At a Glance:
Website: http://www.equinox.com/clubs/
Address: 8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Equinox is THE mother of all gyms so when I was offered an opportunity to have a free seven day trial, I signed right up! My fingers were tightly crossed for celeb sightings.
Whether they’re on the nice list or the naughty list, your sweatiest friend definitely has a wish list! Rev up her workouts and cool downs with this holiday gift guide of essential, affordable, and sweat-approved swag.
At a Glance:
Website: http://www.aqualillies.com/fitness/
Address: (season starts again in April) Annenberg Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Length: 75 minutes
Price: $35 drop-in, $160 full season (6 sessions)
Sweat scale: hard to tell underwater
Energy level: medium
Sometimes I say to myself, “Only in LA” and my experience with Aqualillies had me repeating that phrase quite a bit. I couldn’t help but tell anyone and everyone! The Aqualillies is a professional synchronized swim/dance team who has successfully brought back the art form of “Water Ballet” into mainstream culture. Think of those classic swim numbers in the movies from the golden age. You can’t help but look in awe as they float with their makeup set perfectly. These women have opened for Bon Jovi! Lucky to be invited to participate, I set out to my local sports shop and bought a new cap, goggles, and swimsuit. Would I be as graceful as them or would I sink to the bottom?
At a Glance:
Website: http://sandbox-fitness.com
Address: 8317 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
Length: 45 minutes
Price: first class free, 1 class/$26, 10 classes/$220
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: high
Sandbox Fitness opened in Sherman Oaks last year and was one of my very first reviews. While that location is conveniently located a couple blocks from my office, many people don’t love traveling into the valley to workout. Fret no more; Sandbox has opened a West Hollywood spot in a prime spot!
At a Glance:
Website: http://www.basecampfitness.co
Address: 8714 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite C Los Angeles, CA 90069
Length: 45 minutes
Price: first class free, 1 class/$29.99, 10 classes/$279.99, month unlimited/$199.99 with no commitment
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: high
Basecamp prides itself on being an in-and-out workout that challenges you during every second. While most studios have 60-minute classes, Basecamp classes run 35 minutes long with an additional five minute core section at the end.
On Wednesday, Shape Magazine brought together 100+ bloggers and influencers at the Annenberg Community Beach House for a #ShapeMeetTweet day packed full of inspiring speakers and killer swag.
Guests were treated to trendy fruit skewers and coffee to get things started and each seat was pre loaded with, of course, a Bluetooth enabled selfie stick. Shape Editor in Chief Elizabeth Goodman Artis said a few welcoming remarks once we all got settled and then the day continued with some amazing panelists.
While each #girlboss had their own story, I’m breaking it down with some tips and tidbits from each speaker.
I have been absolutely dreading writing this post because I know that once it’s on the Internet, I can’t back out. I am here to announce that I will be competing in the LA Spartan Race on December 5th. TomTom reached out and asked me to join their team and after not enough consideration and research, I accidentally said yes.
If you don’t know much about Spartan Races, they are races laced with ridiculous obstacles that require you to use your mind and body—or do 30 burpees as penalty for backing out. I foresee MANY burpees in my future.
If you’ve made your rounds through at least a few of the many fitness studios in LA, you’ve noticed that facilities and services vary greatly. Some studios have fully stocked locker rooms, free filtered water, free cycle shoes or rentals, towel service, etc. Other studios keep it simple and don’t offer a lot of the extras. Luxury amenities are wonderful, especially if you use ClassPass and aren’t necessarily paying more for the extra services. But don’t let the locker room determine where, when or if you work out! Below, you’ll find everything you need to pack to be prepared for just about anything.
At a Glance:
Website: http://www.pilatesplatinum.com
Address: 1330 N. Highland Ave, Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Length: 60 minutes
Price: first class/$10, one class/$30, 10 classes/$220, month unlimited/$225
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: medium
I’ve been searching high and low for tough yet friendly megaformer classes in Los Angeles. The “tough” part is NEVER a problem as megaformers are literally the most challenging machines I’ve ever worked on. So far, there are two studios that I swear by, but both happen to be 30 minutes away from my Hollywood apartment, which is why I was very excited to try Pilates Platinum, less than a mile from where I live. Continue reading
At a Glance:
Website: http://www.corepoweryoga.com
Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Length: 60 minutes
Price: free
Sweat: medium
Energy: low
The best thing about Los Angeles is that it is perfect year-round for outdoor workouts. Unlike New York and Chicago where you barely manage to avoid frostbite rushing from the subway to your class, LA hosts various outside sweat sessions in the “coldest” months. I finally had the chance to try one of the most popular ones, yoga at the Roosevelt Hotel pool.
sweat and repeat 