Not only is Los Angeles one of the most fit cities in the world, but it’s also where most fitness trends begin. The lifestyle of the residents of West L.A. lends itself to experimentation when it comes to workouts and fitness. Therefore, West Los Angeles is home to some of the most innovative fitness centers in North America. Whether you are kickstarting your workout routine or just need to shake things up, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the most creative workout options available for fitness enthusiasts in West L.A. 

Rumble Boxing Gym, West Hollywood 

Rumble Boxing Gym is an energetic, boxing-inspired, group fitness class. I participated in Rumble’s signature class, which is a 45-minute, 10-round session that alternates between boxing water-filled aqua bags and strength training circuits using dumbbells and bodyweight exercises. Before beginning the strenuous workout, Rumble’s expert trainers do a quick rundown of the basic punches and help you warm up. I was very impressed by the attentive and friendly trainers and found the workout empowering and energizing. In addition to the group sessions, Rumble Boxing Gym also offers private sessions and virtual classes.

Admission: $34 for one class; packages are available.

Pure Barre, Marina del Rey 

If you’re looking for an unorthodox, low-impact workout, make your way to Pure Barre, which has multiple outposts in West Los Angeles. Pure Barre’s signature barre sessions include elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training. The workouts comprise low-impact, high-intensity movements to tone and sculpt muscles. A barre class focuses on small movements, which target and sculpt your muscles without any intense weights or cardio. For a Pure Barre class, you will use only resistance bands, light weights, and a ballet barre. I did the Pure Barre Engage introduction class, which is a 30-minute full-body workout in a small group setting. I was surprised at how much I felt the burn, even without sweating a ton. I will definitely be adding Pure Barre workouts to my fitness regime. 

Admission: First class is free.

Barry’s Venice

Located near Abbot Kinney Blvd, Barry’s Venice is a wildly popular fitness studio offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts in a one-of-a-kind setting. The fitness center has a range of class types, including boot camp, HIIT, strength training, and even running classes. However, their most well-loved class is the signature HIIT workout comprising a challenging mix of treadmill cardio and strength training. Their workout room, the Red Room, has a unique red-themed setting. It is designed to motivate and push you during your workout. I participated in the signature HIIT workout. I found the treadmill portion a bit difficult, but loved the strength training part of the session. Additionally, it was great that the Venice outpost also has a Flex Lounge, where you can relax after class, socialize, and even take a Zoom call. 

Admission: $43 for three classes (first-timer exclusive offer).

Solidcore, Culver City 

Solidcore Culver City is a Pilates studio that hosts high-intensity, low-impact workouts on a Pilates-inspired reformer. Their 50-minute, high-intensity classes aim to break down muscles to failure and help you build strength on a strong foundation. I found the Solidcore Fully Body class quite difficult, as I had never done a similar workout before. Throughout the class, the trainer provided personalized attention, verbal instruction, motivation, and hands-on assistance, which was super helpful. I will go back to Solidcore for additional workouts.

Admission: $40 for two classes (first-timer exclusive offer).

Heated Room, Beverly Grove 

As its name implies, Heated Room is a boutique gym hosting workout sessions in an infrared-heated room. Their classes focus on strengthening your core with the help of expert instructors. Heated Room’s most renowned classes are Core Sculpt, which uses Pilates to sculpt the core muscles, and Full Body Burn, which merges HIIT and Pilates for a full-body sweat. Furthermore, this unique fitness center’s Heated Flow class, which comprises dynamic sequences in moderate heat, is also very popular. I took part in the Core Sculpt session, which was an intense experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging but invigorating workout.

Admission: $40 for two classes (first-timer exclusive offer).

Photo of the author (on right) with a friend at Solidcore.