Tiger Fitness

Tiger Fitness LA. Santa Monica Location Alta and Ocean Ave.
Period of participation Feb 15, 2012– Mar 31, 2012.
Grade: Five Stars
I took advantage of a promo offered online thinking OK time to get active. Then proceeded to procrastinate and found myself on the fence if I really wanted to do a boot camp as I had «let myself go». Winter, short days, workouts for me could only be during the PM session. I fired up and phoned in to schedule an appointment to initiate the promo (one month). I did not receive an immediate call back, but I live in SM so I took to riding my bike over to have a look at what I bought and request a followup to my phone call.
Brian was the trainer and apologized for oversight and the next day I was contacted.
Scheduled orientation for the next week and away we go.
Orientation consisted of the basic moves of what he teaches and a chance observe his students and understand any injuries we may have and some diet revelations.
I took part in the class immediately following the orientation and was quite out of breath after just a few minutes. I did stay for the rest of the class but struggled.
Apparently I let myself go a little further than imagined.
The next two weeks were rough. I did not go everyday (Mon-​Thurs) and I really questioned what I was doing there. Running sprints, lifting hand weights doing plyometrics on the grass, Tiger Ball. Mentally it was difficult trying to wrap my head around exactly what I was doing and why should I continue, it was only 20 bucks. I saw people come and go, sometimes only one or two sessions, never to return.
Out of shape, out of breath and my muscles hurt. I am typically not one to give up the challenge after getting the opportunity. So I had to get over myself and look at what was really going on:
Here was an opportunity to workout outdoors for an hour, in a group situation (7 – 20 people) and with a trainer who is very personable and passionate about his business. Brian shows up on time, comes prepared with his workout plan and brings bottled water for all. Hand weights are also made available. Two 30 minute sessions are planned and the class is active for at least 25 of those minutes. Brian has the uncanny ability to remember everyone’s name. Even the people who only showed up once or twice! He is constantly checking on everyone’s condition to understand how far to turn up the pace of the workout. He tells some stories, makes jokes invites anyone to add to the conversation. I think what he is really doing is observing the participants. Seeing who is chatty and who has their head down, hands on hips trying to grab some air. With that information he can decide where to go with the workout. I saw a few times where he had to adjust the plan because we were having a rough time of it. To me, that is the mark of a great leader. Being able to get away from «the plan» and focus on what he has in front of him. I really appreciate being around people like Brian, it is rare.
Well into the third week I was not out of breath so often. I was able to keep up with the group, lift more weight. I was getting stronger. Quite a difference in attitude to the week or so prior where I was questioning my commitment.
What made the difference?
1. Showing up.
2. A great trainer
3. A great core group
There are at least 10 in the evening group who have been with Brian for 1,2 or more years. Friendly, supportive and helpful. An understanding «they were once there». Such a pleasure to be in a group who embraces outsiders who may never return yet immediately include you. Most people have trepidation’s about breaking into a group. Not here. Somehow exercise and trying hard as a group unifies strangers.
How does it end? Getting into the 4^th week of the trial I was getting much stronger and really feeling better, not as sore, sleeping better. Overall better health.
However I decided not to move on with the program as the cost for an ongoing membership could not be justified as I could only see myself making 1 – 3 workouts a week due to my work schedule fluctuation. I do have an ongoing gym membership (I cant belong to everything!)
I communicated my sentiments to Brian and he appreciated them and invited me to stay on for two more weeks. I graciously accepted and made good work of the gift.
What does it all mean? Six weeks of work outs, misery to success. I lost weight, gained strength. Met some really nice people. Much respect for Brian who not only is the trainer and the face of the program, but a small business owner in the community. Anyone can run sprints in the park, lift hand weights, do plyometrics and drink water. But do you really want to do it alone? Group exercise is fun. Interacting with strangers with whom we may find something in common? Making lasting friendships. In L.A.?? Anything is possible. We just have to take that chance and show up. Tiger Fitness definitely changed my fitness and attitude.
I continue to work out. and I miss Brian’s class.

Still going, still stoked. Just an update. –11lbs

I have a couple of things to say about Tiger Fitness. First, Brian is really passionate about his students and their ability accomplish their goals. He won’t give up on you even when you give up on yourself. This goes beyond just the workout period. He calls and checks-​up on students. He even encourages you to call him whenever you have any questions or you are about to devour a whole pizza at one of your weak moments. Second, I am pretty athletic and been working out since I was 13, so I can’t just do a normal workout. It has to be very intense for me to reap benefits. So, if you are not looking for the normal workout at your leisure type of experience and want some actual results, then Tiger fitness is the way to go! I have recommended him to many of my friends and they are all hooked.
P. s. this is my first review ever! I felt compelled to do it because Brian is so dedicated and does such a fantastic job.

I completely agree with Delaney O.
I’ve had almost the exact same experience with Daniel and Brian at Tiger Fitness.
I bought a similar deal from Lifebooker and have been in the same back and forth situation (more on my end, considering I only get a response for every for every 3 or 4 emails/​calls I send). I cannot be more annoyed.
I was finally given an orientation date and of course was emailed the night before by Brian that it was cancelled due to the forecasted rain (didn’t even end up raining in the morning when my appointment was). He had told me to give him a call to schedule something else, but 2 emails and 2 voicemails later, I have not been able to reach him.
If they didn’t have good reviews on here I would definitely think this is some shady illegitimate business.
This is the THIRD time around where I’ve seen a small business not being able to handle the extra clientele they get due to a deal! I will be going to Lifebooker for refund and I am extremely disappointed as I was really looking forward to these bootcamp sessions.

I bought the 30 day Bootcamp deal from Daily Candy in hopes of taking this class with a friend.
1. The business, Tiger Fitness, did not disclose that an orientation was mandatory, only offered 2x a week, 7 a.m. & 6 p.m. I left two voice mails asking for some flexibility for my orientation. No call backs. On my third try I got ahold of the assistant, apparently they had been experiencing «voice mail issues».
2. Assistant was eager to help, asked what times worked for me, called the trainer, called me back, All set, sent me an email which included the following
*First Session Time & Location
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Palisades Park, Santa Monica. Easy street parking.
(Cross-​streets — Ocean Ave. and Alta Ave)
3. Thursday night I arrive early, as instructed in their email. No sign of a trainer any where, ok, I’m 15 minutes early. Walk up & down Ocean from Alta Ave, no signs of a trainer. Call Brian Woodruff, owner/​trainer on his cell, 10 minutes prior to appt to let him know I’m there & leave a voicemail. 8:02 p.m. I call again, no answer. 8:11 p.m. I call again, no answer. 8:12 p.m. I call the business line & leave a voicemail. I also compose an email asking for an explanation when they get the email & voicemail.
4. 4:06 p.m. the next day I get a phone call from the assistant, saying he hasn’t heard from Brian & doesn’t know why he wasn’t there. Gives me Brian’s email address, I forward him the email. No response.
5. Today, the assistant sent me a very sincere, apologetic email asking if I’d like to continue with the membership and if so, assuring me they would accommodate my schedule. However, I found it odd, that after voice mails and emails I had yet to hear from the owner/​trainer. I called him again tonight hoping to clear the air and move forward, however Brian failed to take any ownership for the faux pas.
He DID ask how he could make it better and I told him that this far in the game I did not feel comfortable being trained by him. I explained that I would prefer to get my money back. Not only did he fail to take any ownership for his company and the mistakes and fumbles, but he was very quick to shove off to Daily Candy. When I told him that I would go on every site & tell others about my horrible experience, he said «I don’t give a shit, you’re not going to threaten me».
So if you too, «don’t give a sh*t» maybe this is the company for you.

Tiger Fitness is great! There are many time offerings, so the classes can fit with almost anyone’s schedule. Every day there is a different workout so you never get bored with the same routine. Tigerball is really fun and a great workout! The workouts go by pretty fast, since the workouts are divided into 30 minute segments. Thank you Tiger!!!

Great bootcamp. You get out what you put in for those who saw no results in 3 weeks. Really? Obviously you weren’t trying very hard. The trainers know what they are talking about and correct bad form immediately. The location overlooks ocean and the times are good so you can make it morning or night. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great workout.

Tiger Fitness Boot Camp is far the best out of all in Santa Monica!
I am very impressed with how much effort and heart Tiger puts into workouts. They make clients feel very important and special!
It’s very rare for trainers to accommodate to their clients as much as Tiger Fitness does when exercising in a bigger group.
They are very passionate about their workouts! It’s great!
I am very pleased with the boot camp and will consider joining the team on a regular basis. I have tried couple of different programs in Santa Monica and Tiger Fitness is truly the best one!
And for the person that was complaining about spending $ 25
You are not well. If you want your measurements and weight taken hire a personal trainer!!! Boot Camps are designed for groups of people not individuals! And Brian really accommodates to every client so next time let people know what you want before giving them a negative feedback!

Loved the bootcamp! I attended the morning sessions with Tammy — she is AMAZING! She keeps you motivated througout the workout and works out with the group. I def noticed a huge difference in my endurance and overall fitness. The location is great as well — perfect view of the ocean and lots of space to get your work out in. I highly recommend this BC!

I really wanted to like this as I was trying to find a challenging but fun outdoors workout at 6am in Santa Monica. I got a good groupon like deal ($ 20 – 30). I was told that I would get an «assessment» at the first class and was given a specific time to start some weeks after I had purchased and contacted them to sign up (which somewhat annoyed me that I couldn’t start immediately). Also, I didn’t get assessed at my first class. Some weeks later the owner, Brian, showed up with a scale to take our weight and body fat measurements. I got a diet plan emailed to me based on my height/​weight that didn’t take into consideration my fitness goals (i.e., I wasn’t looking to lose weight, just maintain level and/​or lose body fat). The morning trainer was positive and enjoyable (Tami) but after the first couple of weeks I realized that there were basically 2 – 3 workouts that were just repeated over and over, with very little variation. Over a month’s time, my body had adjusted to these workouts and I was bored. As a previous reviewer mentioned, they do a «team» workout, this was on Fridays, incorporating a «competition» between 2 teams. Although fun, it was sometimes hard to stay motivated with the various skill levels and seeing other participants slacking off and just not being able to participate because of either their motivation/​fitness levels. Although I felt I could manage because I’ve taken other bootcamps and had some prior background with most of the exercises, it was clear that individual attention was not given here. There was not any efforts to correct bad poses/​postures and little effort to scale the exercises to people’s skill levels. Tami was motivating however as she sometimes participated in the workouts with us (and is very fit herself), remembered people’s names and encouraged us to finish, and demonstrated the moves in advance. The couple times that Brian or other colleague was there was very unmotivating to me as he stood there with his Starbucks telling us what to do and reluctantly demonstrated any moves in advance. He appeared though, helpful and eager to answer diet questions and offer nutritional advice. Also, there was definitely a «young» 20-​something vibe going on, e.g. let’s talk about how much we drank the nite before and how drunk we still feel.

I struggled between giving them a 1, 2 or 3 star. 1, because «me thinks not», I would definitely NOT go back. 2, because I’ve definitely experienced better and 3, because I wouldn’t say they’re horrible, but I think they’re «just ok».
If you’ve followed my other fitness reviews, you’ll see I’ve dabbled in more than a few «bootcamps» and fitness places and this one just doesn’t cut it. My fitness level: somewhat fit. I try.
Here’s my experience:
On the SUPER DUPER PLUS SIDE– I think I only paid $ 20bucks or something for a months worth of classes through a groupon deal (or something similar).so when I saw THAT deal, I thought «SCORE!». Unlimited classes, by the beach. what do I have to loose! I figured adding this to my regular exercise routine would DEFINITELY get me in tip top shape. I was excited!
So, how was it? Well, you have to go to this mandatory 1^st class before you can actually start the program. They show you basic exercises, and since it was mandatory, I thought they’d at least check my weight, body fat content (with one of those portable machines).you know, I thought they’d get technical with it, since that was the impression that they gave. But I guess it was more to show you how to do basic stretches, or bicep curls. nothing special… I really couldn’t understand why I «had to» go to this mandatory class…
As for the fitness aspect– they have classes in the morning and night, and I believe they may just repeat the exact same workout of that day throughout their morning and night classes (so this took away the appeal of going to the morning class then returning for the night class because I already knew what we’d be doing.). In the early morning session, I found myself waiting around 5 to 10 minutes past the start of class time because the leaders were waiting for more people to show up before they began. Well, that may be nice for the late comers, but ends up cutting into YOUR workout time because they started late and it’s not like they’ll have you work out 5 or 10minutes at the backend of class because they have a new class starting, PLUS, if you have to head to work, you may not have the extra time to spare even IF they went over. So that totally sucked (and I was REALLY glad I was’t a regular customer paying the regular monthly fee, otherwise I’d be really heated… why should my workout be cut short???).
The actual exercise: If you’ve worked with freeweights before, they’ll do routines which you’ll find to be basic, with repetitions which may or may not tire you out, dependent on how heavy your dumbell is (shoulder presses, bicep curls, you know, the basics.). The rest is some form of aerobics. usually some form of running from point A to point B (run from this tree to that tree as fast as you can. then do 5 squats.).and the one I really found to be a pain was the pseudo relay race style competition, where you’re suddenly put in a «team» and together, you have to do some routine to get you from point A to point B (pass the heavy ball over your head to the next person as quick as you can), and you want to do it fast enough so that you beat the other team. THIS was a royal pain because A: the fitness part took back seat, it suddenly became a race to try to «win» or «beat» the other team (I understand competition is good-​but in a personal fitness environment, one on one competition or personal goals are best, rather that a random sudden group competition with people you may never work out with again…).
and B: everyone is in a completely different fitness level, so while you may be great at a certain part of the «team workout» someone else may not, OR vice versa. you may not be great at whatever, but other people are… anyway, after you do YOUR part of the group routine, you basically have to wait until everyone has their turn before you can go again. So AGAIN, this cuts out valuable time you could’ve spent actually working out on your fitness… afterall, most likely you’ve signed up for a class like this because you’re really serious about getting a great work out, and you want to be challenged, and not play some sort of relay race. So agan, I was REALLY happy I only paid my $ 20 bucks for this. I mean, some people may only have this 1 hour a day to work out, and THIS is what they’re paying their hundreds of dollars for? Wow…” felt/​feel sorry for them.
I only needed to experience this «bootcamp» a few times to know that this was not for me, and I did not return even though I had 20 plus days left in the month. I figured the $ 20 I spent was a small loss. Don’t get me wrong, the main trainer Brian is a nice guy and nothing against him, But from a workout/​economic perspective, it’s just not worth your time or money if you are a fairly fit person looking for a serious challenge. Perhaps if you are older, or completely out of shape, or you need something a bit basic (short running distances, learning freeweight exercises) AND you have the money, then this may be for you.

I love Tiger Fitness! I took advantage of a coupon deal for a month of unlimited boot camp classes, and these classes have got me motivated and excited to work out again. I look forward to going and to working out on my own again. Although they are expensive, you can find many deals and there are awesome start up deals that you can try before committing. The trainers are great, and the atmosphere and environment are also top notch. I love working out at 6 am on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, with views of the jutting coastline and Santa Monica mountains.
The trainers are wonderfully personable and motivating. You always feel welcomed. Shira, Mark and Brian are all wonderfully funny and enthusiastic about fitness, and will readily answer any of your questions. I adore Shira — she seems like an honestly all around wonderful person! Brian responds to e-​mails right away and is extremely helpful. Tammy is a great trainer, more committed to a hard workout, less of a talker and a little less welcoming, but you can tell she’s an athlete and I’ve found that the workouts she has led usually end up being the most difficult.
I think that Tiger Fitness is definitely worth a try. They also send you detailed nutritional info, and they change up each workout so that it never gets boring. The hour goes by so fast that I’m always shocked when it’s over!
Also, to the woman who didn’t lose any weight and yet was severely overweight prior, I don’t think you should fully blame that on Tiger Fitness. You have to be committed to proper diet and supplemental exercise at home to lose weight — 3 hours a week is not enough to see imminent change, and if you don’t watch what you eat or use the workout as an excuse to eat the same or more, than you will not lose weight. You also have to actually try at Tiger. They aren’t going to force you in a group class to work harder, so it’s up to you to do the workouts they give you and give it you complete all, otherwise it’s obviously going to be a waste.

I wish I had great things to say about Tiger Fitness but honestly, it was a huge waste of time and money. Since quitting, I’ve done better on my own and actually lost weight. I was severely overweight when I first started with Tiger Fitness, I felt like it was an investment I had to make. After quite a few months, I had lost nothing. Following the diet plan and working out with them for 3 days a week did absolutely nothing for me.
I have no encouraging words for you, only if you’re looking for a good trainer, look elsewhere. I work hard for my money and the fact that I wasted THOUSANDS of dollars with them with no results makes me angry, sad and as if I was taken for a ride.
Unless you have money to waste, go somewhere that will worth the money. I’m now trying out new trainers and plan on committing to one this week.

Dang… I got filtered out of Unilocal with my last review. So, this is perhaps an even greater tribute to the fact that I think Tiger Fitness ‘kicks my butt, rocks my abs and keeps me healthy’ — all with a smile. So, by a raise of my right hand I solemnly swear that left to my own habits, I would sleep in each morning and blow off getting to a gym. But, the truth is, I actually enjoy getting up and heading into the great outdoors to join the crew at Tiger Fitness boot camp in Palisades Park in Santa Monica. I walk out the door, saunter across the street, clear the sleep out of my eyes as I walk past the rose garden and the palm trees to a beautiful spot perched on the bluff overlooking the Pacific. No weird smells. No loud music. No pushy people. Just nature. Tiger Fitness takes the gym into nature, or puts good nature into working out. It’s one hour of goodness. Warm ups… then weights… then cardiovascular drills with the «tiger ball»… ending with abs. Exercise mats are ready and lined up upon arrival. We move our spot a bit to be eco friendly and not wear out the grass. Towels and a bottle of water are supplied each class. Above all, I have enjoyed shedding some flab, and toning up. The classes change each week to keep the body honest and exercised. I love Tiger Fitness. And gosh darn it Unilocal, if you filter me once more, I am gonna have to throw around some renewed muscle mass (just kidding). But to one and all, Tiger Fitness is the best work out in Town!

I started Tiger Fitness in November of 2009 doing personal training with Brian «The Tiger». I have lost almost 50 lbs. and have never felt better. The professionalism and attention to detail is the best I have experienced in personal training. When my schedule did not allow for personal training with Brain, he scheduled me with his other trainers at Tiger Fitness and they all have been amazing! Currently I am working out with Shira outside in the park and it has revived my desire to keep going. I am not someone who like to go to the gym or work out and Tiger Fitness makes me want to do it. Try the free consultation and stick with the program, and the pounds will melt off.
Key Words are: Friendly, Professional, Results

Why sweat in a loud and smelly gym, when you can spend an hour each morning on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean? All the equipment you need is set up and ready to use — weights, exercise mats, towels and water. The instruction is exceptional (Brian and Michael know how to develop weekly routines that get results). They focus on safety first, and then the form to generate muscle tone and weight loss. I find it motivating to work out with other people, because it compels me to show up. The work out is set up in four stages: 1) warm up; 2) weights; 3) cardiovascular — «tiger ball»; 4) abs. Over the course of an hour, you feel the ‘pain of accomplishment.’ What is really great about the program, however, are the people. There is a wide range of ages and sizes participating. And the instructors are all really attentive and supportive. I never liked the routine of going to a smelly gym. But, being outside on a beautiful bluff enveloped by nature, there is no whining… just the daily inspiration and gratitude for being alive with like minded people to jump-​start the day!

My trainer Brian, is g – rrr – eee – aaa – tt. (See Tony The Tiger)
1. He is well organized, professional and flexible.
He works out of several local gyms, but was more than willing to meet at the one that was most convenient for me.
2. He makes you work. Hard.
At the same time he is constantly checking in with you to make sure that you’re not going to suffer from an anurism or cardiac arrest.
3. He is focused on you the whole time.
I once had a trainer at LA Fitness who spent the entire session talking to his pimply faced friend at the front desk. SOO not cool. Brian watches intently; he is strict about form and will correct (nicely) until it is well… correct.
4. He is worth the money.
Trainers aren’t inexpensive. However, its not hard for me to justify spending the money on future sessions. My percieved and actual valule from my time spent with Brian is through the roof. After 3 session I already feel harder, better, faster, stronger ehem I like Daft Punk.
5. He’s a cool person.
You can actually have a conversation with him about global affairs, politics, music, art and culture and he has something interesting to say. Unlike the stereotype, Brian is not a meathead.
If your New Year’s Resolution involved dropping some pounds, getting fit or building muscle I recommend you give Tiger Fitness LA a call. Ask for Brian.