Speedplay

I have been here a few times an absolutely love the studio. You have a great view of Los Angeles from the Penthouse. Beka is absolutely lovely as well as lady who works the front desk. I am drenched by the time I leave and always have the best night of sleep after attending Beka’s class. They also give free towels!

I’ve been waiting to write this review as I want to be thoughtful and honest. There is a lot of good here, but some tough spots that aren’t so awesome.
The good —
The gym is beautiful. Nicely arranged, breathtaking views.
The facilities are higher-​end. Very nice bathrooms, programmable locks on the lockers. It’s a very comfortable environment.
The people there are very nice, very welcoming.
Towel service available at no extra charge.
The equipment seems new and I’ve actually never worked on the kind on treadmills they have, so that’s a good change on pace.
The workout —
You rotate between 5 stations. 1) treadmill 2) row machine 3) free weights 4) bosu 5) benches. You do a set of exercises at each station, when I was there it was 4 per station with exception of the rower and treadmill, those were done a bit differently. You go through each station doing as many rounds as possible for 5 minutes. Then you go through a second time for 3 minutes each station, as many rounds as possible.
Here’s where things go a little downhill, but before I get into that I want to be clear that the actual workout is a great one. It’s planned out really well and you will get a great sweat going.
I went on a sunny, warm day. It was SO HOT outside where the bosu’s and benches are that I was getting sick. Everyone was trying to find shade, which is impossible where the benches are and you don’t know if you’re sweaty and a little sick from the intensity of the workout or from the onset of heat and sun stroke. I ended up going pretty easy on the benches because I honestly felt sick. By the second round I said «screw this» and went inside until the station change. Looking back, I think I got mild heat /​sun stroke from it.
There are SO MANY people that the trainer can’t keep up with ensuring proper form. He hung out by the treadmills and rowers, working with everyone there because by the time you get there you’re thinking «what do I do here again??» So he ends up coaching you through that. I have this bad habit of bending my wrist back when lifting free weights, which is improper form, and I never catch it. Trainers always catch me doing it, but for some reason I never catch myself. Well, the trainer here didn’t catch it and I ended up with a strained wrist. I saw a lot of other people with bad form too, but the trainer wasn’t correcting. There were too many people and too many exercises for one trainer to manage.
Having a background in Crossfit, I ended up being «team leader». There were so many exercises that the trainer ran through at the beginning that by the time your group gets to a station everyone is looking at each other asking «what are we supposed to do here?» Since I knew the language, I could look at the board and do it — everyone in my group was following my lead on what we were supposed to do — and it was my first time there. I was also helping people with working equipment and one person even said to me «I’m so happy you’re in my group.»
The benches are all one height — you don’t really have time to adjust them for ability. You’re going at a high level — period.
I just came out of a 2-​year recovery from a car accident and made sure to tell the trainer, like I always do. My knees are shot to hell and I’ve got some lower back issues, but my background makes it possible for me to know how to modify pretty much everything. Frankly, I’m not sure the trainer could have helped me modify everything. It’s not due to incompetency, it’s just too large of a group with too much going on. And I will tell you this — if you have bad knees, DO NOT go here. There’s a lot of knee work. A LOT. I had to modify at least 60% of the workout.
When all is said and done — if you’re healthy, have a good workout background and can «speak the language», I absolutely recommend it. For myself, I will totally go again once I get my knees stronger. And I’ll only go in the evening or a nice, cold, overcast day. Never again on a sunny & warm day.
And a side note that I didn’t factor into my star rating, but just want to mention it. The whole «penthouse» thing attracts a certain type of person that wants to be seen and be part of «the scene». They are there more so than I’ve seen at other gyms. If you’re serious about your workouts and don’t care about «the scene», just be ready for the people strutting around. It’s not all of them, but they are for sure there.

Killer workout with a badass view! It’s not often that you are able to kill yourself on a treadmill while looking at one of the greatest views in LA. The workouts are high intensity circuits so my heart rate got up pretty high where I didn’t feel as guilty having a beer and a brat right after the workout; you burn PLENTY of calories within an hour.
The staff is fantastic! They are very welcoming and friendly. Check out Anna Rose’s class-​she will WERK you out!
Also-​feeling extremely sore right? They have a sports/​massage therapist to work out all those muscles to get you ready for your next class!

Easily one of the best workout in LA. First of all, I could not imagine a gym with a better view. It is located on the top floor of an office building with views from the ocean to downtown. The workout has aspects of strength, cardio, core, flexibility and is a great circuit that changes every class.
Michael is an incredible instructor. He puts together great classes and makes them fun, while still very challenging. I look forward to Speedplay classes and always know I will leave knowing the good I did for my body and overall health. A must try LA class.

La Cineaga and Wilshire is the worst cross section and parking here is a nightmare! You can park on the street but you have to read the signs. You can park at the tennis courts but you have to plan the extra time to walk.
The view is great but don’t take a class first thing in the morning when the sun is beaming on you cuz you’ll prob sweat off all your moisturizer like I did. Or you’re smarter than me and don’t wear any but that’s not smart either. Ladies! SPF is your bestfriend.
Ok… I’ve digressed. Back to the facilities. Their natural treadmill takes time to get use to but will kick your butt.
Free towel service and lockers. Clean and new.
I’ve yet to come back to traffic and parking but I heard the sunset view is amazing.

Beautiful views.
It’s a mix of Barry’s Bootcamp and Crossfit, with fancier equipment.
A CrossBarry Baby

If you’re looking for an incredibly fun, challenging, effective way to change your body: go to Speedplay. Like literally right now.
The studio is literally the most beautiful studio in LA located on the penthouse of 8500 Wilshire. 2hr free parking is provided by the city of BH just down the street at the Tennis Courts. The front desk staff and management are the nicest people ever. And the trainers?! I die.
I’m obsessed with this place and everyone I know and take gets obsessed, too!!!
Blake, Chris, Michael, and Beka are my jam.
Why are you still reading this? You should have your sneaks on and be heading there NOW!

I was going to use my Classpass, but I noticed they were offering a first class free promotion, so I called to reserve a spot in their morning class with Michael.
The Location:
Freaking awesome! You can’t beat the penthouse space overlooking LA and a perfect view of DTLA’s skyline. Definitely a motivator!
The Class:
It was my first time there so Michael (the instructor) showed me how to use their self-​powered treadmill and gave me a rundown on the timing and cadence of the stations. Definitely very helpful!
The class will tear you up! An awesome cardio /​strength training class for everyone, no matter your athletic abilities.
The Showers:
I work right down the street so I need to utilize their showers. They have two showers, both inside their bathroom. Therefore, once someone showers, they’ll stay in there to get ready (wipe down, dry hair, brush teeth, do their hair, and do their makeup), which forces you to wait 15 – 20 minutes for someone to get out. Not TOO big of a deal, unless you’re in a rush.
If you’re in a rush, skip the cool down /​stretching at the end of the class.
The restrooms /​showers are clean and they have towel service.
I’ll definitely be back!

Been coming here for four weeks now, and I have to say it is one of the best classes out there. The first class a couple weeks back really kicked my ass to the point where I couldn’t make it through the whole thing, as time has gone on, I’ve been able to make it through the entire thing.
The classes have awesome music, great instructors, and nice/​clean equipment.
I usually come to the early classes (6AM), so watching the sunrise as you stretch is pretty hard to beat.
I highly recommend the class. Have already recommended it to 4 other people, all 4 have gone and loved it too. Woo!

This place is a hidden gem. I am hesitant to write a review because I don’t want it to get so packed that I can’t get a reservation! The trainers are nice, the workout is tough and different every time I go (I love that they switch it up so much) and the view… Wow. It’s easy to workout when you have an incredible view to distract you from the burn. Chris is a particularly good guy and really takes the time to correct your form and cheer you on. I love Speedplay.

*Classpass Review*
I’m not sure how I haven’t written a review for this place yet, but I am so in love! I’ve been here twice so far via ClassPass /​free first class, and I am a huge fan. It’s so close to where I work, so it’s a crazy convenient location on the edge of Beverly Hills.
The views are gorgeous, the staff is so friendly and helpful, and the facility is clean and modern. Need I say more?
Pros:
— Location
— Beautiful 360 panorama of Los Angeles!
— Tough HIIT workouts that kick your butt! Definitely sore the next day. Every workout is different and includes weights, rowing machines, manual treadmills, and indoor/​outdoor exercises. You definitely won’t get bored of doing the same thing.
— Clean facilities, free towels, two showers
— Free first class!
— Great instructors
— Small class sizes
— Water fountain /​water bottle fill up, lockers
Cons:
— No free parking onsite :(
Pros definitely outweigh the cons. I love this place!

I like this class! I like the facility too! It’s
super clean and the view is amazing! the only thing i do say bothers me is, class just seems way too easy. i’ve been to a few different instructors and each time I didn’t feel really challenged. I would go again, and maybe just push myself harder… but for now I really think it’s meant for an amateur’s workout

This place is fantastic. The workout is such an awesome blend of cardio and weights, the instructors are top-​notch, and the view from the rooftop studio is gorgeous.
At the beginning of class the instructor will explain each of the stations. I’ve been in classes where there were four stations, and others where there were five. There will always be one station dedicated to the rowing machines and one station dedicated to the woodway curve treadmills. The remaining stations will be things like exercises with free weights, exercises with dumbells, or exercises with the bosu balls. The Woodway curve treadmills are AMAZING. I often get hip pain if I run on a regular treadmill but I don’t have any pain when I run on these. They are a little different, so if its your first class the instructor will make sure to tell you how to use them.
Your first class is free, which is awesome. I’ve been trying to convince my husband to join me on class pass, but he was reluctant. So I took him to speedplay to show him the awesome choice of workouts he could have. He didn’t end up buying class pass, but he loved this studio so much he bought a package of speedplay classes!
I’ve taken classes with Beka and Blake. Both are really amazing instructors who are really motivating and passionate about fitness. Recently, Blake even stayed late after class to answer some questions my husband and I had about the rowing machine. Blake is really knowledgeable about the machines and about fitness in general!

Such a great studio! Phenomenal views, great equipment, and oh so clean! The workout is intense, and you’ll love yourself after you’re done (talk about a sense of accomplishment)! We took Chris DiChristo’s class, and he was such a motivating instructor… will totally have to check this place out again!

Great workout class with amazing views. Took Beka’s class and it was a great routine. I’ve been sore for days. The curved treadmills take some getting used to but they’re fun to run on. They also have row machines that are a great change to my daily routine. Definitely looking forward to coming back to this high intensity interval training class.

Have been to this place a few times and have really enjoyed the experience.
First of all, beyond stunning space — penthouse of a highrise building on La Cienega and Wilshire. The sweeping 360 views are (nearly) enough to make you forget the physical anguish you are going through during class. I would honestly try this place out just for the views alone.
However, the quality of the workout, instruction, and equipment will make you stay. In every class I’ve been in, we’ve been on 4 stations — 2 cardio and 2 conditioning/​weights. Cardio will be woodway curve manual treadmills and then rowing machines.
The manual treadmills are pretty intense and ridiculous, but highly efficient. They take a while to get used to, but staff are careful to demo these machines to new students before class. Rowing machines are your typical machines, but for both cardio segments, they establish different speed thresholds they would like you to hit. For conditiioning exercises, these typically involve your standard gym toys (bosus, dumbells, barbells, resistance bands, etc.), ab exercises, lunges, burpees, pushups, etc. The instructors like to mix it up and take advantage of the space.
The instructors are very good at coordinating the various groups at different stations and are extremely helpful with corrections as well as modifications. I am still recovering from a shoulder injury and one instructor — Blake — took special care as I did each exercise to make sure I wasn’t hurting myself and offered modifications when I needed it. The instructors are very encouraging and helped everyone stay motivated. The equipment is all brand new and the facilites extremely clean.
Definitely take advantage of the free class to check this place out.
Parking is fine — giant lot in the Beverly HIlls Tennis club, but just allot yourself an extra 15 min to get parking and then walk up to the building.

This is literally the hardest work out I have ever done. Those manual treadmills kill me! This is a fun, intense class with a lot of variety. I think I’m in pretty good shape (run, Pilates, spinning and yoga 3 – 5 times per week) and this workout is definitely a struggle for me. I have been to both downtown and Beverly Hills but BH is far superior — it’s on the top floor of a building on Wilshire and has a great view and nice outside space. 2 hours free parking at the BH tennis courts on La Cienega; perfect for swinging by Starbucks for an after workout reward.

Loved this class! The studio is on the penthouse level and overlooks the whole city. It was beautiful scenery for a workout! Bring a water bottle, they provide filtered water.
Beka, my instructor, was super warm and friendly. I’m a yoga girl and new to this kind of workout and she explained everything perfectly before we got started.
Come to this studio if you want to get your butt kicked while watching the beautiful sun set! All different levels of fitness in this class… from athletes to first timers. I’ll definitely be back with friends!