JK Zen Fitness

The ONLY negative thing I have to say about this place is that I wish they offered more classes. Maybe they do and it’s just that not all of them are available on classpass. Regardless. It’s a really great Pilates studio with diverse core-​focused classes. Highly recommend.

Oh I was NOT a fan of my experience here.
I’ll start out by saying that the class itself (Pure Pilates Reformer 1) was fine. Not the best pilates class I’ve gone to, but certainly not the worst. However, the same cannot be said for the staff.
The receptionist made me feel extremely unwelcome when I mentioned I was a ClassPass person. Another student in the reception area started asking me about it and the receptionist immediately interjected and told her that it gives you less options and they don’t recommend it. So I already was starting off the class with a bad taste in my mouth.
The class was fairly small — only ⁵⁄₇ reformers being used. You would think this would create a comfortable, intimate experience. Wrong. The instructor, Liza, was aggressive and clearly frustrated by having newer students… even though it was a Level 1 class. In the 5 minutes we were both in the studio before the class started, she didn’t even bother to ask my name. At one point, we were doing planks on the reformer and instead of gently reminding me to lift the crown of my head like every other pilates instructor I’ve ever had, she YANKED MY HEAD up by grabbing my topknot. I was shocked.
There are so many other wonderful studios in LA and it is not worth putting up with rude staff for a just okay workout.

I’ve been with Juliet for over 7 years! She is hands down the best Pilates trainer I’ve ever had! Her new studio is amazing and classes are so affordable. It’s real Pilates, not these over sized Pilates plus classes.

JK Zen fitness has it all. I have been doing Pilates on and off for years and I have seen a dramatic improvement in my form and it has improved my tennis, golf and surfing. Juliet Kaska is the whole package and I thought she was really engaged in MY form and MY training needs. The reason she is a celebrity trainer is because she gets results.
As is covered in some of the other reviews — allow extra time to find it. I love the location — privacy is critical to me!!! I have trained at other facilities at ground level with open access to the street — not a fan of voyeurs when I work out! Valet parking underground — sheer luxury!!! Loved the view.
Pay attention to the class you are signing up for! I thought I was coming in for an intermediate class and got my butt kicked in a burn level 2 class — all good. The staff were great and the other clients seemed to have a real sense of community — we suffered together and loved it!
The private training was a little more pricey — but worth it. I got this amazing introductory rate for three sessions and I am hooked.

I’m so happy I found JK Zen Fitness. After doing mat pilates for several years, I was looking for something to kick it up a notch and wanted to start using the reformer. I asked my mat teacher, and she recommended JK Zen to me — and I’m so happy she did.
I stressed to her that I did not want a studio where the focus was more on «being seen» than actually doing pilates — as a lot of LA studios can be. JK Zen is the real deal. The teachers are focused on form, alignment, and proper technique. The classes are structured for different levels. The Burn II kicks my ass, every time. But so does the Foundation class. That’s how good these people are!
After starting pilates on the reformer, I’ve lost 8 lbs and 3 inches. I didn’t even care about losing weight — it just happened! All I wanted was to get stronger and work on alignment and posture; pilates is as much a workout for my mind and voice as it is for my body. My favorite classes are taught by Juliet and Monica, but all the teachers are awesome and have great classes. I just participated in the studio’s «30 Day Challenge» which was so fun and gave me an opportunity to work with all of the teachers and get to know the other students.
Couldn’t recommend JK Zen enough. All of my friends (and even my husband!) have come with me and said how much they enjoyed it (even my husband!). I’m officially hooked for life!

This review is long overdue, but I just had to write it (especially after my class last night). I struggled trying to find a Pilates studio here in Los Angeles that was not a fusion Pilates studio and emphasized proper technique as well. My first group class was actually with the owner, Juliet, and I knew after she corrected my form within the first five minutes, I was here to stay. All of the instructions are absolutely amazing and will challenge you! Best part is, I can see how my body has progressed over the past few months and I am way stronger now. I definitely recommend anyone and everyone to join JK Zen; you will not regret it!

Overall, I felt that each instructor provided their own unique sense of personality to each class and all of their workouts. I really like that the option to choose a different instructor is readily available for each class, every single day. I felt that each instructor targeted different muscle groups and I noticed a new move being introduced in every class. I absolutely loved the closeness of these classes and enjoyed how comfortable the Pilates studio allowed for the one on one interactions with each client. These classes are reasonably priced and I would encourage and recommend JKZen Fitness to anyone looking to improve their overall health, well being and mental focus. Each member of the studio expressed their passion for living a healthy lifestyle and expressed awesome amounts of energy towards Pilates, Yoga and fitness in general.
~Jessica-​Lee

Are you tired of leaving an exercise studio with a headache because the music is blaring, the instructor is shouting on their mic and a backache because you couldn’t understand what they were shouting anyway? Well here is the solution to your problem. Juliet Kaska has created an environment that is total Zen and still kicks your butt in the process. In one hour you will have worked every part of your body without knowing what hit you, in the best way. All the instructors there are precise, fun and offer great encouraging ways of correcting your form. I have trained with every instructor and enjoyed them all! The clientele is friendly and so is the staff. Super helpful and welcoming too! Plenty of parking, a Coffee Bean and a Starbucks near by and if you are hungry after your workout just go up the street to Ed’s Coffee Shop on 460 North Robertson Boulevard. Delicious! Namasté and come on in! =)

When I first moved to L.A. I tried multiple Pilates studios but JK Zen is the best! I tried JK Zen via a Living Social deal and have not looked back since. I have a lot of chronic physical problems due to the work that I do and taking classes from Juliet and the other teachers has literally changed my body for the better. Juliet has way of helping her students become aware of the the most subtle muscles movements. I always feel taller and happier after a good class. I also carry what I learn in Pilates to the world outside of the studio. Juliet is a great about giving specific modifications based on individual body types/​issues as well. I’ve also taken classes from Chris Ann, Pablo, Julie and Ava. Everyone there is great! If you’re looking for Pilates that will change your body, JK Zen is the place for you.

I had never done Pilates before taking classes at JK Zen. It could have been intimidating, but the instructors were patient, encouraging and supportive. I took three private lessons at a discounted rate to get started – which I highly recommend. Chris Ann and Ava both have classes I love and that challenge me to get stronger. The facility is lovely, the equipment is clean and in great shape and everyone is very friendly.

I have been a student at JK Zen for 2 years, and the training has completely transformed the shape of my body. The instructors are all very well-​trained and the good ones make adjustments when needed. The studio is clean, well-​maintained, and they provide fresh towels. Online scheduling makes booking classes a breeze and they offer a variety of class times and Level Options.
My only quibble is that when New Students are booking classes, the receptionist should INSIST that they take Foundation Level classes for At Least One Month. Do not think you can start at BURN 2! As with anything new, there is a learning curve and it is a real drag to be in higher level classes and be slowed down by people asking ridiculous Basic Questions — like how to change the springs or how to put the headrest down and complaining about the difficulty… DUH! Pilates is Challenging! — even for advanced students. It isn’t supposed to be easy & effortless. But so worth the remarkable changes it does to the body — Lean/​Strong/​Shapely. Pilates IS Difficult — even after doing it consistently… you are using your own Body Weight to do the exercises; the heavier you are the more weight resistance, but stick with it and the results will amaze.
JK Zen is Fantastic.

I started here at JK ZEN Pilates only a couple of months ago and I can already feel my body is not only stronger but more balanced. These teachers, especially Juliet really knows her stuff. She is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.
As a life long dancer and former pro ice skater, my battered body can always cheat a move to make it more comfortable and easier which just keeps building the strong part. Juliet noticed my strengths and coaxed me into working what I usually cheat. No don’t get me wrong, sometimes we do have to modify moves for old abused bodies like mine. But this modification is more to balance MY body not because I couldn’t do move. For instance she makes me turn my feet in when others are turned out because out is easy and normal but in is work for me. This is starting to balance my leg muscles more, giving me less knee pain.
Like I said, Juliet really knows how to help and makes each person in the small class feel special in a supportive way.
If you can, do go to this place and try to take Juliet’s class. It’s worth every penny in less doctor bills.

I have tried several pilates studies before, this place is good for a casual work out as the trainers are not consistent and the reps and strength of the springs vary.

Came for my first reformer pilates class and loved it. This is located in an office building at the end of the hall. Sounds weird, but once you step into the studio, it doesn’t feel like an office at all. Plenty of parking, a cute place, and a good class for a beginner like me. They place music softly and there is a big window so that’s nice too. The machines are all new and clean. They have water and a place to put your purse. They validate for parking so it’s cheaper. The class hold about 10 people which was a good size. The class times don’t work out for me so I’m going to try another studio though I would have been happy to return.

After taking my first Pilates class last October I became addicted to reformers. I soon went on a Pilates Groupon/​Living Social binge to get a better understanding of different studio techniques and find out which classes were right for me. Since then I’ve been to 3 different studios and I am about to start on a 4^th. I found each studio to have a different element I liked but JK Zen Fitness offered everything by having a diverse class schedule as well as having deeply knowledgeable instructors, such as, Juliet Kaska — Making JK Zen my #1 favorite Pilates studio in the WEHO/​Beverly Hills area of Los Angels.
Not only a total babe, Juliet is by far the best Pilates instructor I’ve trained with. After taking her class I experienced a deeper soreness in my muscles which I haven’t before. I also noticed every class I took the exercises were different then the week before. I really enjoyed how she changed it up and made me experience new things week after week. Actually, I was so impressed by her I stuck around after a class to ask her about her training experience. Correct in my assumption, her resume is extensive: Yoga, ballet, personal training, opening many fitness studios, working with celebrities, and training under Pilates royalty — she’s the whole package.
Another kudos to the studio is their class schedule. I love how many options they offer to all levels. For those who take Pilates you already know how complex the exercises can be. JK Zen offers a Pilates Foundation class perfect for beginners to work on form which will help strengthen your overall practice. Then. On the other side of the spectrum, there are many other more difficult classes which focus on certain parts of the body, endurance and even cardio. (They even offer a 90 min class for those who want to test yourselves — I liked that class too)
As I mentioned above, I’ve been to a few studios around town. The most negative aspect they had in common was a lack of a receptionist. Since online coupons work by emailing or calling the studios to activate your coupon it was obvious to me most studios have administration issues. In some cases, I had to wait 3 – 5 days for an email response. However, not with JK Zen Fitness. They have a receptionist on staff all the time. It’s the little things but it means the world to me when I give someone my money that I feel taken care of.
Reading a few of the reviews, I think the biggest complaint was the hard to find location. On my first visit I would have agreed but after going to the studio for awhile I look forward to the high-​up, bright studio and looking out the windows at the hills during a session. If you haven’t visited the studio before make sure you give yourself extra time to find your way (you’ll only have to do that once). They have a parking structure and offer validation. You’ll pay $ 2 which would be the same at a parking meter only you don’t have to drive around looking for a space.
A single caveat for me are the bathrooms which are down the hall shared with the other offices located on the same floor… that kinda sucks. I suppose I do feel a twinge of self-​consciousness when I’m in fitness clothes and there are professionally dressed people roaming around but the feeling is small and not enough to keep me from the studio. A bit more privacy would be great but NBD.
In a compliment sandwich, I love JK Zen Fitness. After, I finish my coupons to other studios I will gladly give my hard earned monies to this studio. I very much look forward to seeing where my progress will be in the months to come as I’ve had so much wonderful change in my body already. * Nameste*

This is my first Pilates studio but I have a long history of working out at high quality establishments and have been a yoga instructor in the area for 10 years. This studio is great. It is off the beaten track but I like the private nature of the studio — makes you feel a little bit like a celebrity even though you are a normal person. The studio is located on the 8^th floor above Robertson Blvd (near Newsroom Café) and the studio overlooks the Hollywood Hills. But my positive review isn’t just about the breathtaking view — the studio’s group reformer classes are great.
I have enjoyed every class and all the teachers are well trained. I started out taking a beginner boot camp to learn the foundations of Pilates and have moved up to the Level 1 Reformer classes. I’ve been going there since August 2013. There are some more challenging classes on the schedule but I’m more interested in having good form instead of moving too fast and past my Pilates level — all in good time. I will be in those Burn classes when my strength and form is ready. Even with the beginner level classes I am taking, I am seeing a difference in my strength and tone of various muscle groups! Every class has been great and I get individual attention in class. Each group class has room for up to 10 students and I have also met some nice people in class.
There is parking below the building and with validation costs $ 2. I also often park on neighboring side streets where you can park for 2 hours during daylight hours — why pay $ 2 if you don’t have to. I either park west of Robertson between Beverly Blvd and Third Street or north of Beverly off of Robertson on both the east and west sides of the street — it’s pretty easy if you read the signs and check of street cleaning. For later evening classes, I sometimes park at a meter at night for ease but it costs a little more at the meter if I am adding some buffer time than $ 2 at building’s lot.
Maybe I’ll see you in class!

I love this studio! Ava who teaches foundation reformer in the mornings is amazing. She is so sweet and light-​hearted that there is no way you can be mad at her while she makes your hamstrings burn. I can just feel my dancer butt coming back!
The studio is very clean with a calming ambience. I highly recommend it. Oh, and free parking at meters if you come at 6:30 a.m.

i think it’s my duty to let people know exactly what JK ZEN is all about because i have searched high and low for the perfect studio and JK Zen is it. FYI, I am NOT a fan of SPX or Lagree Fitness. I was looking for a more traditional Pilates studio.
The studio is a bit hard to find. It’s on the 8^th floor of the robertson plaza so you should park underground and take the elevator up to the 8^th floor. If you’re lost ask the parking attendant and he’ll tell you where to go. FYI, parking is $ 2 and they only accept cash.
There are lots of deals online for JK Zen. LivingSocial or Lifebooker but honestly even without the coupons their prices are really good. The classes are small (max 8) so it feels like a semi-​private class.
The staff is awesome. The receptionist is really responsive and I’ve only had Jenna as the instructor but she’s really knowledgeable and attentive to everyone in the class.

Not sure if I just went to the wrong class or what, but I was NO FAN of JK Zen Fitness.
First of all, I had no idea WHERE the studio was! I walked all along Robertson trying to find it and when I asked people if they knew where it was, they looked at me as if I said, «kangaroos only hop at midnight».
FINALLY my friend found the entry way. We then had to take the elevator up three floors (I think?) and walk down one hallway, to another hallway, to a tiny nook of a hallway… The only reason why we wound up finding it was because we heard… «Now breath…» Although, it totally could have been a lamaze class!
Don’t get me wrong, everyone was very nice, the class was just not a work out AT ALL. Again, I think we just took the wrong class. It was extremely introductory, more about how to do each move than actually DOING EACH MOVE. I want to work out, not lay on a mat on the floor and flex my arm muscle once.
Let’s just say, I will not be going back to JK ZEN FITNESS… And neither will my friend. When I do pilates I like to feel a burn. All I felt when I went to JK was… bored.
Ha Ha, JK… NOT! LOL

I fell in love… with a pilates reformer. Every time I go, it has never failed to make me feel sore, sweaty, bendy, flexible, and relaxed.
I got an awesome deal on Bloomspot with 3 classes for $ 30 but turns out I got an even better deal! JK Zen Fitness offers first timers a free session which is smart because once you take a class, you will want to only sign up for more.
Parking: The location is right in Mid-​City West. JK Zen is part of a gym in that building but it is separate and located on the 8^th floor along with a few random Cedars-​Senai rooms. When you park in the lot, make sure to bring your ticket with you inside for a validation stamp. Parking is usually $ 2 for 2 hours.
Facility: The room is no doubt small and intimate but feels very clean and new. There are mirrors around the room with about 7 reformers and a nice view of Weho. They also provide clean towels and water. Me likey no extra charges.
I’ve tried different types of classes in the past from mat pilates, yoga, hot yoga etc… but it was never challenging enough. The complexity of the moves this machine has impacts so many areas of the body which I definitely felt in full force the day after. If you work out on a daily basis or dance, the coordination and balance it requires will enhance your movement.
If you are new to reformer pilates, there are different springs that are color-​coded by the amount of resistance they have. I believe in order of most resistance goes from red, yellow, blue, green. The instructors will guide you through different exercises which springs to use and also for those who want more of a challenge. Be expected to put your feet and hands in them straps to do different exercises!
Classes:
Thursday 6pm
Pablo was very personable and great for my first time! I took his class four times and the first time he incorporated two sets of dumbbell weights which created a good challenge for me. Since it was my first time, I was literally trying to prevent myself from falling off that machine! It requires a lot of balance and concentration but I loved it. He also incorporated a separate spring circle equipment that tones your arms. What I liked about Pablo was he combined the perfect amount of stretching and mixes up the exercises each week so your body is always on its toes.
Saturday 12pm
Beth was very thorough in every movement. I felt like she emphasized more on technique and breathing which is important because you can injure your neck or back if you don’t pay attention to your form. She did multiple exercises that engage your core a lot and went around to each individual to improve posture. I liked that Beth ends the class with a positive message at the end of the day that connects with your inner self. It was great to start off my Saturday with a peaceful bang. I left feeling positive with a toned and tight core.
Classes do get expensive as each class is normally $ 35 each but they do offer different packages for cheaper.
Service: Four stars for the facility but I give an extra star for great customer service. One time there was an unexpected cancellation before the class so Taryn was very apologetic and offered everyone an extra additional class for free. Holleration.
Tip: Make sure to email to reserve your spot in the class, they fill up! I believe you can sign up online through their website.