The 'Anatomy' of Highland Park

Photo by Jessica Pauline for LAist

There are some workout classes that make me want to run screaming from the building. Some make me watch every cruel second tick by on the clock. But precious few - and I mean really, like practically none - make me want to stay on for a second hour.

Which is why I was so surprised when, 45 minutes into cardio barre at Anatomy L.A. in Highland Park, I found myself having so much dang fun that the following words escaped my lips: "Yes, I would like to stay another hour for Exotic Dance."

That's right: I had signed on willingly for two full hours of exercise, and it wasn't even cause I wanted to be polite. I meant it.

The studio is owned and operated by a husband/wife team, and opened about four months ago. As far as LAist can tell, it's been functioning pretty under-the-radar, but we imagine that won't be the case for long. The classes are small, fun and f*#$ing exhausting, and Byron Quiros -- who taught both classes that I took -- is as good as dance teachers get. In addition to his gift for dropping the proverbial "it" like it's hot, he paid real attention to students in class; correcting form, pushing each of us a little harder, making sure that we were all working to and beyond our potential. And, he actually made me laugh out loud at one point (generally, exercising=not funny). To add to my pleasurable fitness experience, despite the constant sweaty funk it generates, the studio also managed to smell, somehow, very good.

Anatomy LA also offers kickbox, cardio kickbox, spinning, yoga, pilates...you get the idea. Eastsiders, my suggestion to you is that you get in there before it gets too packed to move, cause it will. Check out their class schedule for a full list of classes and times.

Anatomy LA
5215 York Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323-259-5356