At a Glance:

Website: http://www.wholebodymethod.com/
Address: 2205 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Length: 55 minutes
Price: 1 class/$33, 12 classes/$325, month unlimited/$260
Sweat scale: low
Energy level: low

Life is all about trying new things and Sundays are all about exploring new neighborhoods in Los Angeles. I decided to do both and signed up for a Wunda Chair class in Echo Park—an area I had yet to venture to although it’s only a 6-mile straight shot down Sunset from my apartment.

Pre Sweat

I parked at a meter on the street and because it was Sunday, parking was free. This seems to be an area where there is an abundance of street parking at meters and for free on the neighborhood cross streets. I headed into the studio and was greeted by name (I think this is only the second time this has happened so I was quite pleasantly surprised!). Jackie, the instructor, had already written my name on the top of my form because, of course, they were expecting me because I signed up! I LOVE studios that pay attention to these little details that can make a client’s experience that much better. I filled out the form and she showed me around. After switching into my sticky socks—although you can go barefoot—I was ready to try the mysterious chair.

Sweat

The Wunda Chair is a Pilates apparatus that I have seen here and there but never had the opportunity to spend some quality time on. Similar to a Pilates reformer, the exercises are made difficult due to the resistance on the pedal. Throughout class we worked our legs, arms, and core. We started sitting on the chair, pushing the pedal down with different parts of our feet. The resistance made this super difficult especially because we couldn’t lean into it. For core work we did hundreds, leg lifts, bicycle crunches, and oblique twists—all either lying on the floor or propped up on the chair. We also did a lot of roll downs while Jackie emphasized the importance of sucking our belly button to our spine.

Since there were only two people in class, Jackie gave us a ton of one on one attention. She was constantly making sure our form was perfect and would also help us deepen our stretches. The Wunda Chair is great in that every movement felt almost like a mixture of a strength building exercise and a stretch. We ended with a few more stretches and then wiped down our equipment.

Post Sweat

For a hipster-inspired caffeine fix or a Juice Served Here juice, check out Andante Coffee on the corner. If you’re more of a chain person….Starbucks is a block away. Mohawk Bend is a great place to meet up with a friend for a beer or brunch—make sure to try the buffalo cauliflower.

Tricks of the Trade

• Whole Body Method provides complimentary workout towels so grab one if you tend to get sweaty.
• New clients can purchase three classes for only $55.
• The studio also offers leveled reformer classes, cardio jump-board, Pilates stretch, and a class called Pilates Palooza that includes exercises on all Pilates apparatuses including the Cadillac (experience required)!
• If you live further west, they have a Mid-City location at 5700 W Pico Blvd.