Advertisement

Movies inspire workouts at the L.A. Athletic Club

Share

Exercise shouldn’t be drudgery, although too often it is when we’re slogging on the treadmill or doing mindless laps in the pool. In the interest of combining exercise with an element of fun, the Los Angeles Athletic Club in downtown L.A. kicks off its “Move to a Movie” monthlong workout series that combines films with complementary themed workouts.

The series, open to the public, begins with Wall Street Ball Street on Oct. 21. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., participants will be a schooled in the art of squash, which, “Wall Street” aficionados will recall, was played literally and metaphorically by Gordon Gekko and Bud Fox.

After the squash lessons, guests will sample Scotch flights, nibble hors d’oeuvres and get shoeshines while watching the quintessential ‘80s film (because lunch is for wimps). Cigar smokers can puff away on the rooftop. Suspenders and slicked-back hair are optional.

Other themes include a Low Ball/High Ball Dodgeball Tournament (teams are invited to play), a Swim With the Sharks night (float in inflatable sharks in the club’s famous Olympic-size pool while watching the movie “Jaws”) and Dance With Demi: A Seductive Striptease (learn dance moves on a pole, then dine with your significant other).

“We wanted to do something interactive that included our most popular activities and also allowed us to showcase the club,” said Cory Hathaway, the LAAC’s director of sales and marketing. “We also wanted to show people that we have a social side to the club.” The club, founded in 1880, houses restaurants, a spa, basketball court, fitness classes, facilities for various court sports and up-to-date gym equipment.

Reservations are recommended for all events; call (213) 630-5255.

-- Jeannine Stein / Los Angeles Times

Advertisement