Phys. Ed. Studio – Echo Park

I’ve been working out with trainer and co-​owner Rob at both the Echo Park location and the Silver Lake location. For my first consultation, Rob and I sat down for a solid chunk of time and discussed my fitness history (good, but not awesome), goals (strength and gain), workout likes/​dislikes, etc., and then did a quick 30-​minute example workout.
My arms were full of that good pain the next day, so I was sold. Rob and I have been working out twice a week ever since. Combining these workouts with good nutrition, my gain is averaging just under a pound per week (which seems ideal), my body fat is at about 12% and falling, and a few weeks ago Rob and I held a plank for 8 minutes. When I first started I could barely get to 90 seconds.
But here’s the thing that wins me over about Phys Ed – this is a place that welcomes everyone, and a place that values community. Because of the setup and scheduling of private sessions (no more than three trainer/​client pairs at a time), you are never anonymous, and I get the feeling that every trainer knows every client that comes in. All the trainers will put you through crazy sh*t, and they all learn from each other as well. There’s an awesome sense of open communication and care throughout the whole enterprise, and for me, it has turned working out from an obligation to a joy.
There are small differences between the Echo Park and Silverlake locations. Echo Park is newer and a bit bigger/​airier, Silverlake is more tucked away which allows for outdoor exercise, and the two locations don’t have the exact same equipment (EP has separate squat and press cages, while SL has a cage that doubles). I tend to go to whichever location best fits with Rob’s schedule (since they are equidistant from my home), and I never wish I were at the other one.
If you’re serious about making an investment in your health, and the idea of trendy fitness fads turns you off, and you want to work out in a focused and communicative setting, then you should get in touch with Phys Ed.

This shop has everything for basic fitness needs, which is convenient because there is Yoga at the Echo Park Lake on Sunday’s (10am-​12, $ 10) and my pal has needed a yoga mat for too long.
The staff has been friendly, and the shop is clean. The theme is cute, like back in school PE. If you don’t mind the branding, pick up supplies here.