BLACKOWNED GYMS AIM FOR SURVIVAL OF THE FITNESS
THEY’RE KEEPING STRONG WITH VIRTUAL CLASSES AS MANY PREPARE FOR REOPENING
FORMER USA T rack & Field star Angela Davis led group cycle classes for the likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z before she founded Aarmy with former tennis pro Akin Akman. She wanted to expand her reach by owning her own global fitness brand.
Aarmy opened its doors in January with cycling and boot-camp classes. When the pandemic hit and the studio was forced to shut, it pivoted to offer free online classes on Instagram. Despite the challenge, Davis is not deterred and considers it a privilege to have ownership in the fitness industry.
“I just hope that other minority woman can look at me and say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it,’ ” she said.
We’re compiling a guide that highlights black-owned businesses and brands in fitness. Many of these will open their doors again, so watch their websites and Instagram accounts.
To bring a business to our attention, email image@
latimes.com. Check out the virtual workouts offered by the studios until fitness studios can be safely opened again.
AARMY
(BOOT CAMP, CYCLING)
> Boot camp-style fitness studio founded by Angela Davis and Akin Akman. It has a daily lineup of workouts for free through Instagram Live — follow @aarmy for the schedule. 8599 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, aarmy.com
THE CARDIO GRIND
(CARDIO, KICKBOXING AND STRENGTH)
> Owned by Kanika Conwright Brock, this studio gets rave reviews for highenergy, challenging workouts. Virtual classes can be booked on the website or ClassPass. 18529 Burbank Blvd., Tarzana, thecardio grind.com
DHARMA YOGA L.A. (YOGA)
GLOVEWORX
(BOXING)
> Owner Sonya Enchill is offering online yoga classes; the schedule can be found on the website. dmyla.com
> Gloveworx is a boxing studio founded by Leyon
Azubuike, a boxing pro who has trained Jennifer Aniston. It’s offering virtual private and group training. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, and 1415 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, gloveworx.com
THE JYIM
(BOXING AND HIIT)
> The Jyim offers small group classes and personal training with elite trainers such as founder Jyima OforiAtta. It has virtual cardio and sculpt classes as well as outdoor boot camp and boxing classes. 830 Traction Ave., Suite 2B, Los Angeles, thejyim.com
KTX FITNESS
(CYCLING, STEP AND ZUMBA)
> Founded by Keith Thompson, KTX Fitness is offering its cycling, step and kickboxing classes virtually. 1710 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, ktxfitness.com
MOMS AT OM
(PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL YOGA)
> This boutique pregnancy yoga studio is owned by Keya Nkonoki, a birth doula, pregnancy coach and women’s yoga specialist. 12112 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 3, Culver City, momsatom.la
RATIO CYCLING
(CYCLING)
> This indoor cycling studio is offering “Ratio at Home,” which includes weekly bike rental, livestream and ondemand offerings. 1306 N. Wilton Place, Los Angeles, ratiocycling.com
SPEIR PILATES (PILATES)
> Liz Polk paired with fitness expert Andrea Speir to create Speir Pilates, which combines athletic Pilates with cardio, barre and circuit training. It has launched a virtual studio with daily live classes. 1427 7th St., Santa Monica, speirpilates.com
THRIVE HEALTH LAB
(STRENGTH, YOGA AND MEDITATION)
> The boutique fitness lab in View Park-Windsor Hills specializes in small-group training and a holistic approach. It is offering virtual classes. 3701 W. 54th St., Los Angeles, thrivehealthlab .com