At a Glance:

Website: www.nike.com/LA
Address: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Length: 60 minutes
Price: free!
Sweat level: high
Energy level: high

I’ve always wanted to be an athlete. I’ve dreamed of running through a tunnel of high-fives. The crowd would be shouting my name. I would score the game-winning point. Daydreams…right? That’s not to say I didn’t play sports in school, but I was mediocre at best. Ever felt the same way? I think Nike can change that mentality. After training with them, now I am an athlete.

Back in April, Rachael and I were lucky enough to attend The Nike Training Club Tour event (which was partially sponsored by ClassPass this year!). We were absolutely spoiled. The weekly Nike Training Club events, maybe not on the same scale as their tour, are no exception in treating the attendees like rockstars.

Pre Sweat

Registration for the upcoming week opens on Sunday. After making a free Nike account, head to www.nike.com/la and find the link to upcoming events. Simply click ‘Reserve a Spot’, which includes signing your waiver, and filling out any extra details if necessary. If you plan on attending a Monday-night training, I encourage you to sign up as quickly as possible. When you arrive at Santa Monica Place, head to the Nike storefront. A team there will check you in by name, give you a wristband, and check your bag.

Sweat

Nike Training Club (NTC for short) varies its routine week to week. I would typically describe it as a heart-pumping, full-body, cardio-infused workout. After being welcomed by our trainers, we headed to the center of Santa Monica Place and started to stretch (let’s be honest I use those first few moments to do some window shopping). Then it’s full throttle for the next 55 minutes. Jump squats, push-ups, and burpees are the norm.

We then broke up into groups to run ladders, sprint around small orange cones, and complete jumping lunges. Finally we did some partner exercises, which not only build strength, but trust and teamwork. For me, the energy that comes from NTC is infectious, groups of people started to watch and cheer on the participants. The trainers walked around handing out pats on the back, high-fives and fist-bumps. The music was so good during our training session that people were starting to sing-along. I was exhausted but so motivated to keep going!

Post Sweat

When we finished our post-workout stretch, everyone grabbed some water to go. After heading back to the bag-check, you’re in the perfect spot to do some shopping at the iconic Third Street Promenade. Whether it’s getting knick-knacks at Kitson or heading to Lush for some all-natural skincare, you’re sure to find what you need. The new Arclight Cinema is set to starting showings at Santa Monica place within the next few months (that’s where you’ll find me). For food, look no further than True Food Kitchen, or walk up the street to 4^th and Arizona to eat the newly opened Sweetgreen Santa Monica.

Tricks of the Trade

• There’s 90 minute free parking ($1 the second hour) in structures 7 and 8, which are closest to Santa Monica Place, plan accordingly.
• Check in 15-20 minutes early, and use that extra time to scope out a good partner (If you didn’t already bring a friend!).
• There’s a bag check outside and lockers inside the store to use for events.
• Water is provided so don’t stress if you forget your water bottle.
• Avoid wearing workout clothes that are blatantly from other brands (technically you’re Nike’s guest at these sessions).

About the Author: McCall is an Actress/ Makeup Artist (currently working for Sephora), living in the heart of West Los Angeles. She is addicted to dark chocolate, Arctic Zero Dairy-Free ice cream, and a good dose of movie theater popcorn (specifically at The Landmark). Her ultimate ClassPass adventure would be either trapeze or horseback riding lessons. But overall, she’s down to try anything. If you see her at a class, or even at work, feel free to say hello!

Follow McCall on Twitter and Instagram: @mccallschenthal