At a Glance:

Website: http://gstbody.com
Address: 7562 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Class length: 60 min
Price: 1 class/$25, 5 classes/$115, month unlimited/$200
Sweat Scale: low
Energy level: low

After a week straight of high intensity workouts, when I saw the word stretch I jumped at the opportunity to try out something new in a low sweat setting.

Pre Sweat

This studio is located on Sunset Blvd across from BeSpun pole dancing. I walked from my house, but they have a parking lot in the back. When I stepped inside, I noticed that it was a small, one room, industrial-looking studio (think exposed brick and wooden beams) with a lot of character. There was a class still going on and the students were twisted in these contraptions I had never seen before. It seemed like a mix between Pilates, TRX, and yoga.

When their class finished up, I met the instructor, Anna. It turns out that Anna is also the creator of this original workout. For 15 years, Anna has been working on the development of GST (Grace Somatomorphic Technique), which aims to transform and heal your body by changing how you exercise.

  

Sweat

Anna made sure that I was aware that this class focused on stretching and was not really a workout. I told her that that was exactly what I needed because of my tight muscles. Everyone got a small mat and found a spot next to the mirrors. Each spot comes complete with a variety of contraptions that Anna created herself, including straps and hooks that can be moved and pulled on.

During the class, we used the various mechanisms to stretch out every part of our body. Anna was great at explaining the various moves, and was not shy to come around to help when my form was incorrect. She believes so much in her creation and wants everyone to get the full benefit from it. I could tell that she has a lot of devotees with whom she forms very close relationships.

At some points during the stretching, I felt like I was actually getting a massage and could tell that the tension in my body was being slowly released. We pulled ourselves backwards while holding straps to stretch our backs and looped our feet into springs that helped stretch our legs. Each exercise targeted various parts of our bodies and Anna encouraged us to think about the muscles moving and spreading inside of us. I will definitely be back here to try one of the more difficult workouts because I am so curious as to what else these contraptions can be used for!

  

Post Sweat

If you’re looking for a post workout fresh juice or healthy snack, definitely check out Elderberries right next door. Elderberries is a gluten free, soy free, vegan café with a really cool, colorful atmosphere. You can also check my post sweat suggestions on the BeSpun post for other nearby treats.

Tricks of the Trade

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak up if you aren’t feeling the exercise. Anna will be happy to help you readjust!
• Sit in the middle of the room next to Anna during your first class; it will be much easier to copy what she’s doing.