Mind-Body Fitness: Pilates Training in Los Feliz Village

Part of what we love about Pilates, and particularly one-on-one Pilates training, is that it's such a pleasant and well, dignified, form of exercise. There's none of the grunting and heaving of traditional weight training, and none of the sweat-soaked urgency of a high-impact cardio session. Nonetheless, you get an incredibly intense workout that leaves you looking and feeling absolutely fabulous. We got to experience our third private Pilates training session at Mind-Body Fitness, a long-established Pilates studio located on Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz Village.

Our affable instructor Emily warmed us up with some basic stretches and exercises before progressing to more challenging mat work. The main part of our session took place on the Reformer. Emily's attitude was relatively low-key, but she nonetheless provided excellent instruction, and adjustment as needed, throughout all of the exercises. We finished up with some deep stretches on the trap table (also known as "the Cadillac").

Despite the calm and welcoming environment at Mind-Body Fitness, we emerged from the studio with the self-satisfied feeling that comes from a no-nonsense workout. What better reward for our efforts than lunch at the nearby Alcove Bakery & Cafe...or Mustard Seed Cafe. Ah, delicious decisions...