Local
Your Weekly Guide to the Best Workouts in LA
Share
As a professional dancer for over ten years, I’ve been able to stay active for so long because I’m constantly changing it up. Not only does this make my wellness routine fun, taking on as many disciplines as possible ensures that my body will never plateau and is pushing its limits every week. For me, meetings, happy hours, events and general exhaustion take over as the week progresses—so I front load Sunday through Wednesday when my schedule is most predictable. I make it a priority to schedule recovery sessions like I’m booking a workout class. Sure you can stretch and foam roll at home, but will you?
A wealth of wellness knowledge for fitness, beauty, and wellness services, I book all my classes and services on the MINDBODY app. My fitness club, Kong Fit Club, has also put each facility to the test,—deeming it #KFCapproved.
Here’s what my weekly workout routine looks like at some of my favorite MINDBODY studios (and salons and spas for a little post-workout self-care) in LA!
MONDAY
WundaBar Pilates Los Feliz
Start the week with a calm and gentle (but super challenging) reformer Pilates class. I have been coming to WundaBar Los Feliz for years because it’s the perfect balance between endurance and classical Pilates. The instructors are true to form and function, and they won’t hold you back from getting your muscles shaking. You’re on your back, lunging, plie-ing—the movement is repetitive in the best way. Find your flow, hone in on that perfect form, and kick off Monday with a win.
1
MONDAY
WundaBar Pilates Los Feliz
Start the week with a calm and gentle (but super challenging) reformer Pilates class. I have been coming to WundaBar Los Feliz for years because it’s the perfect balance between endurance and classical Pilates. The instructors are true to form and function, and they won’t hold you back from getting your muscles shaking. You’re on your back, lunging, plie-ing—the movement is repetitive in the best way. Find your flow, hone in on that perfect form, and kick off Monday with a win.
TUESDAY
The Body Los Angeles
When you visit The Body Los Angeles, you get the personal attention of a private trainer and the camaraderie of a team. The location is totally unassuming on purpose. I’ve worked out next to NFL players and pregnant women in the same class—everyone doing the same work and in it for the same reasons. There is little equipment, just an open floor that forces you to carry yourself with your own four limbs. In my opinion, owner Jenn Glysson is one of the top five trainers in LA because she doesn’t hide behind any smoke and mirrors. She focuses on solid work. You’ll lift, crawl, jump, and push yourself to head to toe sweat in just 55 minutes.
The classes I always take? Full-Body HIIT, Recess, and for an extra push: Primal.
2
TUESDAY
The Body Los Angeles
When you visit The Body Los Angeles, you get the personal attention of a private trainer and the camaraderie of a team. The location is totally unassuming on purpose. I’ve worked out next to NFL players and pregnant women in the same class—everyone doing the same work and in it for the same reasons. There is little equipment, just an open floor that forces you to carry yourself with your own four limbs. In my opinion, owner Jenn Glysson is one of the top five trainers in LA because she doesn’t hide behind any smoke and mirrors. She focuses on solid work. You’ll lift, crawl, jump, and push yourself to head to toe sweat in just 55 minutes.
The classes I always take? Full-Body HIIT, Recess, and for an extra push: Primal.
WEDNESDAY
BoxUnion or Prevail Boxing
Head to one of my two favorite boxing studios because—let’s be honest—by Wednesday you’ll want to hit something. BoxUnion is a 45-minute fitness boxing class that features high-intensity cardio, muscle sculpting, and strength training at a heavy bag. The best part is, you box in unison to the beat. 5, 6, 7, 8... let’s go!
Take a class with: Jon Jon
Prevail Boxing blends boxing and HIIT for the ultimate conditioning workout. With the lights on and three trainers in the room, you really feel like you’re working on your technique. Prevail is one of the OG fitness boxing studios in LA, and I’ve always loved their no-frills attitude and clientele who are there to do the work.
3
WEDNESDAY
BoxUnion or Prevail Boxing
Head to one of my two favorite boxing studios because—let’s be honest—by Wednesday you’ll want to hit something. BoxUnion is a 45-minute fitness boxing class that features high-intensity cardio, muscle sculpting, and strength training at a heavy bag. The best part is, you box in unison to the beat. 5, 6, 7, 8... let’s go!
Take a class with: Jon Jon
Prevail Boxing blends boxing and HIIT for the ultimate conditioning workout. With the lights on and three trainers in the room, you really feel like you’re working on your technique. Prevail is one of the OG fitness boxing studios in LA, and I’ve always loved their no-frills attitude and clientele who are there to do the work.
THURSDAY
MOTI
MOTI is where I rehabilitated my torn shoulder. The physical therapists are the best of the best, and everyone from professional dancers to Red Bull athletes trusts them with their injuries. Aside from great PT, MOTI offers the general public use of their Recovery Lounge. During your treatment session, you can use their three modalities that help athletic recovery—Normatec compression therapy, Compex neuromuscular stimulation therapy, and Theragun vibration therapy. While a MOTI expert will walk you through all the benefits, I like to relish the 30 minutes where I have no option but to sit still and focus on me.
4
THURSDAY
MOTI
MOTI is where I rehabilitated my torn shoulder. The physical therapists are the best of the best, and everyone from professional dancers to Red Bull athletes trusts them with their injuries. Aside from great PT, MOTI offers the general public use of their Recovery Lounge. During your treatment session, you can use their three modalities that help athletic recovery—Normatec compression therapy, Compex neuromuscular stimulation therapy, and Theragun vibration therapy. While a MOTI expert will walk you through all the benefits, I like to relish the 30 minutes where I have no option but to sit still and focus on me.
FRIDAY
Rest.
Take a day to rest, relax, and let your muscles (and mind) recover for a week of work.
5
FRIDAY
Rest.
Take a day to rest, relax, and let your muscles (and mind) recover for a week of work.
SATURDAY
Go outside!
Hike, walk, bike, run—whatever you’re into, breath in some fresh air and get outside.
6
SATURDAY
Go outside!
Hike, walk, bike, run—whatever you’re into, breath in some fresh air and get outside.
SUNDAY FUNDAY
THE WALL or Kure Spa
Both of my favorite Sunday activities come with free mimosas, so call a friend and make a date with MINDBODY.
THE WALL’s 123 Stack gives you and your friends a little of everything: 10 minutes of abs, 20 minutes of weights, and 30 minutes of cycling. Aside from the killer full-body workout, THE WALL makes you feel like a VIP. When you transition from the weight room, there’s no need to wipe down or clean up—they take care of it for you as you waltz into the cycling room. There’s no better way to celebrate a Sunday sweating than with a team member opening the door and handing you a glass of bubbly!
The instructors I love? Tiffany Daniels & Lacey Stone!
Shower up and head to Kure Spa in Silverlake because you deserve some self-care. With comfy chairs that look like thrones, you’ll welcome your second glass of bubbly on the house. Tired body, fresh nails— that’s my kind of Sunday!
Ready to step up your weekly sweat? Download the MINDBODY app to explore everything from cycling to hot yoga or check out MINDBODY.io to book something new!
7
SUNDAY FUNDAY
THE WALL or Kure Spa
Both of my favorite Sunday activities come with free mimosas, so call a friend and make a date with MINDBODY.
THE WALL’s 123 Stack gives you and your friends a little of everything: 10 minutes of abs, 20 minutes of weights, and 30 minutes of cycling. Aside from the killer full-body workout, THE WALL makes you feel like a VIP. When you transition from the weight room, there’s no need to wipe down or clean up—they take care of it for you as you waltz into the cycling room. There’s no better way to celebrate a Sunday sweating than with a team member opening the door and handing you a glass of bubbly!
The instructors I love? Tiffany Daniels & Lacey Stone!
Shower up and head to Kure Spa in Silverlake because you deserve some self-care. With comfy chairs that look like thrones, you’ll welcome your second glass of bubbly on the house. Tired body, fresh nails— that’s my kind of Sunday!
Ready to step up your weekly sweat? Download the MINDBODY app to explore everything from cycling to hot yoga or check out MINDBODY.io to book something new!
Beauty
Gratuity Guide: How to Tip a Hair Stylist (and Show You Care)
Share
Tipping. While it can be a taboo topic that no one really wants to talk about publicly, the fact is, it’s a very important one that shouldn’t (and can’t) be avoided. This is all too true, especially now, when it comes to beauty services. Even before, “all of this” happened, there appeared to be some ambiguity about exactly how much to tip, when, what’s a respectable amount, and why. Now that we’ve tried our best at #homebeauty, it’s time to head back to the salons, spas, and other boutique beauty businesses (if you haven’t already). We’re here to guide you through gratuity in the new normal and why tipping a little extra to show your stylists and service providers you care during this tough time is the right thing to do.
To make sure we get you all the right answers, we asked around about it (so you don’t have to). Turns out, our Instagram followers had a lot to say about how to tip your stylists and show them some extra love right now.
Here’s what you think:
You’ve already been tipping more
79% of you said you’ve been tipping more for beauty services recently. We’re all so grateful for our stylists—with split ends, grown-out roots, out-of-control brows, and terrible home-cut bangs to prove it. And now that many of us can return to our salons and spas, we’re appreciating the ones who help us feel beautiful even more right now.
But, how much more?
We got a range of responses to this question. Some said they tip 5% more than they previously did, and many said 25%-35% total! Not only are these stylists actual artists, but they’re providing services we just can’t do ourselves. On top of that, many had to close their doors for several months, many were displaced as their salons shut down for good, and all of them are trying their best to get back to a sense of normalcy and do what they do best—help us look and feel beautiful. So, take this as a guide. Tip what you can but remember how much these wonderful people do for us.
New services are not top priority (yet)
When it comes to trying new services, 69% of you gave it a big fat NO, while 31% remain intrigued. It makes sense that many would stick to their go-tos right now, as salons are just starting to reopen in some areas or may not be open yet at all.
Depending on where you live and your overall health, you might be sticking with the bare minimum for now. But if your city has put in place safe reopening guidelines and measures, and you feel ready to head back out there, you can do so safely at a Mindbody salon. And you may be interested in trying out some new services right now as a way to show your local salons some extra support. If that’s you, browse beauty on the Mindbody app—and filter your categories to find out what’s out there.
Why retail therapy is important
Another way you can support your stylists right now? Shopping. It’s the safest way to show them some love without actually going in for a treatment. Many salons offer pre-payment on the Mindbody app and curbside pickup or a plethora of shipping methods, so you can keep contact to a minimum as much as possible. Plus, they have some pretty great stuff. If you need to invest in a good shampoo—especially because you haven’t gotten your hair done in months—so why not buy it from your stylist? According to our poll, it’s a pretty even split. 55% of you haven’t bought any products yet, while the other 45% have been shopping away. If you’re part of that 55, consider checking out your salon’s product offerings (you might see something you like).
Anything else?
Finally, we asked you all open-endedly how else you’re supporting your stylists right now. We got a lot of great answers. There was a lot of overlap, but we thought you might like to see some of the ones that stood out. So, if we didn’t cover it all so far, we’re about to—because you all are awesome and you did it for us. Here are some of the great ideas you had:
• “Paying in advance!”
• “Being more diligent about scheduling appointments versus letting my hair grow out”
• “Referring friends!”
• “Being flexible” (this is a good one—check out the 5 things your stylist wants you to know before you book)
• “Scheduling my next cut before I leave!”
• “Sharing their photos on Instagram and telling friends!”
So, if you’re a stylist reading this, thank you. We all want to continue showing you support during this time and beyond. And if you’re a regular person like me who really needs her highlights done, just schedule the damn appointment already (if you feel comfortable) or buy some purple shampoo from your favorite salon.
