The 5 Best ClassPass LA Studios
When it comes to exercise, I get bored easily. I’ll be totally addicted to a workout for a few months, and then I’ll find something new and forget all about my obsession with the last one.
My love affair with yoga has been a lot like this — on and off every couple of months. Luckily, yoga always takes me back.
The thing is, I’m super ADD. I need excitement and surprise — to always keep my body guessing — which is precisely why I’ve been loving ClassPass.
You may remember, I got hooked up with a free membership as a part of my Wedding Workout Challenge with Propel Electrolyte Water.
My first goal for the summer challenge was to sweat everyday leading up to my wedding.
Well, my wedding is this Saturday and I’ve successfully completed the first half of my challenge.
Everyday for the past 31+ days, I completed some sort of exercise. Some days it was as easy as jogging with Mr. Chow or power-walking around a new city on vacay, and others it was more strenuous, like a cardio circuit or endurance Pilates class.
Along the way, I got to try out a ton of awesome boutique studios and experience the best classes L.A. has to offer.
Today, I’m rounding up my five favorite ClassPass LA studios.
Best Yoga Studio – Aura Yoga (Sunset Plaza)
This is only the millionth time I’ve raved about Aura Yoga, but that’s because it is totally worth raving about. It is hands down the best yoga studio in town.
From their inspirational and innovative trainers (like Jake and Aree) to their super cool lighting system, you will always be challenged — never bored — in an Aura Power or Flow class.
Best Pilates Studio – Fit Mix (La Brea)
Bright and airy, this pretty little studio looking out on La Brea, makes you feel totally zen when you walk in. Their endurance Pilates class, however, is anything but chill. The thigh-burning, core-sculpting routine is a killer — but in a “hurt so good” way.
Try their Mashup class to squeeze in a little cardio as well.
Best Cardio Circuit Studio – Sweat Garage (Fairfax)
I may be a little biased since I worked there, but I definitely think Sweat Garage is one of the best cardio and strength training combo classes in LA.
The vibe is incredibly high-energy, the music is always amazing, and the workouts will push you to your limit. The classes mix treadmill interval circuits with bodyweight, free weight, band, and kettlebell work.
I can honestly say that if you want to get in shape quick — this is the place to do it. This is what I looked like after my last class there.
Very, very sweaty.
Best Strength Training Studio – The Phoenix Effect (Melrose)
This bootcamp-style class focuses on strength, balance, agility, and form, combining bodyweight exercises, plyometrics, and stability with heavy lifting.
The one-hour class is organized into about 10 to 12 different stations, where you perform the same exercise as many times as possible in 45 seconds, with a 15 second break, before moving to the next station. During the second round, you’ll do each exercise for 30 seconds.
Don’t be intimidated by the tire out front though, the chandelier inside reveals the softer, stylistic side of this awesome studio. In addition to their more intense muscle-building classes, they also have more cardio-focused workouts like their “Flow” and “Funk” classes.
Most Innovative Studio – AIR (3rd Street)
I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical when I entered AIR, an aerial fitness studio on 3rd street with rows of silk hammocks hanging from the ceiling. I knew I’d have fun swinging from them, but I highly doubted I would get a good sweat on.
I was wrong. By the end of the one-hour class, I was drenched.
AIR isn’t a gimmicky workout featuring circus tricks — it’s a body-sculpting, Pilates-meets-TRX-meets-Yoga-meets-Barre-style marathon strength-session.
From the fast-paced booty routine on the ground to hoisting myself up the silk using purely upper body strength, my muscles were taxed the entire class.
In case you’re wondering, we also learned a few super impressive circusy tricks!
The next time you’re in LA (or if you live in LA), I highly encourage you give these workouts a try.
Hey, maybe I’ll see you there!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:
My favorite type of class is yoga at a studio. Looks like you wre able to sample an awesome mix of exercises and class formats.
Julie says:
I have ClassPass and love it! I have a few favorites here, but I haven’t tried them all. I want to finally go to Aura, Sweat Garage, and try some aerial skills.
Whitney English says:
You should definitely try them – especially since you have ClassPass!!
Jess says:
AHHHH!! Congrats on your wedding! I’m so glad ClassPass could help you get some new workouts in! Sweat Garage looks badass and I may make you join me if I make a visit to LA sometime!!! :)
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much!! And I would be honored to join you for an SG class – let me know when you’re in town!