From the third floor of the Spectrum Athletic Club at Sunset and PCH, one can watch the ocean waves roll into shore and see the Santa Monica Pier across the bay.
Four self-propelled treadmills, five spin bikes, three StepMill climbers and two elliptical machines on the deck allow exercisers to take in this view—outside—while working up a sweat.
Palisades Spectrum Manager Diana Poff, who lives in Simi Valley, gave me a tour of the facility, which has benefited from a $1-million renovation. The flooring and lighting in the locker rooms have been redone, and new lockers allow members to secure personal items with a built-in lock combination that can be set with a four-digit code. Once emptied, the next person using the locker easily resets it with a new code.
There are numerous showers, and the club provides complimentary shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and unlimited towels.
The ocean-front studio (nearest PCH), has floor-to-ceiling windows on two walls, providing sweeping views of the ocean. Yoga classes, including Lyngar, restorative, athletica, flexibility, Vinyasa Flow, power, Yin and yoga 1 and 2, are held in this studio.
Much of the cardio equipment has been upgraded, including bikes for the indoor cycling classes. Weight plates in the lifting area have been replaced with rubberized plates.
Also new is a daily “Board” workout, featuring a one-hour workout that includes aerobics and weightlifting. “It’s for people who want to work out on their own, but might feel like they’re in a rut,” Poff said.
The Pilates studio, operated by longtime Palisadian Sally Linden, is open to members and non-members. “It is state-of-the-art and every instructor is certified, with experience that ranges from 8 to 40 years,” Linden said.
Pure Energy Cafe, located inside the club, is open to the general public. In addition to power drinks, such as a low-carb protein shake and smoothies, the cafe also offers breakfast (scrambles and omelettes, pancakes and oatmeal), lunch (sandwiches and salads) and dinners that include sirloin burgers (no hormones or antibiotics), chicken chipotle quesadillas and a grilled fish of the day. Everything is priced below $10. Call (310) 573-4105.
The kids’ club, for children ages 3 months to 12 years, has also been renovated. The large room includes a play structure, and a separate space for babies and toddlers. There is a $5 charge for childcare. “We’d like people to make a reservation, so we can staff accordingly,” Poff said. A bounce house is available and the space can be rented for birthday parties.
When “Dancing With the Stars” starts its new season March 18, Spectrum Club will also begin a new ballroom dancing class. Poff said a partner is not required to come to class. “Dancing burns a lot of calories and our current dance classes are really popular.” Current options include Cardio Dance, Fiesta Latina, Salsa and Dance It Out.
The club, located at 17383 Sunset Blvd., is open Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (310) 459-2582 or visit: spectrumclubs.com/palisades.
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