Function 5 Fitness

great trainors and a grat place for cross fit

I have been at this gym for about a year now. It’s small, it’s friendly. The staff cares, and the community is super supportive. I love it.

An Empowering Place to Train
I was looking for a boxing gym within walking distance in Miracle Mile. What I found was Function5 Fitness, a Muay Thai gym. But, it’s not just a Muay Thai gym. It’s a community if you want it (for example, when some of the athletes/​trainers have a fight, many people go to the fight together), or it’s a place to get a great workout with knowledgeable staff in Miracle Mile.
MUAY THAI???
I only had some basic boxing skills from a previous trainer I worked with, but Muay Thai is a form of Martial Arts. If you’re new, like I was, it’s fun and you’ll get paired with someone with like abilities, height and, hopefully temperament, as the trainers take this into consideration. Yes, that means when you take Muay Thai classes, you’ll work with another class member, which requires a certain level of patience, and communication. There’s also pad holding! I was uncomfortable doing that, but I saw one of the gym’s Youtube videos and read one of the blog entries and it significantly improved my pad holding mojo. Why did I put in this much work? I enjoy skill-​based workouts, which require learning and executing. I’ve been a member for 1.5 years and I’m still learning new stuff.
THIS IS A BOUTIQUE GYM. That means this is a gym with small classes (no more than 8 – 10), the quality of training is skill-​based, and the price doesn’t compare to big chains like 24hr and Planet Fitness. The gym’s website is up-​to-​date with prices, and everyone pays the same price. No negotiating here. Nor, is it an Equinox, pretentious with it’s towels, yoga-​models etc. It may seem pricey at first, but once you take a few classes and attend class regularly, it all makes sense. When I joined, Emily gave me a free consult and tour.
PERSONAL TRAINING
When I joined there were three mandatory beginner classes before I could enter a mixed-​levels class. (That’s changed now — I think new members get 3 private lessons to help them get oriented into the mixed-​level Muay Thai classes and strength and conditioning classes. I like this change, and when working with a newbie, they have a better understanding of combinations than I did with the previous group beginner classes.) To get better faster, I signed up for personal training. It was well worth it. Members get a crazy discount. I gained specific training to improve my Muay Thai skills. I was able to get more out of the multi-​level group classes. I worked with Emily and she always adapted my workouts if I asked for something specific, or if I experienced fatigue. All of the trainers, from what I’ve observed provide an easy-​going atmosphere, help you with your goals and communicate professionally. There’s always some good fun and laughter happening at F5 in between the hard work and sweat.
CLEAN GYM
It’s clean. Enough said.
RECOVERY
This gym is really a gem. One of the things I love about F5 is that besides the typical warm-​up and cool-​down, recovery and mobility is highly encouraged here. Some classes include foam rolling, or trigger point.
F5 CHALLENGE
I’ve participated in two challenges (a 4 week and 5 week challenge), and it’s always helped motivate me to get to the gym 5 days a week, food log, and win prizes. I love that they offer something like this for those of us that need an extra push. They don’t need to do this, but I’m so glad that they do.
I’ve seen all types of people train at F5 — all ages and sizes of men, women, kids, and fighters. Their range of clients only symbolizes the range of skill and coaching style. You won’t be disappointed by joining this gym. You’ll gain a new attitude and learn some new tricks. Guaranteed. My favorite class of all gym classes I’ve ever taken is the F5 Fighter Fit class. It’s a circuit workout (bring your shoes). You’ll get your sweat on and heart-​pumping. I always feel better when I leave this place.

This gym is incredible! All the trainers are really good at what they do and are very dedicated to seeing you succeed with your goals. I loved strength and conditioning with Jess and Tyler — made me stronger and encouraged me to continue lifting and gaining strength. Muay Thai here is great, every trainer makes sure to correct you and help you get the right form. Even though you take classes — you definitely get personal instruction within each class. Best gym in LA!!! Five stars isn’t enough for how great of a gym it is, and everyone here is super friendly — the culture is very welcoming!

Today was my last day at F5 because tomorrow I am moving to New York. I’ve had thirteen great months at the gym, and I can honestly say that besides my friends Function 5 is the thing I am going to miss the most about Los Angeles.
All the other reviews have said a lot about the gym and what it does, so I thought I would just offer my own experience. Last summer I moved to Mid-​Wilshire after passing my qualifying exams in grad school. I had spent the past three years doing little besides studying. I was in the worst shape of my life and despondent about ever improving. I actually did a tryout session at each of the two crossfit gyms in the area before coming to F5. Given how out of shape I was, I don’t know why I chose F5 — I remember thinking it was foolish to try something as intense and difficult as Muay Thai without first getting back into shape. But that’s one of the great things about F5: it caters to all levels of ability and fitness. And it’s also good for people with very different goals. Some people there want to get into the ring and have real fights. Some, like me, are just content with pad work. Some just come for the weights or HIIT training and don’t do Muay Thai at all.
I was quite intimidated to start at F5 but after a few sessions I came to understand the pleasures of punching and kicking things. After a couple of months I tried the strength and conditioning classes and fell in love with kettlebells. I started to go four or five times a week, doing about 20% Muay Thai and 80% strength and conditioning. Now, thirteen months later, I’ve lost fifty pounds and am stronger than I have ever been. And every time I went to the gym, I always left afterwards in a better mood.
What really sets F5 apart, for me, is the people, both the trainers and my gymmates. The trainers I worked with — Roxy, Emily, Kate, Tyler, Aaron, Jess, Patrick — were all friendly, knowledgeable, patient, attentive, and very positive. And though I never had a workout with them, Dustin, Chelsey, and Anthony are very cool folks. Roxy runs the whole show and she has really built a special place. I am continually astonished by her knowledge, passion, and dedication.
Finally, there’s one more selling point for all you Unilocalers. Including this one, Function 5 now has 46 reviews. Forty-​four of them are five-​star reviews and the other two are four star. Those reviews are well earned.

I was terrified of going to take Muay Thai because aside from dancing, I’ve never been athletic at all. Miserably failed as a child when I tried swimming, karate, and basketball. But here I am, 21 trying to get fit and deal with the stress of young adulthood.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. Thanks to everyone at F5 for always making me feel comfortable, motivated, and learning my name. Seriously, somehow everyone knows your name and what you do etc etc. This helps create the sense of community the gym brings to its customers, who by the way, are all super sweet as well.
I personally LOVE the Fighter Fit class, its intense, fun, and upbeat. Of course Muay Thai is awesome. Don’t be intimated by the whole «mixed level/​mixed gender». The instructors work closely with everyone to make sure no one feels like they’re at the wrong place. I never fail to walk out of the building, legs shaking like a baby deer yet feeling invinsible.
GIVE THIS PLACE A SHOT. You’ll love the community feel and you’ll see results.

I absolutely LOVE coming here!
I was so nervous at first because the classes are mixed level and I’ve always been rather unathletic (you know, always picked last in gym class, can’t catch, throw or hit a ball, etc.) but all I can say is Wow! People are so patient and helpful! You’ll always be paired up with someone comparable to you so there’s no need to be nervous. When you’re paired up with someone a bit more advanced, you strive to be better and they are totally with you on it and not judgmental — they actually want to help! Once you’re a bit better and you get paired with the newbie, you’re wanting THEM to succeed too! Classes are small so the instructors are always handy to guide and show you anything you should be doing differently. I can’t say enough good things about these instructors!
And if you’re STILL nervous, sign up for some one-​on-​one sessions periodically. I do and I find them extremely helpful.
The instructors are freaking amazing, your fellow students are amazing, and you are guaranteed a killer workout. And on top of all of that, it’s FUN!!! Except if you have to do burpees. Those aren’t fun so ALWAYS wear your shoes in the bathroom or you’re going to do 15 of those bastards. And be on time because it’s disrespectful to your instructor and anyone who might be on the waitlist to be late — again, burpees.
Oh and there’s a cat who always seems to be sleeping or watching me quietly out of sight, waiting for me to drop my guard. The air system is killer so my allergies are not at all affected by Kimura the Ninja Cat. I’ve seen her like 4 times total but very briefly. Apparently her cat toys are more satisfying than my cuddles.
So you really should give it a shot! Once you meet the staff, you’ll be sold. They really do make this place awesome! Roxy has put together an awesome crew!!!

Great place for Muay Thai. Have only trained with Kate and Emily so far because of my schedule, but have known about Roxy and Dustin for a while and they are all top notch.

Signed up about 6 wks ago and got their new 3 intro classes (one-​on-​one! can i get an amen?) that i find are so necessary to really understand the right way to do things, and not feel like you’ve just been thrown into a class of pros, while you’re scared shitless and flailing about. Which makes so much sense, because I’m actually more likely to want to come to the next group class without the fear of not being a complete greenie.
All the classes I’ve been to have been mixed levels, which is great, and everyone seriously wants to help you out (even if I’m constantly apologizing for the newb-​ness and that they have to go slow for me, all the other students always want to help out)
Roxy does a consult and you get to try out all the classes and they want you to really get the real experience before you have to do anything.
Most importantly, you totally don’t have to be afraid if you’re at all nervous about being the new kid, on the first day of a new school, where they throw punches at you and you go back for more.

I LOVE this place! I think it may be the best thing I have ever done in my life. My friends can tell you how much I hate to work out, but this has changed my entire attitude towards sweating! It is the only thing that has gotten me off my couch and improved my health.
Function 5 has gathered the most talented, the most patient and the BEST all-​around instructors ever in order to make your workout sessions enjoyable and to turn you into a bad-​ass Muay Thai fighter!
Though it is a little pricier than most gyms, the classes are smaller and you receive personal pointers on your skill and technique. Plus there are a variety of classes you can take — kettlebells, circuit training and my favorite, Muay Thai. I definitely feel that it worth every penny I spend and then some!
Sign up today and you will not regret it! Love you, Roxy and everyone else at Function 5!

Okay so, this review is looooong overdue. I have so much to say about this gym — but I won’t make it too long. Or at least I’ll try not to. (Just kidding, this is probably going to turn into a novel.)
I absolutely love love love love love love love Function 5. And I am so glad that one day when I was bored out of my mind at work, I decided to look up gyms around my area. I used to look up gyms all the time because it gave me an illusion that I was super motivated to get fit, but I honestly never followed through until I found out about F5. Let me be honest right now and say I never really liked exercising. I loved potato chips too much. But, I almost cannot recognize myself because I look forward to working out now. What? (Never saw that coming.)
I didn’t look for MuayThai/​kickboxing specifically. I just typed in «gym» in the search bar. I never even thought I would actually join a gym at the time, but I am ever so grateful to myself for picking up the phone and calling to set an appointment for a consult. Now… not only am I motivated to be fit, but I also am in love with Muay Thai.
I read other reviews and I kind of got intimidated at first because everyone was saying that classes are small and intimate. I was definitely scared that I was going to be judged, but… wow. If you’re second guessing because you have the same fear I did, please don’t. Everyone here is really supportive, it’s unreal. (I feel as if everyone in the world that wants to see me do well has gathered at this gym. They’re that nice and supportive. I wish I was overexaggerating.)
The instructors here are incredible. They’re really friendly, but also professional. They have so much knowledge about what they teach and… fitness in general and they’re always more than happy to share that knowledge with you. Whatever your goal is, they are more than willing to help you reach it. I was so nervous taking classes in the beginning, but all of them are so so so so nice and patient. They are really good at making you feel at ease. They take the time to find out what you can handle and what you cannot. They push your limits definitely, but not in the way where you feel like death is near, but just enough I promise. When I walk out of that door after a class, I’m definitely still trying to make sure sweat doesn’t get in my eye and I feel amazing.
I’ve only been a member at this gym for about 2 months now. I’m still very much a newbie and I have much much much to improve on, but I already feel my confidence level going up. (I feel like it’s the gloves. They make you feel badass.) But anyway, I can’t see myself being a member of any other gym besides this one for as long as I am living in LA. It’s a little pricier than most gyms — from what I’ve seen/​heard — but it is worth every cent. I feel like I don’t pay enough for what I learn, get, and feel at this gym. (Um, that. doesn’t mean that you should start charging me more, Roxy.)
P. S. Um… they also have a cute little cat that lives in the gym and she sometimes comes out and stretches with us. (If that doesn’t convince you to join this gym, I don’t know what will.)

Great Muay Thai classes! Professional and nice instructors.

I was introduced to Muay Thai before Roxy opened this gym, when she was working out of a small studio on top of another gym!
She worked really hard and the result was Function 5 Fitness, an awesome cozy facility with a fantastic, encouraging staff. I really fell in love with the sport here. It is a great place especially for beginners, the trainers will explain everything to you in detail all while you are getting a good workout in. Roxy, Kate, Dustin and Tyler on the kettle bells. All of them friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging.
You can expect circuit training (medicine balls, jump rope, heavy bag, pushups, sit ups, jump squats etc) usually followed up partner pad work (either punching boxing pads or using thai pads and kick pads).
If none of that makes any sense to you don’t worry! It will click right away. They will explain everything.
I made some really great friends at Function 5, a couple who went on to be awesome competitive fighters! And also a couple who have had amazing physical transformations. Wish I still lived around the corner :)

Function 5 is hands down the best Muay Thai gym in Los Angeles. The classes are small, the instructors are knowledgeable, professional, and most of all… Friendly. I’ve been to 3 – 4 Muay Thai and MMA gyms in LA, and buff dudes with egos are a dime a dozen. You won’t find any of that at F5.
The workout you get from a 1hr Muay Thai class is truly remarkable. I guarantee you will be drenched with sweat, your muscles will ache, you’ll be short of breathe, and you’ll feel like a million bucks. I can’t speak on behalf of the kettlebell or mobility workouts, I’ve never gone to one before, but I’m told they’re both quite good.
The trainers there are equipped to train you any way you want, if you’re looking just to get a good cardio workout, or you’re looking to train to become a legit fighter. Just tell them what you’re looking for and they got you covered.
The down side? It ain’t cheap, but if you love it, and you want a guaranteed ass kicking workout, it’s totally worth it.
Couldn’t be happier I found F5, already looking forward to my next class.

I started here a few months ago coming from a crossfit gym that offered Muay Thai once a day. I needed a new place with more options because I fell in love with Muay Thai. I’m so glad I gave Function 5 a try. Really great instruction, quality teachers, and fun people to work out with make this place a 5 star for sure! The intro offer makes it worth trying for anyone that doubts.

Absolutely the most informative classes (Recovery & Mobility, and Intro to Kettlebells) I’ve ever attended. At any price. The Unilocal discount? Sheer Gravy.
Had Tyler for both of them. When you’re shown that you know how little you know and are thankful for the opportunity? That’s some smooth craftsmanship and rock solid value for your dollar right there.
F5 Fitness is top tier.

Yeah I know it seems weird this place has only 5 star reviews — but it’s that great of a gym!
I am a real person. As you can see from my other reviews, I only eat a lot of fatty food. As such, I am totally un-​fit for any sort of fitness régime… but I decided to go out on a limb and get their 2012 special. I am on week 3 of 5 and so far it has kicked my butt all over the place. I can barely keep up with anyone, but you know what? I like it.
The trainers are really nice, professional, and superb at what they do. If you look around the class, they handle all sorts of levels from the superbuff to the flab (like me) and everyone is sweatin. I’ve worked with Kate, Daniel & Roxy in class and despite their very hard muscles they are gentle souls.
Don’t be afraid! It REALLY is fun.
Quick tips: You can park on La Brea @7pm on the dot, which is when the beginners classes are. Also parking across the street when the auto-​shop is closed.

I love all the bad ass female instructors; they are an inspiration. A bunch of tough looking dudes came in after one of my beginners’ classes, and there was something really empowering about seeing Kate teach it.
It’s been a good experience learning how to resist a punch, even if it’s with a pad. We are so used to sitting around all day when that’s not really what we are meant to do. There’s something very satisfying about punching something with resistance and about resisting someone else’s punches.

So at the outset I will say this is a very personal review for me.
I have invested a lot of time at Function 5 and am so grateful for the group of amazing people that make this gym tick.
This review tells a bit about my experiences and is from a completely novice, didn’t-know-much-about-anything-relating-to-gyms-and-certainly-not-Muay-Thai until September of 2010.
I began working with Roxy Richardson and her team of totally awesome instructors last Fall. I had never done any type of martial art before; and frankly the idea of punching someone made me blanche a bit. But I decided to go for it and wow, am I ever grateful.
I was a complete beginner; but I just went each time trying to do my best and keep an open mind. I began by going to a couple of Muay Thai classes per week and one day of personal training. The personal training was eye-​opening for me. I’d belonged to a [shite] gym before, but mostly kept to the bike & elliptical for 30 – 45 min of cardio & some stretching. Personal Training allowed me to learn so much about form, all kinds of amazing exercises and not to be intimidated by gym equipment. I also opted for some nutritional help and have gotten to really define what foods work for me, giving me optimal health and energy (Sadly, gelato is not one of those foods, sigh.).
After a few months of this régime; I transitioned to attending three Muay Thai classes a week which I’ve stuck to and plan on sticking to, ha!
Most of the Muay Thai classes are an hour long and the content varies by instructor and is never the same twice. Usually one does about 15 minutes of cardio/​stretchy warm-​ups & ab work (Jumping rope, lunges, gorillas, jogging, light-​weight shadow-​boxing, fancy sit-​ups, etc, etc.), 35 – 40 minutes of drills/​exercises helping one practice/​learn/​perfect MT techniques and then 5 minutes of stretches to cool-​down.
I love Muay Thai; and I love it because of Function 5 and the amazing group of individuals that create a positive, challenging and fun environment.
I have never felt stronger; inside & out. Muay Thai, for me, is the dream combination of learning, getting to sweat and seeing how I can push myself all at the same time.
Am I very good at Muay Thai? no, not really. But I enjoy it immensely and I can tell you the difference between a push-​kick & an axe kick and that alone kinda makes me feel like a bad-​ass.
Function 5 offers a host of classes in Muay Thai & Jiu Jitsu and are adding more classes to the schedule all the time (Recently MMA Drills and a yoga class may be on the horizon).
Additionally, they’ve a host of personal trainers that can help you achieve your fitness goals; whether it to be able to do one unassisted pull-​up [I’m still trying] or press 200lbs.
As you see, I am smitten with my practice; and that surprises even me sometimes.
So even if you are unsure, I encourage you to give it a whirl. Contact the gym, set-​up an intro appointment and commit to a few classes. It’s a bit daunting at first, but we’ve all been beginners. And if you hit a weekday 7am class, I’ll see you there!

AMAZING!!! all my life I have been trying to get fit and have always been met by a wall that refuses to turn anything on my body into muscle. I have even tried personal trainers! i started taking muay thai 2 and half months ago (3 times a week) and i have never seen such a change in my body like i have recently. The trainers here push you to your limit (without fainting) and provide you with positive feedback and encouragement. This is not your LA fitness cardio kickboxing type of class, be prepared to kick people (holding padding of course hehe) as well as to be kicked but DON“T be scared! it is the best stress relief around =D and your muscles will thank you for it.
Oh yea and be prepared to sweat A LOT so dress light and keep hydrated!