The Studio MDR Class Review

I’ve only been in Los Angeles for about two months and I’ve already gotten to try out so many new workouts/classes – even some workouts I never found in NYC. It’s definitely my favorite part of Southern California so far. (Tied with the sunsets and never having to check the weather.)

I recently had the chance to attend a free class for the opening of a new location of The Studio (MDR). They have two locations: one in Culver City (the new one) and one in Marina del Rey (which has been there for a few years). Both are within walking distance of my apartment so I’m sure you can understand how amazing that is.

The class description:

The Lagree Fitness workout (the technique The Studio uses) is a total-body program that melds together elements of pilates, cardio training and weight-bearing activity to create a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind exercise program.

Our state of the art Megaformers provide constant resistance and infinitely more exercise options than a traditional reformer; it allows the body to shift quickly and smoothly from one exercise to another to increase heart rate and get the blood pumping.

I’ve never once used a pilates reformer and had zero idea what I was doing. Normally I can walk into a fitness class and feel fairly confident about each movement and the flow of the class. Here, I literally didn’t even know which end was considered the front of the machine. I was totally lost but it was simultaneously exhilarating. I love good challenge!

We put on some fancy little sticky socks (make sure you bring your own, or you can buy them there if you need), they gave us instructions on the cues they’d be using (grab the high bars, low bars, front of the machine, back), turned up the music and we began.

With this reformer, your arms might be on one part of the machine while your legs are on another part that glides back and forth. Or one leg is on one part and the opposite leg is on the other. (That’s a very scientific description.) Here’s a video that should help if you’re not familiar with reformers:

Remember those infomercial ab rollers that you can use in your living room? Or roll-outs you can do on a stability ball? The first move we did was like that times 15 million. Same with pikes. (If you’ve ever used a slide board you know what I’m talking about.) My arms were shaking in the first 20 seconds. It takes some serious core strength. I could barely do two reps without having to rest. I was totally humbled…which is a horrible feeling in the moment but it’s definitely a positive thing.

Word on the street is that you need to get out of your comfort zone to make changes, right?

It’s easy to get discouraged and walk away when something is challenging, but there’s no growth in that response. For me, this class was like a metaphor for changing my life. (Does that even make sense? It’s late and I’m tired.) I feel challenged in most of my workouts, but not as challenged as I was in this class. Maybe because it’s new to me. But I haven’t felt like this since 800 meter repeats on the track this summer. That feeling when you stop caring, want to quit, and shout obscenities in your head…but keep going.

I need more of that.

Thankfully there were two very passionate instructors (Ky and Lindsay – both phenomenal) teaching our class so someone was always there to correct me because I obviously didn’t know what I was doing. (Once you figure it out though, you’re golden. The first class is a learning experience but moving forward I think I at least understand what I’m supposed to be doing.) Although at one point one of the instructors asked me if I do yoga because my form looked strong and that made me want to hug her and be best friends for life. I’m not sure she’s in the market for a new BFF but, you know, just putting it out there.

I met the studio owner, Lisa, and she was extremely welcoming and sweet and her passion for her job was really obvious. I’m always inspired by women who start their own businesses. I loved learning her story and it makes me want to go back and support her!

We got an awesome little goodie bag with the best pair of leggings from Beyond Yoga (<—referral link) I’ve ever worn in my entire life. They are so cute and so soft and are the first colorful-ish pair of leggings I’ve loved. (Normally I stick with black and only black.) I’m going to treat myself to another pair or 10.

I tried them on when I got home and literally didn’t take them off for about 24 hours. (Is that gross? I don’t even care.) I’ve worn them to two yoga classes since and am completely in love. The Beyond Yoga CEO was actually there and is from New York originally, so we chatted about NYC and moving from coast to coast and how much we love wearing workout clothes as real clothes.

Side note: be careful wearing workout clothes 24/7 because your fiancé will think you don’t like wearing regular-person clothes and will be extremely confused when you suddenly become really passionate about the two of you dressing up for a nice dinner and start yelling that sometimes you DO like to dress up. Not that that happened to me or anything.

We also got to taste-test juices from Orchard Flats. If you live in Los Angeles, YOU MUST TRY THESE. I’ve been on a huge juice kick lately (ugh, LA is sucking me in already) and these are organic and freshly pressed every day and oh-so-delicious.

ANYWAY. Despite the fact that I had to rest every 15 seconds, this was an incredible workout. It was definitely one of the hardest (and sweatiest) fitness classes I’ve taken since I’ve been here. I know that the first time trying a new style of exercise is always a big challenge so I’m sure (I hope?) I’ll become more confident with each class.

I’m really looking forward to going back. (Who’s in?!)

I pinky promise that although the class, leggings, and juice were provided to me for free, these opinions are 100% my own.

Have any good stories about getting out of your comfort zone for a new class? Do tell!

Read more class reviews!