We all know that both NYC and LA have their fair share of workouts and studios. It is overwhelming at times to navigate! So we are breaking down our favorites via 5 categories for both the East and the West today 🙂
Courtney – East Coast Picks
Toughest Class(es) I have taken:
Amanda Kloots Rope Class – This was no freaking joke. One – Amanda Kloots in my opinion is one the best instructors in the city. She has so much energy and somehow through the pain of this jump rope class makes it fun. It is 50 mins of cardio, however she does mix in a few other exercises so no it is not 50 mins of straight jump rope. THANK GOD. However it is probably about 40 mins of straight jump rope. Be prepared to be very sore the next day. The class is offered at the Bandier Store’s Studio; Studio B in Flatiron.
Mile High Run Club: High 45 – Although this is a pick for one of the toughest classes it is also a personal favorite. I have always been a runner and this class is 45 mins of straight interval training. Compared to any other treadmill training class this is by far my favorite. However the class is set up so you don’t feel like you have been running that long (45 mins), I promise. There are a mixture of short breaks, and recovery jogs. I generally clock around 5 miles in this class and you will work up a major sweat. I recommend Corrine Fitzgerald’s Class in Nomad.
Most Unique Class I have taken:
TMPL Holy Water Class: Yes this is a workout class taken in a pool on floating exercise mats. This was hands down the most unique class I and probably many others have taken in NYC. It is a great combination of strength and balance, where you have to maintain certain poses without tipping over your board. There are OF COURSE fun moments in the class (I mean there has to be) where at the end you get the chance to knock your neighbor of their board by creating waves. Be prepared that you will fall in. I would recommend wearing a one piece as well. This class is located in Hell’s Kitchen at the TMPL gym.
Most Spiritual Class I have taken:
The Class by Taryn Toomey: If you are looking for a workout that is equal parts physical and mental this is the one for you. One of my favorites in the city, you combine meditation/exercise and just an overall spiritualness, that I haven’t found anywhere else. Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone! There will be some dancing, a little yelling but you will leave feeling so much better. I recommend taking in the morning, I feel so prepared for my day after this!
(wearing Nimble Activewear above)
My Go To Yoga Studio:
Y7 Yoga: There are a million yoga studios in the city. However after trying, what it feels like almost all of them, I have to say I loved Y7 the best! I think I am drawn to this class most because in normal yoga I get a bit tired with the music/same old same old moves. Y7 is all hip hop music, candlelit and hot. It also forces you to truly engage your mind and memorize the yoga sequences. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a new take on yoga!
My Most Frequented:
Equinox Cycling Class: We have been partnering with Equinox gyms for the past 4-5 months, and I have quickly fallen in love! Many people ask me if it is worth it and I say 100% yes. It offers more than a gym but a club and if you go 3-4x a week you are more than getting your money’s worth. The classes are also top notch and they offer everything from HITT Treadmill Classes to Yoga Classes to my favorite Cycling Classes, which you didn’t hear from me but 10x better than Soul Cycle.
Up and Coming!
Rise by We by WeWork: Guy’s. So last Friday Lex (@LexiconOfStyle) and I made our way to Fidi to try out the new Rise by We studio & gym and I am obsessed. It is in the basement of 85 Broad Street and one of the most gorgeous gyms I have ever walked into. They offer classes in 3 separate sections: Fight, Flight and Insight as well as regular gym time and a full functioning gorgeous spa. Complete with a mineral pool that is open to anyone that takes a class through them. Pictured is their Insight studio which hosts the pilates, yoga and meditation classes.
Kelly – West Coast Picks
Toughest Class(es) I have taken:
The Muse at Equinox: Hands down one of the hardest classes I have taken. Part cardio, part barre, part strength training, this class gets the heart pumping and tones like no other. I was soar for nearly 3 days after taking this class for the first time. You are dancing, doing burpees and squats basically the entire class while holding weights. It is a super fun class and really energizes me! I have been trying to go to the 7am class and it is such a great way to get my day started.
Most Unique Class I have taken:
Rumble Boxing: I have never really gotten into boxing but when I recently tried out the new West Hollywood studio that just opened in LA, I immediately fell in love. The music gets me super pumped and it felt awesome “taking out my aggression on the punching bag.” Aside from the fact that I felt like a bad ass with the boxing gloves on, the class was a great mix between half boxing and half weight training. The studio is really dark so you don’t feel self-conscious of how you may look swinging at a bag.
Most Spiritual Class I have taken:
Bliss Paddle Yoga: Most people know that yoga is one of my favorite hobbies but since I moved to LA, I started to venture into paddle boarding which has quickly become a favorite of mine. So combining yoga AND paddle boarding? Count me in! Yoga for me, is like going to an hour of therapy. From the first class I took 5 years ago to now, there is nothing that sets my head straight like practicing yoga. Add in the outdoor, water elements and it is the perfect cocktail for a spiritual and meditative experience. The classes are available in Newport Beach, Laguna and San Diego and are pretty reasonably priced.
My Go To Yoga Studio:
Equinox Power Yoga: Back to one of my fav Equinox classes. This is a 60 minute high-intensity yoga class that generally pushed the boundaries with new flows and poses every class. At other yoga studios, I have gotten board because the flow doesn’t change but at power yoga, the classes are consistently different. I have my go to instructors in LA that I will follow to different gyms (I usually go to Hollywood or West Hollywood) but have yet to have a bad experience or a class I didn’t like! Plus the cool lavender towels always add a nice little wellness moment at the end!
Runyon Canyon Yoga: Every Saturday morning when I am in town, I hit up Runyon Canyon yoga which is exactly what is sounds like – yoga at Runyon Canyon park. Bring a mat, show up a little early so you can get a shady area under the trees and some cash. It is technically a “free class” but it is encouraged to give about $10 to keep this awesome thing going! It’s such a fun thing to practice with the backdrop of the trails and hikers plus it is always to peacefully quite!
My Most Frequented:
Runyon Canyon and Crystal Cove Park : I LOVE to hike and I LOVE to be outside. Growing up, I wasn’t one for hiking. I used to make my dad carry me on his back so I could eat apples and complain about having to go to the bathroom. Hiking is something that I have grown to love and since I am still exploring this coast, it is such a great way to see some of the most beautiful sights. Runyon Canyon is a trail fairly close to my house – starting around 6pm right after work to catch the sunset is one of my favorite things. I have also ventured to Laguna to do some of the best beach view hiking! The water in Laguna is crystal blue and such a beautiful backdrop when hiking up (some insanely steep) trails. Hiking is such a fun way for me to decompress after work, not dread going to the gym and still getting in some physical activity.
Would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a few comments below!
Xx,
Courtney & Kelly
Leave a Reply