Work It Out: Top 5 Fitness Clubs of Orange County

If the holidays gave you an unexpected gift — one that you only see when you step on the scale — then this list of top 5 fitness clubs might just help you take that gift back. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward workout, something a little different or you’re going hardcore with your core, there’s something on this list that’ll get rid of any jiggle, jangle and post-holiday surprises.

1. Sports Club/LA
1980 Main St.
Irvine, CA 92614
949.975.8400
www.thesportsclubla.com

Work up a sweat at the Sports Club/LA — because after the hard work, you’ll realize that you’re not just at a gym. They’re a spa, Splash, a bistro, Oliver, and more amenities than you can count. From spotless locker rooms to the state-of-the-art equipment and group classes that’ll burn and sculpt you into tip top shape, the Sports Club is an all-in-one stop for everything you need.

2. Core Reform
1058 Irvine Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.646.8600
www.corereform.com

Pilates might be a little mystifying with all the equipment and strange positions, but the team at Core Reform is here to demystify the amazing benefits of the practice. Whether you opt for a private or group class, you’ll get the attention you need to get the most out of your workout. A few weeks here and you’ll see the transformation.

3. Equinox
19540 Jamboree Rd.
Irvine, CA 92612
949.296.1700
www.equinox.com

With a recognized name like Equinox, you can be sure that their Irvine location has all the bells and whistles that make it a favorite nationwide. But trust us, it’s not all hype. They’ve got everything from group classes for yoga and spinning to some of the best personal trainers around. Whether you’re just shaping up or gearing up to run a marathon they’ve got what you need to achieve every goal.

4. Core Power Yoga
7777 Edinger Ave. at Bella Terra
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714.889.1279
www.corepoweryoga.com

Hot hot hot! That’s what Core Power Yoga does best. The practice of hot (or Bikram) yoga heats the body and gives you the flexibility you never knew you had. They’ve got more classes than any other studio around and their second-story, window-walled studios are some of the greatest in Orange County. Friendly, fun and fiery, the classes here (for the timid, they’ve got traditional yoga, too) burn like nothing else.

5. Bar Method
7772 E. Coast Hwy. at the Crystal Cove Promenade
Newport Beach, CA 92657
949.715.2199

Dance aerobics might be so ’80s, but the latest incarnation of the workout is at the Bar Method, which integrates dance exercises with isometrics, interval training and physical therapy methods to create a fat burning and muscle toning workout like nothing else you’ve ever tried. If you’re looking to rev up your workout and reshape your body, take note of the Bar Method.