GST Body by Anna Rahe

Note: I chose and had the opportunity to dive in with private sessions and group classes to treat/manage chronic ailments, so my experience has been different from those who have attended classes solely for fitness purposes. GST has helped me connect to my body in ways that (obsessive) yoga, weight training, and running never did. This work often involves digging into the parts of the body that store emotions and trauma, so it can be confronting at the same time as cathartic, but it's worth every minute, ounce of sweat, and emotional release. You'll notice shifts in your body structure, posture, strength, and muscle tone and, as long as you stick with it, relinquish some control, and commit to the challenge, this work will transform the way you think and feel about the human body.

The stretch and strengthening course was amazing and worked some muscles in my back and shoulders that I never knew where there! It’s not your average yoga class but definitely a stretch and learning class to get more fluid and free in movement!

This is not fitness nor workout, rather physical therapy

Stretching feels nice!

Note: I chose and had the opportunity to dive in with private sessions and group classes to treat/manage chronic ailments, so my experience has been different from those who have attended classes solely for fitness purposes. GST has helped me connect to my body in ways that (obsessive) yoga, weight training, and running never did. This work often involves digging into the parts of the body that store emotions and trauma, so it can be confronting at the same time as cathartic, but it's worth every minute, ounce of sweat, and emotional release. You'll notice shifts in your body structure, posture, strength, and muscle tone and, as long as you stick with it, relinquish some control, and commit to the challenge, this work will transform the way you think and feel about the human body.

Wow. This place is awesome. Attire- wear what you wear to yoga. I only write that because before coming, I was uncertain, and the webpage doesn't answer that question. No socks. Just bare feet. So clean your feet, hobbit people. Some Yelpers complain about parking, but hey lazy people, street parking is so easy if you just drive past the meters into the neighborhood. Duh. I really like this place because they really stretch you out. And people forget just how essential stretching is for maintaining good physical health. It's like yeah, I can go to a boot camp and beat the sh*t out of my body and feel sore the next day because of the intense lactic acid build up (which can be reduced with a good old-fashioned stretch session) and muscle fatigue OR I can find an alternative work out that isn't so hard on my joints. And this place definitely helped to lengthen because what lady wants to look bulky and man-ish? If you do, more power to you. That's just not what I want. Plus the stretch is nice especially in combination with other classes I take. Very full body. Stefanie was sweet and corrected form when needed. We were able to do a lot of choreography in the short amount of time. Did the GST Praxis. I have no idea what that means, but the class was comprised of body stretching, an arm work out, then an ab work out, and finished with more stretching. My back is crazy sore today!! Awesome. Very much appreciated this class and studio. There is a water cooler. They request you put a dollar in if you fill your water bottle FYI.

GST is awesome and I am addicted. It's hard to describe - but I like to say it's a cross between pilates, physical therapy and gyrotonics, but really better than all three. It is also for anyone - in shape, out of shape, injured, etc. Anyone can learn and do it with some modifications, as needed. Anna Rahe is extremely knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology and what's even more amazing is that she is self-taught. Every class is different. Unlike a lot of other barre type studios that base their movements and program on the Lotte Berk method, GST (which is not based on that) gets harder the more you do it. Which to me indicates that it's working and that changes are taking place! The teachers - Anna, Stefanie and Jessica all have their own styles. Anna's classes are typically more fast-paced and dynamic but she often stops movement to give the class detailed instruction on what we are looking for in the movement. Stefanie's classes are a little mellower and slower-paced, but also very effective. And Jessica's stretch class is super challenging - in a good way! It is not the cheapest class around, but it's unlike any other form of exercise and the more you go, the more you get your money's worth (if you buy a package or membership). Also, even if the classes are small, they still stay scheduled so it's like getting a semi-private for a fraction of what you would pay if you had scheduled this. I've even had a one-on-one class for the price of a regular class! The studio is more than fair about making sure their clients get their money's worth. I also can't end this review without highly recommending the bodywork by Anna or Jessica. This is expensive, but I feel like it's almost more effective than the classes. The best thing is to combine the classes with an occasional bodywork session if you can afford it.

I went to my first GST class today and let me tell you, I am hooked. The combination of stretching and working my muscles all at the same time is a wonderful feeling. I walked out of the class knowing muscles I haven't felt in some time would not only hurt the next day but hurt GOOD. The parking is great, studio is clean and I can't wait to make my way back to another class. They have classes at all times of the day/week and offer different types of classes throughout. Give GST a try. I promise you will be working your schedule around it.

Parking in the back. Studio is located next to one of those Ultimate Fighting/ Cross Fit gyms so a lot of beefy He-men running around with tires and bulky weights around their shoulders. This place was recommended by my former coworker and actress who swears by it. I came in early and soon were joined by a handful of ladies doing extreme stretches and pulls on the barre and high bar. It's like a pilates class plus tax because you really concentrate on stretching the most ignored parts of your body. Foot? Hands??? Yes! I'll be back to try out the other classes soon.

I had a wonderful experience at GST Body and found the staff to be very kind and knowledgeable. I started with a private with Anna and highly recommend you do the same. Having been a runner/triathlete for 10 years, and having had several surgeries, I was afraid she may not understand where I was coming from. To my surprise she did. She was able to immediately address some of my issues. I had to leave town for several weeks and am having hip surgery next week, but after my recovery I will be back.

GST is really great for your body and Anna and Stephanie are really nice (though their little dog isn't so friendly haha). If you have any body issues that you need to work through, then this is a great place to go. I've met people here who had been told they need surgery, but they've done GST classes and had one-2-ones with Anna (the owner/creator) and have no longer needed surgery. One of the concepts of GST is working in opposites and traction and so you'll do the most amazing stretching you've ever done here (as long as you're educated properly on it - more on that later). Ages ago I used to go here between 2 and 5 times a week. I mainly went to Anna's classes and within 8 weeks I was beautifully toned (I am slim) and people commented on my body on a regular basis - it was that noticeable. Anna also really explains everything in great detail - what you're doing with your body, so you get to refine your workout and develop your body and master the GST technique, which is like nothing you would've ever experienced. ...I then moved away from California and my body really missed it. I came back to Cali and was excited to come back to GST, but found that Anna now wasn't teaching very much (and that the prices for her classes have gone up), so I went to Stephanie's classes, which worked better with my work schedule and budget. Stephanie's classes are good for a stretch class or easy workout if you're in good shape. They're usually the same with little variation and can get a bit repetitive if you go regularly. If you're not in shape you will find it more challenging. Unfortunately going regularly to her classes hardly changed my body and I never really felt as good after as I did with Annas classes, so I ended up doing class pass and going other places and dropping back in here to do a stretch class or a class with Anna when my schedule allowed. When I was going to Stephanie's classes I found that she didn't explain anything about the technique and often there were new people in the class who were doing everything wrong and not getting the benefits of the technique, which is annoying when you know how great the tecnique is. There's a girl that I would always see there and often people would ask her about what certain things were and she'd be excitedly explaining it to them in the parking lot after - her demonstrating was actually really good and she was super passionate when talking about gst and I learned a lot from her too - I think people could just see that she was really into it and so asked for her help - I don't know why she doesn't teach here actually. Those people asking for help would usually come back, but many of the others I never saw again. So... if you're in shape and want a good workout, then go to Anna's classes. If you're new and you want to understand the technique (which is VERY IMPORTANT for GST), then go to Anna's classes first, and then do Annas and/or Stephanies. If you have body issues to work on, go to the rehab class with Anna or, if you have the money, do one on ones with her (she's more expensive for her 1-2-1s than another bodyworker I know who's got about 20 years more experience and training that her, but Anna is exceptionally good). If you're not super fit, or you're looking for a good stretch class, then go to Stephanie's classes, but ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS and ask for DEMONSTRATIONS and HELP otherwise you won't understand what you're doing and won't get the benefits you should be getting. Also, this is probably the most expensive exercise studio in LA. I've introduced lots of people to it and they've loved it and said they felt amazing the next day (which you will), but they've not continued due to cost.

Let me start by saying I've only attended their "stretch" class so that is what this review is based on. I loved it! Seriously such a great stretch! Plus the music playlist was poppin' :) They are really nice to newcomers because it can be a bit scary at first getting in to the "fluffy harness" but they walk you through it so you don't feel like you're going to accidentally hurt yourself. The 2 teachers I have met are both super sweet. I love the modifications they do if someone in the class has injuries, it just shows they care about your body which some fitness classes in LA don't seem to worry about. I'm excited to go back and try more classes!

You better believe it. This is as good as it gets. As someone who has suffered posture problems my entire life GST has been like a miracle journey. First things first, the "GST" system is legit. Unlike physical therapy, GST is not concerned with mechanical motions yet a more intense "mind-body" connection that really engages the muscles to stretch and perform to their maximum capacity. 3 months of physical therapy left me nearly unable to walk straight due to focusing on the mechanics of one muscle and not the "whole body" that GST is concerned with. As a self pro-claimed gym rat I've seen more radical change in my musculature in the short time I've been using GST (1 month) than 1 year of conventional training. As for the teachers, you couldn't ask for a more helpful and patient bunch. If you aren't doing GST, you are not living. ;D

Good workout! I really feel stretching is very important! If i lived near by, i would sign up for monthly but this place is just too far from me. Some part of the beginning class seemed too easy-perhaps i was not doing something right since i am not the most flexible person. I went on Saturday and class was packed. If you are going for the first time i would suggest that you go during weekday when classes are smaller. I didnt know if i was doing what i was supposed to do but there was no way of knowing since we are on the bar and the instructor was stretching with us. I recommend gst to anyone who are searching for a great stretching class! After the class, my body felt so relaxed as if I just got an amazing body massage!

I love love LOVE GST Body. I found it through Class Pass, a website that allows you to try different classes at studios and gyms all over town. As someone who loves to try different workouts and suffering from a fairy recent lower back injury, I needed to try this class. From the very first class I was hooked. I recently got a monthly unlimited package and have been going regularly and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. On first impression the studio looked simple -- bright, small, and lovely. The beauty is in its simplicity and Anna's breadth of knowledge. Her ability to take bars, straps, and stretching and turn it into a movement (in both senses of the word). Anna developed the GST technique after her own debilitating pain. I found her to be an electric dynamic powerhouse of a woman who's fun, knowledgable, intuitive, honest, funny, real. The movements really get into the depth of my body and Anna's instruction, asking us to really pay attention to the nuances of our bodies, to choose when to work with tissue versus muscle for instance, didn't make cognitive sense but my body somehow knew what to do. Stephanie, who manages the studio and is the only other teacher, is also wonderful. She brings something different than Anna to the table and her playlists are the bomb dot com! My back is slowly (but improving), I feel balanced after class (physically and emotionally), and nothing compares to those stretches and this technique. I'm so happy I found this place. If GST and I get married I'm inviting Class Pass to the wedding.

I loved the GST Stretch class. It worked areas SO well with straps than I could have ever worked on my own. Clean studio, nice natural sunlight. I also like that there was half shoulders/upper body and half lower body. I tend to forget to stretch my shoulders and back. Helped my posture for sure!

This great way of working out really helped me with back issues. I did it during my pregnancy and felt so much better after every class. The focus on your own body makes it adaptable to many different fitness levels. Definitely challenging but also very rejuvenating. A really great way to move and connect with different parts of your body (and look good).

GST Body not only exercises your body, it exercises your demons. Seriously, I have had some amazing emotional releases just by stretching and untangling my body. Sports injuries have subsided. I can actually feel my body, as a sentient being, not just a machine that has to go, go, go, and do what I tell it to do. I'm also trying to get pregnant, and this class has opened up my ability to conceive. And I thought I was just going for an amazing stretchy class... this technique will blow your mind. If you're ready to have a serious mind/body connection, this class will take you places you've never known. Anna is a true healing genius.

I LOVE GST... since I started going a few months ago, my back problems have gone away and my husband says it's changing my body more than anything I've ever done before (pilates, weight training, etc...) I have to give them 5 stars but I'm reluctant because I want to keep them all to myself!

GST is changing my life. No hyperbole, no exaggeration. While I'm in session with Anna I have two recurring thoughts: the first, which I generally say out loud to her is, "doesn't it feel like we are on an amazing journey together?!?" This comes out when I am in the midst of an emotional reaction to shifts taking place in my body - a phenomenon that happens at every single session. When we work on my left side, I feel vulnerable and emotional. When we work on my right side, I get angry. It is phenomenal to experience how my body and my heart are linked - something that only happens in such a visceral way when I am doing GST. The second thought I have, which I usually just keep to myself is, "what do people who don't have Anna do for their bodies?" I firmly believe there is no hope for meaningful, permanent change to my body, or anyone else's, without Anna's knowledge of fascia and how the body works, and without her manual manipulation during our sessions. GST is amazing and I recommend it to anyone looking for freedom from pain, a journey into a healthy-working body, or meaningful body transformation.

I love GST!!! Seriously, I recommend it to everyone I know. I started going to classes in October as they advertised that they could help eliminate physical pain. I used to get excruciating headaches every 2 to 3 days so I figured I would try it. After my very first class, I was hooked. Not only is it fun and a great workout, but it is completely helping me get my body back in the form it is supposed to be in. I used to be a "tucker" but now I have curves again in my back and my waist and my feet are no longer "arch-less"! Anna, Stefanie, Caroline and Alisabeth are the best instructors ever and going to class is so happy and comfortable you feel welcome, like you are seeing friends. I have never felt bad about myself (even with a few extra holiday pounds) and I always feel encouraged to keep going. I have also taken private lessons with both Anna and Caroline and they are both experts at the human body, the GST method and what I need to fix my personal problems. I have worked on pitch, stretching my stiff areas, building up my weak muscles (like my foot arches) and just getting back in shape. Come check it out; you won't be disappointed!!!

I have finally found it! The best workout for me, hands down. GST's stretching and strengthening routines are awesome. I am so much stronger and tighter than when I started classes a few months ago, and my frequent headaches have improved as well, thanks to the body positioning techniques and all the great stretching. Plus the classes are all really varied so you never get bored. I'm almost 40, and while I've been a consistent exerciser but never thought my body would really change, and boy GST proved me wrong. I walk taller and am getting definition in my arms and legs that I've never had, and losing my belly bulge. The studio is beautiful; staff and classmates are warm and encouraging. Anna and the GST staff have created a wonderful environment. I look forward to class every week!

GST Body is a pretty unique type of workout. It uses your body weight and focuses on technique and range of motion for a surprisingly good workout and great stretching. This makes it a good option for people like me who sometimes get muscle pain and tightness that can restrict range of motion. I discovered GST Body on Open Sweat, an app that sells discounted last-minute spaces at workout classes. Class sizes are not too big, maxing out at around 14. The instructor was very good about placing new students near her so we could better follow and so she could closely monitor our form. This was very helpful and those simple-looking movements became difficult and effective very quickly. I came in to class with stiff neck and shoulders and left feeling much lighter and looser. My only critique of the studio is that the entrance from the rear parking lot did not have a sign, so if I didn't see other people entering, I might have walked around to the front (it's a doorway facing west toward the right side of the parking lot). Bottom line: I will definitely be back.

I have been wanting to attend a class here after reading about it in C Magazine. On Monday, I tried the Stretch class. It was cool. The equipment is kind of like Pilates equipment but attached to a wall. The instructor, Stephanie, was good. She knew her stuff, demonstrated well and gave good verbal cuing. Despite being a stretch class, my lower obliques and shoulders are pretty sore today (in the good way).

I tried the AAA class (arms, abs & ass). It was okay.... The leg and butt portion was challenging, arms a little less challenging and abs was lacking. I felt a burn in all the leg exercises but not so much in arms & abs. The one thing I loved was the amazing constant stretch throughout class even when working out. Really great for anyone with back/ shoulder issues.

Really cool, therapeutic workout. Also light and bright studio and very small class size, so it you get personalized attention. I only gave four out of five stars because I felt it could've been more advanced. But maybe it was just the class that day, I'll definitely be back. And also, even though it was somewhat easy, I felt the burn for days after. Great place!

GST defies description. It has to be experienced. If you like very thoughtful body work, this will blow your mind. A few things here and there may feel familiar from all kinds of other disciplines (yoga, pilates, trx, gyrotonic, etc) but you will hear/learn things no one in fitness or even physical therapy ever talk about. It's totally great for beginners and people who have done a lot of athletic body work. And a completely new way of thinking about muscles, bones, movement and the body.

I didn't like the workout at all. Plus the instructors were a bit pushy. I feel like you can get a better workout doing something else.

GST Body is doing for me what I have not been able to find in any other workout or trainer or class - it's transforming my body back to where it was before it was injured eleven years ago. I really recommend it for people who have chronic pain or injuries. I had back surgery at 33 and, while I was lucky and had a good recovery, I have all kinds of compensation issues that regular working out just doesn't begin to touch - in fact, regular working out can make them much worse. Also, contrary to what someone else said, I find GST incredibly reasonable: much less expensive than a one-on-one trainer, although you still get really personal attention. Highly, highly recommended for people who are trying to get well or just take care of that annoying back or neck pain.

I'm a die hard fan of GST. I fell across it over a year ago when my PT recommended Pilates for some injury rehabilitation. Within a week (and three classes) I was pain-free from chronic injuries I'd dealt with for a decade. 16 mos later, GST has changed my body and my life. I've leaned out, strengthened, and become in tune with my body. I love how every class is different. And although we're essentially just repeating the same actions (in different ways) it never gets old. At 30, my body looks as good as it ever did in my teens and twenties. I'm so happy with GST that I commute three to five times a week up to an hour in the car - both ways. Yes, it's that good. And from a self-proclaimed exercise junkie who's tried every method, barre class, and exercise out there - believe me when I say you'll be converted after just one class. The body is what the body does. DO IT.

Let me preface this review by saying that I'm not a flexible person and I had no idea what I was getting into when I took the Praxis class. I found GST Body through the Open Sweat app, which offers last minute deals at fitness classes all over LA. It was hard to get an idea of what the class would be like from the class descriptions, and after taking the class I can understand why. Its not like any other workout class I've taken. It really focuses on stretching different muscle groups and it doesn't really feel like an intense workout while you are doing it, but I was so sore for the next few days. What I liked most is that I was sore in muscles that I don't think I ever felt before. While it was challenging from a flexibility perspective, I could still participate in the entire class and I can tell its the kind of class that gets harder the more you are able to do. Stefanie was a great instructor, very knowledgeable and helpful. The class environment was also lovely. Everyone was encouraging and helpful. And the parking couldn't be easier, there is a lot behind the studio. I cant believe how many times I drove by GST Body without noticing it! It's such a great studio, I will definitely be back.