Class: Pilates

Location: West Hollywood – UPDATE: Xtend Barre Weho is now closed as of 2016.

Work-out: Mat Pilates

Difficulty: Level 3.5

Next day soreness: 3

Duration: 60 min

Sweat Level: 💦Moderately Sweaty

Parking: Street Parking, or you can pay $5 to valet with Crossroads and that money can be credited towards your next class or Xtend merchandise

Amenities: Merchandise for purchase

Requirements for class: socks and water

This class pleasantly surprised me after an initially stressful parking situation. The class is right on Melrose, so street parking was difficult but I ended up finding free parking on a side street perpendicular to Melrose (La Jolla, I believe). Amber, the instructor, was very sweet and what I especially liked about this class that differentiates it from other pilates/barre classes was that stretching was incorporated throughout the entire class, and not just at the end. Having been a dancer for 15 years, this really appealed to me.

The workout was also different from a lot of other studios, and the use of a resistance band and a heavy rubber ball was incorporated. I left with my booty on fire, and appreciated Amber taking the time to check in with me, since it was my first class.