The Studio MDR

I began coming to The Studio MDR during a time where I literally couldn’t walk or get out of bed. Tagging along with my mother one day simply because I was in so much physical discomfort that I knew only a good workout could release me from, I took Lindsay Hallam’s class for my first time and LOVED it! I never felt more stretched out and strengthened all at once. When you leave the studio you walk taller simply from being so stretched out, and at the same time walk out stronger having activated what feels like every muscle in your body. I’ve continued to come for months and got a 6 pack for the first time in my life after just 6 months of coming (and many times just once a week with my busy schedule!). When dealing with health issues, especially a chronic illness that keeps you weak most days, it’s hard to find a studio or even a gym that can accommodate your specified needs to get your muscles moving BUT to assure you don’t hurt yourself. I’ve felt that the studio provides the perfect balance, assuring that you can get stronger but doing so safely (as the instructors monitor and adjust you throughout class). I recommend this workout to any and everyone!

Love this place my bff raved about pilates and yoga. I was not skeptical because her newly found flexibility and better tone was remarkable. The pace is steady but effectively not taxing… with a few weeks I can report back being more lithe and stronger in inner thighs.

I have been coming to studio MDR for about a year and I cannot say enough amazing things about this workout AND the teachers! I go to Casey’s class 3X a week and she makes this super challenging workout just as fun as it is hard. Casey really pays attention to every person’s form and also does a fantastic job at challenging the more experienced people while modifying for the newer members. She has me sweating and smiling — the two best things you can ask from a workout! Before starting at MDR, I mostly did weights and cardio and felt that I was very athletic. However, I have learned that this workout is what helps make someone TRULY an athlete. I hit muscles I never knew existed and became so much stronger than I ever was before. Thank you Studio MDR and thank you Casey!!!

I love the studio Mdr! I’ve taken Jessi, Mary and most recently Casey Palazzo. Being new to Pilates and the mega former I felt a bit intimated to even give it a shot. These girls made me feel at home, comfortable and at ease while helping me push my body out of my comfort zone.
Casey’s Monday morning class is my new fave. Although I’ve taken a couple of classes I am still learning from every experience. She is very thorough when explaining the next move, music is fun and the class is engaging. Plus I’m always sore for a few days after.
Thank you to this beautiful studio and staff. You make every person feel so welcome. :)

Always have been a hot yoga addict, but I have to say, Studio MDR kicks my ass! I thought I hot yoga was a workout — nothing compared to pilates! I am so stunned at how fast its working as well. I had gained some added «love» weight from my recent wedding that I really wanted to lose and get back to being fit. I have been coming to MDR for 1 week (no joke, 3 or 4 classes total) and I already fit into my jeans again. UNREAL. Like hello. Where have you been my whole life. So relieving and rewarding to see that prize after only 4 classes. Can’t wait to see what happens after 8 classes!

THANK YOU Lisa for your Studio.
THANK YOU Yumi for being there,
I have taken a few weeks off, Thank you for the great work out,
nice to be back, I always feel taller and stronger THANK YOU THANK YOU
Ron douglas

This is the best and, more importantly, most efficient work out I’ve ever done. I came here from a background in college sports, spinning, yoga, surfing, and weight lifting. Even though I was in excellent cardiovascular shape and quite strong when I started, I was absolutely quivering from the first time on the megaformer. This workout is full body, but it’s greatest strength is an unforgiving focus on the core. There are moments when heart rate is increased, but this is primarily resistance work — which yields better results than pure cardio. There is also a really supportive community and environment here. Beginners are only welcomed — don’t be intimidated regardless of the shape you’re in. All of the instructors are fantastic; if you have a flexible schedule I’d recommend trying a few. I do not have a flexible schedule, but have ALWAYS been able to catch a class when I want to, usually without prebooking. They have classes every hour from 5-​noon, then 4 – 9 at both locations and soon in Playa. Unlike other studios that have 4 – 6 classes per day that are fully booked ahead of time, Studio MDR can actually accommodate a real professional’s schedule.
My only suggestion would be for the studio to list if the class emphasizes certain muscle groups. If I went to a heavy arms class on Tues, I’d like to know if the Weds class is also heavy arms or more core/​legs.
Message me before Jan 31 to get one month unlimited for $ 99!

I really like this class and the studio!!! It’s extremely hard but the instructors are very attentive and encouraging. They also are really good about demonstrating modifications. Make sure to show up 15 minutes before you first class or they will not let you in. The instructor needs to show you the reformer. Their mega reformer is different from a traditional reformer. If you think you won’t sweat in this class THINK AGAIN. I’ve taken two classes and left dripping from each one. It’s an intense full body workout. I would highly recommend this to studio to anyone looking for a good workout that is not boring!!!

Not only is Studio MDR one of the best workouts I’ve had, but the community and the owner are wonderful.
I went to an advanced class by accident for my first time, the owner heard what was happening and drove me quickly down the street to make sure I could catch the right class. So sweet! I’m super sore and just love these workouts. So happy I found this studio! Must try!

Studio MDR has a great new vibe that I really love. I have been attending Mary Miller’s classes and she has been kicking my a** in the best way possible. The 50 minute classes fly by and I feel increasingly stronger with each class I take. The owner, Lisa, really cares about all of the students and is very engaged with what’s going on in her studios. I can’t wait for the Playa Vista location to open since it’s right across the street from where I work! I would encourage anyone who wants to feel stronger and healthier to try these classes.

This Pilates studio is as good as it gets! I am visiting from SF and walked here from my hotel at the marina del Rey Marriott. Convenient location, great energetic instructor, awesome mega reformer machine, great loud edm music… The instructor was so attentive too on my posture. If I lived nearby I’ll keep coming back. Oh and the people in the class are friendly too!

Pound for pound the best work out going This will lean you, pound your core and shape you out like none other I cross train and hi intensity interval train and this is the most challenging over all body workout I have experienced. The teachers are awesome… get in the regular groove with Casey who is super attentive and don’t miss the Ab Shred with Olivia
just saying

Studio MDR is changing by life. It’s easy to see how the work I’m doing there is not only making me look and feel my best now but it’s also creating a foundation for me to age well. After turning thirty I knew now was the time to act in order to have the fitness, strength and flexibility I want to have at 40 or 70.
The type of exercise MDR offers is so unique, I know the results are deep in my core, long lasting results, and not just the typical temporary «pump» results Iv had in gyms.
I spent 2013 – 14 working with a personal trainer lifting weights one on one in a gym. The small classes at MDR give me just as much personal interaction and expert teaching. I still feel like I’m being trained one on one but have far greater results, a much happier/​healthy environment, and am spending less money!
I started with intro classes and now in my 6^th month am working on perfecting advanced moves, although in the beginning I simply thought I was going to die before class was over. The mental results with will power and self determination have been just as beneficial and rewarding in my daily life as the physical side!
I couldn’t recommend the Studio MDR and more! I wish I could give it 10 stars.

The best workout you could do for your body and honesty the best staff around.
I consider myself a natural athlete who thrives off of being pushed physically and seeing results. I have always worked out, lifted, self-​trained but I was MORE than impressed and continue to be with how The Studio MDR has changed my body.
The workout never gets easier (in a good way), and you constantly feel like you are getting stronger. Never have I seen visible changes in my muscles so quickly with ANY workout or sport I have taken part in.
The great thing is that you can always modify each move which has really helped me on days where I am tired, hungover… :)
I experienced a freak back injury in July. I was unable to walk for a few weeks.
Once I felt comfortable walking, I was back at The Studio MDR. The classes really helped my recovery because of the core strength support for my back. I truly credit the classes to putting me back on my feet. Of course I did do modifications when needed, but what should really be noted is how SAFE I felt in the classes with a fragile back.
There is no way the teachers will let you hurt yourself or strain any part of your body.
I cannot imagine not having The Studio MDR as part of my workout routine. Huge shoutout to Mary, Lindsay, & Erika — I am married to their classes! And of course, Lisa is a wonderful owner who gets to know each and every one of us.
Do yourself a favor and take the classes.

I can not say enough positive things about Studio MDR. I have been working out there 3 – 4 times a week since the beginning of September. My body had changed a lot since transitioning from a student who exercised between classes to a sedentary office worker. I tried running, barre, spin, pilates, Classpass. Even though I was slowly seeing positive results, it wasn’t until I discovered Studio MDR that my body really snapped back to what it was a couple years ago.
I feel challenged, inspired, and SO good about myself every time I leave class. I love how friendly the instructors are, as well as the owner Lisa. It makes such a difference that the instructors know your name and pay attention to your form during class. Yes, the membership is pricey. But I really encourage you to try MDR for a month and see why it’s so worth it.

As I type this review, I am sitting in my car about to take MDR 2.0 with the incredible Mary Miller. It’s a class that I have become a regular for, because it absolutely crushes me in the best possible way.
I love Lisa Hirsch, the woman behind the brand. She has the best studio in LA offering Megaformer classes. I’ve been to several and while the workout is intense no matter where you go, none is as challenging or effective as the ones you take here at MDR.
I thought I was strong before my first time here and I was humbled and delighted at the face of a new challenge for my body and mind. Within just a few sessions, I am noticeably stronger, my endurance has increased, and I once again notice the shifts in my body. These things are difficult to achieve when you live an active lifestyle and workout regularly, so it was awesome to rediscover that though working out at MDR.
Thank you for existing and for everything you do to make the experience nothing but stellar!
I’ve got big love for MDR; worth every mile you drive and every dollar you spend, no matter where you are located in LA.

The Studio (MDR) IS THE BEST WORKOUT you will ever get in terms of building strength!!! I had always been convinced that I was not a person that perspires, to now being completely drenched during my workout.
The Instructors are absolutely AMAZING!!! I’ve taken classes with Lindsay, Stephanie, Olivia, Casey, Erika, Mary, Albina and Melissa The ladies mentioned truly inspire me to push further each time to get the very most of my workouts. They adjust me for proper form/​technique in the middle of teaching a completely packed studio! #ThankYou
I adore everyone from all of the hard working receptionists, Operations Manager — Darryl, Ken and the Founder/​Owner, Lisa.
I’ve made great workout buddies as a result of the motivating ambiance and truly being proud of what we’re accomplishing with The Studio (MDR)
Do yourself a favor and just take advantage of the Introductory Week like I had! Start with the «Enlighten Me» class and go directly into the Beginner’s 1.0 class and build your way onwards and upwards.
I’ve been working out at The Studio (MDR) since end of March and transitioned slowly into a 2.0 class. It will always be challenging even for the most fittest people.
The classes range from the person who hasn’t worked out in they don’t remember when to those who already seem to look fabulous! We’re all in this together!

This was the best f*cking workout I’ve had in years! I was sore from the minute I finished and still sore 4 days later. I loved it. I wish I lived in the area so I could have a membership! I really think it’s great for any level of physical ability, you push as much as you can and when you’ve hit your limit you push harder! When I really couldn’t do the move the instructor offered some modifications that worked well for me.
We were able to sign up for classes online the day before. I was thankful that there were a couple spots open, even during a holiday weekend.
I will for sure go back every time I’m in the area!

If you think you’ve had a really good Megaformer workout before taking a class here, THINK AGAIN. I regularly take Megaformer classes at various studios up in the SF bay area and they’ve definitely been getting a lot easier. So when I signed up for a class at MDR and the instructor asked me if I’ve taken Megaformer classes before, I told her, «Yeah I’m really comfortable on the machine.» BOY WAS I WRONG. I’ve never sweated so much (it was rather disgusting how sweaty I was) and I’ve never had to take so many breaks within reps (I felt really sad and pathetic)…
The studio is pretty strict about being on time to class, especially if you’re new to the studio. Other studios I’ve been to are more lenient if you’ve taken Megaformer classes before, but MDR wants you to be at the studio 10 – 15 minutes early even if you have taken classes elsewhere. The staff was still really nice about me being late though! Instead of just turning me away (or worse, making me pay some sort of fee for «no show»), they asked if I wanted to come back for a class later in the evening or take a class at their other studio instead.
The class I took was with Mary and she was amazing! Great energy and super encouraging. She pushes you but she also still encourages you to be kind to your body and take breaks if needed. And she was particularly attentive to new students. She had all of us in one section so that she could keep an eye on us and correct our form. Definitely the toughest workout I’ve had in a long time!

5 STARS HANDS DOWN!
I’m totally OBSESSED with Studio MDR! It will literally change your body if you stay focused, attend classes regularly, and give it your all during each class. The price may seem like a lot but it is completely worth it. The classes are better than a personal training session, which are minimally $ 100 an hour, AND you won’t have nearly the same results! I am extremely active, and have spent many hours inside of a gym. I thought I had an effective workout routine prior to mdr, but nothing can compare to the results you get from mdr. You workout every muscle in your body! Muscles you never even knew you had! I’ve been attending for 4 months now and everyone who knows me notices my incredible results! I feel healthier, stronger, and 100% proud of my body and my achievements. I strongly recommend regular attendance!
If the price still concerns you, just do the math! If you pay for the unlimited ($ 230 a month) and you go just 15x a month that is ONLY $ 15 a class!
Also, I love love love Albina, Lindsey, and Mary! They all provide great guidance and really push you to do your best!