QT Fitness....refreshingly transformative!

So in my quest to learn about as many of the locally based business in Pacific Palisades, I encountered Danielle Robinson, owner and trainer at QT Fitness. Of course, I had to stop by and check out their facilities, class offerings, and staff. I am happy to share what I discovered at the boutique fitness studio at Highland Shopping Center.

First of all - great concept. QT Fitness is a boutique studio focusing on spin, barre, and yoga for women. Danielle Robinson met me at the studio for a tour and a chat. She asked me if I ever did spin classes. As the question left her lips, she noticed the change in my demeanor and face. "I went a few times back in 2007...." I replied with a look of dread and as if I had just tasted something horrible. Danielle chuckled softly and asked if they yelled at me and the rest of the class. I shared with her that they did -  that the level of intensity was set at fanatic and lowering it was not an option. And I am no wuss - I have completed P90x and am currently doing T25, so I can handle intensity.....spin class in 2007 was beyond my limit. "We don't yell and scream here. We encourage in a positive yet still powerful way." She went on to explain how spinning can be an integral part to an overall fitness plan, and can help women like me make progress to their overall health goals.

We then ventured into the back part of the studio where the yoga classes and the barre classes are held. As a former (lifetime ago) ballet dancer, the barre classes are very appealing to me. The space is inviting, and has a welcoming vibe. Danielle let me know that they limit the size of their yoga and barre classes so that the instructors can pay more attention to each of the participants. So.... no over stuffing of the room with 60 people fighting for space and getting lost in the back left corner of the room? No, not at QT Fitness.

The yoga offered at QT Fitness is focused on flexibility, balance, and stretching. It is an option for all levels of experience as the teachers are able to help you modify the moves if it is too advanced for you. When I asked Danielle if there was a lot of "showboating" in the yoga classes, she assured me there is not. Having the smaller class size allows the instructors to create an environment where the yoga experts can shine and provide an excellent role model for newbies, while having the newcomers feel comfortable progressing towards their best work. Nice.

I was impressed with QT Fitness's focus on the scope of what they deliver - they know their niches and they execute them well. Spin - Barre - Yoga. Clear, concise, and with enough variety to make it your entire workout regime as well as being a versatile addition to a traditional gym or workout routine. Danielle and her team will meet with you to see what your goals are - whether they be reducing/relieving stress, losing weight, gaining strength/flexibility/balance, overall well being - they can put together a plan for you that will help you work towards your desired outcome. "We encourage progress over perfection" according to Danielle.

Second of all - great location. QT Fitness is located at 542 Palisades Drive in the Highlands Shopping Center, right near Starbucks and Happy. Easy parking, easily accessible, and ten minutes from every school in town - no matter which direction! This location is perfectly suited for those who live in Pacific Palisades, the east end of Malibu, and Santa Monica north of Wilshire (although of course it is available for anyone!).

Third of all - great people. All of the instructors at QT Fitness are certified, experienced, and committed to having a positive impact on the well-being of all of their clients. In addition to Danielle - Jenna, Lola, Staci, and Whitney all teach a variety of spin classes, each with their own personalized stamp. As far as yoga and barre, Danielle, Gabrielle, Jordan, and Star are at your service. Having such a broad range of fitness professionals working at one location offers a depth of opportunity for you and allows Danielle the ability to fulfill her commitment to helping women reach their fitness goals beyond just being a "QT". If you click here, you can read about each instructor's credentials, experience, and forte. There is also a link that takes you to there class schedules.

Last but not least, they have several items of convenience (and panache) for purchase, in the event you need footwear for barre class, or something to restrain your mane, they have some point of sale products within easy reach.

So are you ready to check out QT Fitness? To make it even more irresistible, Danielle offers a Diva Pass to anyone who wants to try out the studio. The Diva Pass gives you your first class free. QT Fitness offers several options for taking classes - pay as you go, prepurchase a set number of classes, or monthly passes. They also offer discounts to businesswomen who work in Pacific Palisades.

I will close up this review with the following observation - Danielle was engaging, knowledgeable, and down to earth. She had a natural smile and grace. When I asked her about other gym and studio options in town, it was clear that she has a deep knowledge of what is available for women's fitness in our area, and she was happy to share that information in a positive way. That shows me that she is a businesswoman with integrity, and confidence in her product. I will be back to QT Fitness for barre class......and she may have convinced me (without any yelling) to try a spin class again.