Today marks the end of my second week as a LA resident and I am in full swing of getting my network established in Los Angeles.
Tuesday I really started exploring Studio City and the gyms along Ventura Blvd. As I enjoyed a healthy breakfast at Good Earth Restaurant on Ventura and Laurel Grove Ave, I spotted a fitness facility right across the street. I peered through the window to discover a quaint, clean, modern training facility called Hotte Bodies. I grabbed a brochure off the door and immediately dialed the owner, Javier Jacobo in hopes I might have found a place to start training my clients. Jacobo offers Pilates training in addition to his overall wellness approach to fitness. I’m currently working on figuring out an arrangement and hope to be training there soon.
While at Starbucks a little further down on Ventura I caught word that Barry’s Bootcamp is hiring fitness trainers. I had thought Sherman Oaks was a little too far for me but I made the shorter than expected drive down to check it out. I had already heard of the popular bootcamp gym which has two locations in the LA area and one in San Diego. Barry’s plays up the bootcamp theme with dog tags and cammo in the logo and a latrine sign on the restroom door. The clean facility features 16 treadmills and a variety of floor equipment to be used for their program of 30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes resistance training. Within 2 hours I had an interview scheduled and am awaiting the next step in the process.
I am feeling great about my progress so far and have experienced instant feedback on my time spent pounding the pavement.
Two unique things have caught my attention in LA so far: the amount of medical marijuana facilities and vegetarian/vegan restaurants. It seems a large part of the population are subscribing to the various benefits of Mother Earth’s bounty. More on these as I explore the LA even further.
Embody Fitness has moved to Los Angeles! There is so much to explore and learn in this city and I want to share my experiences with you here. LA is the fitness capital but someone also pointed out is also the fast food capital. Hmmm . . . I want to sift through the fat and find the products, classes, teachers, fitness professionals, gyms and ideas that make this city healthy and vibrant.
My first adventure was earlier this week when I went to 24 Hour Fitness in Hollywood on West Sunset Blvd. With not much on my plate so far here I wanted to get a little cardio in while scoping out the social climate. As I pedaled away on my elliptical I kept my eyes out for the people coming and going.
If I was to generalize I would say I saw mostly two types of people: beautiful people (of course I assume actors, dancers and models) and yes, the Hollyweirds I had heard about ( director/writer types = so much creativity they lose touch with social norms.) Case in point was the older man in front of me on the bike who took off his heavy overcoat to expose a blue, sweaty, collared button up and kakis complete with graphic sneakers that in no way went with the outfit. Gotta love individuality!
After my workout I left the gym and was referred to Bodyfactory down on the 2nd level for a protein shake. I met Jesse Holland who is a very polished and friendly District Manager of the 5 location chain. They had a fabulous menu which Holland clearly explained featured their special protein blend which has a laundry list of health benefits. Mid-sentence as he rattled these off I said, “SOLD!” I went with the PB&J.
I was a little surprised that Holland was quick to recommend the low calorie smoothie options for me. I guess that would be a safe bet considering my new location and my physical presence BUT he was wrong on that one. I intended this to be a replacement for my breakfast and therefore needed more than the 200-300 calorie options he was suggesting. In my mind I was quick to want to ridicule him for not asking more questions about my nutritional needs and then chastise the LA image of women needing to consume as little as possible through out the day, but in hindsight I am letting him off the hook. It’s just a smoothie afterall.
I encourage anyone who is interested to check out their retail locations or website where they have a variety of products for sale. Holland explained that if you become a member (which is free in the new West Hollywood location) or $20 a year you can get a pretty decent discount on the products.
As I left the parking garage of the complex I became aware of one ugly reality in my new location. I happily handed the parking attendant my validated ticket and was ready to watch the bar raise up. She surprised me by saying, “$2 please.” Ummmm but I validated the ticket? She explained, “Yes. It’s $8 without a validation and $2 with” Oh wow. I drove away realizing that my inexpensive $35 a month membership would be increased by $16 a month if I only went 2 times per week. Ouch. That’s life in the big city I suppose.
January 29, 2010 1:35 pm | 
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