Where: Los Angeles
What: Fitness PlaceList
Who: Melissa Eckman is the founder of MelisFit, an inspirational fitness blog, and yogspiration, an homage to all things yoga including some mighty cute tanks. Based in West Hollywood, Eckman also teaches yoga, provides social media consulting and is a Wilhelmina model for fitness brands like Carbon 38. We caught up with the yogi on her favorite studios, the best places to sweat for free, and where where to dance off that In-N-Out Double Double Animal Style.
Melissa Eckman. Image courtesy of Maggie Zulovic
Yoga Studios
Playlist Yoga
WeHo
Melissa Eckman: Playlist yoga is the studio I go to the most in LA. I love going to Playlist because they play amazing music and the flow of the class is rejuvenating and motivating.
Modo Yoga LA
Hancock Park
ME: Modo Yoga is my favorite hot yoga studio in LA. The Modo flow class is challenging yet relaxing at the same time. I always feel recharged when I leave there.
YogaWorks
Multiple locations
ME: YogaWorks is great because they have a variety of classes. I can always find exactly what I’m needing on the schedule and all of the teachers are incredible. I also got my 200 hour training through their teacher training program and I’d recommend it to anyone as it was life changing for me!
Free Workouts
Wisdom Tree
Hollywood Hills
ME: One of my favorite activities is hiking. I absolutely love being outside and the views in LA are beautiful. One of my favorite hikes is the Wisdom Tree in Hollywood. People write in journals left up there — inspiring quotes, thoughts, and pictures. I always go there to disconnect and be at one with nature.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Culver City
ME: The Culver City stairs are one of my favorite spots to work out on the weekend. They consist of 250 stairs and the views at the top are stunning. I’ll do the stairs three to four times, and then do a quick workout at the top.
Playa Del Rey Beach
Playa Del Rey
ME: I also love to hit the beach with my yoga mat. I’ll do an hour of self-practice and meditation down in Playa del Rey where the beach is very quiet.
Bars & Nightclubs
The Abbey
WeHo
ME: The Abbey is my favorite place in LA to dance! They play great music and the atmosphere always makes you want to stay out just a little bit later. I love that it is indoor and outdoor so you can enjoy both.
Doheny Room
WeHo
ME: Upstairs at the Doheny Room is intimate and a great place to dance. I also love that you can order food to the table!
Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails
Hollywood Hills West
ME: Hyde is my favorite night club in LA. I always feel like you will bump into someone you know and the music makes me want to dance all night long.
Post-Workout Meal
Fresh Corn Grill
WeHo and various
ME: I could eat everything on the menu at Fresh Corn Grill in West Hollywood. The food is so fresh and delicious. My go-to order is the Fresh Corn Grill Salad.
Urth Caffé
WeHo, DTLA, Beverly Hills
ME: Urth Caffé on Melrose is one of my favorite spots to have breakfast and lunch. The food is very good and they have something on the menu for whatever you’re craving. If I had to pick my favorite meal, it would be the eggs salmone, and a Spanish latte—strong with almond milk. Their Spanish latte is my favorite coffee drink!
SUGARFISH
Fairfax and various
ME: The sushi in LA is so fresh. After an intense workout I always end up at Sugar Fish on La Brea, and order the Trust Me (add albacore belly if they still have any left, it goes quick!).
Ultimate Cheat Meal
Nong La Cafe
Fairfax and Sawtelle
ME: I absolutely love Pho and the best Pho in LA is from Nong La. I order the pho ga (chicken pho) and egg rolls. This is the perfect Sunday night meal on the couch.
Pizzeria Mozza
Hancock Park
ME: I crave Italian all the time. My favorite place to get Italian is Mozza. Everything on the menu is incredible but I always order the lasagne al forno and The fungi pizza when I go.
In-N-Out Burger
Hollywood and various
ME: In-N-Out is just as good as everyone says it is! Double Double Animal Style and Animal Style Fries are the ultimate cheat meal for me! I try not go too often but when I do I really savor the moment.
Favorite Shops For Workout Gear
Carbon 38
ME: I order almost all my workout clothes right from Carbon 38. They carry the best brands and everything is on trend. My favorite recent purchase was a pair of black shiny leggings from their own personal line.
Adidas Originals
Fairfax
ME: I am a total Adidas addict. I will only wear Adidas sneakers (the ultra boost are my favorite) and their gear is so cute. I probably don’t leave the house without wearing something Adidas every day.
TLF Apparel
ME: I am from Boca Raton, Florida and when I discovered TLF Apparel which is based in Boca Raton, I had to check it out. Their clothes fit amazing and make me feel super confident when I am working out or practicing yoga.
Melissa (L) at Playlist.Image courtesy of @melisfit_
Image courtesy of @modoyogala
Image courtesy of @yogaworks
Wisdom Tree. Image courtesy of @whereshegoes_
Image courtesy of @theabbeyweho
Image courtesy of @dohenyroom
Hyde Sunset. Image courtesy of @leo_inca
Corn Grill salad. Image courtesy of @baronsbites
Urth Caffé. Image courtesy of @bubble_qd
Image courtesy of @sugarfishbynozawa
Nong La Cafe. Image courtesy of @victoire_loup
Image courtesy of @pizzeriamozza
Melissa in Adidas. Image courtesy of @melisfit_
Melissa in TLF Apparel. Image courtesy of @melisfit_
Header image courtesy of Evan Tetreault
