I’ve mentioned in a previous post that I have at least 5 LA Fitness experiences that I’m dying to try. The goal was to get to all 5 by the end of 2013 but we’ll see what happens. I do have one to tick off my list and it’s something you can only do in LA!
Stadium Fitness at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
I’ve been going to Stadium Fitness Yoga in Pasadena for their warm vinyasa flow classes nearly a year and it’s become my local yoga home. When the owners, Jodie and David told me that they hold circuit style bootcamps every weekday morning at the world famous Rose Bowl Stadium, I was intrigued but scared. Finally, last week I faced my fear.
I figured a 6am class with nice sunrise would be a great reward for an early workout. It was dark when I got to the stadium and I realized that I didn’t know how to get in! Luckily some other bootcampers introduced themselves and welcomed me inside. I was greeted warmly by David and the 10-12 other regulars before things got started.
First, we were indoors
It was unseasonably cold for LA so I was happy to be indoors to begin the workout. Even though I’m not a sports fan, it felt special to be inside the world famous stadium. We ran laps around the meeting room (which could have been a changing room for all I know) to warm up and then separated into 2 groups.
Inside the Rose Bowl
Group 1 did mat work – push-ups, ab work, planks and Group 2 did traveling sumo squats or lunges with a medicine ball. It was common to see David advising many different modifications to account for fitness level variations and for injury (which was good because my back was still tender from my 5 miler on Thanksgiving). The Groups alternated exercises for 3 sets and then we went outside.
Inside (but outside) The Rose Bowl Stadium
The sun had already risen but the sky was still beautiful. We weren’t allowed on the field because it was being readied for the upcoming Annual Rose Bowl football game so we all got to be great friends with the stadium stairs.
Did you know that the Rose Bowl has two different types of stairs? There are little and big stairs. David was kind to me and only had me do short stairs many times. It was definitely hard work. I didn’t realize how much running there would be in class. In between running stairs there was some work with weights and walking lunges around the stadium.
Tip: Be smart and wear running shoes when you check out Stadium Fitness! Don’t be silly like me and wear CrossFit shoes (your back will appreciate it).
While the Stadium Fitness experience is definitely an individual one, there’s definitely a sense of team spirit felt throughout the class. Stadium Fitness and Stadium Fitness Yoga cultivate a combined sense of community, camaraderie and fitness motivation that is truly unique. Who wouldn’t want to support a nice couple who want to share their love of fitness and make it accessible to everyone?
If you live in or near the Pasadena area, come and check out a morning or an evening Stadium Fitness class. It’s a unique experience you’ll never forget and your first class is FREE!
FYI – This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are purely my own.
Have you ever done a bootcamp-like class? What is your favorite and least favorite bootcamp exercise?
Do you read Runners World? There’s a group in Boston that meets in a stadium daily – it’s really cool. Sounds like a great workout. I’m a huge football fan and have been to games at the Rose Bowl many times and would love to workout there.
Oh man, I get so nervous before bootcamps because I know it’s going to be so hard! I have a love/hate relationship with burpees and jump squats. I just have a hate relationship with anything that involves a pushup position (hurts my wrists and it’s just hard!).
This is by far the coolest venue I’ve ever seen for a Boot Camp!! I’m proud of you for facing your fears and going. Well done my friend!!!
How fun! I don’t think I’ve ever been inside the Rose Bowl even though I’ve ran circles around it about 1 million times!
Brittany: I’ve been with you getting compliments on your burpees! You’re too modest! You are strong but I bet it is hard after the elbow injury.
You’ll have to come back to LA and try it sometime….
If you ever feel like making the trek Tiffany, lmk. I’d gladly go with you.
Amazing.
Thanks Christie! For a NY’er now living in LA, it was especially fun. Not to mention that finding not only one but 2 fitness outlets with these great people is pretty amazing.
Very cool! I’ll have to check this out sometime since it’s in my neighborhood.
Jillienne: We will have to meet up for a sweat date sometime soon!
That sounds like a great class! The environment would be so inspiring and fun. Glad you got a chance to push your butterflies aside and go! New follower from SITS!
Thanks Kristin! It was amazing. I feel pretty lucky.
Again, I just found this in my spam folder (arrrggghh!). One day you’ll have to come over to my neck of the woods and we’ll do a night class together. Deal?