Equilibrium Fitness

These classes are very different from traditional reformer pilates. I attended the beginner’s class, however, it seemed to be more appropriate for students experienced with their specific type of machine/​pilates. We were very briefly shown the equipment, but the music was so loud that we had a difficult time hearing and also remembering even the basics. During the class, the instructor wore a headset/​microphone, but it was still difficult to hear the instructions over the music. I looked to other students to model their movements, but everyone seemed to be doing something different. I would have given 1 star, however, the staff was friendly.

Despite some management issues, I had a good experience here overall and am sad that the studio is now CLOSED as of March 2014.
Equilibrium Fitness was a small studio offering SPX Pilates, RealRyder indoor cycling, and TRX classes. The SPX Pilates classes were taught on the M1 Megaformer machines and a max number of 10 students were allowed per class. I really enjoyed the intimacy of the small classes because this let the instructors pay attention to every student, correcting form, giving encouragement, etc. After every session, I’d be quivering and drenched in sweat, but for some reason, I felt motivated to work out even harder in the future.
The RealRyder classes allowed for 12 students and though these classes rarely filled up, I found the space to be a bit cramped. Also, I wasn’t a fan of the RealRyder bikes because the saddle was a bit too large for my frame (or should I say, small butt) and the bikes were heavy.
The TRX classes allowed for 9 students. I really liked the Pilates/​TRX combo classes Equilibrium offered to switch it up a bit.
The pricing was okay. I really took advantage of the «Refer A Friend» special where if you got a friend to sign up for a 3 month commitment, both of your first months was $ 99. There was no limit as to how many times you could «Refer A Friend,» which was awesome! Unfortunately, there was a 24 hour cancellation window, $ 15 late cancel fee, and $ 25 no show fee.
The main thing that set this studio apart from the others was the group of amazing instructors that taught here. I liked Trent & Nayda’s spin classes and was a die-​hard regular at Juliet and Michelle’s weekly Pilates classes.
I will always remember Equilibrium Fitness as the place that introduced me to Pilates and inspired me to stop being a lazy ass and to work on my health and fitness with a fervor that I didn’t know I had.
Thank you, Equilibrium! It was a good year.

Soooo sad they are now closed… :(
I fell in love with pilates after coming to this gym. It’s really rare to find a studio that has a wide range of hours starting as early as 6am. The trainers here are awesome and actually help you improve your moves and work you out. I loved starting my mornings here and now i’m super bummed to have to look for another pilates studio.
Also, their equipment is always clean and fairly new. The only bad part of the place was that you had to either find street parking or valet your car.
I REALLLYYYY hope they reopen soon.

I attended the studio for six months last year.
It is a very good work out and I recommended it to friends.
I had to freeze my membership because of injury (unrelated to the studio).
My credit card was charged for six more months (over $ 800) despite several email correspondences with the studio confirming I was frozen.
I even left several detailed voice messages to the studio requesting reimbursement and not one message was returned.
I ultimately disputed the charges with my credit card and they collected for me.
Even then, the studio began charging me again in January of this year clearly ignoring both my freeze status and cancel request.
Buyer beware. This is a terribly managed business. It is nearly impossible to cancel your membership and even more difficult to be reimbursed for improper charges.
Further, if the studio closes its doors (similar to the sister Glendale studio) you will not want your credit card on recurring charge status at Equilibrium.

NOT happy with the way this studio is being managed! I’ve been told by Anabelle that she will change my membership from the $ 525 unlimited 3 month membership to the $ 139 8 classes/​month membership. It’s been a month & she still haven’t changed it. She also does not reply back to me nor calls me back when she says she will. What the hell Anabelle? I used to go every day and this is how you treat your customer?
In addition, Anabelle did not show up for a class but charges members to pay $ 25 if they don’t show up… but shouldn’t that apply to the owner too? I was also supposed to get credited $ 25 for her not showing up… and I have still yet to receive that credit.
Juliet is the only one who genuinely cares. Love you

The workout is great and I really like the instructors, but the customer service is abysmal. When you factor in the sky-​high cost of classes here, it’s pretty infuriating.
Annabelle is perfectly nice, but she appears to have either no concept of or no consideration for her paying clients’ time. Take today, for example. I showed up at the studio five minutes early for an 8 pm class with Annabelle. She was teaching the last few minutes of a 7 pm class, but she acknowledged me walk in. When the class was over, she chatted with the students while I claimed a machine and got ready for the next class to start. Gradually I noticed no new students were showing up, so I went over to ask Annabelle what was going on. She continued chatting with a student for a good five minutes while I stood and waited. Finally, she turned to me and told me she was canceling my class.
I made my reservation over 24 hours in advance. The studio has my email address and my cell phone number. If Annabelle wants to cancel class, that’s fine, but maybe she could have picked up the phone or sent me an email before I schlepped all the way over there? Maybe she could could have stepped away from her other students for a couple seconds to let me know I could leave? Maybe she could have paused her 10 minute sales pitch with a new student? Or, as a last resort, perhaps she could have apologized for making my 30 minute commute and 15 minute wait utterly pointless? Her total lack of apology was pretty glaring, and I wouldn’t go back to the studio if I hadn’t already prepaid for three months in advance just yesterday. Pretty awful timing, I’d say!
Update from the next day:
Showed up for 7 am class (the one that Annabelle herself signed me up for last night after bailing on my 8 pm class). Annabelle is not here. She has, however, left five students standing outside a locked studio wondering what the hell is going on.

I’ve been coming to this studio for 5 months and I’m so addicted I could never go anywhere else. My body has been shaping to the fittest I’ve ever been in the most feminine and sleek manner. Annabelle is amazing, her intense full body workout classes fly by with her energetic and funny self that take you on a great experience while you work your body off! Brian has a sick workout that pushes your limits! All the other teachers are amazing and I love each and every one. Each teacher has their own style that makes this place fully equipped with an array of workouts to fit your mood. The machines are incredible and their spinning classes are insane — the real Ryder bikes and The great music they play is amazing. I love having an unlimited membership because I go daily switching up me classes so my body is always challenged. LOVE this place, LOVE how it’s shaping my body. I feel great!!!

This is my home base to push myself, change my body, find inner strength, and reset after both good and bad days.
I was so excited when this place opened near my old apartment. had always wanted to get into Pilates but never found it to be conducive to my schedule and (at the time) street parking. ha! Was quickly addicted to the fast paced classes, the intense burn and hours later soreness. But more than that, being a very noncompetitive, klutzy, and sorta anti sports kinda girl I found a part of myself loving the challenge that Annabelle and her teachers (shout out to Juliette!) present you with. I’ve taken everyone from my friends, boyfriend, and neighbors to a class and they all leave swearing they already see a change but feel like they could take on the world if they survived those 50 minutes. Recently I’ve also gotten into Nayda’s real Ryder spin classes mixed with TRX. Love it! Always something to challenge yourself with here.
After attending for a year I moved a few miles from the location and took a hiatus from my routine. I missed it so! Returning was like coming home … I love the environment. I love when there’s guys in the class (Pilates is not just for girls!) And even love when there are newbies. It’s a reminder that every class is your first of the day, no matter your age, gender, or experience level…
The monthly fee is a bit pricey when you factor the ins and outs of living in LA, paying off college loans, parking tickets, and life in general — but if you’re looking for a personal outlet that’s also a kick ass exercise routine, I can’t recommend this place enough.

I’ve been coming to this studio for about 9 months now, so I thought this was the perfect time to review. After my first month here, I canceled my gym membership and have lost about 16 lbs so far. Fat takes more space than muscle, but muscle weighs more. I am getting comments all the time about my weight loss. Note: I haven’t changed my love for pizza and ice cream.
The unlimited package they have here is one of the best prices I have seen in LA, and they offer Real Ryder cycling (spin bikes that moves, apparently it burns an extra 20% calories!), SPX Pilates, and TRX classes. 80% of my work outs here are spin classes, and the other 20% is pilates. What I love is how there are «remix» classes, so there are hybrid classes of spin + pilates, or spin + TRX. You really have to give this place a go… the instructors are super fabulous and super supportive. And they have good taste in music, no matter what instructor you choose.

I have no idea how this place has so many positive reviews. The workout was sub-​par at BEST. The energy was terrible, instruction very mediocre and overall, most of the students seemed frustrated and not following the guidance, as the exercises just didn’t flow well. If you like the classes at the Studio MDR or any pilates plus, you will be severely disappointed by this place.

As I was walking through the busy street of La Brea a «LOOK BETTER NAKED» sign quickly caught my eye. Yes, I like being healthy and yes, this is part of the reason why I workout like a maniac… BUT come on, let’s get real. The main reason is to look better naked!!! Equilibrium Fitness will get you there!
I practice hot yoga religiously and just recently felt the urge to try something new (aka I need to double my workout plan because summer is coming up haha). SPX Pilates is such a great workout, I LOVE IT! I already feel/​see myself toning up and I’ve only gone to 3 classes. The movements are very simple, easy to follow, but INTENSE! This is my first experience with the reformer machine and I love it! I was a little intimidated by it at first because I had no idea how to work that thing, but don’t worry! It’s fairly simple and really just there to help you with your form and movement AND the instructors are very supportive, informative, and most importantly HAPPY to help. The classes consist of about 10 people max so the instructors are able to really pay attention to everyone ensuring they are getting the most out of their workout.
I leave every workout feeling super sore… omg hurts so good! Lol. Annabelle, the owner, is the sweetest and has great energy!
Yes, my only :(is that the workouts are really pricey compared to others, but in relation to other Pilates studios, the prices are comparable. They have lots of random deals too… like if you bring a friend you both can get $ 99/​unlimited for your first month. Also, they offer an introductory package for first timers… 3 in 9 for $ 39 meaning 3 classes in 9 days for $ 39. I did that one to start and I thought it was just enough to know that I want to continue incorporating SPX Pilates into my workout routine! They have many different packages so I encourage everyone to check out their website and call and ask questions!
Come on guys, lets all LOOK BETTER NAKED together! Ok, that came out wrong… lol. You know what I mean!

Nice studio and wonderful instructors.
Perfect location. Love Kristin.

I’ve been working out at Equilibrium in Glendale for the past 10 months. Most instructors have been great. I especially liked Lacey & Juliet. They went beyond teaching in my opinion. They truly care about their craft. They made sure students had the right form & made the classes more enjoyable (even during plank to pike positions). They also gave tips on how to enhance workouts. Anabelle and Michelle are great at La Brea location. Real Ryder classes were fun too– Trent is excellent!
Anyways, since Glendale closed I really tried it at La Brea location but the traffic makes it tough. Most of the time it takes 45 minutes to go the 11 mile distance. I was surprised the Glendale location closed so abruptly, I wish we had more notice. I know a lot of Glendale people of upset about it.
Overall, I found the workouts to be awesome. Just wished there was still a Glendale location.

Spoke with Annabelle and she added more remix classes during the week.
That shows that one, she listens to her customers, and two, she tries to make things better so that both sides are happy!
Thank you! You’ll be seeing me at the remix classes now!

Love this place. Really wished they hadn’t closed the Glendale location. Juliet is excellent! She really knows how to give a good work out. Not only does she give you a great work out, she will also correct your form to make sure you get your desired results. She really cares about her clients. Sure will miss her!

Joining Equilibrium Fitness was one of the best decisions i’ve made in my whole life! I started off not knowing anything about pilates and having zero core strength and thanks to Juliet my awesome instructor i’ve overcome so many physical challenges in the last few months!
The equipment (pro-​former machines) are super fun to work on, but a little confusing when you first start off, thankfully Juliet paid lots of attention to the beginners so we wouldn’t fall behind! after planking and lunging till i just couldnt anymore, Juliet would say «if you could change your life in 10 seconds, would you do do it?» that always gets me motivated to keep going!
Classes are so much fun and once you start feeling your core strengthening you’ll be hooked like i am!
Pilates done the way Equibrium Fitness does it is such a great life changing workout, i highly reccomend it!

Equilibrium Fitness has changed my life! Annabelle is incredible. When she found out I was competing for Miss California USA 2013, she immediately offered me a private pilates session to assess where I am at physically and to teach me how to use the reformer machine! Annabelle is a amazing instructor, so positive and encouraging. She won me over right away. I signed up for a month unlimited of pilates and spin classes — and have watched my body change completely. I placed in the Top 10 out of 250 girls at the pageant this past weekend, and a large reason is because of my swimsuit score.
I am so grateful for Equilibrium, I am now obsessed with Pilates and plan on making it a regular part of my routine.
I highly recommend Equilibrium Fitness if you are ready for a change and a challenge.

I went to Cyclelates and Pilates Plus Downtown before I ended up at Equilibrium. They all have great reviews, but I would suggest holding off on any decisions until you try Equilibrium. Equilibrium is definitely more expensive than other pilates studios in the LA area, however, you get more bang for your buck. My whole body quivers as I walk to my car after every workout, and this is something that you won’t feel at the other pilates studios.
After many calculations, I decided that Equilibrium isn’t that much more expensive. Most other studios (like Cyclelates) require you to pay for parking. Parking is much easier at Equilibrium, you don’t have to pay $ 2 each time (like Cyclelates) or circle around looking for parking before each workout (Pilates Plus) — you can always find street parking in front or park in the residential areas. I normally park on Orange st and walk over.
Don’t be scared away by the intensity of the workouts — you can always go at your own pace, and if you inform the instructors that you are new, they always give you easier options. The instructors are very attentive to each member, and walk around the room adjusting our positions to ensure we have good form and are targeting the right muscle groups.
I am obsessed with this place. I only go twice a week, and its $ 139/​month for 8 classes. I would say for the average person, going about 2 – 3 times/​week is perfect. Give it a try! They have a lot of specials, so wait for a Groupon deal or one of the Unilocal deals.

If I was into the SPX/​Pilates Plus workout I would join this place! I tried it out through a deal website recently, thinking I was purchasing something similar to a typical pilates reformer class. But the pilates workouts here are like serious BOOTCAMP PILATES!!! Be very fit and have NO injuries if you are going to do this kind of workout. It would be good for someone who wants to take their fitness to the next level.
I did like the energy there which I assume trickles down from the owner, Annabelle, and the other instructors were very nice as well.
5 stars minus 1 because I wish it was more clear that this is a much more difficult and strenuous workout than a pilates reformer class (both classic or west-​coast style). This lack of explanation seems to be common among SPX/​Pilates Plus studios.
I would recommend Equilibrium Fitness based on the good energy for those who enjoy bootcamp style workouts.

I was skeptical at first about the whole idea but it really works! I’ve been attending the various pilates classes for a little under a month now and I am already seeing results. My arms and legs are more toned and I feel stronger overall. I signed up for another three months and I can’t wait to see more change in my body. Thanks to Jay, Juliet, and Annabelle I have more confidence in myself.
*if you bring a friend, the both of you can get a discounted rate of $ 99 per month! I am telling all of my friends about this…

When I went here for a free pilates/​spinning class last Sunday to sample this place, the tag team of perky instructor lady and super super cute trainer guy did my body achy.
I completely wimped out on the pilates part but man did I still feel it the next day using those awesome pilates machines.
To be honest, I think I gave 40−50% effort on the pilates part. Had the perky instructor lady not been perky, I’d have given 10% less and had the super super cute trainer guy not been sweet and encouraging, 25% less. Good job with the motivation!
Great staff and equipment all around. Now that I’ve been on their cool RealRyder cycling bikes that tilt, I don’t know if I can ever do a basic cycling class again.
I have to say, during the pilates and spinning, this place really focus on posture. I was corrected a few times during the spinning when my wrists were off and during the pilates when I was using wrong parts of my body. Great watching out instructor lady who can remember people’s names and super super cute trainer guy.
I’m already missing this place for so many reasons. Too bad I’m in San Diego.