here.
Boxing
Boxing seems to be the go-to workout for Insta models and influencers in LA. These are the top three trendiest boxing studios:
Rumble Boxing This NY-based boxing boutique studio, also endorsed by Justin Bieber and Sylvester Stallone, has become the Soulcycle of boxing thanks to its cult-following and social media marketing.
Hot Yoga
I prefer Pilates over yoga, but every time I talk to my mom she mentions the incredible benefits that yoga has brought to her life, mind and body-wise. So with this being said, I decided to recently incorporate yoga in my routine. These are my favorite studios, but please note that these are heated studios — I love the therapeutic and cleansing effects of sweating in the heat!
Y7
Locations: Silverlake and West Hollywood
With 11 locations in NY, they moved to the West Coast and opened their first studio on Melrose Avenue in 2016. Two years later, they opened their second location in Silverlake. Y7 is a modern approach to yoga, where they play hip-hop music in a dark candlelit room with no mirrors. I prefer the Y7 location in Silverlake – stunning design, more spacious and free parking!
I couldn’t stop sweating – so much sweat – but what a great class. You start and end with a mini meditation and body scan. The first time I came here I was super intimidated, but if you do Pilates on a regular basis, your body will be familiar with many of the moves. Remember to always go at your own pace and to always listen to your body. I slept like a baby the night I took this class. If it’s your first time and you go to the Silverlake location, take MaryRita Sarkissian’s class. I recently took my first class at the West Hollywood location and unfortunately, I did not like the instructor. There was not a meditation or body scan in the beginning of the class and many of the poses were for advanced yogis, as opposed to the class I took in Silverlake, where the class was also full and it was very beginner friendly. Not only did I feel disconnected from the instructor, but also from the yoga practice — of course, every instructor has their own teaching style. From reading the reviews, people swear by Rob Montgomery, who teaches at the West Hollywood location. A Yelp reviewer wrote that she drives all the way from Norwalk to West Hollywood on Saturdays exclusively for Rob’s class. I guess I’ll have to go back and find out for myself! Website and Instagram
Multiple Locations. The one I went to is in Beverly Hills.
I decided to randomly go there after my credits on Classpass ran out and saw that this studio offered a free introductory week. This place is like a spa for yoga! Upon walking in, I felt like I was entering a spa. There is a big front-desk reception and a really big waiting area. Additionally, this studio has three rooms where different classes are held at the same time. I took the Hot Sculpt class and I knew it was going to be good when I recognized someone from the Hot Pilates studio. I can’t even put into words how good it was. It was really intense but not recommended for someone who is new to working out in the heat. One girl, who I could see was getting symptoms of dizziness, just walked out. I recommend reading my recommendations on how to properly prepare for a heated workout here. I knew what was about to come, so I drank like four gallons of water at work that day prior to going there. What I did not expect was the room to be quite so hot. At Hot Pilates they set the room at 95°F (35°C), and at Hot 8 yoga the rooms are set to a 103F (39°C). It may also feel hotter because of the added humidity, but when I walked into the room, I felt like I was walking into a sauna. Not that it was a bad thing since my body is already accustomed to the heat, but just take it into account.
I also took the Hot Barre class. This class was challenging to a completely different level I didn’t expect! The instructor, Camai B, really made sure to kick our asses! I also took one the following day with Bhree M because I’m crazy. The instructors of this specific class are pretty hardcore! I love that the workout was super similar to Hot Pilates. The barre was utilized for exercises with the barre ball but towards the end of the class. We were all dripping in sweat and barely able to complete the moves, but it was so damn good. I will always be a loyal fan of Hot Pilates but this class is a new addition to my all-time favorite workout classes. The Hot Barre class at Hot 8 Yoga is not for the faint-hearted, the intensity level there is 10/10. The Hot Sculpt class is also really intense but it’s more yoga-based! Lastly, I took the Power Fusion class, which was more relaxed but it was straight-up yoga. In addition to the immense variety of classes and styles, the best thing about Hot 8 Yoga is their multiple locations across the LA area. I also love how despite this being the stereotypical LA yoga studio, everyone is welcomed. I saw people of all ages, shapes and sizes there: from expert yogis to beginners, there is zero ego at Hot 8 Yoga. They offer free validation parking. Unfortunately, Hot 8 Yoga is not on Classpass, but they have great deals for new members.
Modo Yoga (also Meghan Markle’s favorite spot in New York). This one is a very popular spot among Angelenos and celebrities, and the classes are always full. There is a very strong sense of community here, and the rates are reasonable.
Corepower Yoga (multiple locations). Celebrities like Katy Perry and Kaley Cuoco, are big time fans of their heated classes. Corepower yoga also has non-heated classes as well.
Wanderlust Hollywood. I came here on a free pass about a year ago and I loved the experience. They have their own cafe and the building is so big that they even host classes and workshops.
Rock climbing gyms
There are at least 9 of these in LA! The top three are Hollywood Boulders, LA Boulders in Downtown, and Cliffs of ID in Culver City. The latter was recommended by an acquaintance who lives in Culver City and goes there. If you’ve never done rock climbing before, try it at least once! Not only is it so much fun, but it’s also great for building upper body strength.
Bunda Bar. This is a great place if you want to hit the Stairmaster. You’re basically going back and forth between the Stairmaster and your workout station.
It’s practically impossible to fit the list of almost never-ending workout spots in LA in one single blog post. Whether you love spinning (Cycle House), HIIT, Bootcamp workouts (Barry’s Bootcamp), aerial classes, and even pole-dance classes, LA offers unique ways to get in shape catered to people of all different sizes that no other city in the US has. This is without taking into account the numerous hiking trails that the city has!
If you want to know more workout spots in LA, I highly recommend checking out sweatsandthecity’s Instagram, where two girls based in New York City share their favorite and honest workout spots reviews. They travel to LA very often and are always on the hunt for the newest workout spot. On their IG stories, you can check out the “LA reviews,” where they give you a full breakdown of the studios and the workouts. They mention a lot of places I’ve been to but I’m not a fan of. If you have any questions, you can always DM them! They’re very nice, and they’re always open to suggestions and questions about fitness studios.
Tips for workout classes:
💦Always bring water with you no matter what!
💦Take as many breaks as you need and don’t try to do what everyone else is doing.
💦Don’t stand in the back! Make sure you always have a good sight of the instructor. I’m guilty of having done this.
💦Depending on the studio, you might have to show up early to secure a good spot!
💦Foam rollers are everything! In January, I made the mistake of working out the day right after I came from Spain. It was a very intense workout and I hadn’t worked out in a month, let alone use a foam roller. My lower body and back were extremely tense for a week, and I tried everything to get rid of it. I finally resorted to my abandoned foam roller in the closet, and I kid you not, the pain went away. Now I bring a foam roller with me everywhere I travel and use it at home every time I come after a workout without fail. The foam roller also helps loosen the muscles for those who’ve been sitting at their desks or in their cars for long periods of time.
I get massages done regularly, and before I started using them, I wouldn’t let masseurs touch my thigh area, since the pain was excruciating. Now the pain is nowhere near as unbearable as it was before, not even close! Foam rollers make all the difference in the world. Make sure you watch YouTube videos on how to properly use it!
💦Stretch! When I first started working out, stretching was one of the things I completely overlooked, since I thought was a complete waste of time. Although I wasn’t doing any of these workouts (only cardio and some weights), stretching has changed my workout routine, and I never leave the room without at least spending one minute stretching my legs. If you don’t have the time to stretch after class, try to carve out some time and do it at home. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and strong, and it prevents muscle tightness, especially after a challenging sweaty workout. I used to hate stretching, but now it’s one of the things I can’t live without.
💦People of all fitness levels come to these classes, so don’t be intimated.
💦After each workout, thank your body for its strength and power and all the amazing and rewarding things it can and will do for you. When was the last time that you thanked your body with the same warmth and affection that you would thank your friend?
Doing these workouts at least three times a week has showed me that like anything in life, practice makes perfect and that consistency is key. You can’t show up to one class one time and expect to see results or to become good at it right away. This doesn’t apply only to fitness but to life in general. Remember, anyone can become good at something with consistent practice and the right mindset – anyone!
Do you want to try out some of these studios? Join me on ClassPass and you’ll get $40! ClassPass is the perfect way to keep your workout routine flexible and try everything from yoga and barre to cycling and boxing! Click here to get started!
What are your favorite fitness classes?
