Oct

REVIEW: Zumba @ Studio 64 in West L.A.

Don’t let the pretty lights fool you, the front two rows WILL get sweat.

I came upon the Zumba class at Studio 64 via my cousin Pamela who happened to have tried it once and finds herself privy to their barre classes. When you first walk into this inconspicuous storefront off of Pico Blvd., it looks like a boutique. You would expect someone to sell you a pretty couture dress versus working out. However, this is most likely due to the patrons and it being primarily geared towards barre and ballet classes.

Their Zumba classes are currently featured three times a week: Tuesday nights at 8pm, Friday mid-day and Saturday mid-day. The most popular classes are taught by a gentleman named Carlos… “Really?!” I thought…

While the class was getting filled up, Carlos makes a grand entrance out of nowhere and yells a very colorful, “HELLOOOOOOO!!!” to the crowd. These are a mix of ladies on the Westside, not really the kind of rowdy crowd for cheering for an aerobics class. Carlos was relentless to get some cheers and thus the tone was set. “This is a PARTY!” he’d say.

The choreography was fairly easy to follow. He incorporated a lot more hopping, jumping and arm movement than I am used to and was heavier on the Salsa/Cumbia side with a dash of Flamenco and African moves. Needless to say, 30-45 minutes into it, I already wanted to die. My arms were tired, I was slow on the uptake for hitting the notes and next thing I know – a fan of crowd participation, Carlos pulls myself and my cousin to the front of the class during the hardest choreography… high intensity shuffling to Party Rock Anthem!

At the end of the class, I already felt the soreness sink in. Good sign! I’d definitely recommend this as a great first timer Zumba class to anyone in West Los Angeles. First timers get a free week’s worth of classes as well!

Studio 64
10587-B West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 446-8888

http://studio64fitness.com/

Zumba Classes are Tuesday @ 8:00P
Friday & Saturday Classes @ 12:30P

223 days ago Short URL Comments

Reviews/Running in L.A./Training

Aug

REVIEW: Zumba @ Studio Fixx in Irvine

So, I’ve been on the never ending search for a great cross-training workout. As far as fad workouts are concerned (not to say that pilates or reformer or barre classes aren’t effective, but you know a lot of these tend to be the “IT” excercise of the moment…) someone recently recommended that I try this Zumba class in Irvine right by where I work. “Psh, Zumba!” I thought, “I’m a runner, and hardcore… doubt it’ll be that great of a workout for me…”

For those of you who haven’t heard about Zumba, it’s an aerobic dance class that mixes body toning movements along with heavy dance influences of the Latin flavor: salsa, merengue and hip-hop moves.

At first I went all out for the first 30 minutes. Then I was sweating buckets, then I was slightly short of breath… then sh*t got real: I was on the verge of puking. Not puking in a bad way, like it was something I ate, but I feel nauseated from how hard I was pushing my body… am I the only one that gets excited over stuff like this? In case you’re wondering, yes, I did actually finish the full hour and even got a smidge of props from instructor Janel for keeping up (she really just has too sweet of a disposition haha).

In a nutshell: it’s an hour long 900 calorie minimum burn class and the instructor makes it not only tough for people who are really looking to get a great workout, her enthusiasm and playlist make the pain fun and more than worth it… not to mention the soreness in my thighs the next day. I’ve tried a lot of classes before: spin, step, pilates, yoga, etc. as cross training cardio for my running… and the Zumba class here is hands-down the answer to what to do to change up my training work-outs!

The first class is free, and they also have a special where you can pay $100 bucks pre-paid for ten class (SUPER steal).

If you’re based in OC, I *highly* recommend checking out this place. I plan on attending twice a week, so be sure to say, “Hi!” if you end up going!

Studio Fixx
16782 Hale Ave
Irvine, California 92606
1 (949) 475-5429
http://www.primaljusticetraining.com

Zumba Classes are M-F @ 5:30P & 6:45P
Saturday Classes are @ 9:45A

273 days ago Short URL Comments

Running in O.C./Training

Janel Gauger/studio fixx/training/zumba

Aug

DIY: Race BIB Coasters

I need to figure out how to make these myself… however the price for having them made via 26milestones on Etsy isn’t too bad.

293 days ago Short URL Comments

Gear Geek

DIY/race bibs

Jun

My Moon My Man – Boys Noize

This is a must have for all you lovers / runners out there!

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Feist My Moon My Man – Boys Noize MP3

342 days ago Short URL Comments

Running Playlist

Feb

Running 101: Six Safety Rules

On one of my recent treks along the bike path of the LA River, something happened to me that is an all-too familiar occurrence with other runners: narrowly escaped being run over by a disgruntled cyclist who later demanded I step off the path. Really? What happened to sharing the road? Especially if the cyclists

are travelling in pairs (which happened to be the case that day). Needless to say, much like driving in Los Angeles the best offense is having a good defense. To help remind everyone what to be aware of while on the road, I looked up common safety rules in various running situations I thought would be helpful to share… Here are six rules that stood out to me as absolute musts:

Run against traffic – Street running. This was also a mandatory safety rule during the Ragnar open road relay (http://www.ragnarrelay.com). You want to make sure that you are able to clearly see traffic coming towards you which will prevent any sneaky cars hit you from behind.

No headphones – Street running. I’ll have to admit that I can’t run without music, so for anyone out there like me, just make sure that your volume is set to low so you are able to hear your surroundings. As with most safety rules, it’s important to know what’s going on around you and be aware.

Carry ID – Carrying an photo ID or Road ID bracelet to help people be able to identify you or contact others in case of an emergency.

Phone or Spare Change – I usually hide my cell phone in a fanny pack (don’t judge me, it’s a cool looking fanny pack!) in case of an emergency or I get lost on the road. Google Maps on the iPhone has saved me on more than one occasion. In case you are not privy to handling a cell phone during a sweat fest carrying some extra change to make a call works too.

Don’t Race Cars/Bikes – Having grown up in a over-populated city, I can personally attest to giving cars or bikes or basically anything that is not on foot, the right of way. You never know if the driver or cyclist really sees you (even if they are facing your direction) so rather than risk it, pause, let the pass unless they motion you to do otherwise.

Don’t Run Alone – Whenever possible, it’s always a good idea (street or trail) to run with a friend. If that is not possible, making sure that loved ones are aware of when you are going and the location/length of your route is a good way to go. I usually leave word with someone on when I am heading on and check in when I’m back. It’s also a great way to get a verbal high five post workout from a friend/loved one.

For More Safety Rules:

http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/safety/womensafe.asp

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/knowing-your-running-safety-rules.html

http://www.marathonrookie.com/running-safety-tips.html

462 days ago Short URL Comments

Training