When I say Pilates is harder than it looks, that’s an understatement. Even if you don’t have a reformer machine and all you have is a mat at home, you can break a serious sweat, and you might be left with “jelly legs”. Researchers revealed Pilates can help reduce depression and anxiety, improve posture and quality of life, and even help to correct spinal deformities. When I tried my first workout on a reformer machine, I was surprised by how much I had to focus on my strength and balance to stay in position and avoid moving the platform (the movable carriage). The padded, bed-like platform slides back and forth, and you have to really hunker down and activate your core and major muscle groups to keep it still and steady.
You can find Club Pilates fitness studios in over 40 states, with more locations opening across the country, fully equipped with TRX suspension trainers, EXO-chairs, reformer machines, and more. Recently, Club Pilates invited sweepstakes winners to a weekend away in LA and an iconic 80s-themed rooftop workout. I definitely left that rooftop with “jelly legs” and a surge of feel-good endorphins.
The Club Pilates 80s event of the year
Club Pilates offers various sweepstakes for members and instructors. Some sweepstakes are open for the general public with no membership required. I met one lucky winner who posted a video of a Pilates workout on her Instagram, and she was pretty pumped to be taking part in this event. One member had powered through over 80 pilates classes while another was a newbie. Those who enter the sweepstakes have a chance to win incredible experiences like the LA rooftop workout and a couple of nights at the luxurious, renowned Beverly Hilton hotel, including air travel, brunch, dinners, rollerskating, and more.
Dinner at the Beverly Hilton
The Beverly Hilton is known for events such as the Golden Globe Awards and notable press conferences. The dinner was a warm welcome to the winning weekend, with clinking glasses, friendly chatter, and delectable food choices like steak and chocolate dessert with fresh berries. The CIRCA 55 rooftop restaurant at the Beverly Hilton offered captivating views as the sun set, painting the rolling hills of the LA skyline with an amber hue. I loved the mid-century modern architecture of the hotel and meeting new people while gazing at a glittering Hollywood backdrop.
The iconic Melrose hotel rooftop workout
The bus driver picked us up and took us over to the Hollywood Historic hotel (Hollywood Melrose hotel) for a rooftop workout. The bus ride through LA felt like I was a kid again on a fun school trip I’d been excited about for weeks. The Hollywood Historic Hotel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places based on its architecture. Nestled in the heart of LA, this beautiful red brick building dates back to 1927, and almost feels like you’re in a movie.
I know Pilates has kicked my ass before, and I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect working out on a fancy LA rooftop alongside pros and instructors. I didn’t end up feeling like an outsider who wasn’t part of the club because everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and I even had another instructor help me perfect my form during a couple of moves. Decked out in leg warmers and vivid neon 80s workout gear, the Pilates session was tiring yet invigorating.
Club Pilates transformed this historic rooftop into a fitness arena, and we powered through a solid workout in just 45 minutes with only an exercise mat. The qualified Club Pilates instructor guided us through a series of moves that torched my core, legs, and arms while the California sun beamed on my neck and the breeze cooled me down. There’s something special about breaking a sweat on top of a cool, historic building, reaching your arm up to the blue sky overhead, and looking out onto the rolling Hollywood hills.
Chow down, then get your skates on
After working up an appetite, we were ready to get our chompers around the much-deserved brunch buffet that included fresh eggs, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, bacon slices, and more. By the time we were finished with brunch, Club Pilates had turned the rooftop from an outdoor fitness studio to a retro rollerskating rink.
Some clutched the side railings while others dipped into rolling pistol squats and what looked like elegant dance moves. Between the skating rink, the music, and the vibrant fashion, I really felt like I’d stepped into a time machine and traveled back to the 80s.
Gifts and interactive experiences
Not only was there a retro rooftop roller rink, but Club Pilates also provided a range of gifts and interactive experiences, including designing our own hats, grabbing some fun, colorful 80s accessories to complement our outfits, and instant photos. Next, the bus driver took us back to the Beverly Hilton hotel to freshen up for dinner.
Cocktail hour and a classic movie
Saturday night was just as entertaining and fun as the rest of the weekend. We returned to the Historic Hollywood hotel for dinner and a cocktail hour of table games and drinks. The rooftop came to life even more at night as the city lit up below. We chose from a selection of carefully crafted tasty bites, from fresh ceviche and Caesar salads to juicy burgers and crispy waffle fries.
In just one day, the rooftop went from fitness studio to roller rink to movie theater, and we sank into beanbag chairs to watch Footloose on the big projector screen. With our own bean bags, blankets, and headphones, we were completely immersed in the movie while still enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking views outside.
Farewell breakfast
The Beverly Hilton prepared a final farewell breakfast for the Club Pilates crew with fruit, croissants, eggs, sausages, freshly squeezed orange juice, and more.
It wasn’t just a fitness event; it was a weekend of making friends and memories. Club Pilates went all out to make this weekend fun, unique, nostalgic, and memorable, while still making sure we got a solid workout in.
