by Chrissy Iley
I passed the Best U Studio (bestustudio.com) many times wondering if I should ever enter. The board outside tells of combining dance, barre and pilates in a fun filled workout.
Their website promises a longer, leaner, stronger you. The best you that you can be.
I thought it would be too hard for me. Then I saw a friend. After about a month of classes her body had totally refined into a leaner, longer being. So I decided to give it a chance.
Co-founder Kodi Kitchen beckoned me in and I started off with a private class. I was so busy noticing how warm, funny and encouraging and non-judgemental Kodi was that I hadn’t noticed I was dripping in sweat and could hardly breathe.
The workout is quite unique. And to say that when there’s so many different fitness classes and regimes, is striking in itself. The studio is small and airy and there’s a freshness about it. It is lined with customised U shaped metal bars attached to the mirrored walls.
The music is inspiring, mostly female vocalists, some familiar, some edgy, all mellifluous and inspiring. The tracks were paired perfectly with the intensity, the cardio and then the stretching part of the class.
There is an element of workout at the barre which you do at the wall. But this barre is shaped like a U, detaches from the wall and becomes integral to the next part of the workout.
It weighs 4lbs, although if you are super strong you can use an 8lb U, for a series of arm and cardio movements.
Kodi used to be on the soap General Hospital. She played Dr Maggie. At some point, around two years ago, she had a coup de foudre moment and decided to grab hold of fitness and an active lifestyle and turn it into a career. She wanted to do something more than just act. It was a giving back thing.
In just one class she gave me back something incredible. I’d never taken a class like this. I am completely out of shape and have no stamina, but she got me through it.
The blend of the hard workout and an encouraging Kodi got me to go back there. By the time I got to take Irene Razze’s class I felt I was really learning something.
Irene grew up as a dancer and trained in pilates. Her attentive eye misses nothing. She corrects posture expertly and keeps checking you.
I still find the class tough. Fitter people find it deceptively tough. They can do it, but ache later.
The 4lb U bar will feel heavy after it has been used in the many, many ways that the classes demand.
Each class is different. You will always do something that you’ve never done before. You are never automatic. If muscle memory does kick in it has to kick out again pretty quickly. You are always stretched, never bored.
After a while you are addicted to the feeling it gives you and the results it provides and because you want to be there.
Kodi provides not just strength but support. The best classes anyone could ever wish for.
Price $20 per one hour class. You can get a package which makes it cheaper and there’s a starting offer of $95 for a month of unlimited classes. bestustudio.com. Best U Studio, 931, N fairfax, West Hollywood, CA 90046.
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