At a Glance:

Website: http://www.upliftstudios.com/Uplift-Studios-Los-Angeles
Address: 8254 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Length: 55 minutes
Price: one class/$28, 10 classes/$260, month unlimited/$300
Sweat scale: medium
Energy level: medium

While Los Angeles is blessed with so many great places to workout, I always feel like New York City is one step ahead of us. Thankfully, the new trend is for NYC based studios to head west and set up shop where blizzards are less likely to prompt a class cancellation. Enter: the opening of Uplift!

Pre Sweat

You might recognize this studio because it used to house Xtend Barre, which closed late last year. There is plenty of metered street parking ($1/hour) and neighborhood parking with restrictions. I headed into the studio and signed the waiver before putting my purse in the cubbies inside the studio. Our equipment was already laid out: mat, sets of 5, 8, and 10-pound weights, and two small resistance bands.

Sweat

I was trying to think of what I could compare this class to and I’ve decided that it’s exactly like doing “double floor” at Barry’s. If you don’t know what that means, it’s when you forgo the dread-mill for a full 60-minutes of weights. Although we did a few tabata cardio bursts of jump squats, mountain climbers, and burpees to get our heart rate up, a majority of the class was strength based (duh, that is the name!).

We used the dumbbells to exhaust each major muscle group starting with legs then moving to arms and ending with abs. Some of the exercises were squats, deadlifts with an upright row, lunges, shoulder presses, bicep curls on one leg, tricep kick backs, side planks, planks with knee taps, and up-down planks. I quickly realized that I don’t do enough true muscle building and it felt good to actually lift something heavy!

Since it was the opening day, we ended with a champagne toast and some delicious cake from Sweet Lady Jane Bakery—the red velvet is to die for! And, if you’re wondering, I was so sore the next day!!

Post Sweat

Uplift is in a great location for healthy snacks and splurge shopping. Liquid Juice Bar and LA Juice are both within blocks. For ridiculously delicious sugary treats, check out Sweet Lady Jane Bakery. If you want a piece of cake with a side of creativity, Duff’s Cake Mix, started by Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman, has a DIY cake and cupcake decorating studio. Shopping wise, check out Reformation, Fred Segal, and Nasty Gal.

Tricks of the Trade

• First time visitors can buy a one-week unlimited pass for $40.
• The studio does not have showers so plan your pre work visits accordingly.
• If you’ve ever been to Pink Iron but thought it was a little too much, Uplift is for you.
• The studio is for women only!
• Make sure you bring a full water bottle or be prepared to purchase.
• In addition to Strength, they also offer Endurance and Sculpt classes.