Fitness – The Luxi Look

By Amy Zhang August 9, 2020 in Fitness 1 Comment

The Best Outdoor Workouts in Los Angeles

Six months into our new lives with coronavirus, we’re slowly starting to see gyms reopen in Los Angeles. We’re so lucky to have great weather and outdoor spaces that allow boutique studios to reopen some of their classes outdoors. The timing also couldn’t be better – as much as I try to enjoy my at-home workouts, working out at home in a small room and without all of the proper equipment is getting old. I started mixing in a couple of outdoor workouts every week. And they have done wonders for my mental health and routine. Lately, I’ve been using Classpass to book most of my workouts – I love the flexibility and variety in options it providews!

I didn’t realize how much I miss group fitness and how motivating these classes are. Sometimes you just need to mix your fitness routine up and give your body a little shock. I also was really impressed with how strictly all of the fitness studios are following safety protocols. Personally, I don’t know if I’ll feel comfortable going back to an indoor group fitness class anytime soon. So mixing in some outdoor classes with my at-home routine is ideal. I’ll be trying different studios over the next few months and updating this list. But here are some of the best outdoor workouts in Los Angeles I’ve tried so far.

The best outdoor workouts in Los Angeles:

+ Barry’s

As an avid HIIT enthusiast, I was super excited when Barry’s started doing outdoor classes. My favorite is their new studio in the Beverly Center parking garage, which is their first outdoor studio to have treadmills. The combination of HIIT on the treadmill and with weights gives you the most bang for your buck. If you’re short on time and looking for results, Barry’s is one of the most efficient workouts there is.

Safety measures are also carefully followed. Everything is sanitized and you get a temperature check before entering class. Treadmills and benches are spaced at least 8 feet apart and you won’t share a bench or treadmill with anyone else. You’ll break for 5 minutes in the middle of class for extra sanitation.

+ Natural Pilates

My favorite pilates studio in LA hosts outdoor reformer classes in Brentwood and West Hollywood. The West Hollywood studio only has 8 reformers that are spaced out on a rooftop patio space. Masks and gloves are required for the entire duration of the class. These are the hardest reformer pilates classes I’ve taken in LA, and very popular for good reason. The only downside is popular times and instructors book up weeks in advance.

+ Speir Pilates

A new pilates studio I recently visited in West Hollywood. They also have a really nice rooftop space and only 6 reformers, so the classes are super intimate and technique focused. I loved the gentle toning and lengthening exercises targeting my arms, legs, and core.

+ Soulcycle

The Soulcycle experience you know and love, but reimagined outside – complete with a silent disco. Bikes are spaced out and masks are required the entire class, but you still get the community feel and high energy you would normally.

How have you been working out lately?

By Amy Zhang March 31, 2020 in Fitness, Lifestyle 4 Comments

How to Stay Fit at Home

As an avid boutique fitness enthusiast, my fitness routine has been thrown in complete disarray now that my options are limited to inside the home. I miss the community and accountability I get from taking classes. I have found it more difficult than I anticipated to stay motivated on my own. Working out is the one activity keeping me sane at the moment. So I knew right away I had to find a new routine and stick to it. I’ve been making a point to move my body in some way every single day. It’s the least I can do for my mental and physical health. So I set out to test and try as many different streaming services and home workouts as I could physically handle.

As devastating as this time is for the fitness and wellness industry, the community has really stepped up in terms of supporting each other and giving back to their customers. There are truthfully more workouts (free and paid) than any one person can do. It’s really just a matter of finding the classes and routines that you enjoy the most. I’ve included all of the different workouts I’ve tried in the running list below, along with my honest review of each of them.

How to Stay Fit at Home

Streaming Workouts

+ Alo Moves

After taking some time off from my yoga practice, I have a newfound love and appreciation for yoga, thanks to Alo Moves. The entire experience is seamless, from the user interface to the variety of classes and the quality of instructors. The on-demand streaming platform features truly phenomenal instructors leading high-quality yoga, fitness (strength, HIIT, pilates, barre, etc.), mindfulness, and skills classes, so there’s something for everyone. The site allows you to filter classes by length, level of difficulty, and intensity. So you’ll always be able to find something to fit your mood. Looking for a quick morning flow and guided breathwork to ease you into the day? A sculpting vinyasa flow designed to build heat and allow you to break a sweat? Or challenging inversion and flexibility workshops?

Alo Moves has them all, and more.

Alo Moves has the best collection at-home yoga and meditation classes I’ve come across. The classes are as close to an in-studio practice as you can get and I may not go back to a yoga studio after this. I love that I need minimal equipment to practice from home – a mat is all you need, although other props (yoga blocks, a strap, blankets) may be beneficial towards your practice.

I’ve been trying to take 20-30 minute classes every morning with an emphasis on stretching and mobility. It’s a great compliment to running and strength training. I’m focused on improving my flexibility over the next few months. And I love that practicing yoga is back in my daily routine. I’m also excited about jumping back into a more invigorating yoga practice. So I’ve bookmarked a series of more energizing vinyasa flows as well. I’ve even started to identify which of the instructors are my favorite, and have over 50 classes saved under “My Practice” to keep me busy during this time at home.

I would recommend this app to anyone, regardless of their yoga experience. The 14-day free trial is absolutely worth checking out, after that the classes are $20/month or $199 for the year. This is definitely a subscription I will keep after my free trial, as the price for a year’s worth of classes is the equivalent of a 10 class package at a yoga studio and the quality is just as good (if not better). It’s also great if for traveling, as you can easily squeeze in a short workout in your hotel room.

+ The Sculpt Society

Dance cardio and sculpting classes led by Megan Roup, a former professional dancer and fitness instructor. Megan has amazing energy and actually does the entire routine with you, which is so motivating! Initially, I was skeptical about the workout and signed up for the free trial to see what all the fuss was about.

Dance cardio is not my favorite, so I usually skip those sections at the beginning and only take the sculpting portions or classes. As someone who is used to lifting weights and taking more intense HIIT classes, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the sculpt classes. The Sculpt Society burns in a different way – Megan’s goal is to lengthen and tone, and she applies her experience as a professional dancer to her workout. My favorite sections are the mat exercises that focus on your glutes (with ankle weights!).

You don’t need any equipment to do the workout.

But if you plan on committing longer term, it’s worth investing in a few pieces of equipment to take your workout up a notch. I would definitely recommend ankle weights and sliders for an extra burn, as well as light hand weights (2 or 3 pounds, canned food will also work if you can’t find weights as they are sold out almost everywhere at the moment).

If you enjoy dance cardio (think 305 Fitness or Body By Simone) and are looking for a toning workout, I would absolutely suggest trying out their free 14-day trial to get a feel for the classes before you commit to a paid subscription ($19.99 per month or $119.99 for a year). If you prefer more intense workouts, The Sculpt Society might not be for you. As far as at-home workouts go, The Sculpt Society is a fun, moderate-intensity class. I’m still on the fence about keeping my membership, as the monthly price is the same as other platforms and the collection of workouts is a bit limited. I’m hoping she continues to add more workouts on her app.

+ Tracy Anderson Online

I tried this and found that it was not for me – but I have friends who love it! Similar to the other streaming programs, TA Online offers a free 14-day trial. As far as the workout goes, it is very similar to The Sculpt Society, but I think a bit harder. TA Online uploads one workout a week and provides a recommended schedule to follow. However, I found the movements throughout to be much more complicated and difficult to follow, and there’s zero instruction or voiceover the entire time. The format was hard to watch and get into, so I gave up on this after a few tries.

+ P.volve

After hearing good things about P.volve from some close friends, I bit the bullet and purchased this set of equipment (the “P Ball” is a proprietary ball that is important for a lot of the workouts, and I can use the hand and ankle weights for other workouts). Once I receive the equipment and test the workout, I’ll share my review after the 14-day free trial!

Live Instructor & Studio Workouts

A lot of studios and individual instructors are offering free live workouts (sometimes daily!). Be sure to check your local studio’s social media accounts and website to see if they are offering any at-home workouts. Many studios are offering free workouts through Instagram Live, and their instructors will often post free workouts on Instagram and YouTube.

Some studios are also offering virtual classes at home -these are typically done over a video conference and cost between $6-$15 per class. My trainer, Jenn is offering Zoom workouts a few times a week for $7 and I highly recommend these!

My two favorite LA-based pilates studios, Natural Pilates and The Studio MDR are offering streaming pilates classes for $15 each.

Equipment for At-Home Workouts

Most workouts can be done with little to minimal equipment, but since it appears home workouts are the only option for the foreseeable future, I do recommend purchasing some equipment so you can get the most of your workouts. You can definitely get creative as well – think using canned food or a wine bottle instead of dumbells, or a towel instead of gliders. Based on the workouts I’ve tried, I would recommend the following equipment or finding a substitute for them. Once you have these, you’ll be able to follow a lot of at-home workout programs.

+ Yoga Mat

+ Resistance Bands

How You Can Continue to Support the Fitness Industry

The entire fitness and wellness industry is currently struggling as a result of closures – while some studios offer paid classes that are taken online via streaming, many are

+ Buy a gift card

If it’s within your means to do so, a gift card goes a long way. A lot of local businesses could use additional cashflow – many of them are just trying to cover their existing bills and pay their staff if they can. Even if you can’t pay for future services in advance, you can still support a studio or instructor you love in other ways.

+ Take paid streaming classes

Some of the free workouts are great, but I find myself personally more motivated when I am held accountable. Taking a class, even if virtually, provides a sense of community and accountability.

+ Ask individual instructors/trainers if they offer virtual sessions

If you can afford a private or semi-private session, many trainers are offering at-home workouts via video conference.

+ Share your favorite workouts

As I mentioned before, there are so many options for at-home workouts now, it can seem overwhelming to most. I spent the last few weeks trying a ton of different programs and IG workouts before landing on a routine. If you find something you love, share it with your friends or on your social media.

By Amy Zhang January 26, 2019 in Fitness, Lifestyle 3 Comments

What to Wear to Hot Yoga

If you’ve never been to hot yoga, knowing what to wear to class can be a major struggle. Believe me, there is such a thing as wearing the wrong thing! Not only do you need to be comfortable and able to move freely in the clothes you’re wearing, you also have to be prepared for the heat and wear clothes that are moisture wicking and appropriate for sweat. Today, I’m sharing my experience with hot yoga and what the best clothes to wear and items to bring are. Whether you’re new to yoga or a pro, proper attire and gear is essential (and motivating!), so let’s get to it.

First, if you’ve never tried yoga, now is a great time to try it!

It’s cold out and there’s nothing better than a hot yoga session. I love sitting in saunas in the winter, but you honestly kill two birds with one stone when you take a heated class. The heat is not for everyone, but personally I love how detoxifiying hot yoga can feel. I first tried hot yoga back in 2009 and have been hooked with yoga ever since – first with vinyasa, then Bikram, and now a more manageable hot restorative flow.

My practice has been on and off for the past 10 years, but I find myself going back to hot yoga when I want to work on my flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. I feel so calm and balanced when I do a lot of yoga and meditation, and the heat is an added bonus. It just makes your skin glow, and you feel so refreshed after a good flow. Some of my favorite places to get my flow on in Los Angeles for hot yoga are Y7 and Modo Yoga.

My go-to outfit for yoga is a sports bra and a high quality pair of leggings or shorts.

Look for fabrics that are lightweight and moisture wicking as you will sweat a LOT in class and do not want your clothes weighing you down. Keep the cotton bottoms for pilates, barre, and normal yoga classes. Heated classes require different materials! High quality, moisture wicking leggings and crops are especially important as you do not want to have to constantly adjust them during class. I prefer high waisted leggings so I can focus on my flow and breath, and not my stomach when I’m in various poses. If you don’t want to wear only a sports bra, definitely get a fitted yoga tank top so you can stay covered when you’re in an inversion or balancing pose. Alo makes some of the absolute cutest clothes for yoga!

For to and from class, I love a cute cropped top or hoodie (wearing one by Alala) and either flip flops or comfy boots. This winter I have been living in my Mou boots.

Other items I bring with me to class:

+ My own yoga mat (germaphobe over here – using studio mats can be super gross! If you have to rent one, at least bring your own non slip towel).

+ A yoga towel – so you don’t slip around all over the place. I’m obsessed with Yogi Toes and have them in so many colors.

+ A change of clothes – if you don’t want to drive home all sweaty!

+ Makeup wipes – you definitely want to remove all of your makeup before class so you don’t end up sweating and clogging your pores with leftover product.

+ Cleanser – to wash your face with after class. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer and face mist and your skin will be glowing! My fave is from Glossier.

+ Water bottle – the first time you go to class, make sure to take it easy and listen to your body. The heat can be really intense and if you aren’t used to it you may feel faint or weak. Also be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before, during, and after class. All of the sweat leaving your body needs to be replenished!

Hot yoga can be an amazing workout or recovery activity in your workout schedule – it depends on the type of yoga you practice and how hard you push yourself. A slower, restorative candlelit flow at night after a long day at work – it’s a great way to unwind (and, let’s be honest – sometimes you just want to fall asleep during shavasana). What are your thoughts on hot yoga? Are you a fan or not? xx

By Amy Zhang January 21, 2019 in Fitness, Style 26 Comments

Classpass Los Angeles: The Best Studios to Try

Classpass Los Angeles - Studios Worth Trying | by The Luxi Look wearing Grana Activewear

My workout routine is constantly changing. I get bored of the same class after a while, not to mention your body plateaus if you keep doing the same thing. If you’re bored with your current routine or not seeing changes in your body, you may want to check out Classpass. I’ve debated writing this post for a long time, because my relationship with Classpass Los Angeles has been on and off.

For those of you that aren’t familiar – Classpass describes itself as a “new kind of gym membership that grants you access to thousands of different classes at studios and gyms in your city and around the world.”

[ EDIT: Since I first wrote this post, Classpass has changed their business model from per class to the current credits system. ]

Anyone who is familiar with boutique fitness classes understands that they run anywhere from $12-$30 for a single class, with unlimited monthly memberships at some studios running upwards of $300/month! From a value perspective, CToday, pricing for Classpass Los Angeles (may vary in the city you live in) begins at $40/month for 3 classes, $60/month for 5 classes, and $115/month for 10 classes, with options to purchase additional classes through the app if you use up all of your classes for the month. If you’re a boutique fitness class never, this makes having a Classpass membership a no brainer!

I like to switch between the 5 and 10 class per month memberships, which gives me flexibility to try different studios and mix up my routine. While the new Classpass isn’t as much of a deal as the unlimited version, it’s still by far the best bang for your buck in terms of taking a variety of boutique fitness classes. Here are the classes that I think are worth trying on Classpass Los Angeles. These are the studios that I’ve tried and love, some of them I actually buy classes from outside of Classpass as well, because 2-3x a month just doesn’t cut it for me.

My Favorite Classpass Los Angeles Studios

Barry’s Bootcamp

If you want a challenging workout that gives you results, go here. My favorite workout by far – the combination of weights and treadmill intervals will help you reach your fitness goals fast. It’s called “the best workout in the world” for good reason. As far as group fitness goes, it is the gold standard if you are looking for results fast. It can be intense, but you go at your own pace and progress from there.

UPDATE: Barry’s Bootcamp is now 13+ credits on Classpass. I would recommend buying your own class packages (check out the annual class pack sale in December if you can) so you get better selection on class times and spots.

The Studio MDR

Hands down the best megaformer (pilates on crack) workout in the city. I drove from West Hollywood to Culver City/Marina Del Rey for over a year to take classes here. The commute got to be too long, but I still have a huge soft spot for The Studio MDR. Classes on their own are expensive, but worth it! If you find a rare spot open on Classpass, snag it asap!

UPDATE: I would also recommend getting class packages for The Studio MDR, especially for the prime time class slots.

Ballet Bodies

Not a workout class per se, but I’m obsessed with the stretch class. Every time I go to this class, I leave asking myself why I don’t go every week. It’s a must, especially if you have tight hips from running/cycling. Bonus – grab a juice or smoothie from Beverly Hills Juice Company next door after.

Natural Pilates

New favorite pilates studio in LA!!! Go to Stefani’s class. She is hilarious and will make your booty BURN. The WeHo studio is brand new and clean, while the Beverly Hills studio has fewer machines for a more intimate class. Parking on 3rd Street can be a nightmare, but the classes are worth it. My favorites are the Intermediate/Advanced reformer classes and Glutes & Abs.

Fitmix

The Mashup class (half treadmill, half pilates reformer) is intense and rewarding, but I prefer the 60 minute pilates classes. They’re some of the harder pilates classes I’ve found in West Hollywood on a more traditional reformer, and I love the way they make my body feel longer and stronger.

Body By Simone

Such a fun class! Variations of dance cardio and toning. Working out doesn’t have to be serious, and you’ll work up a crazy sweat while doing these classes.

Lagree Underground

New Lagree fitness studio in West Hollywood. WeHo sorely needed a good option with challenging classes, attentive instructors, and an emphasis on form. I’ve tried others in the area and found them sorely lacking. The classes might almost be… dare I say it… too hard?!

The Body Los Angeles

No frills, no-nonsense training. A place to get over your fear of weights and working hard. Show up ready to work and I promise you will see results! All I can say is, I love this place and Jenn (the owner) is incredible.

Other Classpass LA Studios

Sweat Garage

Similar workout to Barry’s Bootcamp. The studio is more bare bones but the classes are insanely tough. Go to Derek’s class – his treadmill portion is the hardest I’ve taken (90 second sprints, whaat?).

JJ Dancer

A really fun class that doesn’t feel like a workout! Even if you’re not a dancer (I’m certainly not), you’ll have so much fun in this class. Choreographed dance moves set to hip hop music followed by a barre-esque toning portion. Also, the Sunday class is 90 minutes!! If you’re looking for something slightly more structured, I suggest checking out Body by Simone.

Training Mate

Fun circuit training based workout. The atmosphere is super social, so bring a friend.

Platefit

Some people love it, I couldn’t handle the vibrations. The vibrating plate made me feel nauseous and the workout was just ok.

Cycle House

Personally not the biggest fan of spin but everyone else seems to love it. This one has a bit of a cult following. Classes are intense and you will sweat a LOT.

Burn 60

I prefer Barry’s + Sweat Garage to Burn 60, but it’s still a good treadmill + weights workout if you’re looking for that. The instructors aren’t as dynamic as the ones at Barry’s, and I found myself having to motivate myself more. Also, it smells like fried chicken when you leave the studio, thanks to the Pavilion’s next door. #willpower

Y7 Yoga

Not your typical yoga class, but a fun vibe and good workout. Heated, set to hip hop music, and in a super dark room with no mirrors (= no judgement). It’s unlike any hot yoga class I’ve ever taken. Less spiritual (if you’re looking for that vibe, I like Modo Yoga), but always a good sweat and workout.

Hot Pilates

I love heated classes, and these get HOT! Normally mat pilates classes don’t do it for me, but I really enjoy the Hot Pilates Sculpt class. You will sweat and leave feeling 5 pounds lighter.

UPDATE: I love this class for a good sweat and light toning, but at 10+ credits per class ($16-$18 per class, depending on the number of credits in your plan per month), I just don’t find it a good enough workout to justify the cost. They also started charging Classpass users for mats and towels, and the last few classes I took were hit or miss. Some instructors are definitely better than others, although the same could be said about most studios.

These are the classes in the West Hollywood/Mid City/Hollywood area that I’ve taken and would recommend. I’ve taken classes at other studios that just weren’t as memorable, so if you have a question about any in the area give me a holler. Now that there’s a limit on the number of classes you take a month, Classpass feels less like a membership to help you find new studios, and more like an affordable way to take boutique fitness classes at a handful of your favorite spots. If you’re used to working out 5+ days a week, you’ll either need to adjust your routine or supplement with a membership elsewhere.

Now that Classpass has switched to an increasingly membership model, it’s no longer the amazing deal it was when it first launched. At this point you have to sacrifice a lot to get the most out of your membership. If you have the budget I would look into committing to one or two studios. If you love the variety, you may find that you increasingly have to pay more and more for the studios you love. I would still recommend Classpass if you are looking to try a bunch of different classes and like to mix it up. But it just isn’t a good enough deal anymore for me to keep the highest tier package. I supplement my workout routine with a yoga or pilates class from Classpass every now and then, but do not rely on it as heavily as I used to.

Grana was kind enough to send a couple sets of their new activewear to me to try out. I’ve tested and worn their basics before (here and here) and have always been blown away by the quality and prices of their pieces. Despite having a closet full of yoga pants, I was missing a pair of the perfect black leggings. These photos were quickly snapped with my photog and friend, Lauren, before running off to a bootcamp class together. I wore this black set for the first time and was surprised by how comfortable the material was and how well the fabric wicked off moisture during even a very intense and VERY sweaty workout sesh.

Find more of my favorite workout clothes here!

By Amy Zhang October 31, 2018 in Fitness, Lifestyle 2 Comments

Half Marathon Update

A few months ago I announced that I was going to be training for a half marathon. I haven’t talked about it much and I don’t really think of myself as a huge runner. I ran a half marathon a LONG time ago (5 years+) and honestly did not think I was going to do another one again. Not because I didn’t enjoy the experience, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about the training process. My boyfriend and I agreed that we would run one together, and over the course of a few months and several long runs later, I’m slowly starting to feel more confident about my running ability.

I didn’t realize that training for something specific would really tap into my goal-oriented side but it’s honestly been so much fun. I was pretty happy with my routine of Barry’s Bootcamp + yoga/pilates/stretching, but a half marathon felt like a goal that was achievable (read: wouldn’t break my body) but would also push my limits. Who knew long runs on the weekend could be so therapeutic and enjoyable? We ran the race last weekend and I couldn’t be happier with my time – I shaved almost 30 minutes off my previous half marathon time!!

To be honest my training plan was unstructured at best. Typically a few Barry’s Bootcamp classes during the weeks (I aim for 3 miles each class) and then a long run over the weekend. I’m not an expert. But I’m convinced that just doing the long run alone goes a huge way in getting you race ready!

A few general training tips I do follow:

+ Don’t go too hard, too fast.

Only focus on increasing distance OR improving time (one goal at a time, otherwise you’re headed to injury city). Speaking of injuries, they can definitely be avoided by…

+ LOTS of foam rolling and stretching, and most importantly, REST DAYS.

Days off are so important so your body can recover from all the intense exercise you’re doing. After the race, take as much time off from running as possible. I plan on taking a week off from intense running and seeing how I feel afterwards.

+ Never increasing your mileage by more than 10% each week

This is key for not straining your body!

+ Get properly fitted for running shoes

Getting new running shoes has been instrumental in avoiding injury.

+ Train with a friend

It’s so much more fun! I never thought I would run without headphones and music. But I’ve come to love my long weekend runs with my boyfriend. We chat for part of the way and then run together for the rest.

+ Focus on nutrition

I’m really trying to be better about what I eat before and after a run. I’m still trying to figure out my ideal pre-run and night before meal (have made some huge mistakes here and let’s just say there is nothing worse than running with a stomach ache) but I am thinking something carb loaded and relatively bland. I’ve also been guilty of not refueling immediately after a long run, which you are supposed to do. I read that chocolate milk is a great post run option, so I’ve been using my weekend runs as an excuse to drink chocolate milk like a kid again. Personally I prefer running on an empty stomach, but play around with different snacks before and during your run. On race day I did have a gummy halfway through the run and the little boost of caffeine helped.

+ Get new clothes!

LOL I use every excuse under the sun to get new workout clothes but it’s true, new gear does motivate you to get active! Running in particular, you want sweat wicking materials that don’t chafe (OUCH). I love my Ultraboost sneakers for shorter training runs (light as a feather and so comfy, yet still supportive) and this jacket now that it’s getting chillier in the morning.

If you’re interested in running a half marathon, all I can say is go for it! 13.1 miles may seem daunting, but once you start training it really becomes more manageable. I don’t know if I could ever tackle a full marathon (although never say never!), but I could see myself training for a half marathon once or twice a year. Don’t hold me to that… we’ll see how I feel in a couple weeks!

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