SoulCycle has finally arrived on the West Coast
Ballet Bodies
When you have a client list as diverse as Chelsea Handler, Orlando Bloom, and Natalie Portman, it says something about the power of a trainer. Founder Andie Hecker—a former pro ballerina—trains clients privately and through group classes in ballet, mat ballet, and “jump” (on trampolines, jump boards, and with jump ropes). She’s also formulated her own brand of ballet-inspired Pilates (on a Reformer) that bestows the dedicated with leaner legs, teeny waists, and lithe arms. 8376 Beverly Blvd., LA, 323-944-0944; balletbodies.com
Barry’s Bootcamp
A standard for LA’s body-obsessed set since 1998, Barry’s Bootcamp is the go-to destination for stars including Katie Holmes and Diddy. Starting at 5 am, 365 days a year, the hour-long cardio and strengthtraining workout has a nightclub aesthetic with dim lights and blaring Top 40 music. Cheaters beware: You’ll be punished! 1106 N. La Cienega Blvd., Ste. 104, West Hollywood, 310-360-6262
David Barton Gym
David Barton Gym brought its “Look Better Naked” mission for clients from the East Coast to its just-opened locations in Century City and West LA. The “how” is via fear-worthy classes including Blood, Sweat’n Tears; ASSolutely ABBulous; Fight Club; and Pain & Pleasure, which promises leaner muscles in just 45 minutes through active-recovery segments. 1950 Century Park E., LA, 310-789-1111; 12100 W. Olympic Blvd., LA, 310-836-8000
Equinox
With 12 LA options (the company recently acquired three Sports Club/LA locations and opens a new Marina del Rey outpost soon), Equinox is continuing its reign as the ultimate wellness destination for personal training, spa treatments, and fitness classes. Exciting new offerings include the action flick-inspired Blockbuster Body; the ab-intense ViPR class; and the chakra-balancing Leela Yoga, created with Deepak Chopra’s NY institute. 8590 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-289-1900
Physique 57
Built on the notion of using one’s own body weight to create resistance for tiny, repetitive isometric movements and dynamic, muscle-exhausting exercises, Physique 57 has won over Angelenos and A-listers alike. With the help of a ballet barre, 57-minute workouts yield tight, sculpted bodies. 320 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-0570
SoulCycle
In just five years, SoulCycle took over Manhattan with its addictive, full-body approach to indoor cycling, using hanging resistance bands or light weights to work abs and arms while pedaling furiously to great music. LA’s first outpost opens in January in West Hollywood. The 3,100-square-foot space houses a whopping 57 bikes, making it the perfect sweat lodge for calorie-burning en masse. 8570 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-657-7685
Tracy Anderson
With devotees including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez, it’s obvious full-body fitness guru Tracy Anderson knows what she’s doing. And while her mercilessly intense group workouts may hurt a little, they’re never boring, as Anderson is constantly finding innovative new methods by which clients can achieve her signature lean and toned look. 12345 Ventura Blvd., Ste. L, Studio City, 818-762-3133
The Studio (MDR)
Open for a little more than a year, The Studio (MDR) features Megaformer machines on which head trainer Ky Evans—something of an LA workout god—aims to “change the world, one body at a time.” Kylates, his blend of Pilates and strength-training exercises, is one of LA’s hardest workouts—but it yields truly astonishing results. 330 Washington Blvd., Unit C, Marina del Rey, 323-377-3991
