Brick + Mortar

Brick + Mortar

2435 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Menu

Type: Restaurant, Bar

Category: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour, Bar

Company: Everyone!

Cost: Mains $15-$25, Starters $7-$31, Sides $7, Desserts $8

OTC Tip: Happy Hour prices are $10/pizza, $4 fries, $2 off beer, etc

Review: Restaurant by day, "line across the street" bar by night. Tucked behind Peet's Coffee on Main street in Santa Monica, B+M boasts outdoor seating (with space heaters), a long indoor bar with sub-extravagant prices, and a satisfying food menu with a range of snacks through shares and mains that stretches to dessert (if you aren't drinking your dinner).

OTC Tip: For the most bang-per-buck go for happy hour (till 7pm) then stay a while longer!

I've had the cured meat board with mustard and baguette, the mac & cheese, the cheese burger, the cheese pizza with tomato, and the short rib pizza. All are fantastic - I recommend the burger and the truffle fries (to diiiie for). 

OTC Tip: Always ask for the complimentary warm baguette, butter, and olive tapenade

Aside from an enjoyable two-blocks-from-seaside locale and the fifteen-stride walk to neighbor Ben & Jerry's (open till 10pm), you'll find that weekend brunch offers bottomless mimosas/marys for $15 with purchase of a main (and at a 2-hour max). Offering typical brunches of eggs, meats, toast, potatoes, french toast and sandwiches, I recommend going early to beat the weekend storm.

Feel Good Today: Volume 1

Feel Good Today: Volume 1
Remember The Moments.

Candied Bacon @ M Street Kitchen

Eat:
M Street Kitchen
At its best for breakfast/brunch. Sit outside. Order the Havana Latte (condensed milk is what makes this a true treat). With whatever else you get, make sure to include the bacon (it's candied!) and one of the house-made, face-sized english muffins.

Sweat:
Santa Monica Stairs
Park up San Vicente or along Ocean and run to the base to warm up your legs. Walk/climb/run up, then jog back down and around so you save your knees. Drink a lot of water. Take in the view of the ocean at the top.

Connect:
MeatHead Movers
Employing student athletes, aside from being a fantastic group of movers MeatHead also invests ample time in to local community service. "Providing premium moving services as well as assisting victims of domestic violence with a fresh start in life," if you're ever in need of moving services choose the group that gives back.

The best movers I've ever had (and easy on the eyes)!

Ushuaia Steak House

Ushuaia Steak House
2628 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Type: Indoors
Category: Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour, Dessert
Company: Dates, Friends, Business Meals
Cost: Yelp says it's a $$$
Quickie: The best Argentine steak house in Santa Monica.
OTC Tip: Happy Hour is M-F, 4-7pm and includes discounted tapas and drinks!

Review:
While each and every moment should be enjoyed, there are few that come close to being as savory and delightful as the ones spent eating. There is nothing quite like being seduced by food, and when I come across a restaurant that does just that, I promise to do what I won’t do when I’m eating there -which is share.

For the third of three restaurants from Argentine entrepreneurs Pablo Alcorta, Javier Pardini and Luciano Alcorta (but the first in Santa Monica), restaurateur Javier Pardini has big plans and bright eyes for Ushuaia. “We’re waiting on the photographs from Patagonia (southern region of Argentina and Chile)….” He explains as he gestures at the naked brick walls, and continues to talk as I nod and slyly pull the appetizer of Mollejas a la Parilla (veal-heart sweetbreads alongside a light lettuce salad of bibb, tomato, onion, avocado, salsa criolla and lemon vinaigrette) closer to my place setting and proceed to devour the entire thing. He seems happy that I’m now an advocate for sweetbreads, “The replacement for everyone who’s going to miss foie gras!” and smiles even though there’s none left for him.

Sweetbreads!

To prove that I’m not a total hog, when the empanadas arrive I make a gesture and split the two crescent-shaped pockets in half (one is spinach and ricotta, the other beef) and take a piece of each.  As I munch (both have crisp but not greasy jackets and juicy textured stuffings), I learn that Ushuaia has a fantastic happy hour, and that Javier secretly loves (In-N-Out) hamburgers. Just as I think we might be edging toward our main course, a splashtastic presentation of wild shrimp, scallops, and smoky-sweet Pimenton sauce makes such an arrival that it’s only once we’ve eaten half of the spread that we realize the attention of the room is on us and the iridescent sauce. Startlingly blood-orange and red, Javier points to the powder on the lip of the plate and explains that I should try it. I dab my finger in it and taste it – Pimenton, which is Spanish paprika, is officially the best version of “paprika” since it’s bright, tasty, and truly an easy-going delivery with a side nudge of flavor that’s ideal for seafood.

In perfect timing our steak to split arrives flanked by two triumvirates of sauce because Javier has heard that I’m obsessed with dip. Our talk slows to silence, and then low nonsensical murmurs join our table as swallowing and swooning takes over.

Pimenton: naturally the color of fire

It becomes apparent that we have mutual favorites. The first set of sauces is traditional and can be expected with any of the grilled meats: Chimichurri Norento, Salasa Mia, Salsa Criolla. The second set is to-order and we opt for: Pimienta Verde, Ajos y Tomates Asados, and Salsa Argentina. Quickly disappearing down to the bowls are the Pimienta Verde (creamy peppercorn sauce) and Salsa Argentina (sautéed mushrooms, onion, and what tastes like gravy) and had I been without company, I would have sat on the table and eaten the stuff for days. With a spoon.

Half way through I sit back. In the middle of the breather a side of Humita (creamy corn and bacon) is deposited on the countering side of my placemat and it’s golden, steamy, and practically beaming in yellow glory. If a food could smile, Humita would  grin.

Bife!

When our plates are cleared Javier informs me that dessert is on the way, along with a drink of whiskey sent over by a neighboring table. I raise an eyebrow – at 2pm? While I’m not about to down a glass of the fiery stuff so early in the day, Javier tells me not to worry about waste because he’ll just put it toward a larger top-off of what he already had planned.

Just as I begin to inquire, an opulent sundae glass presents itself. Donning long spoons we dig in, and suddenly I realize what he meant. The Don Pedro, which is chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate and caramel sauce, walnuts, and a splash (or shot) of whiskey, is the perfect adult dessert that evokes fond memories of childhood without being too cloying or sweet.

Don Pedro

There’s one more – he waves his hand. The waitress is blushing when she delivers the final dish.  She clasps her hands and does a little bounce. This is my FAVORITE, she punctuates, and then disappears. This is my favorite dessert as well.  Crepes de Dulce de Leche is comprised of crepes, dulce de leche, berries, and vanilla ice cream. The best part is that the dulce de leche drizzle on the coat of the crepe is not just a tease – cut the crepe open and you’ll find a flooding pocket of the heavenly sauce just waiting to ooze out.

If you’ve ever wondered how an interview becomes a meal, and how a 2.5 hour lunch becomes a moment, visit Ushuaia.  Where steaks are cooked medium-rare and the staff is incredibly good looking, while the food isn’t cheap and none of it is zero-calories, when it comes to being full, happy, and impressed,  it only takes one word to summarize why this is the best Argentinian restaurant in Santa Monica: Priceless.

Melrose Trading Post

Melrose Trading Post
7850 Melrose Ave (Fairfax High School)
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Type: Outdoors
Category: Entertainment, Shopping
Company: Friends who like open-air markets, vintage goods, and the opportunity for a good haggle
Cost: $2.00 per person (entry) / Free parking
OTC Tip: Bring cash and your friend Patience. Go as close to opening as possible (9am).
Schedule: "Every Sunday, Rain or Shine!"

Review:
As a fan of all things unique, I've always loved a good market. Whether it's farmers (food), flea (vintage), or pop-up (variety), the promise of finding special and creative kitch for cheaper than ever sold elsewhere makes me happy. Sure, you'll be on your feet for a while. Yes, you'll need to touch, sort, and rummage. And like today, in the 80+ degree weather you will sweat, tire, and squint.

But then you'll come across the good stuff. And the Melrose Trading Post has a lot of it. Necklaces of old, new, tiny and huge, some with gems, others with keys, many with pendants. Cabinets, tables, chairs of all sorts of materials (wood, leather, distressed, torn, pristine). Clothes (handmade, slightly used, designer sample-sale). Posters, gigantic scissors, ceramics, sunglasses, suitcases, china, and collector magazines galore.

OTC Tip: There's a whole lot to take in and sift through here. You'll feel a tad overwhelmed at first, but if you casually graze through and then return to purchase, your senses won't feel so bombarded and pressured.

Having not gone with "something in mind," I exited with a cool poster and a necklace made from a broken key part. Next time I go back, I'll be on the hunt for a watch.

Tough Mudder Training and Tips

Tough Mudder

Various locations

Follow Tough Mudder on Facebook

Type: Outdoors, Adventure

Category: Entertainment

Company: Masochistic Friends

Cost: Varies depending on when you sign up – between $80 and $180

Tough Mudder has already been reviewed as an activity (one that I highly recommend), but I keep receiving questions regarding training, and what to expect upon your first Mudder. And while I am certainly not a certified trainer or anything close, I can offer some OTC training tips and advice.

Also note that if you work out on a regular basis (weight training and cardio), you should be able to complete a Mudder without significantly altering your current routine. 

• Hills - While not all Mudder events take place on hilly terrain, the previous two I ran did.  And I really shouldn't say "hill" - "mountain" is more applicable.  They will be brutal.  You will run up, and down, and up, and down, and repeat it til you cant think anymore.  Even the short climbs will make your quads cry for mercy.  To prep, find a local High School or College track that has ample seating, and start running stadiums.  A steep hill will work as well. I recommend checking out the Manhattan Beach Sand Dune or the Santa Monica Stairs.  Sprint up and walk down, repeating for a set number (or time, I go with 10 minute sets).  Take a break to stretch and hydrate, jog a lap, and then repeat.  Adding this to your routine will not only help prep you for the Mudder's hills, but this type of interval training can actually improve overall cardio strength, a much needed skill...

• Cardio -  HIlls or no hills, you will be activiely moving for at least 2 hours (and maybe closer to 4, depending on your fitness level and/or teammates).  You need to make sure your overall aerobic capacity is up to the challenge.  As mentioned above, you can kill two birds with one stone with your hill training.  But depending on your current fitness level, you will still need lace up running shoes and hit the pavement (or trail).  Hate running?  Hop on a bike, or even use an elliptical machine at the gym.  Find a balance between longer and slower training sessions with more interval training.  Try 30 seconds of running/biking as fast as possible, then slowing down for another 30.  Repeat for 10 minutes.  Your training will go quicker and you will see amazing cardio results. 

• Along with all the legwork, Mudder does require upper body strength as well.  Monkey bars, 12 foot walls, and especially log carries - all of these will test your upper body endurance as well.  Being able to lift your body weight after already having all your energy depleted is necessary to finish the race.  If you don't have access to a gym (and even if you do), the best training for Mudder are the classics - pushups and pullups.  You'll need to focus more on lots of reps at lower weight, which is exactly what these exercises accomplish.  

If you want to fully dedicate yourself to kicking Mudder's ass, spend your week mixing up hill training, cardio, and body-weight training.  Of course, hitting heavy weights once a week will help as well, but its hard to beat the tips outlined above. 

Once you have the strength to finish, you need to prep your equipment.  Assuming you aren't completely crazy and running the race in a full suit (I've seen it done multiple times), you'll want to gear up properly.  

• Shoes: Trail running shoes are the most logical choice, followed by a pair of sturdy cross trainers.   Make sure you tie them TIGHT.  Before you double knot them, remember that you will get rocks in your shoes, and might have to take them off quickly to dump debris.  Wet knots with freezing fingers = giant pain. 
• Socks: Obviously moisture-wicking socks are the best for this (although they will still be wet at the end), but also make sure they extend a few inches up your ankle, and fit tightly around your leg.  You don't want rocks slipping between your sock and skin. 
• Tape: You'll also see people with their ankles/socks/shoelaces taped.  I've found that it isn't worth it.  The tape will end up falling off, and will limit access to adjusting shoes and socks. 
• Attire: Less is better.  Sure, you might be cold at the start before the blood gets flowing, but once you're sweaty and covered in water, you want as little clothing on you as possible.  If you must wear a shirt (prude), be aware that running with a loose damp shirt can and will chafe your nipples.  
• And as always, don't forget sunscreen.  With all the random mud spots on your face and arms, do you want a splotchy tan/sunburn?
• Accessories: Headbands, hats, capes, backpacks - unless they are an essential part of your team attire, skip them.  They will take on water (and weight), and you'll end up worrying if they are falling off).

So there you have it - take all my advice, part of it, or completely ignore it.  Just make sure you get off the couch and get muddy once in a while.  

Rose Bowl Golfing - Brookside Golf Course

Brookside Golf Course
1133 N. Rosemont Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-0631

Type: Outdoor
Category: Golf
Company: Golfers, obviously
Cost: As low as $21 depending on when/where you book, but expect to pay in the $30 dollar range minimum during the week. 

Quickie: Two great full-length courses, with the famous Rose Bowl serving as a backdrop. 

Like every good UCLA fan, I have spent many Saturdays drinking and tailgating at the Rose Bowl.  I love that we don't have to hang out in a dirty parking lot, taking advantage of the vast field of green that is the golf course.  But I've always thought it a little odd that all those just park on what appears to be a nice course.  

To my surprise, not only is the course really nice (in the offseason), but there are actually TWO, the C.W. Koimer Course #1 and E.O. Nay Course #2, with the former being the longer of the two. 

I played the #1 course, and loved it.  While relatively flat, the grass was in great condition (no tire treads or drunken frat boys in the way).  On a Friday afternoon, with perfect weather, the course wasn't crowded at all. Granted, this could be an anomaly, but I like to think that it's a hidden gem that I am passing on to everyone else.  

The course starts and ends alongside the Rose Bowl itself, which would have brought up great memories of football games, aside from the fact that most true tailgaters can't remember even entering the stadium.  But it did make for some scenic views.  The course has a nice combination of trees and open fairways, making for a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. 

Hollywood Babble-On

Hollywood Babble-On

Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at City Walk

1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #222
Universal City, CA 91608

Follow Hollywood Babble-On on Facebook

Type: Indoors

Category: Comedy, Group

Company: Anyone with a great sense of humor

Cost: $20

Quickie: Essentially a 2-person comedy show with Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman every Saturday night at 10pm (for the most part).  One of the funniest things you'll see live.  Ever.  

OTC Tip: Seats are first come first serve, so if you want to be on the first floor, hop in line at least 45 mins early.  But there really isn't a bad seat in the club.

Review: Kevin Smith is the director/writer of (what I consider classics) Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, and a handful of others (I don't hold Jersey Girl against him).  Ralph Garman is best known in LA as the Showbiz Beat guy from KROQ's Kevin and Bean morning show.Together they are Hollywood Babble-On, an hilarious (and always offensive) comedy team. The show is distributed weekly as a Podcast on Kevin Smith's vast SModcast network and follows Hollywood-related news...somewhat.

OTC Tip: Yes, the show is funny, but might rub some people the wrong way.  I suggest checking the backlog of episodes on iTunes or via their website so you don't end up offending any prude/sheltered friends.

Each show loosely follows the same format: The hosts read emails sent in by readers who are attending the show (Shout-Outs), then read interesting emails from fans across the world, followed by news reports of celebrities who recently passed away.  Next is a bit on celebs who have done a good deed recently, and then they dive right in to the weekly news.  Each show ends with jokes on how big Liam Neeson's cock is.  (Seriously, there's even a fan-made site where people can submit their own jokes). And that's the jist of the show.  Although the hosts know the topics they'll talk about, most of the show ends up improvised.  It lasts around 90 minutes, and I guarantee you will spend all of it crying with laughter. 

View from the third floor

OTC Tip: I'm fully aware this sounds like a regular comedy show, but it's not.  Listen to 20 mins of any of the old episodes and you will be hooked.  I listen to each week's podcast while driving to work and literally laugh out loud by myself.  I usually only do that for my own jokes.  And as awesome as the podcast is, the live show is even better. 

The brilliance of the show is the combination of Kevin and Ralph.  Kevin is more laid back and, well, jolly (not a diss on his weight, I swear), while Ralph is the angry one.  This MIGHT have something to do with the fact that Kevin is high as a kite the entire time while Ralph is knocking back Jack and Cokes with reckless abandon, but that only makes the show better.  Ralph is a master of impressions, lending his vast collection of voices to the various shout-outs and news stories.  With no filter for who they offend (they routinely refer to Chelsea Handler as a "talentless c***"), the show will keep you in stitches the entire time. 

Shows are usually on Saturday, with the occasional Friday show.  From time to time they have a guest host, and are planning on taking the show on the road for a few weeks, so make sure you listen to recent episodes to know what is coming up.  For $20, its a great value. 

Cheap and Easy Golf

If you're looking for a cheap, quick, and easy afternoon, how about some golf?  LA is home to hundreds of top-tier courses, but also has a variety of cheap Par-3's that won't take all afternoon nor bust your bank account.  Read below for an assortment of options

The Lakes at El Segundo
El Segundo (Map)
Rates: $11 weekday, $14 weekend (non-resident)
This is a great course, especially for the price.  A mix of short and long holes, with two Par 4's mixed into the 9 holes.
Pro: A very well maintained course, with water and bunkers coming into play just enough to keep you on your toes.
Con: The Lakes can get crowded and slow during peak hours, so keep that in mind before you head out.

OTC Tip: If you're anything like me, you like to enjoy a few beers in between hacks, but remember that you will be walking the course, so unless you want double the weight of your bag, stick to a few cans of beer.  Or just bring liquor.

Manhattan Beach Marriott Golf Course

Manhattan Beach (Map)

Rates: $17 weekday, $19 weekend (weekends start at noon on Fridays)

A hidden Par 3 gem in the South Bay, I had driven with a block of the course hundreds of times and never knew it existed.  Tucked behind the Marriot Hotel off of Rosecrans, the 9 holes have a nice array of water hazards and pristine grass

Pro: It tends to stay on the uncrowded side, relative to other courses in the area.  

Con: Somewhat on the pricey side for 9 holes; hard to find. 

OTC Tip: Although all golfers are always expected to follow golf etiquette, remember that these are low-key courses. Don't get too mad at other groups if they break the sacred golf rules, just enjoy the fact that you're hitting a little white ball with a stick for 2 hours.

Alondra Golf Course

Lawndale (Map)

Rates:

Alondra consists of a North and South course, with the South being an 18 hole Par 3.  I've always walked up to the pro shop and never had to wait for more than 10 mins to tee off.  Note that some of the greens relocate, while the distances aren't updated, so if the pin looks 30 yards too far, it probably is.

Pro: Cheap rates for18 holes.

Con: The course isn't in the best shape, with the occasional mat filling in for groomed tee boxes.

OTC Tip: Bring cash to Alondra, or you'll have to use the ATM in the snack bar to pay for your round.

Rancho Park Golf Course

Los Angeles (Map)

Rates: $7 weekday, $8 weekend 

Along with a full 18 hole course, Rancho offers a 9 hole Par 3 on the Pico side of the park.   

Pro: Very cheap course, and short - most golfers can get by with a few wedges, a 9 iron, and a putter. 

Con: Very cheap course - mats are in use on each tee. 

Found Animals Foundation

Follow Found Animals on Facebook

We’re trying something new here at OTCLA.  Instead of discussing a new hot spot in town or providing you with yet another way of physically torturing yourself, this post highlights one of the many ways you can do something good for your community.

Type: Outdoors

Category: Volunteering

Company: Everyone

Cost: Free to volunteer; adoption costs range from $50 for cats to $100 for puppies

A good friend of mine works with animals and has opened my eyes about the realities of pet overpopulation.  Like most non-sociopathic people, I’ve always loved animals, but never knew how I could actively help.  She presented me with options, namely volunteering at an adoption event, or being a true hero and adopting a new pet of my own.

OTC Facts:

●         Approximately 100,000 pets are put to sleep every year in Los Angeles alone.  That’s 274 per day!

●         Statewide, this number increases to approximately 500,000 (or 1,370 per day).

●         And for those of you who don’t care much about the animals, maybe this will catch your attention:  Nationwide, approximately $2 billion is spent housing and killing these animals every year.

If you’re in the market for a pet, make adoption your first choice.  Most of the pets in shelters are loving, kind animals who are there thanks to an incompetent previous owner.  Instead of spending $$$ to get a pet from a store or breeder, you can adopt one for much less from a shelter.  Go use all that money you just saved to do the rest of the awesome things mentioned here on OTC!

OTC Guy Tip: Girls love puppies – its a proven fact.  (Sallie’s note: It’s true, a cute puppy will catch my attention much quicker than a guy in an expensive car)  Seriously, I’m pretty sure that it’s physically impossible for a hot chick to walk by a dude with a dog and not  stop to oooh and aaah over the cuteness (the dog’s - not yours, you egotistical bastard).

If you aren’t ready for a pet, don't worry - you can volunteer at just about any shelter or non-profit in your area.  I recently lent my services at a big pet adoption event and loved it; being in charge of hundreds of cute puppies is a damn good way to spend an afternoon.  The day starts with pets of all kinds - dogs, cats, rabbits - all available for adoption, hoping to find their new home.  One by one, a family or young couple would come by and spend some time playing with the available pets before welcoming one into their family.  Seeing the smiles on kids' faces and the tails wagging at Mach 3 was incredible; I’m not sure who looked happier - the adopters or the adoptees!  I met some amazing, passionate people, and went home knowing that dozens of pets were spending their first night in a warm, cozy bed, thanks to the work done by myself and the other volunteers.  

Sounds like a good idea, right?  Now that spring is ending and summer is just around the corner, there are tons of great adoption events where you can find a new chick magnet (err pet).  One great event coming up is hosted by the Found Animals Foundation. The Cat Days of Summer Adopt-a-Thon is this Saturday, June 18th at 16 different locations throughout the LA area.  The event features reduced adoption fees, as well as a 2 for You cat special (adopt 2 cats, and Found Animals will pay the adoption fees for the second cat). For more info, check out www.foundanimals.org/catdays. 

OTC Tip: Most shifts are only a few hours, but if that still doesn’t fit in your schedule, contact your local shelter to find other upcoming opportunities. 

My friend likes to say she’s driven by the following “Saving one dog won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one dog.”  After my brief exposure into the field, I couldn’t agree more.

For more information about volunteering in the LA Area, visit:

http://www.laanimalservices.com/Volunteer/Vol_Volunteer.htm

http://www.animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_154725.pdf

 

Bryan Kest's Power Yoga

Secret door to the SM East location

Bryan Kest's Power Yoga
SMPY West - 1410 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
SMPY East - 522 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Follow Bryan Kest's Power Yoga on Facebook

Type: Indoors, Group Class
Category: Fitness and Recreation
Company: Solo, Friends, Visitors, Date?
Cost: Pay-By-Donation - ($15/class recommended)

Quick-Rec: Evening classes are packed - so go 15 minutes early and be prepared to find a classmate's foot/arm/sweat in your face. Bring beer for the notorious SM parking lot "exit-wait" because sometimes, you'd just rather spend that 30 minutes drinking on the roof top than sitting in your car in line to pay. Just kidding (not). 

OTC Tip: I prefer SMPY East because it has a one full wall of windows (re: air flow). Note that the entrance is an unmarked door. Instructors - I like Bryan, Vytas, Anaswara, and Jerome. 

Review:

So you say you aren't flexible? You have poor balance? Maybe you think it's too expensive, or you don't want to "commit" to a gym or a monthly pass. Perhaps you "can't fit it in to your schedule."

Oh, stop. Everyone has one excuse or another why they believe yoga just "isn't for them" - and Bryan Kest has effectively eliminated the viability of every single one.

Based in Santa Monica, Kest has established two studios in the heart of the 3rd street promenade area. Not only does this mean there is ample parking (metered and structured) but that there are TWO schedules with times starting with a 7am and going all the way until even a 10:30pm! Classes are an hour and a half, and "pay by donation" which means even the poorest can opt for the "contribute what you can" route and still enjoy a $15 class.

Ok, fine, so Bryan's yoga can't take you from a tight-lump to an acrobatic-gumby in a day, but what he will do is talk you through every pose in one of the most soothing and therapeutic voices I've come across in years. One of my favorite aspects is that Bryan will continuously encourage you to "take everything you are thinking about, observe it, and let it go." He reasons that "the mind is like the ocean, so you can't stop it" and "whatever it is you brought in with you, let it go. You don't need it here."

I also like that most classes are "all levels," which means that even I (a robust beginner) can be comforted by close proximity to other newbie-stiffs, but also at the same time be absolutely mesmerized in to believing it's possible to fold in half and stand on my head because hey - that girl over there has been doing it for a full minute!

Strengthening, stretching, and motivational support without having to take time off of work or commit to a certain number of classes? Hello, LA. This place is made for you!

Bounce!

Bounce!
1501 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
Bounce! on Facebook

Type: Outdoors, Beach Activity
Category: Fitness and Recreation
Company: Date, Friends, Visitors, Family, Kids
Cost: $8/half-hour (gets incrementally cheaper)
Quick-Rec: TRY IT! SO fun and SUCH a great workout - I will be a  frequent visitor

OTC Tip: Get to know Bounce! owners Heather May (fitness guru/chef) and Marc Levine (photographer) because they are one of the cutest, enthusiastic, and most down-to-earth entrepreneurial couples you'll find in LA . They will shake your hand when you enter, then you will hug them when you leave.

Review:
Within the thirty seconds it took to strap on the KangooJumps and stand up, the theme of the morning quickly became "Why walk when you can BOUNCE?!"

There are a few thoughts that will run through your head when you see someone in KangooJumps. First, you will think "Wow, that looks FUN!" Second, you will ask "I wonder if that is safe..." and before you get to the third thought you will realize that you are gawking and maybe even taking a picture/video of said jumper and quickly stop all staring and bashfully inquire "Can I do that...?"

There is one answer to all of the above and it is Yes.

Bounce! is a new storefront in Venice that rents KangooJumps. Soon, they will offer group fitness classes, but unlike other activities I can think of where a motivational instructor is often a necessity, KangooJumps are SO FUN that the only reason you will stop is because you are physically exhausted.

Strapping on KangooJumps reminded me a lot of pulling on rollerblades or ski boots (but more comfortable). Initially, I was worried that I would fall or trip or somehow manage to topple myself over - however, once I stood up I was immediately stable, comfortable, and at all times bouncy.

Watch the video of our first 45 seconds in KangooJumps HERE.

Aside from feeling like I was finally able to realize my child/adulthood dream of walking on the moon, walking/jumping/hopping/dancing in KangooJumps is a legitimate workout. Each boot weighs 2.5 pounds, and the springy element makes this a  low-impact "sport" (hint: ex-soccer players, runners, etc - if you have busted knees, shins, or arches, exercising in KangooJumps is like water running or biking - your aches and pains won't feel a thing!)

Watch the videos of me and my pal LISA showing off our new Kangoo-moves!

After an hour of running, kicking, jumping, and telling every local/tourist/kid/teen/adult/grandparent "Sure, yes, take our picture" and "Go rent a pair, the shop is right over there!" we were exhausted. Like, the "I just ran ten miles in the sand, carrying weights" type of wiped-out. Which is great, because the entire experience was at least a million times more fun than anything remotely related to running with weights.

Finally, after several attempts to remove the KangooJumps and call it a day (I kept leaping up for one more lap down the Venice bike path) I was able to relinquish my new-found obsession (I'm pretty sure I said "I'd wear these EVERYWHERE - the grocery store, to work, to do my laundry..." at least five times in the hour) and join Lisa in the point toward the search for a hearty brunch.

Now, how much of a workout can something SO FUN really be? Well, to put it simply (and this is coming from me, a current runner and an ex-long distance swimmer and Lisa, an ex-collegiate basketball player): We both report that we went to bed at 11pm on a Saturday night after sitting on the couch for the entire evening because our legs were too drained to bear standing . No matter - I wasn't sore the next morning (must be all that FUN). Not only will I go back, but a morning at Bounce! is a habit in the making.