·         Classes are 90 minutes in length and are offered Monday-Sunday from as early as 5:30am till as late as 10:45pm

·         All power yoga classes are “donation based” but it is suggested to leave $12 in the box at the door

·         Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat, towel and a water bottle. You may rent a yoga mat for $2, but the mat will have been previously used

Bryan Kest has become somewhat of a legend amongst yoga lovers here in Los Angeles. All of his classes are on a donation basis, they suggest $12, but it is completely up to the individual. He has two studios both in Santa Monica, and they have different schedules for each. Bryan’s classes are the most popular, so make sure you get there early! They offer an array of classes, from beginner to prenatal, and recommend trying as many as possible. Bryan truly loves what he does and he makes everyone aware, he pushes you to challenge yourself but within your own boundaries. 

Julie says: The first thing I noticed about Bryan Kest’s yoga was the line. I had decided to attend one of the classes taught by Kest himself and it was apparent that those were extremely popular sessions. The room at the studio on Santa Monica Boulevard is huge and they really pack students in like sardines. The class lasted almost two hours (it ran a bit late) but didn’t feel that long at all. Kest speaks to you practically the entire time and uses humor and positive encouragement to keep your mind off the pain of holding the poses and focusing instead on breathing and maintaining good form. The flow through the poses moves at a relatively slow pace and in the end, you literally feel as if you body has been stretched to its limits…in a good way. I was completely exhausted after the class but also felt really good and relaxed throughout my muscles. This studio does not make you feel like an outsider and instead welcomes you into its community, even during your first class. There are people of all ages, shapes and sizes and it’s nice to see such a diverse group in one room together. The instructors continually emphasize to never look around the room and compare yourself to other students, and to keep the practice your own. Bryan Kest Power Yoga is a very warm (physically and emotionally), and inviting place to do yoga and I would recommend the studio to beginners and advanced yogis alike.

Kacie Says: This was my very first time at Bryan Kest and decided to get there just a little early, actually 25 minutes early! There were already 8 other people in line by the time I got there, and the line was around the corner when we were let in. Do not let this dissuade you from attending; there is plenty of room. It is safe to say that we had around 100 people in the class. It is a 90-minute class that definitely ran over, but it goes by so fast that you would never know. Bryan is amazing; he makes you laugh while your whole body is crying out in pain (good pain)! He goes very slowly so there is minimal risk for injury, and you can truly learn the positions. By the end of the class I was dripping sweat, and ready to come back for more! Two days later, everything is still aching and sore, but I know that just means it is working!

·         Classes are 60 minutes in length and are offered Monday-Sunday from as early as 6:00am till as late as 6:30pm

·         Packages may be purchased as singles for $26 each time or in a package of 10 for $240, 20 for $440, or 30 for $570. Classes also never expire

·         Towels and a water bottle are provided and parking may be found in the meters on Barrington Place or in the lot across the street.

Burn 60 offers a total body workout in a boot-camp style format, but without the boot-camp style instructors. It is an amped up cardio workout combined with strength training.  The workout is very similar to Barry’s Bootcamp in that classes are split in half, with some students running on the treadmill and others completed a weights circuit on the floor. Contrary to Barry’s however, Burn 60 offers a walking option. The instructors offer several different levels for the students on the treadmill ranging from “walkers” to “sprinters.” You choose your own level and walk or run at the according speed. Burn 60 also has weights, bands, balls, and just about every other workout “toy” imagined for the floor section, and they always keep the workout interesting by incorporating new, innovative strength training exercises. Another plus is that, it is a very clean environment and does not get inundated with the body heat and sweat from others in the class. 

Julie says: I like to think of Burn 60 as a fancier, cleaner version of Barry’s. I think it’s brilliant that they offer the various levels for runner and non-runners alike because they appeal to all fitness levels. Burn 60 is also nice for days when you just don’t feel like running, to have walking as an option and know that you will still get a great, heart-pumping workout. I have taken a few classes already at Burn 60 and have enjoyed every instructor so far, but for those of you who can make it to the 4:15pm class on Wednesdays, you will love having Jenna Phillips, an amazing and inspiring instructor, leading the class. I am always impressed with the floor exercises at Burn 60. After being thoroughly exhausted from my treadmill sprint, I still look forward to what moves they have in store for the floor because they are always unique…and even fun! It’s also a major plus being able to workout in a bright, airy and well-maintained studio. 

Kacie says: As I have said before, running is not my strong suit, so this class seemed a little daunting at first. Once we began, I knew that everything was going to be just fine! The instructor broke up the cardio into three 3 levels; walking, jogging and running. Don’t think for one second that “walking” was easy at all; he had us “walking” at 6.0! The class was very challenging; I even pushed myself to run for one minute at 7.2! The class consisted of 4 segments, 15 minutes of cardio then 15 minutes of strength training, and then we repeated the cycle. The cardio was much more difficult than the sculpting, but it was an all around great 60 minute workout, and I am looking forward to trying other classes!

 Know Before You Go: 

·         Hours of operation are from dawn to dusk Monday-Sunday

·         There are hiking trails and off-leash dog areas

·         Street parking along Fuller Avenue and surrounding streets

The Real Deal: 

Runyon Canyon is legendary amongst the Hollywood elite.  On any given beautiful and sunny day, you are bound to see an A Lister or two with their pooch or personal trainer jogging the trails (It’s also been rumored that Errol Flynn once lived on the grounds). You can walk the basic trail, but for those that crave more, you can venture high into the canyon for a more adventurous experience.  Some people create their own trails, but its recommend to stick to what is marked and outlined.  Every Monday at 8:30 AM and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 PM there is a free yoga class in the park at the base of the canyon.  Parking is pretty awful, sometimes it might take 15 minutes to find a spot, but just be prepared to be patient and/or walk a little.  Runyon is a great escape from the day-to-day grind, and for a few minutes, you might even forget that you are in Los Angeles.

Kacie and Julie say:  MUST LOVE DOGS…is what it should say at the entrance to Runyon Canyon, and we cannot stress this enough! We are both fairly terrified of dogs so going to Runyon is always a bit of a challenge.  We don’t frequent Runyon as often as we would like mainly because of this…there are a ton of dogs not on leashes.  Working out for us is usually therapeutic, but seeing a pit bull not on a leash is enough to give us full heads of grey hair!  This is of course is just our own issue with Runyon and does not take away at all from the scenic view or the extremely steep trails.  When we do head up to Runyon, we always appreciate the great workout and the amazing view.  So, if you are a dog lover and are looking for an awesome outdoor workout, head up to the trail and check it out for yourself…

8250 West 3^rd Street #206

Los Angeles, CA 90048

·         Plenty of parking along 3^rd Street

·         A variety of classes are offered mostly between the hours of 7:30am and 7:30pm. You may purchase an individual class for $16, a series of 10 for $130 or even a month of unlimited classes for $150

·         Use of their onsite gym is available for an additional fee 

·         Cute workout clothes for sale onsite

·         Free towels are available for all classes

The Real Deal: 

YBB is just one of the many creative and unique classes offered at Swerve studios. It is a dance/yoga class, but you need not be an expert at either in order to participate. YBB truly helps to empower you and build your inner strength, all while making you sweat! At the beginning of class you choose your goal or intention for the hour and then chant a mantra of strength. The class is designed to help breakdown your walls of doubt and insecurity that you have built around yourself and help you to feel free and confident in your body. YBB is a great workout, and you can take away from it what you choose. We took a stronger sense of self and left some calories! Check it out for yourself!

Kacie and Julie say: Yoga Booty Ballet is our outlet to let loose and be free…no inhibitions! By no means are we dancers at all, but we are still always able to let go and have a good time. How can you not enjoy yourself while doing the funky chicken? Gillian, Teigh and the other girls who teach YBB are full of energy, life and fun, and they truly make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. The class is always packed, especially the ones on the weekend, so be sure to reserve a spot early in the week. Each instructor has their own style of dance and music, so try a few out and see which one you like best. Wear comfortable clothes to class…shoes are optional! Oh, we almost forgot about the best part…Ravi! He plays the drums on certain evenings during the week and this always adds an extra fun atmosphere to the class.

Know Before You Go:

·         Classes are 60 minutes in length and are offered Monday-Sunday from as early as 5:15am till as late as 9:15pm

·         Packages may be purchased in 3,5,10,20,30,50 session increments and vary in price from $55-$600

·         “Academy” sessions are offered for those clients interested in a month-long, daily morning “hard core” workout at a flat $285 rate

·         What you’ll need: A towel (or two) and a water bottle. No shower or locker facilities on site. Parking is offered below the studio just off of La Cienega blvd. in West Hollywood and on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks.

Barry’s Boot camp, trademarked as “The Best Workout in the World,” delivers and hour-long sweat-fest that is definitely not for the faint of heart. Developed by Barry Jay, Barry’s Boot camp has gained momentum and popularity from celebrity attendees and a ton of press. The workout features a combination of cardiovascular treadmill running and weight training. Loud, pumping music provides the background as experienced instructors put you through the ringer. The toughest of them all is creator Barry Jay, who often prompts clients to work to the point of throwing up, at which point they will be rewarded with a free t-shirt.

Julie says: This is hands-down, the hardest workout in LA and also one of my favorites. Since just finishing the workout is a major accomplishment, I tend to feel energized and good about myself all day after one of Barry’s all-out sweat sessions. I am one of those people who is for some reason extremely motivated by screaming instructors, so the military-style barking of commands at Barry’s really works for me! It’s great that there are so many convenient times throughout the day in which the workout is offered, and I also love that the workouts are never the same. On some days you’ll find yourself running for 30 minutes straight uphill while on others you’ll alternate between 15 minute bouts of cardio and hard-core weight training on the floor.  The one thing about Barry’s that I don’t love is the sweaty environment. The foggy mirrors and dripping machines are a bit gross, but I think it’s a small price to pay for the amazing overall workout. I just have a few words of caution: This workout is NOT for everyone. Unless you are confident sprinting on a treadmill and are experienced with basic weight training, I would not recommend giving this workout a shot. If you’re not quite ready to give hard-core Barry’s a shot, then I would recommend that you first ease yourself into a bootcamp type of workout by first trying out Burn 60 in Brentwood (see the review).

Kacie says: This is by far one of the toughest workouts around, and the instructors will push you to places your body never knew it could go! I am not an avid runner, or really even a runner at all; so needless to say I was very intimidated to try the class. A friend of mine was an instructor at the time, and encouraged me to try it out. Not being a runner I was a bit apprehensive, but figured I was up for the challenge. As I entered the room, all I could notice were the fogged up mirrors and thought, "what did I get myself into"? In all honesty, this was an amazing workout, and I did “enlist” for a 10 sessions series, though my experience was short lived. As much as I loved leaving the class able to ring my shirt out, my knees couldn’t handle the high intensity of all the running. I highly recommend Barry’s Bootcamp, just remember that your body comes first, and always know when to stop.

Playa Vista Sports Park

Know Before You Go:

·         YRG is an hour-long class on Monday evenings from 7:15-8:15pm at Equinox Fitness Clubin Santa Monica; and at 10:00am on Saturdays and 11:00am on Sundays at Playa Vista Sports Park.

·         You must be a gym member or score a free day pass to attend the class at Equinox in Santa Monica, but anyone is welcome to the FREE weekend classes in Playa Vista. Just make sure and email ahead of time to reserve your spot at dallas@dallaspage.com

·         What you’ll need: Dress comfortably in yoga attire. Equinox will provide everything you need for the class but if you are attending the outdoor session don’t forget a yoga mat, a towel, and a bottle of water.

Yoga for Regular Guys and Girls (YRG) is exactly what its name professes…A no nonsense approach to yoga for the everyday person without a yoga background. YRG was created by former WWE wrestler Diamond Dallas Page (DDP), who after an injury, began practicing yoga to rehabilitate. He soon realized that yoga was for everyone, not just for people who could bend like a pretzel or do a head stand. The class incorporates traditional yoga poses and movements but places a spin on the names and positions to make them a little more “regular guy” friendly. DDP has a huge following, and is a great leader. He even offers 2 free classes a week in order to allow everyone the opportunity to experience YRG. If you are interested, go to the website listed above and sign up for the mailing list. If the thought of taking a class from a huge ex-wrestler doesn’t excite you enough as it is, then consider the fact that DDP incorporates wrestling moves and verbiage into the workout to make the typical yoga stuff a bit more fun. Simply put, YRG is an amazing workout that challenges your muscles by using the weight of your own body. There are modifications for the less-flexible and the less physically powerful, and DDP often uses his signature catch phrases such as “It hurts? That means shit’s working.” And…with poses called “the happy porn star,” you’re just sure to return for more.

Julie says: I was incredibly impressed with this workout. I didn’t know really what to expect when I first tried it but when I ended up having fun and feeling amazingly sore the next day, I knew I’d be back. The YRG workout is so unique that you truly forget you’re actually practicing yoga. My favorite parts of the class are when DDP tells you to “Hulk it out” and warns the guys in the room to “adjust their packages” before laying face-down on the floor for a lower back exercise. This workout is highly entertaining and produces results…it doesn’t get much better than that!

Kacie says: This is the first yoga class that I have ever wanted to try again. I heard about this years ago from someone who used to volunteer at my work, but never thought it was for me. Recently I had a pass to Equinox in Santa Monica and decided to finally see what YRG was all about…and I LOVED IT! DDP incorporates a basic routine of positions in each class, but also spices it up. DDP wants you to believe in what you are doing, but at the same time have fun with it. I left the class dripping sweat and was definitely sore the next day!

·         Classes offered Monday-Sunday from 6:00am-7:00pm. Depending on the day.

·         Classes are $16 each, or can be purchased as a series in groups of 5,10, 15, 20, as well as unlimited monthly and yearly passes. The series vary in price from $75-$2,000.

·         What you’ll need: A towel (or two) and a water bottle. There is metered parking all along Montana Ave, so don’t forget to bring quarters!

The Real Deal:

Revolution Fitness is tucked away in a courtyard off Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Once you walk in, you are immediately welcomed by the warm and friendly staff at the front desk. The majority of the classes are 50 minutes, with a few exceptions. All the instructors are extremely different, and you might need to experiment a bit until you find the one that works best for you. They are always offering amazing promotions to new students, so take a chance and see for yourself. They do not rent spinning shoes, but do not require them either and provide attachments for regular workout shoes. Don’t forget that your first class is free, so now you have no reason not to go!

Kacie and Julie say: We have to be honest; we only signed up for spinning at Revolution because of the amazing deal they were offering: First time students pay only $30.00 for “Unlimited classes for two weeks!” We have never enjoyed spinning but figured it was worth another try. We are now proud to say that due to the amazing instructors at Revolution Fitness, we are spinning converts! We were even discussing buying our first pairs of authentic spinning shoes…a huge step for previous spinning dissers. Two weeks was all it took for our addiction to kick in and to prompt us to purchase our very first spinning package! Revolution offers classes throughout the day, but we opted for the 6 or 7 am classes. Although all the instructors at Revolution are great and each has something special to offer, we do have our favorites. Chris Plourde teaches the 6am class on T/Th, and is truly motivating. He makes you push yourself just by believing that you can, and his music selection doesn’t hurt either! Cari Bjelejac’s 7am class is great also, and she has been teaching for 20 years and is a shining example of fitness. If you have any questions about Revolution studios, don’t hesitate to call the girls at the front desk. They are some of the nicest people you will ever encounter and even make you look forward to a 6am class as they always greet you with a smile and cheery conversation. Don’t just take our word for it, go ahead and try it out yourself…your first class is free!

340 Charles E. Young Drive North
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-4546

Know Before You Go:

·         Cost: Free!

·         Open to the public, but would only recommend going to during daylight, there is poor lighting at night

·         Parking: There are meters, and they require payment daily from 7:00am-7:00pm. Be prepared though, each quarter will only get you 8 minutes. There is residential parking a few block away just read the streets signs VERY carefully

Drake Stadium is usually open to the public, except when there is a UCLA soccer game, track meet or practice. Drake has many unique qualities that appeal to the fitness crowd. You can work out on the stadium stairs (you will see people doing crazy things like hopping up three sets of stairs at a time!), on the track (4 times around is a mile), practice your long jump, use the rings…your options are endless. Drake provides a very lively atmosphere, even at 6:00 in the morning! Drake Stadium is like a blank palette; you can simply walk around the track and chat with friends, or bring a mat and weights and conduct your own mini boot camp. The stairs are mostly concrete and wide enough to fit at least two people across. The large, flat steps make Drake Stadium easy enough for beginners who are just getting used to the challenges of stair-stepping, but are also great for the experienced who may push themselves a little harder and incorporate new, more challenging ways to make it to the top of each flight.

Kacie and Julie say: Drake is a great place to go with friends since there is something for everyone. We would definitely encourage you to go while it is light, as you need to walk through campus in order to get inside the stadium, and it can get very dark! Parking can be a bit of a pain, but as long as you are prepared with your quarters, once you are there it is well worth it. Our typical Drake routine consists of running the stairs and then cooling down by jogging a few laps around the track. Each time we go, we try to add on one more set. On some days though, we’ll lug our yoga mats and weights out of the car and try and incorporate some quick lifting sets and abs in between sets. Sometimes we’ll carry a small set of hand weights as we speed walk around the track to add an extra workout bonus. If you do go alone, we recommend bringing your ipod (the music will definitely help) and don’t forget to keep your eyes pealed for some of the excitement that Drake has to offer: just the other day we were able to watch a pole vaulting practice, and Drake is also rumored to be a favorite workout spot for Ryan Phillippe and Jake Gyllenhall. Take note, there is not a lot of shade so don’t forget to bring a hat and wear SPF 30!

Sonki Fitness Bootcamp 

Locations in:

Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Playa Vista, Studio City, and Pasadena

310-260-2518

www.sonkifitness.com

Know Before You Go: 

·         Classes are 60 minutes in length and are offered Monday-Saturday from as early as 6:30am till as late as 7:30pm. The 5-week program ranges from 1 day a week to 6 days a week

·         Packages Range from $75-$250

·         Bring a towel or mat, water and a positive attitude

The Real Deal: 

If your idea of Boot-Camp instructor is a drill sergeant screaming at you to do 20 more push-ups, then Sonki Hong is just the opposite.  He is a very mild-mannered man, yet still extremely motivating.  All classes are outside and he has added multiple locations over the past year to accommodate all of his clients.  Sonki pushes you past your comfort zone and makes you believe in yourself.  He offers sessions that range from 1 day a week to 3 days a week, each class lasting for one hour. 

Julie says: Although I do respond well to the typical drill-seargant like bootcamp instructor, Sonki’s gental voice and easy-going demeanor is hard to not like. I originally found Sonki by googling “Santa Monica bootcamp.”  I was getting tired of my indoor gym classes and running and thought I would look around for something to change it up a bit.  I fell in love with Sonki Fitness bootcamp on the first day and continued to take classes regulary for the next year.  Sonki tailors his workout to appeal to every fitness level and also incorporates "out of the box" exercises like a game of soccer or relay races.  The other nice thing about Sonki Fitness is getting to meet so many wonderful people who also share the same passion for excercising.  Sonki also knows how to keep his network of fitness clientele connected and plans monthly get-to-gethers and also organizes a fitness-oriented trip to Hawaii every year.  If you are looking to get a comprehensive and fun outdoor workout and meet new people, then Sonki Fitness is the perfect exercise experience for you.  

Kacie says: I found out about Sonki from a friend (it was actually Julie), and after one class was hooked.  I signed up for a 5 week session, which consisted of one hour on MWF at 6:30 am in Santa Monica (there are other time and location options).  The Santa Monica group either meets at Lincoln Middle School or on Ocean at Montana.  There is a set schedule for each location, so it is a never a guessing game as to where you will be meeting.  There is nothing like stretching or taking a jog while watching the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean!  The thing I most enjoyed was that there are people of every fitness level and age in the class.  Sonki mixes each class up, but they always start with the signature “Sonki stretches”!  The class can range from a long run on the beach to an obstacle course, or even a game of flag football.  The class is always fun, and the atmosphere is priceless!

·         Classes are 60 minutes in length and are offered Monday-Sunday from as early as 6:45am till as late as 7:45pm

·         Packages may be purchased as singles for $20 each time or in a package of 10 for $190.  Monthly memberships and unlimited package options are also available.

·         What you’ll need:  Wear comfortable yoga-type clothes and bring some socks that have some grip.  You are required to wear socks but may slip on the hardwood floor if they aren’t thick enough. Towels and all class accessories are provided.  Shower facilities are on site, however, you will have to pay an additional fee to use them as they are located in the spa. You can park in the meters along 2^nd street or in the parking garage directly across from Exhale (between Broadway and Santa Monica). First two hours are free.

The Core Fusion workout is trademarked by Exhale which also offers a minimal amount of yoga classes and boasts a full spa.  Core Fusion is, as its name suggests, a fusion of several practices including yoga, pilates and ballet. Class attendees are led through a series of exercises that incorporate light hand weights, stretching, leg work at the ballet bar, and a variety of abdominal moves all meant to develop long, lean muscles and avoid the bulk brought on by intense weight training.  The atmosphere is a peaceful yoga setting and you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Julie says: Normally yoga-esque workouts are not my thing because I prefer a more fast-paced class, however, I love Core Fusion because I get an amazing stretch and my legs and abs are incredibly sore the next day…always a plus for me.  The plie squats at the bar are great for toning your leg muscles and the abdominal work is great because you’re not just doing you’re every day sit-ups…you’re really working deep into your core without putting any pressure on your lower back.  I think the class offers a wonderful balance of so many varying exercises, that I like to incorporate the class one a week into my workout schedule.  

Kacie says:  Core Fusion emphasizes using your own body weight against yourself.  The class is a continuous flow of ballet and pilates, with a slight twist of yoga.  Much of the work is done against the wall using the ballet bar.  The one muscle that is worked the most throughout the hour is your core, trust me, you will feel it the next day!  The class also reinforces the importance of posture and breath.  I love this class and always leave with my legs shaking and my abs on fire!!