Create Your Own Mind/Body Syner-G

Syner-G Pilates and Wellness is conveniently located just north of Beverly Blvd. on La Brea Ave. in an airy upstairs suite. The studio is a welcoming sanctuary decked out in cheery colors, bathed in natural light, and equipped with just about every piece of Pilates equipment imaginable. After getting dressed in the pleasant changing area, we joined instructor/studio owner Erin Huggins for a private training session.

Erin started us on some simple abdominal exercises on a firm floor cushion, explaining the proper positioning in easy-to-follow terms. We then moved on to the Reformer, where we spent the majority of our one-hour session on a series of leg, arm and abdominal exercises. The ambient sounds of Portishead on the stereo combined with Erin's laid back but attentive manner of instruction made for a workout that was simultaneously invigorating and relaxing. We finished our session with a series of satisfying stretches, and left Syner-G feeling light on our feet.

Syner-G offers a variety of classes that differentiate it from other Pilates studios in Los Angeles. For example, this is the only place in LA (that we know of) where you can take a Springboard class, which utilizes a challenging apparatus over which you must exert control to keep the springs from bouncing. Syner-G also offers a Slow Motion class that focuses on isometric muscle contraction and a Mommy & Me mat class. The studio also has a massage therapist and aesthetician available by appointment, so you can consider it a one-stop fitness, beauty and wellness center. In fact, you can sample all of these services at once because Syner-G is offering Chill Out LA readers a complimentary mini-facial and mini-massage with the purchase of your first private or semi-private Pilates session.

Review originally published 5/18/06.