While most Occidental students are familiar with Rush Gym and the more secluded Berkus Gym, they may be less informed about where to turn to spice up their exercise routine. Luckily, plenty of athletic facilities are available in our very own neighborhood of Eagle Rock, Calif., offering a variety of services from yoga to kickboxing. Here is the scoop on five different local gyms.
1845 N San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
Everybody aims to create an inclusive space for everyone, no matter their gender, race, age or size. It offers traditional workout equipment as well as a variety of classes, which fall under the categories “Move,” “Build,” “Rise” and “Heal.” Everybody also features gender-neutral locker rooms and a sliding-scale payment plan for membership, with its cheapest rate at $25/month. Test how you might like it with a free visit your first time or a day pass for only $15, which grants access to the main floor of the gym.
Asher Tessier (sophomore) discovered Everybody through Facebook and now attends on a near-daily basis.
“It’s super inclusive, and they’re very big on gender equity and just feeling comfortable in your body,” Tessier said. “[The gym] has been such a blessing. It’s super queer and everyone is just so awesome.”
Hours: Mon–Thu 6 a.m.–9 p.m; Fri 6 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat–Sun 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
2150 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
One Down Dog is owned by Jessica Rosen, who discovered the therapeutic benefits of yoga while working on her master’s thesis in clinical psychology and later moved from Michigan to Los Angeles to open her own studio. One Down Dog’s website boasts a non-traditional, upbeat yoga experience. The studio has many different types of yoga classes ranging from the relaxed “Chill” and “Flow” to the more energetic “Sculpt” and “Sweat.”
The studio is located 1.2 miles from Occidental’s campus and offers several discounts for students, including membership at $85/month or a 10-class package for $125. One Down Dog’s website also invites members to contact the studio if they cannot afford the full price of membership.
Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30 a.m.–9:45 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
4662 N Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
In addition to offering CrossFit, a workout program involving aerobic exercise, calisthenics and weightlifting, this gym offers endurance and weightlifting classes and a boot camp three times a week to teach beginners the basics. Nela offers a discount for full-time students at $150/month, and prospective members can try one boot camp class for free. The gym also offers a free consultation for beginners. As an added bonus, Nela is only a 10-minute walk from Occidental — just far enough for a light warmup.
Hours: Mon–Thu 5:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Sat 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m.
650 S Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031
This rock climbing gym is about a 20-minute drive from Occidental. Membership is $79/month with a $40 initiation fee for students, but members of Occidental’s Climbing Club pay only $59/month. A day pass is $20, and equipment rental costs $6/day.
Iris Smith (junior), president of the Climbing Club at Occidental, says that Stronghold includes a diverse selection of top-rope routes, lead routes and bouldering. She visits Stronghold several times a week and takes advantage of its yoga classes and workout facilities, which are available to all visitors. Smith also appreciates the gym’s location in the Brewery Arts Complex, an artist community that frequently hosts events and shows.
“It’s a fun community to be around,” Smith said.
Hours: Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
4419 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Located about a mile from Occidental, this gym offers one-on-one sessions with trainers as well as boxing and kickboxing classes. LAKO also offers a discount for Occidental students at around $65/month with a $20 registration fee. A free one-day pass can be requested on the gym’s website. A regular day pass is $18.
Ian Cooper, who co-owns the gym alongside Yuichi Ohi, is proud of LAKO’s unique Eagle Rock location.
“I thought [this area] was very under-utilized,” Cooper said. “In Beverly Hills or the West Side, there’s 500 boxing [and] kickboxing gyms. In the Valley, same thing. But, really, none over here that do what we do.”
Hours: Mon–Fri 6 a.m–10 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
With such a variety of gyms available only a short journey from campus, students seeking a change in their workout routine can easily explore some exciting new options. The availability of student discounts can convince even the budget-conscious to get active in Eagle Rock. Go get ’em, Tigers!
