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Since I’m working on a new updated article about the best workout classes in LA, as well as a post about the best streaming workout apps, I made a mission to scour workout places in LA in person and online.
On Instagram, I came across an ad where celebrity Emma Stone talked about her post-workout experience at a place called The Class. She talked about her experience in the video below:
“The first time I went into The Class I felt terror because I thought it was way too hard for me, and then I think I cried, and then I loved it. If I could do it everyday, I would.”
Intrigued by this, I looked at their Instagram feed. Was it a workout class, a meditation class, a soundbath? It’s all of the above!
I thought that The Class was only available for streaming, but then I saw on their website that they had two studios: one in NY and one in LA. The latter opened at the end of 2022 in Santa Monica, whereas the NY location has been open since 2017. Actress Emma Stone, who also lives in NYC, has been spotted going there many times since it opened. Other actresses that have raved about the class are Drew Barrymore, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The Class launched its digital streaming platform in October 2019, which was perfect timing for what was about to come in 2020. It was during this year that The Class went on to become wildly successful and spread across social media platforms and online blogs.
In December 2022, I found out about the LA studio. I went there towards the end of the new year on the 29th. You can also do the class virtually and select a class from hundreds of their workouts! As the front-desk assistant said, “In-person is the best way to try it.” So if you live either in LA or NY, consider yourself spoiled!
I’ve been to many workout studios in LA, but what I loved the most about The Class is how you’re constantly in tune with your body and your breath. In most workout classes, you set an intention at the beginning of the class. Then at the end, you close the class reflecting on that intention, which usually consists of closing your eyes and placing one hand on your heart and one on your belly. In The Class, that intention is ever-present.
I loved the zen atmosphere of the studio. As soon as you walk in, you are instantly soothed by the smell of the sage smudge sticks.
So, what is The Class?
Founder Taryn Toomey taught The Class method for several years privately before opening the first studio in Tribeca, New York, in 2017.
“The Class is a cathartic workout experience that guides you to strengthen your body, notice your mind, and restore balance.” Website
Taryn shared with Forbes magazine:
“When I first began teaching the method, I would invite my friends to join me in the basement gym of my apartment building. It was during that time that I realized this work had a transformative effect on not just myself, but others as well.”
Room
The first thing I noticed was the placement of the mats. This is set up for the livestream classes so that the webcam, which is strategically placed on the wall has a clear view of the teacher.
Exercises
The Class includes pilates moves, isometric movements, high-impact exercises like burpees and jumping jacks. If you have an injury, don’t worry. Teachers are always offering modifications.
Towards the end of The Class, after the cardio sequences were done, we sat on our knees flapping our arms back and forth. This is known as the “heart clearing” exercise.
Grounding
In-between sets, you place your hand on your heart and one on your belly. The other grounding method you can always come back to at any time is the child’s pose.
Music
The music is so spot-on! It’s very well thought-out with all sorts of genres. Each instructor makes sure the songs are in tune with each move. In my opinion, the music at The Class is one of the biggest draws. After all, Taryn wanted to create a music-driven workout.
Taryn shared with Byrdie.com: “We repeat one move per song to create a sensation in the body and observe our thoughts.”
On my first two times here, my instructor was Katie Facada. After the class I looked her up on Spotify and found her amazingly curated Spotify playlists.
Screaming
You will be encouraged to yell, grunt, and exhale loud “AHS” to release any tension, which I felt extremely self-conscious doing. The fact that people were yelling at the same time when doing some of the sequences strengthened the sense of community.
During The Class, thoughts and emotions came up. Whether it was something that was bothering me or something that I had on my to-do list, I noticed it and came back to the workout. Overall, I was very present throughout the whole class.
This is what Taryn said to Forbes:
“Our emotions carry information, which oftentimes can be unexpressed or unhealed moments from our history. Tune into the emotion and ask yourself if it is a current-day feeling, or something that is being activated from the past. When in doubt, close the eyes, tune into the body and listen. The wisdom is in there.”
Note: Although this isn’t a hot yoga class, the room is heated above room temperature.
How did I feel after The Class? I felt invigorated with a deep sense of relaxation. Besides the sweat and the workout itself, it felt like I had just left a meditation and breathwork class. I was fully in tune with my body. With this being said, everyone’s experience varies greatly. In my class, I didn’t see anyone crying. But from what I read, it’s very common for people to do so —- so don’t hold back!
All in all, I was very impressed with The Class. It’s become my favorite workout spot to connect mind, body and soul while enjoying a good sweat.
The best time to try The Class is in the morning, where it’s a full-hour class, whereas The Class Express, which is taught in the afternoons, is 45 minutes. Either way, don’t worry! You’ll still reap the benefits of this unique method. Check the schedule here!
If you’re looking for a spiritual full-body workout and you live in LA, you should definitely add The Class to your list!
The Class website and Instagram
LA studio address: 2433 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405.
There’s parking validation for 1 hour!
