Nikki's Top Picks For Getting Flexible and Fit in Laguna Beach, CA

There are times that I take a break from my SUP Clinics to be a private fitness, nutrition and wellness coach during my Six Weeks To Wellness Program, developed to give my clients the guidance they need to lead a healthy lifestyle while being able to hold them accountable 24/7 for that time period.  I teach them that leading a healthy life doesn't have to be 'lame'.  I give them the tools they need to have fun while integrating health and wellness into their lifestyle. 

One important aspect of strength-training and exercise is to always make sure you incorporate a wide variety of different physical activity in order to keep the interest and motivation level up, keep the body guessing, adding flexibility and avoiding overuse and muscle imbalance issues.

Having spent a while with clients in Laguna Beach, CA, during the last couple of years I have found some great places to get that variety.  Everywhere you look there is a gym, pilates studio, yoga studio, etc... and I have narrowed down a few of my favorites if you're looking for an effective and fun workout experience.  If you're in the area check out some of my top picks below!  Remember to try something new as much as you can, especially stand up paddling if you've never done it.  Stop in and get a SUP lesson or at least say 'hi' to my friends at SUP Company in Laguna located right on the coast highway.

Best Pilates
Pure Pilates
Great studio, affordable and I swear my stomach is flatter every time I get a session with Sarah.  Pilates is a wonderful way to tone your core.
http://www.purepilateslaguna.com/

Best Spin Class
Rhythm Spin
By far the best spin class I've ever taken (and I've seen it all, trust me!)  Shelly's class will work you hard while keeping you fired up with a fun playlist.
http://www.rhythmspinriders.com/

Best Yoga
I go to Geo's Power Yoga class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  Geo invented Power Yoga in the 70's and he's got quite the following so get there early to get a spot.  I've also heard that Tracy Bauer's mat pilates class is quite tough and is highly recommended.
http://yogaworks.com/classSearch.aspx?ext=1&lid=3&tid=&lvid=&sid=&dow=&region=OC

Best Hot Yoga
Bikram Yoga
Love/hate relationship with this type of yoga.  The class is 90 minutes in a heated room with the same 26 postures repeated twice every class.  Instructors can be quite 'nazi'-like and I've felt like running out of the room screaming on several occasions because it can be extremely uncomfortable.  Don't eat anything two hours before class, come hydrated and bring lots of water. One thing I can't deny is that it makes you stronger both physically and mentally.  If done consistently for a few weeks it can work out some of your muscle imbalances if you can tolerate the 'sweat lodge' torture chamber.
http://www.bikramyoga.com/studioDetails.php?id=266

One more great yoga class:
Beyond Yoga
I was pleasantly surprised at the great instructors at Beyond Yoga, located in a somewhat random location of a women's fitness facility.  Men are allowed in the yoga classes and I highly recommend the Hot Yoga Sculpt class using lightweight dumbbells in most of the poses.
http://beyondhotyoga.com/?page_id=21

Best Massage
Spa Montage
After all your hard work I recommend a spa treatment at the Montage.  It is well worth it as this place is immaculate and the service is top-notch.
http://www.spamontage.com/lagunabeach/spa-photo-gallery.php


Aloha!
Nikki