If you live on the Westside, you already know — fitness isn’t just a routine, it’s a lifestyle. Between morning beach runs, lunchtime reformer classes, and sunset yoga flows, West Los Angeles has quietly built one of the most dynamic fitness communities in the country. From luxury gyms with ocean views to indie studios with cult followings, there’s something for every body and every vibe.
Here’s your guide to the best gyms and yoga studios in Westside LA (2025) — where sweat, style, and soul come together.
1. Equinox Santa Monica – The Gold Standard of Luxury Fitness
Address: 201 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: equinox.com
Equinox isn’t just a gym — it’s a wellness institution. With ocean views, eucalyptus towels, and spa-level locker rooms, this flagship location feels more like a five-star resort.
Why Go: State-of-the-art equipment, rooftop classes, cold plunge pools, and a full-service spa.
Best For: Professionals who want to train hard and unwind in style.
Membership: Around $300/month — steep, but you’re paying for luxury and community.
Pro Tip: The early morning rooftop yoga classes (with sunrise over the pier) are pure magic.
2. Bay Club – Marina del Rey’s Fitness Playground
Address: 13477 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Website: bayclubs.com
This 27-acre fitness resort is basically a country club for active Angelenos. Think tennis courts, swimming pools, Pilates studios, and full social programming for families.
Why Go: Family-friendly amenities, massive outdoor gym, and waterfront views.
Best For: Couples and parents balancing fitness with lifestyle.
Bonus: On-site café and co-working lounge.
3. Burn Fitness – Affordable, No-Frills, 24/7 Access
Address: 1233 3rd St Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: burnfitness.com
Right on the Promenade, Burn Fitness offers everything you’d expect from a serious gym — heavy weights, cardio equipment, and solid group classes — without the Equinox price tag.
Why Go: Affordable membership, ocean view windows, and solid community energy.
Best For: Local residents and late-night gym-goers.
Vibe: Gritty but friendly, with real lifters and local regulars.
4. Dogpound Los Angeles – Hollywood Meets the Westside
Address: 1701 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: thedogpound.com
Born in New York and brought west with swagger, Dogpound is where elite training meets celebrity cool. Personal training here is custom, intense, and Instagram-worthy.
Why Go: High-performance training with A-list trainers.
Best For: Serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want results and a vibe.
Pro Tip: Their private sessions book out months ahead — plan early.
5. YogaWorks – The Westside’s Yoga Legacy
Address: 1426 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Website: yogaworks.com
Founded in Santa Monica, YogaWorks is the birthplace of modern LA yoga. After a brief pandemic hiatus, it’s back and better — offering both in-person and virtual classes with seasoned instructors.
Why Go: Authentic teaching lineage, clean studios, and strong community roots.
Best For: Yogis who want tradition and technique over trends.
Classes: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and teacher training programs.
6. Hot 8 Yoga – Sweat, Stretch, Repeat
Address: 1422 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: hot8yoga.com
This Westside favorite combines infrared heat, energetic playlists, and dynamic flows for the ultimate detox-meets-workout. Classes are intense, uplifting, and community-driven.
Why Go: Great instructors, heated rooms, and post-class bliss.
Best For: Those craving a high-energy, sweat-heavy experience.
Pro Tip: Bring extra water — 105°F rooms mean serious hydration needs.
7. Playlist Yoga – Music-Driven, Modern, and Fun
Address: 624 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood (close to Culver City)
Website: playlistyoga.com
For those who like a little rhythm in their practice, Playlist Yoga offers upbeat flows set to curated music — think Drake meets deep stretch. The lighting and playlists make it feel like yoga meets dance party.
Why Go: High energy, modern vibe, killer instructors.
Best For: Beginners and those who find peace through playlists.
8. CorePower Yoga – Consistency and Heat Everywhere
Multiple Locations: Santa Monica, Brentwood, Culver City
Website: corepoweryoga.com
A staple of LA’s yoga scene, CorePower offers predictable, challenging classes — heated, structured, and endlessly popular. The Westside studios are clean, well-run, and great for all levels.
Why Go: Accessible instruction, lots of class times, and easy parking.
Best For: Busy professionals needing a reliable yoga fix.
Vibe: Modern studio energy, high attendance, post-class smiles.
9. Rise Nation – The 30-Minute Fitness Phenomenon
Address: 613 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood (close to West LA)
Website: risenation.com
This cult-favorite climbing workout is short, intense, and backed by celebs from LeBron to Jennifer Aniston. It’s 30 minutes of vertical cardio on the VersaClimber — no nonsense, all sweat.
Why Go: Maximum burn in minimum time.
Best For: Time-crunched professionals and cardio addicts.
Bonus: Great playlists and LED-lit studios keep motivation high.
10. Unplug Meditation – Because Recovery Is Part of Fitness
Address: 12401 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Website: unplug.com
Technically not a gym, but an essential stop in any fitness regimen. Unplug offers guided meditation, breathwork, and sound baths designed to help you recover, focus, and find calm after a long training day.
Why Go: Science-backed mindfulness classes led by top instructors.
Best For: Balancing body and mind — the true Westside way.
Bonus: Great for corporate memberships and wellness programs.
Westside Fitness Breakdown
| Spot | Type | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox Santa Monica | Luxury gym | High-end & oceanfront | Professionals |
| Bay Club Marina del Rey | Full fitness resort | Family-friendly | Families & couples |
| Burn Fitness | Local gym | Affordable & no-frills | Everyday locals |
| Dogpound LA | Training studio | Celebrity cool | Elite athletes |
| YogaWorks | Yoga | Traditional & community-driven | Classic yogis |
| Hot 8 Yoga | Yoga | Heated, energetic | Detox seekers |
| Playlist Yoga | Yoga | Modern & musical | Young professionals |
| CorePower Yoga | Yoga | Structured & accessible | Consistent practitioners |
| Rise Nation | Cardio studio | High-intensity | Busy professionals |
| Unplug Meditation | Recovery | Mindful & restorative | Stress relief |
Trends Defining Westside Fitness in 2025
- Hybrid Memberships: Gyms and studios now offer in-person + digital access, perfect for remote workers.
- Holistic Fitness: Meditation, nutrition coaching, and mindfulness are standard add-ons.
- Sustainability Focus: Expect refill stations, recycled flooring, and plastic-free amenities.
- Community Over Competition: Westside gyms now lean into social fitness — events, pop-ups, and charity classes.
- Shorter, Smarter Workouts: From Rise Nation’s 30-minute climbs to express yoga sessions, efficiency is king.
FAQs:
What’s the best affordable gym in Santa Monica?
Burn Fitness — solid equipment, ocean views, and local vibes.
Which yoga studios are beginner-friendly?
Yoga Works and CorePower Yoga offer structured classes for all levels.
Do any gyms offer childcare?
Yes, Bay Club Marina del Rey has a Kids’ Club and family programming.
