WORK OUT LIKE A LOCAL: LOS ANGELES
Fitness is front and center as part of Los Angeles' draw. There's no shortage of juice bars to satiate your thirst, yoga studios to get your Downward Dog on, or running paths to help you hit the road. And if it's the latest fitness trend you're seeking, it's got that too.
Runyon Canyon
If you want to see where the locals go, then make sure you hit Runyon Canyon (2001 North Fuller Ave.) during your stay. From a leisurely dog walk to an intense 5-mile run up and down the trail, there's something here for everyone — including free yoga classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. With great views offered at the top, make sure you've got a stash of water on you since the canyon offers little in the way of shade.
YogaWorks
A favorite amongst our LA-based editors, YogaWorks (multiple locations) offers a wide variety of yoga and Pilates classes for the beginner to the advanced. But even if an intense Vinyasa flow is not calling to you, look to one of the non-yoga offerings (DanceWorks, BarWorks, and SculptWorks) to captivate your interest.
Santa Monica
With a perfect seaside location, there's little that can't be done in Santa Monica, making it a one-stop dream for the fitness fanatic. Bike rentals are readily available near the Santa Monica Pier, or join the locals for a run (if you're feeling really adventurous, take The Strand, a 25-mile paved bike path that runs along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Redondo Beach). While cruising down the coast, make sure to stop off at Muscle Beach (just south of the pier) for a back-to-basics workout in the gymnastics training area. But if it's a stretch you're needing, hit up local studio faves, Hustle & Flow (2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291) or Hot 8 Yoga (1422 Second St., 310-866-5280). And no visit to the area is quite complete without a visit up and down the Santa Monica Stairs (4th St. and Adelaide Dr.)!
YAS Fitness Centers
These hybrid yoga and spinning classes at at YAS (locations in downtown LA and Silverlake) burn calories and strengthen muscles, but don't look for any quiet reflective-style yoga when coming here. One of the most popular classes ($18) at YAS offers students 30 minutes of heart-pounding cardio on the spin bike before 30 minutes of "yoga for athletes," which we like because it helps warm up the muscles for a deeper stretch.
Box N' Burn
Get ready to SWEAT! This bootcamp style work out is great at mixing cardio, toning and taking out some aggression! ;) Box n Burn was started by Olympian Bronze Medalist, Tony Jeffrees and certified trainer, Kevan Watson, the two have taken this boxing community to new levels and started a gym that Los Angeles was desperately missing. Don't be afraid to jump in the ring with these guys.. they'll be easy on you.. kind of.
Groov3
Now here's a class that will leave you feeling so energized and full of laughter! The Groov3 Movement is happening all over Los Angeles at local dance studios but the thing we love MOST is the rooftop series that happens on top of the Montalban Theater in Hollywood. The party starts June 9th at 7pm and you can not miss out!
