Pop Physique

I’ve been coming here for a couple of years. I loved it at first, the only workout I’ve tried that got my pear shape toned up for realz. But then they started losing all their master teachers. There used to be about 7 or 8 really amazing instructors, and they seriously are almost all gone. Why? Monica and Jordan are the only ones still around, and I’m afraid they won’t be for long.
Pop sends clients occasional e-​mails asking for feedback and I wrote in once to ask about the exodus of experienced instructors and to say how much less satisfying the classes with newer instructors were. I even injured myself in a class with a new instructor, and this was as a long time student. I never heard back. A year later I was asked for feedback again and I responded saying I’d never heard back from my first message. I got many apologies and a request for me to resend my original e-​mail, which I did. Still no response, months later. I can only assume they don’t like my questions.
Yes Pop is a great method, but without a good instructor the method isn’t as effective or as enjoyable, and can even lead to injury. The experienced instructors, the real born teachers, add immensely to the quality of your workout and general experience. The turnaround of teachers here is just too high, and it says something not very nice about how this business is run. I hope something changes, because it really could be great. Popularity is important, but so is longevity.

I’m totally addicted to barre classes after taking them at FlyBarre in WeHo. My 3 month membership there ran out, so I decided to join ClassPass and check out a bunch of other places I’ve been wanting to try.
I really enjoyed Pop Physique. Front desk is always welcoming and makes you feel good to be there.
Monica D. was my instructor for all the classes I’ve taken there so far. She teaches an intense class that really pushes you until your body shakes, which I love. It’s wunderful! Monica not only knows her sh*t, she’s also great at keeping the class moving and exciting [the hour goes by almost TOO quickly!]. She also takes time to insure that everyone is in right form and calls out names of those doing an amazing job, which makes you feel good. Afterwards, you truly just feel incredible! Plus, you feel as though your body is changing in all the right ways since the very first class.
The only negatives you might spot [which wouldn’t stop me from going]:
1/​I’ve noticed that sometimes it is hard to follow the moves as instructions are a bit hard to hear through the mic used over the music.
2/​I’m not a fan of having to clean my own mat afterwards. I go to some other studios that do it for you.
3/​No towels offered. [Water cooler is availble]
4/​No showers if you’re headed somewhere afterwards. [Though their WCs are spacious and offer accoutrements such as tampons, hair ties, deordorant, ect… which is nice.]
Parking here seems to be all street parking, but I make sure to show up to class a bit early and have never had an issue.

Love this class. It was quite challenging yet fun at the same time. I’ve tried many fitness classes prior to Pop so I thought this would be a piece of cake. Boy was I wrong. Five minutes into the class and I was feeling the burn. No warm up in the beginning. We went straight to work. It was a great full body work out and I was feeling sore but also satisfied the next day. Some of the moves can be tricky in the beginning. I definitely need to practice my tucking. The instructor was attentive and helped me with the proper alignment. Definitely getting the groupon and going back!

Pop is a workout that the more you go the better you get applies. I have been going for about 3 years but I remember being quite confused in my first barre class. The class sizes can be quite large but the teachers still do a good job with providing guidance. Perhaps try to take classes in the small room if more personal attention is a priority. No parking lot, just street parking and meters. I have had routine success up by the 99 cent store. They have filtered water on site. Grippy socks makes planking easier but not a must. See ya at the barre!

What a great workout! I started taking Pop Physique classes a few years ago, but just got back into it now with ClassPass. After taking barre classes at other studios, this one remains the most challenging for me, which also makes it the most rewarding. Expect a lot of shaking and tucking! The studio itself is large and clean. Street parking is easy for the late classes, but I’m sure it’s busy during other times. Instructors are friendly. I’m a fan of Monica’s classes. I recommend getting grippy socks (which they sell, but you can also find on Amazon), bring water and a small towel. They provide everything else. If you’re not on ClassPass, grab one of their frequent groupons or sign up for their email blast. They always have specials.

So their marketing is very provocative and portrays a lifestyle/​branding image that may not resonate with all of this. Don’t knock it until you try it and you will soon appreciate it, or ignore it and learn to love the workout.
This is THE top barre workout in my opinion! I thought Bar Method was the best (and still up there) but after many months of a love/​hate relationship with Pop, this is by far the most challenging barre workout and they have the best deals that keep you coming back for more of that tucking and burning sensation. They always bring new and creative moves and twists to the already challenging classical barre poses and movements. Every move is hard and so satisfying to achieve and accomplish.
Results of a consistent practice are toned arms, lifted ass and feeling super strong. You will be able to hold planks in many variations, feel the burn in every lift, bend, stretch and tuck.
There are a lot of instructors and they’re all generally good but my my notable favorites are Monica D. and Ashley W. I also love that all the instructors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, height and all emit a toned definition without being overly skinny.

I signed up for a First Time Client Monthly Special ($ 100) and took 3 classes this week with three different instructors. Wow! Everything hurts — in a good way. Excellent workout! I can only imagine how I am going to feel if I keep it up. I especially enjoyed the class with Alexandra W. It was the hardest so far. Monica D. and Katie R. were pretty good too! I think I am going to stick with this workout for a while. It’s versatile, fun, and effective!

It was some morning in December 2014, and after spending a very hungover hour joking with my boyfriend and his roommate over whether or not id make it through the class, I was off. This was me starting my new years resolution early. This was me attempting exercise for the first time since high school.
Inside were a sea of ladies, and even some guys, sitting on their mats waiting in this big wooden room. Music was playing and as i struggled to figure out what everyone else had that i also needed, she walked in.
She lead us through all the exercises with the intensity of a drill sergeant but the intentions of a close friend. Never for a second did she stop motivating us to go a little bit further or hold a little bit longer. And after that class i knew id:
a) found an exercise i totally hated to do but wanted to go to all the time
and
b) found an instructor to look up to:
Monica D.
I’ve since taken a bunch of classes with other instructors (huge shoutout to Jillian O) but I like you the most. Keep kicking my ass.

Pop physique classes are the best I’ve ever taken. And believe me, as a fitness junkie I already tried a lot! The pain is worth and fun enough to come back! :)

POP i love and hate you at the same time. mostly i cant live without you now. lets begin with the ugly. the music they play is horribly obnoxious and a lot of the teachers seem robotic, i think its a combination of the fast pace and that silly microphone, makes you feel like you’re in a bad aerobics video from the 80s playing in the background of an EDM concert. and yeah, classes are expensive, and yeah it feels a bit cult-​y.
but the butt… my butt looks awesome. and i feel super strong and fit. its only when you get a really good teacher that you begin to understand why you keep attending these masochistic rituals. I highly recommend Monica, she takes the time to learn everyone’s name and puts a lot of character and soul into her classes (which many other teachers lack). so yeah, overall i’d recommend pop. don’t expect to lose weight though, you pretty much lose weight from just doing cardio… wish there could be a combination fast paced dance + pop physique class or something, that would be interesting. somebody do it, i’ll be the first to sign up.

Giving Pop 5 stars because my body has seriously changed over the last 2 weeks in an awesome way! I work out 3 – 4 times a week and have a healthy diet, but this full body workout seriously changed my butt, arms, and legs in a very noticeable way. I look more toned + fit, my jeans fit really nicely. I just love how the music + lighting changes as the class goes on, even though you’re surrounded by other people you feel like you’re in your own bubble with the instructor. Scarlett is my all time fave, she really helps you get into the right position without making you feel singled out or embarrassed.
I already have a membership at a gym but I subscribe to their emails and follow on Instagram because they always have insane deals! I highly suggest buying their socks, the grippy things on the bottom help you from sliding all over the place.
No high brow attitudes here, I’ve met really nice people and total strangers are willing to help if you’re confused on something!

I really like it here. They kick your butt once you get the breathing and form on lock (very important). Push yourself!
I wish it was less expensive :(And street parking can be a bish – please arrive 10 min. early in anticipation of finding a spot. But everyone is nice and not judgey :)

I have to give Pop Physique the full five stars for what they do and how they do it, but read further for details on my experience.
They are located conveniently on Sunset and are in a gorgeous studio space. They have two full studios, a large greeting area, clean bathrooms, and what seemed to be a full kitchen. It really is a beautiful space.
Everyone is welcoming and helpful. I tried booking online, but was looking to use the free class with a Unilocal check-​in offer, so I ended up registering online and calling to reserve a spot for the Saturday 12:30 class. The person on the phone walked me through what the class would involve and told me that I needed to bring socks to wear. When I got there, everyone was just as nice and helpful. The instructor, Scarlett, came over and introduced herself and asked if I have any injuries she should be aware of. It’s that kind of care that sets Pop Physique apart from the rest. Exactly the type of interaction you want with your fitness instructor.
Now onto my experience…
I had a hard time filtering through the Unilocal reviews to understand fellow Unilocalers fitness levels, so I hope this provides further insight if you have any question on if you can make it through.
I am about average fitness level — I exercise moderately about three times per week through hiking and dance, and this was my first barre class. I was curious to know if this would broaden my dance technique — no, it doesn’t really. I was wondering if it would be like an aerobics class — no, not really. It’s a strong mix of beginner Pilates-​style movement and advanced toning techniques. You get an INTENSE full body workout in only 60 minutes.
The hour class started with floor work on the mat and standing with weights, mostly core and upper body work. Then we moved to the barre and focused on thighs and butt using the barre, a ball and a strap. The last few exercises were focused again on the core. It was fast paced, but I felt comfortable customizing the movements to my strengths, then again, Scarlett did come over and correct my positions a lot. I thought she had thoughtful oversight and was really motivating.
There’s no real way to cheat here. You either suck it up and do it, or you stick out like a sore thumb. But it’s fun to feel like a super human for an hour and just push through the pain.
I walked out thinking I am never going back because I’m just not fit enough. But honestly, it’s now day three and I am feeling so sore and satisfied that I just want to not feel sore again so I can go back.
Definitely worth checking out, and you definitely can’t beat a free class for your first time!

I’ve only done a couple classes but I definitely would not mind coming back. The location is gorgeous, the staff is great, and the workouts are hard but fun. The first time was a bit of an adjustment because I hadn’t done barre before and the class is pretty fast-​paced. The second class was a better experience since I knew what to expect plus I really loved the instructor — Monica D. She made sure to know all our names so she that she could shout out encouragements and that makes a difference! She was also great at correcting my positions which is important for me as a noob.
Although the regular price is a little more than I would like to spend, they are always having a lot of deals if the price may be a deterrent.

I have been going to Pop Physique on and off for over a year, and it’s a winner. I am in my forties, not in the greatest shape, but not bad. I say this only so that everyone knows that you don’t have to be gorgeous and in tip top shape (although people look that way here) to go. The classes are hard — and when I first started going I thought I wouldn’t live through them. I don’t feel that way anymore, but they are still hard.
The best thing about Pop, for me is that it is a full body work out in one hour flat. Boom. There is simply no doubt that when you walk out that you’ve worked out hard for the day. In our time crunched lives, this rocks.
Have I lost weight? Nope. But I don’t go often enough or consistently enough. But my thighs, glutes, and arms are muscular is a cool way. You know when you look at photos and hate yourself? I was looking at a video of me riding a horse the other day, and although I hated myself for the belly fat (again, not going consistently or often enough and I am also eating ice cream sandwiches) I was jazzed to see new definition in my arms, muscular shoulders, good posture. I also feel like I have increased stamina.
The teachers are sweet and nice and encouraging and never call you out for collapsing. Total positivity at all times.

Pop Physique = Pilates + Ballet, right?
Little did I know that I would be getting my ass handed to me.
Workout: Albeit painful and intense, an AMAZING abs and lower body workout! It’s a bit much for me to go consistently, but I’ll be going at least once a week! I think the club banging playlist makes it less painful??? Maybe???
Studio: Clean and spacious with two studios! They even have a cold case full of cold pressed juices and a nice, large lounge area to relax in before class. Staff and instructors are very helpful and welcoming as well :)
Parking: Street parking in the residential area
Tip:
–All equipment is provided! Just don’t forget to show up in socks.
–Free first class with a Unilocal check-​in!

I’ve been doing Pop physique in studio city but was in the area so decided to try out silverlake. This location is beautiful! It looks like a loft and is super modern. I take Ashley in studio city but realized she was also in silverlake. She’s super fun and motivating. I suggest taking one of her classes. Be ready to shake and burn your legs and buns.

This isn’t a review for the PP workout (which is fantastic, but not too different from the pure barres and physique 57s and exhales and barmethods and so on and so forth). This is a review for Silver Lake’s teachers/​front desk people. JUST GREAT. So friendly, professional and easy to work with. It’s not easy to lead large workout classes with large variability in student skill level and the teachers here do it perfectly. Also they never sound like a recording. I suspect they all had to really prove their teaching mastery in order to be here at the OG pop physique studio, but I could be making that up. Fav instructors? Monica, Scarlett, Shawna, Jillian and Ashley. Another thing I love about pop physique in general is that it’s more affordable for random class packs than ANY of the other barre studios. They are literally always running deals. One star docked for the parking sitch.

Excellent workout.
Hard, but worth it. FAST, arms, core, legs, and butt! and once you’re ‘in it’ it’s ON! Great strength training, and my arms and legs are gaining definition more and more over time and i’ve been going since June 2014.
People ask me all the time if I’m a dancer (legs) and my lovely backside has found some insane lift. Core work is most of it if you breathe right, which has helped my lower back immensely.
Great teachers, great music.
Best thing I ever signed up for (even though I was completely scared!)
I’m hooked.

Meh. For the exorbitant prices they charge they don’t have showers for you. Wished they had areas to change and stuff. Only bathrooms. However, the bathrooms are filled with stuff that you may need — tampons, hair ties, deodorant, and the likes. LOVE how they have a filtered water cooler (inside the studio), plus cubbies to put your stuff in.
Glad they were a groupon deal. $ 40 for 5 classes. If you download their app on your phone, they send out really good deals from time to time. Also, they have a «new member» special — where it’s $ 100 for unlimited (1/​day) classes. Not too shabby, since single classes are $ 20.
Meters on Sunset is $ 1/​hr. Max is 2 hrs. Some residential, street parking all around. Seriously, if you’re gonna go work out, walking a block or two isn’t crazy.
Overall classes are pretty awesome. I was crazy sore after a workout. Tuck tuck tuck. :) squeeze. There are a few instructors who will come by and adjust you — to make sure that you’re doing things in the correct form. The workout is very low impact and perfect when I was recovering from surgery.
Good stuff!