New Year's resolutions are upon us and for many that means a new workout regimen. As a self-proclaimed frugal fitness fanatic I make it my duty to suss out the best workouts. Living in a place like Los Angeles there's a lot of choose from, but finding something that's actually affordable can be as exhausting as a workout itself.
PHOTO: GIPHY
Over the years I've acquired a solid list of favorites that I think are worth a try. Each I've rated on a 1 to 3 scale on level of challenge:
1 - Didn't sweat but hey, I worked out.
2 - Definitely sweat. Light-colored leggings are a serious no-no.
3 - Is my instructor actually just satan wearing absurdly expensive leggings?
Los Angeles - West
The Studio MDR (Rating: 3) My favorite workout in LA, hands down. Mary Miller's class is an ass-kicker that rivals my college lacrosse pre-season practices. Brutal, but you'll see results in 3 classes. Try the two week unlimited trial for $70 if you're someone that can commit to more than 3x per week.
Sweat Yoga (Rating: 2) I'm new to yoga and I enjoyed every instructor at Sweat. The room is pretty big and can get packed but its dimly lit and unpretentious. Try the new member $100 one month unlimited or 2 weeks unlimited for $45.
The Dailey Method (Rating: 2) The Interval class incorporates more cardio than the traditional class. Love Nikki and Jai at the Venice location. Try the new member 3-week unlimited offer for $80.
Speir Pilates (Rating: 1) Not the most challenging classes but gives a great stretch and offers barre/pilates fusion classes. Great Carbon38 retail section. Take Jeni!
Love Yoga (Rating: 1 or 2) I love the Venice location (yet to try Silver Lake). The instructors are insanely sweet especially if you're new to yoga like me and have no idea what you're doing.
Mighty Pilates (Rating: 1) They offer traditional pilates and really good TRX classes. They also have a new client special 3 classes for $59.
Training Mate (Rating: 2 or 3) Awesome HIIT option that includes cardio and strength training. Taught by cute and funny Aussie instructors. Try Luke! Intro month for new members is $150 which sounds pricey but the workout is honestly worth it and offers enough variety to keep it interesting and seeing results.
Circuit Works (Rating: 2 or 3) This is a HIIT workout similar to Orange Theory. They have an awesome intro one month unlimited deal for $80. Half the classes starts on treadmills while others are on resistance machines then you rotate through timed intervals. Easily a level 3 if you go HAM on the treadmill
Los Angeles Weho
Cycle House (Rating: 2 or 3) Weho location is the most motivating and great for people watching. I prefer Nichelle, Nick or Hayley.
Carrie's Pilates Plus (Rating: 3) Megaformer machines similar to The Studio MDR. Definitely give you the "it hurts to laugh" abs. Definitely take class with Heather Adair!
Hot Pilates (Rating: 2) A fusion of my two favorite things, hot yoga and pilates. For people who really love pilates but miss the good sweat of cardio.
Lagree Fitness (Rating: 3) A serious ass kicker. Class is 25 min on a Supra machine which is similar to a Megaformer but the instructor has a remote that actually moves your machine around while you're on it putting you on an incline. I know what you're thinking, only 25 mins? You can sign up for two in a row but it's pretty fucking intense as is.
Wanderlust Yoga (Rating: 2 or 3) This is almost like the Soho House of the health & wellness world. Beautiful space with a cafe and quiet outdoor space to catch up with friends or bring your laptop. Try the $45 unlimited first month membership and any class with Justine (who also teach at Samarasa in Echo Park).
Los Angeles East
Pop Physique (Rating: 2 or 3) Great class for your ass. Natalie Portman, the Black swan IRL, was in my class for god's sake. My one critique is I wish it was a more full body workout because it's very leg focused. Super affordable with tons of deals (via email) like 5 classes for $45 or 3 month unlimited for $125 per month. Alexandra or Jean S. are THE BEST, I also love Amy and Michelle. Brand new Silver Lake location opening Jan 2019.
Modo Yoga (Rating: 2) Complimentary VALET parking. Yes, you read the words "complimentary" and "valet" in the same sentence and it exists in LA. Try their $50 intro for one month of unlimited classes but buy your own mat and towel (I like Manduka).
Y7 Yoga (Rating: 2 or 3) Hip-hop music and candlelit yoga. Love this studio and every instructor. I tried their new student special $45 for 3 classes (includes mat and towel rentals) just note that they expire 3 months from purchase.
Samarasa (Rating: 2) This studio is AMAZING and owned by a brother sister duo. Try their intro deals - 10 Pilates classes for $100 (plus 3 yoga classes) or $25 for two weeks of unlimited yoga. Obsessed with pilates Reformer II or Mat Pilates with Justine. A lot of new pilates classes are taught on Megaformers, which I love, but they can be so challenging that I find I'm almost trying to detach my brain from my body bc my muscles are screaming (lol, not for everyone) but Samarasa pilates (while still challenging) focuses on the mind-body connection and helps with things like alignment and how to turn on your core. I also love the 90-minute Restorative Yoga class with Lucy and their FREE rooftop yoga on Saturdays.
Comments