This story was originally published August 27, 2020 and updated on January 13, 2021 with additional workout studios.
Los Angeles residents have been in lockdown for what feels like an earth-shattering six months. While we've all worked diligently (maybe even neurotically) to adjust our self-care routines and fitness regimens to fit within our living room walls, the cabin fever is undeniable. Luckily for us, a slew of inventive outdoor fitness classes have arrived just in time.
Prior to shutdown, the L.A. fitness scene was having a definitive moment. New, eccentric concept studios were popping up on every block, and digital initiatives with cult-like followings including Lekfit planned to open brick-and-mortar locations. Fitness enthusiasts across the city seemed to agree that nothing beats being pushed to peak physical form by a room full of strangers sporting the hottest apparel trends, peppy instructors with booming voices, and state-of-the-art facilities with Drybar products on tap.
Fast-forward to our current state of affairs, and boutique fitness studios have gone through an aggressive roller coaster ride of forced shutdowns, reopenings, and a second round of closures. In response, some of our favorite local studios have #pivoted to offer outdoor classes that promise to keep attendees safe while providing that coveted, studio sweat we've been craving.
In order to keep you active, healthy, and sane, we've gathered our top recommendations for the savviest — and social distancing-safe — outdoor classes currently offered in L.A. with silent disco headsets, branded masks, and picturesque views of the Hollywood Hills à la carte.
Barry's
Hallelujah, Barry's is back with killer outdoor workouts (sans treadmills) currently offered in Venice, West Hollywood, and Irvine, featuring 50-minute, socially distant classes using weights and bands. Our advice? Make sure to bring a hat and load up on sunscreen, as you might leave class with a few new tan lines.
However, if you're still craving that signature treadmill burn, you're in luck: the new outdoor Beverly Center location was constructed to emulate the intensity of your traditional Red Room, including the treadmills. All outdoor classes include a silent disco headset to get you in the zone, require masks, and are deep cleaned in between sessions.
Book your Red Room experience here.
P.volve
The UncoverLA team was lucky enough to try out a class at P.volve's new West Hollywood location, and the training did not disappoint. Joining existing locations in New York and Chicago, as well as a virtual platform, the L.A. location popped up on the scene in early November. While the indoor studio is pristine, classes are limited to P.volve's outdoor space for COVID safety, complete with clean equipment and a killer view.
Expect a low-impact, sweat-and-burn experience with slow, controlled movements. For beginners, there's some new equipment and unfamiliar methods, but the staff is more than happy to break down movements and provide the one-on-one attention you need to get up to speed. Check out the schedule and buy your first class package here.
AKT
We're feeling this new studio vibe for L.A. in 2021. AKT, a full-body workout that combines cardio dance intervals with strength and toning, is bringing two new studios to Angelenos in West L.A. and West Hollywood. Developed by celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser, AKT looks like a technicolor dance party and is supposedly accessible for all levels. And no, you don't have to be a dancer to enjoy the sweat session.
AKT will be holding pop-up classes at Platform in Culver City Saturday, Jan. 16 at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.; book your spot here for $15. You can also become a founding member of either new studio and get free access to AKT's online platform.
Natural Pilates
Yes, your prayers have been answered: another outdoor pilates option! Natural Pilates currently offers reformer pilates classes and private sessions in West Hollywood and Brentwood at the LUXE hotel, and will be opening a third outdoor studio in Beverly Hills at the end of the month.
You'll need to mask up for the entirety of the class, and don't forget your grip socks (duh)! We loved pilates before, but add a picturesque sunset and a relatively warm outdoor workout in the middle of winter, and we're hooked.
Classes can be booked through naturalpilates.com. A single class will run you $40, or you can purchase a block of five classes starting at $185.
Training Mate
Be careful, or you might just fall prey to the unhinged charm oozing from beloved Aussie celebrity trainer Luke Milton and his giggle-friendly, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts at Training Mate. The West Hollywood location is officially offering a full schedule of outdoor group fitness classes, so you can get the lewd, Australian humor fix you forgot you needed. The Santa Monica location also offers outdoor park workouts on Saturday and Sunday.
Classes are capped at six attendees to enforce social distancing guidelines, so be sure to book your spot well in advance. If you're not quite ready to brave the group setting, you can always tap into the studio's on-demand platform Mate-To-Go, or schedule a one-on-one private training session with Milton himself.
Book your outdoor classes here.
Soulcycle
Would you expect anything less from the famously sunshine-yellow cycling studio? Soulcycle, known for its pumping, DJ-curated beats and relentless positivity, has taken its signature 45-minute indoor cycling class to the roof as part of their new program, Souloutside. Classes are offered seven days a week now through mid-October at both the Santa Monica and Downtown LA locations; don't mind us as we squeeze in a workout while inhaling the salty ocean air (through our masks, of course) and enjoy views of LA's cityscape and beachy paradise.
Rooftop classes ($30) accommodate 40 bikes spaced six feet apart, and masks are mandatory at all times, including while riding. Riders will also receive Soulcycle headphones to maintain the club-like vibe that helps us forget our calves are burning.
More information about Soulcycle at Santa Monica Place is available here, and you can book classes at the DTLA location here.
Modo Yoga
If you're tired of namaste-ing inside, Modo Yoga has the perfect outdoor option to safely get your om on. The self-proclaimed socially and environmentally conscious hot yoga studio is now offering $20 outdoor pop-up classes at its Venice, La Brea, and Echo Park locations, so you can work on your core while calming your mind and reducing stress (yes, please). You know the drill: masks are required, and you'll need to bring all your own gear including a mat, towel, blocks, or any other equipment you prefer to flow with.
Reserve your spot here.
Box 'N Burn
There's never been a better time to take out your frustrations on a punching bag. If you're feeling the need to punch something, try Box 'N Burn's outdoor offering in Santa Monica, where you can expect to get drenched in sweat and reportedly burn up to 700 calories in 45 minutes with reduced class sizes and social distancing.
You will not share equipment with your fellow boxers, and all equipment will be disinfected between classes. Plus, Box 'N Burn is beginner-friendly; if you've never boxed before, make sure to arrive a few minutes early to receive the "How to Box" crash course.
Book your class here.
F45
If you're all about maximizing your time, or you're looking for no-nonsense, to-the-point HIIT training in a welcoming environment, F45 is your spot. The studio chain is hosting its classic 45-minute, circuit-style workouts outdoors at many of its LA locations including Downtown LA, Hollywood, Culver City, Arts District, Sherman Oaks, Sunset Strip, and more. You can expect additional sanitary and disinfection procedures, and, as always, BYOM (bring your own mask).
Find your nearest location, and book classes here.
The Studio MDR
We haven't forgotten about you, pilates aficionados. The Studio MDR, which brings Lagree-inspired workouts to the West Side, just launched an open-air, pop-up studio on the rooftop of the Platform in Culver City. The pilates club is taking health and safety checks seriously: attendees will receive a temperature check upon arrival, micro machines will be spaced at least eight feet apart, and grip socks are required for sanitary reasons. Masks are also required for entry and exit, but can be removed once safely on your personal micro, and all equipment will be cleaned thoroughly between classes. Even without hands-on adjustments, you'll feel the classic shake and quiver in these full-body, controlled workouts.
Learn more and reserve your micro here.
Row House
Rowing machines, while they may look daunting, are a great, low-impact cardio alternative, and the woman-owned Row House touts some of the most inclusive rowing classes LA has to offer. With 45-minute, full-body workouts hosted outside several times a day, you'll be welcomed into a fun, music-loving community with open arms—all while maintaining a responsible distance. Check-in is entirely contactless, and you'll be required to sign a Good Health Verification form before hopping on your rower in Santa Monica.
Book your rower here.
Sweat Cycle
Sweat Cycle is exactly what it sounds like: Cycling classes coupled with the most brutal elements of hot yoga (rooms heated between 80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) to produce one of your sweatiest, most detoxifying rides yet. This week, master cycler and pilates trainer Mimi Benz's Toluca Lake studio transitioned to outdoor spin classes in their parking lot, which will be available through Sept. 18.
Bikes are safely spaced six feet apart, masks are required at all times, and silent disco headsets will be available for purchase to enhance the outdoor experience.
Purchase a class package online here.
Pure Barre
Alright, 6 a.m. splitters, this one's for you. Pure Barre in Culver City wants you to get your "little tuck, little squeeze" fix outdoors. You'll go through a seamless, contactless check-in experience, fill out a Good Health Verification form, and have your disinfected equipment set up for you prior to your arrival. Go ahead and breathe a deep sigh of relief, barre loyalists; you can finally get back to repetitive pulsing and that iconic little, red ball without putting yourself or others at risk.
Book outdoor classes here (class packages do not apply).
Speir Pilates
If you want a little more privacy and enjoy taking in the magic of the Hollywood Hills, check out Speir Pilates' new rooftop reformer offerings at their West Hollywood location. Classes are capped at five people, so you'll receive invaluable, hands-off instruction, along with the opportunity to take class with the studio's founder Andrea Speir.
All instructors hold certifications requiring over 600 hours of training, so you know you're in great hands. Expect a warm, passionate, and positive greeting ahead of your full-body toning and sculpting workout.
Book your reformer here.
