One might think that personal training studios in West Hollywood were in abundance but there is nothing quite like the new East Coast transplant Dogpound who is quietly disrupting the fitness scene.
Located across the street from Tortilla Republic restaurant, the large DP logo looms large in front of the blackout windows. Upon entering the 5,500 sq ft industrial space enshrouded in all black with a center boxing ring and thumping loud rap music, the film Fight Club comes to mind. That is until you spot the adorable house mascot French bulldog Chi-Chi being held by a smiling lithe blond trainer who just finished a set of lunges in the corner.
The infectious energy of this exclusive by appointment only gym and fitness lifestyle brand was founded by master trainer Kirk Myers who opened the first location in New York City a few years ago, immediately drawing an entertainment and fashion crowd.
The first West Coast location features a visual art program curated by Vito Schnabel and a retail storefront for Dogpound’s forthcoming apparel collection. The brand is also known for bringing their full-size Dogpound boxing ring (#smashcity) as hand luggage, from Qatar to Coachella, to keep their members in fit-fighting-form while on the road for work or fun.
“Dogpound is a movement, and since our conception, we have gathered enough momentum that now opening a location in LA is inevitable,” says Founder Kirk Myers. “A lot of our clients are bi-coastal, constantly traveling from New York and Los Angeles often so we wanted to open in LA in a big way. The best way to do that is in West Hollywood, an area very central and accessible for our clients. The goal is to make Dogpound a global brand and we knew opening here would be the next step in accomplishing that goal.”
Partners Fabien Baron of Baron & Baron oversee the creative direction and architect Michael Kirchmann of GDSNY brought the sleek, monochromatic large-scale design of the New York location to West Hollywood. According to Baron, “It’s been incredible to be a part of Dogpound’s success in New York, and it’s all thanks to Kirk who knows how to bring amazing people together to create something that reflects his kind, welcoming, and generous personality. It’s now time to bring that unique vision and experience to Los Angeles.”
This high-octane philosophy and spirit have lured high-profile clientele, into passionate loyalists. Some of the famous long-time clients include Hugh Jackman, Karlie Kloss, Steve McQueen, Christy Turlington, Ashley Graham, Jasmine Tookes, Olympian Miles Chamley-Watson and singer Adam Levine who is a founding member of the Design District location. “I became a fan of Dogpound while staying in New York and I’m very excited to be a part of its move out to LA,” says Levine.
Philanthropy is also a key message of the brand and the team works regularly to educate youth about leading healthy lifestyles while using their platform to raise funds for organizations like Global Citizen, Make A Wish Foundation, Hopeland, and Community of Unity.
What sets them apart from other fitness locations is not just the perfect storm of people, personality and determination created by Myers’ infectious positive energy and dramatic results-driven personal workouts. “We’re all family at Dogpound and when you walk in, our clients (new and old) feel at home which keeps them coming back. We have a culture that sets us apart from others where our clients feel inspired to accomplish their fitness goals and our trainers have that personal relationship with clients to really push them.”
With the summer months in full-swing, the training staff has been getting requests from clients for help with abs, glutes and overall toning which can be achieved in the ring, with punching bags, weights and even a basketball court in the back of the space.
As for any quick tips to whip a summer body into shape, Myer recommends lots of cardio. “By keeping your bodying moving and burning calories, being mindful of what you eat, and always remaining positive and keeping a smile on your face all throughout your fitness journey.”
627 N Robertson Boulevard
(424) 323-4723
visit Dogpound website
