As the Arts District explodes with new coffeehouses and restaurants such as The Factory Kitchen Bar & Ristorante, it seems destined that residents would start to demand more fitness options as their seams burst, too. Check out some of what’s here now – and what’s coming soon!
JUST STARTED: Inside Out Total Fit Club at Maryknoll
Even if this new club wasn’t FREE (yes, FREE!!!), Inside Out Total Fit Club would be high on my list just because of the positive and supportive energy of lead wellness coach and personal trainer Erick Viera. Launched by former Maryknoll School students, longtime St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church parishioners, Arts District stakeholders, and wellness coaches Lynn Nakamura and John Sato two weeks ago, I attended my first class this past Saturday and I’m hooked. Yes, the coaches are affiliated with the Herbalife24 fitness line, yet there is no hard selling AND attendees get to sample shakes after class (I discovered that I really like the products!). For me, while there are great fitness options in the neighborhood, I think it’s the best one currently available for anyone wish to start a regular fitness program or need to jumpstart one after a long hiatus and are padded with extra weight like me! There is no equipment required as exercises rely on an individual’s own body weight and fitness level. In my class are those like me looking to lose weight, optimize toning, and better my health, but a few are looking to gain energy and heighten their athletic performance. Attendees are asked to bring an exercise mat, a towel, a water bottle, and if desired, light weights. Classes start promptly, so be on time. There is free parking on site (enter from Hewitt Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets). Currently, classes are on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:00 PM with an optional class on Saturday mornings at 7:00 AM (there’s also a FREE stretch class for seniors on Saturdays at 9:00 AM). During your first visit, coaches conduct a complimentary fitness evaluation and help track your results for a four-week challenge, too.
Inside Out Total Fit Club
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Maryknoll Auditorium and Activity Center
222 S. Hewitt St, LA, 90012
(626) 607-1041
insideouttotalfitclub@gmail.com
COMING SOON: L.A. Boulders
Opening in the Arts District shortly is L.A. Boulders, the first Southland location of California-based Touchstone Climbing. In addition to being the first one of its kind in Downtown Los Angeles, L.A. Boulders will also be the largest bouldering-only gym in Los Angeles.
Unlike Touchstone’s other eight indoor climbing locations, L.A. Boulders (LA.B) will offer free weights and cardio equipment. Its futuristic facilities are being built using state-of-the-art walls by Walltopia and top-quality padded flooring by Flashed. An increasing demand in Southern California for climbing facilities and a need for a building with ceilings higher than 12’ (up to 50’) has Touchstone Climbing already scouting for a second Los Angeles location so it can offer rope climbing to Angelenos in addition to bouldering.
Interested in learning more? Be sure to attend the gym’s next open house on Thursday, November 14, 2013 @ 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Meet the staff and grab an exclusive LA.B t-shirt to be eligible for upcoming L.A. Boulder special promotions and opening events.
L.A. Boulders
1375 E. 6th St #8
Los Angeles, CA 90021
EMAIL • WEBSITE • FB PAGE
JUST DISCOVERED: Body by NII Sign
Inside of the Factory Place Arts Complex, this boutique personal training and fitness center offers free weights, cable machines, cardio equipment, and a shower area for private clients in its 3,000-square-foot space. Other services available by appointment include one-on-one yoga sessions with trainer Orameh (certified in Forrest Yoga) and bodywork sessions with masseur Noor.
Body by Nii Sign
1300 Factory Place #105
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 406-8099
EMAIL
Owner & Lead Personal Trainer: Nii Adjin Orraca-Tetteh
Manager: Malika Orraca-Tetteh
YOGA CLASSES
The Archway Studio/Theatre
305 S. Hewitt St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
EMAIL
Monday through Friday 6:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM
COST: $12 (membership packages available)
FIRST WEEK FREE
Housed in former punk-scene Al’s Bar, this yoga studio is led by teacher Annie Freeman, a seasoned Hatha Yoga practitioner. Her classes range from basic to advanced plus restorative sessions, special workshops, and guest instructors. The first week of classes are FREE (parking is on nearby streets and two adjacent paid lots). The Archway Studio/Theatre also offers regular performances of classical and contemporary plays, musical theatre, performance artists, comedy shows, and variety acts. In addition, classes are available to strengthen theatrical skills and techniques, and stage performance.
Yoga by Koshka Movement at Art Share L.A.
801 E. 4th Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Monday ONLY (drop in) – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
COST: $10
This intensely physical and internally focused class is styled after Forrest Yoga and challenges students to reach their potential.
Yogala at Daily Dose
1820 Industrial St. #104
Los Angeles, CA 90021
EMAIL
(213) 375-4505
Sundays ONLY – 3:00 PM
COST: By Donation
Hosted by Yogala Studios, this class is taught by owner, manager, and teacher Samantha Jones Garrison. Bring your own mat, towel, and water.
CROSSFIT GYMS
The Rec Center CrossFit
588 Mateo St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 621-2964
FIRST CLASS FREE
EMAIL
The first CrossFit gym in the Arts District, a Sunday yoga class is offered at 8:30 AM (free for members; $15 for nonmembers) in addition to the constantly varied, high-intensity functional strength and conditioning program plus nutritional counseling designed for all levels. Proud that there are “no mirrors, no social hours, no gym gossip, and no obnoxious salesmen” (which is great!), co-owners, coaches, and newlyweds Charlie and Erika Curtis are actively involved in the community, too.
Trojan CrossFit
431 S. Hewitt St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 537-0446
EMAIL
Said to be one of the largest CrossFit gyms in Downtown Los Angeles, this gym is a few doors down from Urth Caffe and often has the Kreation Juice truck parked outside.
District 36
453 Colyton St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 620-0302
EMAIL
In addition to CrossFit fundamentals, this gym also offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Olympic lifting.