The Phoenix Effect — Local services in Los Angeles

I joined TPE before covid in 2019, then had to stop (along with the world) and re-joined at the beginning of 2025. Upon my first day back in class I recognized at least four people in attendance - which really shows the amazing retention of TPE. I have tried many other types of gyms - Barre, Orange Theory, Crossfit, Family Style (Like YMCA) but there is, in my experience, nothing close to what The Phoenix Effect offers in terms of community and fitness. I have completed well over 125+ classes and I can confidently say not a single class has ever been the same. You read that right - each class has an entirely unique workout which means It’s always exciting and my body does not plateau. The trainers are inspiring - they are funny, they ACTUALLY care, they give productive feedback and I never feel judged if I am unable to perform a task as intended. They are always able to give me modifications that are specific to how my body can move. TPE also offers workshops and seminars that go beyond the physical workout to focus on mindset and whole body, which is very special and something I have not seen in other facilities. Each month there are fun games and challenges and meet ups (all optional) that add extra spice and fun to the workouts. The community of TPE is just as encouraging. When someone rings the Personal Record bell, the gym goers all cheer from wherever they are in a station. I know it can be very intimidating trying out a new gym, meeting new people, especially working out around new people can feel vulnerable. The trainers, the front desk staff, the gym goers are all very welcoming, so if you are curious, I would recommend reaching out to give it a try. I think you’ll find a very safe space filled with healthy positive community members that all want each other to succeed in whatever personal fitness journey they are on. One extra note - if the parking is the most difficult part due to the location- you can always find spots on the residential side streets for free a block away - don’t let the...

To all the Melrose Villagers out there in need of a full body transformation…look no further than The Phoenix Effect. This tiny gym is a TITAN among workout spots. It is owned and run by Beth Bishop, who teaches, advises, coaches, you name it, she is a dynamic presence. She has set the bar very high, and I should know because I’ve exhausted several gyms and private training spaces in the area over the years, and they don’t even hold a candle. The instructors are total pros - Jefferson, Taylor, and Derek, to name a few, are passionate, hilarious, motivating, not to mention lean, mean, instructing machines. Well, except that they’re not mean. The classes are packed with neighbors as well as clients who come from all over the city just to be a part of what’s happening at TPE. To be completely transparent, this meaty girl is slowly and steadily burning off a little sliver of visceral fat every week and she couldn’t be happier. Meaning me. I couldn’t be happier. I mean, I skip to class like an eight year old, which is a new thing for me. It’s ridiculous. The “fun gym vibe” is infectious. TPE is truly a magical place, the classes fly by in a blink and you’ve sweated off the weight of a jumbo sized slurpee before the clock strikes 45 minutes. Most importantly, you feel like you are part of a healthy, supportive community. I don’t doubt my soul is going through a total transformation of its own as well. And I...

I came to this place during a visit. My coaches name was Jefferson. I've been training for many years and found myself underwhelmed and disappointed with his class. He clearly has not been a trainer for many years and I almost question his certifications. He couldn't perform many of the basic moves or lifts correctly, like performing a squat at even 90 degrees. Many of the movements seemed taxing on him, even when just showing as an example. I even purposely did incorrect movements and positions, then asked him if they were right- and he didn't correct me and said they looked incredible in his loud mic for the room. When going through the movements for the class, He seemed confused and unsure of what he was doing as if it was his first time doing the movements. He was really nice and a great cheerleader, but I wouldn't want him coaching newer athletes, Especially when they're having us do Crossfit-like movements (but not an actual crossfit gym, made very clear with their sign). After speaking with other members, I learned that he used to be a member of the gym and that was the only gym he's coached- which then made sense, because gyms like to hire from within if they can save the money that it would cost to hire from without-.

The people were great. The location is small. If all their trainers are like Jefferson, I worry for the members...