Two reasons to visit Common Ground Pilates: Bullet and Pepper, owner Lulu Depina’s adorable French bulldogs that often wander around the studio during classes. A third reason: joy.
Common Ground Pilates feels less like a fitness studio and more like a lighthearted, Pilates-focused healing center — inside a stylish boutique hotel, featuring gray shag carpet, hanging plants and fun pink lighting. The studio offers contemporary Pilates at three locations in West Adams and Mid-City; you’ll also find yoga and TRX classes on the schedule, along with sound baths and “healing workshops” like Candlelit Yin Yoga + Soundbath or Conscious-Connected Breathwork. Many classes blend modalities, such as TRX + Pilates fusion and Barre/Reformer Combo.
I took Yasmina Johnston’s Level 1 Reformer class at the Jefferson studio, and it was challenging, nurturing and fun at once, with strength-building planks, hip-opening stretches and plenty of laughter. (The only downside: There’s only street parking.) I plan to return for the studio’s regular Paws and Pilates Workshop, during which participants work out, then play with kittens or puppies for adoption. Proceeds go to spcaLA.
“With our political climate, I’m feeling the tension and anxiety from our community,” Depina told me. “So I’m trying to offer as many healing modalities as I can.”
