High 5: The best LA workouts you've never heard of

Not satisfied with traditional gym workouts, or the great outdoors, Angelenos have devised creative and outlandish ways to train, test and stretch their bodies. These five gyms offer refreshing workouts, unique to LA, that are bound to rejuvenate any aging routine. 1. YAS

Combining two of America’s favorite fitness crazes, YAS seamlessly blends yoga and spinning for a one-of-a-kind workout. The YAS workout consists of 30 minutes of intense cardio followed by 30 minutes of intense stretching. YAS also offers traditional yoga and spinning classes. The workout was created by Kimberly Fowler, and has been a favorite in the community since 2001. 1101 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, http://www.go2yas.com/

2. Dogtown Crossfit

Dogtown Crossfit trains humans (but dogs are welcome too) using a variety of tools and methods to increase fitness. Dogtown is a strength and conditioning gym, with classes that include lifting weights, jumping rope, and flipping car tires. The workouts may seem a little intimidating at first, but Dogtown Crossfit is a great place to build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. Dogtown Crossfit offers a week of classes free to new members. 2890 La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, http://www.dogtowncrossfit.com/

3. Tempest Freerunning Academy

For parkour and freerunning enthusiasts, Tempest Freerunning Academy offers a gym full of equipment for members to practice their form and learn new tricks. With only one other gym of its kind in California, TFA provides a safe place to practice backflips, handstands and corkscrews. Whether you’re an elite ninja warrior, or just learning to traverse your environment, TFA offers classes at beginning, intermediate and expert levels. 19821 Nordhoff Place #115, Los Angeles, http://tempestacademy.com/

4. Punch Kick Grapple

Just as you would expect from a gym named Punch Kick Grapple, workouts consist of training in martial arts and martial arts fitness. PKG offers boxing, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, for those looking to perfect their form, or those who just wish to get in shape. PKG offers a mixed martial arts class for the more advanced who wish to combine elements from all the previously mentioned classes. A mouth guard is recommended. 8954 Ellis Ave., Los Angeles, http://punchkickgrapple.com/

5. Cardio Barre

Created by dancer and choreographer Robert Giorla, the Cardio Barre workout combines the benefits of both cardio and barre into one high-energy workout. Touted as the hottest workout in Hollywood, they now have eight locations in Los Angeles, and one coming soon to Santa Monica. A single class is $16, and they offer a free introductory class for those who’ve never danced in their lives and want to join in the fun. 469 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, http://www.cardiobarre.com/