Class: Level A1

Location: West Hollywood

Work-out: Versa Climber

Difficulty: Level 4

Next day soreness: 3

Duration: 30 min

Sweat Level: 💦💦 Sweaty

Parking: Lot next to studio (when I went I was not charged to park, but from reading others’ experiences, it seems like the lot generally charges).

Amenities: Towels, Alkaline Water Fountain and Juice Bar/Cafe on deck outside the studio

Requirements for class: Bring water bottle and sneakers are preferable (though if you forget and only have socks, that’s not a deal breaker)

This was my first time ever using a versa climber (thanks to Marino Wellness for introducing me to the experience), and the first 15 minutes are KILLER. This workout supposedly burns about twice as many calories per min as a spin class (hence, why it’s only 30 minutes, which is way more than enough). The class is mostly cardio-based, and you are on this machine moving both arms and legs to “climb” for the entire time.  General consensus from my class was that everyone thought they were going to pass out for the first 15 minutes, and then your body adjusts to it and the second half is not as bad.

The energy of the instructor I had, Adam, was great. He definitely kept everyone motivated. The ceiling of the studio is also incredibly cool (as pictured above), and the best part is that the studio opens up to a rooftop deck which houses a juice bar and cafe so you can go reenergize afterwards. It was a unique and challenging experience, and I will definitely be back!