- By Caila Ball

Part Pilates, part cardio and lots of fun, workouts at Studio Soma slim, tone, and fly by with their mix of fun music and dance-inspired movement. Tucked away between the bustling thoroughfare of La Cienega Blvd and the well-heeled shoppers on Melrose Place, the studio is a hidden gem delivering tangible results to a tight community of fitness pals.

Deriving from the greek word for "body," Studio Soma fuses traditional Pilates, isometric weight training, stability work and cardio into one studio. Its signature class, Soma Sculpt, loosely translates to ”body sculpt,” so students should look forward to said chiseled results when they commit to a training program at Studio Soma.

Location: West Hollywood, CA

Classes Offered: Pilates Mat, Soma Sculpt, Cardio Boogie, Private Pilates sessions

About the Owner: Thalia Thomas, founder of Studio Soma, has trained an impressive roster of VIP clients, including Jodie Foster, Kylie Minogue, Cate Blanchett and James Cameron

Why You Should Check It Out: Studio Soma offers traditional Pilates classes (founder Thalia Thomas believes in keeping Pilates, Pilates), but also Pilates-infused cardio workouts that provide variety for those that love to sweat as they reap the toning, flexibility, strength and posture benefits of Pilates workouts. 

These cardio workouts function on the principle of interval training to ensure high calorie burn, and keep the energy level up with an eclectic mix of bumping music.

If the fun classes don’t sell you, the promise to burn 400-600 calories in each 50 minute class certainly should. Classes at Studio Soma utilize a stability ball and weights to help clients lose both pounds and inches, and deep stretches following each exercise to help the body recover and prepare for more work. Ultimately, the studio boasts fast results at an affordable price for their clients.

Know Before You Go: Feed the meter on Melrose Place or La Cienega, or have cash ready for parking in the parking lot off of Melrose Alley. The semi-hidden gym is not visible from the street, but is located behind LIFT gym on La Cienega. Classes are performed barefoot.

Advice for first timers: The signature class moves rather quickly, which is why new students are required to take at least 20 Mat Pilates classes prior to dropping in for Soma Sculpt. Bring a water bottle and grab a towel onsite: these classes are designed to make you sweat!