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
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
Share
February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
