There are more fitness facilities in LA than anyone would ever want to count. When I managed a very large fitness facility in West Los Angeles, we had dozens of significant competitors in walking distance. It was brutal and trying to offer the same classes that these specialized locations hosted was a massive challenge. With such an impressive selection, there isn’t ever going to be a consensus best “gym in LA” or anything along those lines, but there are certainly places that are undisputed gems.
We’ve talked about, on the blog or in person, some of the best deals in LA. Whether that means off-the-wall places like Tempest, amazing communities such as Barbell Brigade, cost-free natural selections including the Santa Monica Rings/Runyon Canyon or the unmatched intensity you’ll find at Gold’s Venice, LA has something for everyone. As Hungry & Fit, we do, however, need to give an edge to the facility that we personally use. Obviously, that says a lot about a place.
Since we do fairly well and are fiscally responsible, we don’t limit ourselves to budget options/chains including 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, Planet Fitness and the YMCA (though we do love the Y!). We prefer to pay more and avoid dealing with people who aren’t serious about their training; we don’t want to fight people who are on their phone while sitting on equipment. Also, we like to avoid budget options since they often have higher traffic; we don’t want to wait for equipment, in order to keep our workout intensity higher.
Also, since we have our own gym and pool at home, in addition to living at the base of Runyon Canyon, we don’t need a gym with expansive hours since we can always opt for a non-gym training session. This flexibility allowed us to discover the current spot where you can find us training: Fortune Gym. This dungeon/hole-in-the-wall facility is no joke. Every single person we’ve seen in here works their tail off, or seems that way since you start sweating when you walk in the door.
Founded by World Heavyweight contender Justin Fortune and co-owned/operated by his wife Tamara, who has customer service skills unmatched in the fitness industry, you immediately feel comfortable inside the concrete walls. Everyone is so focused on their own training that no one gives you a hard time, although there are trainers that lack gym etiquette. If you avoid them, you’ll be in good shape. Even though there are some unfortunate trainers, there are top-tier coaches that have Olympic and World Champion experience in multiple disciplines.
Equipment includes two speed bags, two double-ended bags, uppercut bags, heavy bags, bumper plates, smith machine, barbells, dumbbells up to 100 lbs, cable machines, TRX, bosu balls, jump ropes, treadmills, air bikes, Concept rower, Concept Ski Erg, and much more. Let us know if you want to come check it out and throw down a workout with us in their full ring! Go to Fortune Gym to stay hungry and fit!
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