I trained with Zach @ Equinox for few months & I have to say, it was the best investment of my life! He is just amazing! When I started training with him, I was recovering from an ankle injury. I also have a history with lower back pain. He put a plan together to strengthen the core, fix my form, activating all those muscles that had not been activated in a long time, & he did all that in a very methodical way. I really enjoyed his approach (no back pain since) & I saw tremendous improvements after first month. & I have to say his personality makes the work-out even more fun! I always say we clicked the first time & I always looked forward to my twice a week torture sessions w/ him, because they were THAT good! read more

All the other reviews are certainly accurate but I'll tell you what I've found here: 1. Results. I'm down 30 lbs since I met Alexander and not done yet, but let's get to the important stuff: 2. I show up. I always have good intentions to make it to other workouts, be it yoga, spin, or circuit training but I'm just not great at following through when it's not scheduled. Here I have a scheduled workout and I show up for it. 3. It's a commitment but a small commitment. When I first signed up my health was in poor shape and I needed something to help me and I found the Study. I was hesitant but then I realized it's 9 weeks of my life and I really wanted to improve my health. When I started it became apparent I had done something great for myself and I was really happy I was doing it. Its' way different than singing up for the gym or classpass and finding a time to make it happen. Here you're in because you decided to be and for me that changed how I approached my health and it's ultimately what led to my results. 4. It's not the gym! I had a trial workout with Alexander and a couple of days later he casually followed up to see if I was interested in working with him. No pressure at all, he just wanted to see if I was interested. It just felt right so I did it. The place is immaculate, and it's all yours when you're there. The workouts are tailored to your needs and ensure you get stronger and fit the right way. There's no shouting or screaming, just a good session. Alexander has your workout ready, all you need to do is show up and let him guide you. 5. Results - I said it earlier but there are more results than just the weight. My health via the doctor and lab tests has improved immensely. I've also become stronger than I've ever been in my life. Alexander himself, is a great guy who genuinely cares about you and your well-being. I'm happy to share the countless text messages checking in on and encouraging me regardless of if we're working together or not. He walks the talk - you can catch him working out when he as a free moment and he's in incredible shape. All told I've picked up a healthy body, a foundation for my fitness, and a friend who I consider a brother for life. And not like the gym bro kind of brother. The brother kind of brother. :) read more

I trained with Alex for 2 years in San Francisco and during that time, I was in the best shape that I've ever been. What I really loved about Alex's workouts were the complex circuits and the supersets for exercises that worked muscles in new combinations and sequences that I had never done. At the end of every workout, I was completely beat but I felt fantastic. There was a lot of focus on core strength and the first time I went skiing after starting to train with Alex I felt a significant difference my strength and balance. Alex is a big stickler for good form and proper technique, so even though we worked toward increasing the amount of weights we were using and I was lifting heavier than I'd ever done, I never got an injury during the entire time. One other thing that makes Alex a great personal trainer is the focus not only on the workouts you have with him but also your nutrition and the importance of what you eat and when toward achieving your goal. The only bad thing I have to say about Alex is that he's now based in Santa Monica and I'm in San Francisco... read more

Alexander is an unbeatable personal trainer. I had the pleasure of working with him for two years when he was training in San Francisco. When I started with him, I was active, and had done a lot of yoga, but wasn't very strong. Alexander created challenging workouts for me, and I really saw results. During that time, I had a series of foot injuries, and Alexander consistently found ways to challenge me while working within the constraints of my injuries. Because of this, I didn't have the usual loss of fitness while I recuperated. It's amazing that my injury never once got worse during a session with Alexander -- he really understands how to protect your body by customizing your training session. One other big bonus in working with Alex is that he's a great guy! He's very friendly, motivating, and a terrific conversationalist. He knows a lot about music, and film, and so there's always something interesting to talk about. Which matters when you're seeing your trainer a couple of times a week. Alexander gets my highest recommendation. I look forward to visiting him at The Study when my travels take me to Santa Monica. read more

This is a LOOOONG overdue review but better late than never. I was reminded to write it because the summer months are coming and I miss my trainer! Alex moved from SF to LA which is the only reason I'm not still with him. I despise gyms and hate working out but Alex became my gossip partner, therapist and friend and (almost) made me forget I was working out. I can't recommend him highly enough. He's knowledgeable, professional and fun. I'll never find a better trainer. read more

Training with Alexander at The Study is by far, the best training experience I've had. He's attentive, dedicated, and patient. In the 6 months that I was training with him, I always felt like I was advancing to a new level of strength. We took measurements often so we could always spot if something wasn't working for my body and change it. Pretty early on, we noticed my thighs were bulking up fast so we gave it another few weeks to see if my body just needed to adjust and then ultimately, ended up switching my leg routines. I've stopped training at The Study but will probably start up again at some point. If you're motivated and willing to fully commit to an active lifestyle, The Study is for you! Bonus: he'll play whatever music you want (80's new wave for me, thanks). read more

I am so grateful for Alexandre! I am down 4% body fat in 60 days!! I love how he personalizes the workouts to fit your needs. I improved in all areas (strength, endurance, balance & flexibility - my core still needs a lot of work but improved significantly). My favorite part of training with him, was workshopping the exercises. He literally breaks down the exercise step by step, & has you build up to doing it properly so you won't injure yourself. "Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime" Thank you Alexander for helping me fall in love with weight training. Thank you for teaching me how to do it properly & safely. I appreciate you! P.s. His private gym is super clean & he has state of the art equipment. He likes to keep it really clean so just dust off your shoes before entering. :) You won't regret working out with him. read more

I use to workout a few years ago and then had to stop because of the priorities. Ever since wanted to start working out and get to the place where I can start lifting and running with same stamina I have before. Never thought just one semester with Zac would change this much. I've found Zac from the yelp and impressed by the reviews, immediately email the facility and ask for the time. Before going there I thought it would be pretty similar when I used to workout, except someone will be there to support and give you different exercises, but man I was extremely wrong. Every day after my session it felt like I achieved something, you feel powerful and confident. Initially when we started my core wasn't that strong thus back pain in the end. He tailored all the exercise in a way that first strengthens my core and currently I can do all the exercise without hurting my back (to me it was something like the miracle). I wish I would've met Zac earlier. read more

I spent some time with Julian because I've had some disc issues and in about 45 minutes I felt confident enough to start exercising again. He's an expert in his craft and always a positive and enthusiastic person to work with. There's very few people I can trust to give me good advice and Julian is one of them! read more

I have trained with Alex in the past, but my review is towards his character and style. Due to my busy schedule, I have worked with several different trainers over the years. Most of my trainers have been good, but not great. Alex leaps into the great category because of his passion to deliver results. He combines personalized workouts with a major emphasis on nutritional needs in order to meet goals. His background in bigger gyms, I feel, has given him the unique experience to understand what clients need, and more importantly what they don't want. I feel very comfortable recommending Alex and based on his continued progressions, I know he will continue to bring value to his clients. read more

Was in a bit of a workout rut after moving back to LA. Alexander helped me get back on track. I feel stronger, have toned up, and have gotten back to a regular workout routine which was my ultimate goal! read more

ABSOLUTE PINNACLE OF A PERSONAL TRAINING EXPERIENCE. ----------------------------------------------- Some notes about myself, so you understand my perspective: I'm a 33 yr old man who, before training at The Study was scrawny and didn't know how to care for my body. I decided I needed to make a change. 7 months ago, I wasn't sure who to talk to or where to go to achieve my own personal fitness goals. So I used Yelp and incidentally, found The Study there. What followed were the most significant improvements to my health that I had ever experienced in my life, and it's all because of Alexander, the founder of this gym and personal training practice. His studio and his methods embody all the positive qualities you look for in a personal trainer: - Consummate professional, holds you accountable for your work without the need to be a "beefcake yeller" like what happens at Barry's Bootcamp or some such. His calm but firm ability to teach is exactly how I like to be spoken to and respected. He will watch your form like a hawk and make sure you are doing everything exactly in the way it should be done. - Maintains an incredibly clean space, makes sure all students wipe their feet before coming in, and has the cleanest facility you will ever work out in. He always has his filtered water station filled for your water bottle, and a clean bathroom and towels that smell great. All of the gym equipment is wiped down after every student goes through. - He customizes the workouts based on your current level of fitness, and even provides custom meal plans and home workouts based on what your goals and personal abilities are. - He is fully trained, his website explains all of his certifications and experience, and it SHOWS when you are in workout mode. I am fortunate in that I haven't had to overcome any kind of major injury, but he is trained in how to work with you if you are overcoming one. This makes me feel extremely safe and confident that the workouts won't do damage and I am at minimal risk, with maximum reward. He is constantly making sure and checking in so that you are aware of what your body is capable of. - His breadth of knowledge for what movements are appropriate for your fitness level is amazing. You will learn an incredible amount of exercises you can do without complicated equipment, and you will learn how to use common gym equipment in the correct way. - At regular intervals he will track your progress with various measurements and can explain, with science, how the body reacts to your eating and workout habits. - He also explains the importance of stretching, rolling, water consumption, etc. and how the right balance of all of those things contribute to your goals, not just the time spent with him. As you can see with all the bullet points above, there is one thread in common, and possibly the most important part of this review: * Alexander is incredibly passionate about his practice and his contribution to you, the student. This is not just a business for him - he truly and sincerely cares about your well being and making a difference to every single one of his students. As the semester began, he encouraged me to come in early to warm up, and I slowly started coming in earlier and earlier, just to make sure I could get the warm up done before we got down to business. What was always enlightening about coming in early is that you could see the way he would train with the student before me. His style and the exercises chosen for each student is different, and it was clear evidence that literally everyone is getting custom, individualized attention - and you could see that he cares just as much about everyone else as he did for me. I loved the semester so much, I had to sign up for a 2nd round. I am sure that I will continue working with him in the future, but for now, I am happy to look fondly on 7 months of muscle gain and just feeling like a better human being. Seriously, that's how you feel after you're done. You can't put a price on that. read more

Just finished my first semester with The Study, and I can't tell you how awesome Alexander is as a trainer and owner of this place. I used to consider myself in "decent shape" - having embraced regular workouts of cardio/weights/yoga/pilates/sports 4-5x a week over the last 15 years - and so (I have to admit) I was skeptical at first if Alexander could really push me enough to start to hit my fitness goals. Well any concerns I had faded quickly in day 1 of training with him. He explains the body mechanics and movements clearly and guides you to quickly transition from drill to drill to maintain intensity/heart rate, etc. Simply stated, nearly every 1 hour workout I did with him was 10x more difficult than my usual 6 to 10 mile run. If you are looking to push and challenge your body in each session - then this program is for you. In summary, here's my top 10 reasons why I'll be returning to The Study for more training: 10. Clean, immaculate, beautifully appointed training facility - like so clean I bought special shoes so I wouldn't mark up his floors. And the bathroom is pretty nice too. 9. Music - this is an important one for me as I use music to motivate and push myself. Out of all my training sessions, there was only 1 time where there was some questionable tunes (LOL)...but I'm sure had I said something he'd change it up. In fact, you can hook up your own tunes if you'd like. Most of the time his DJing skills were pretty rock'n though. 8. Variety of exercises - his drills, circuits, etc. push your body hard...and in my case, he knows how to push me harder (which I need). 7. Ropes and Sled Drills - enough said. Total kick butt drills that I hate, but secretly love. 6. Nutritional Advice/Guidance & Support - I should probably make this #1 on my list - as my nutrition (while better than most) is where I probably saw the biggest gains once I took his advice and applied it. I am a typical "know it all" and often think know one knows my body better than me. While true in some situations, I have to say his custom nutrition plan for me was spot on. I didn't feel deprived and it was pretty simple to adhere to the nutrient %s I was aiming for. Also used an app (MyPlate) to track food and found that immensely helpful. As he said to me on day 1: "The kitchen makes you fat, not the gym" - in response to my comment about not wanting to "bulk up" 5. Motivation - Alexander is a great motivator and makes me (and the group of 2 other people who trained in our group) push ourselves. He believes in you and is also not afraid to call you out to correct improper form, alignment, etc. Also, he can effectively train multiple people (of varying abilities) all at the same time. This is a skill! 4. Engagement - Alexander actively engages with his clients. He genuinely wants to know what's going on with you body, how are you are feeling, etc. to gauge what's working and what's not. Some trainers (I believe) could care less and they just want to go thru your workout and move on. Not Alexander. 3. Ball exercises - I've always seem those balls at gyms and see people doing sit ups on them. In one semester I feel like I have at least 5-7 different exercises I can do on a ball (none of them your typical sit-ups) and all of them involving core as well as the rest of your body. And as promised, by the end of this semester I was kneeling on the ball unassisted. Next semester - standing on the ball! 2. Knowledge - probably one of the most important things when looking for a trainer. I want to make sure I train with someone who knows more about nutrition and kinesiology than myself. I'm no trained professional but I am a prolific reader on these topics because they interest me. Hands down, Alexander knows how the body moves and how to optimize your training to hit your goals, modify for injuries, etc. 1. Alexander - I'm very happily married, but at some point my husband is like "you talk a lot about Alex". I'll tell you why: he's a freak'n bad ass trainer and after every session I couldn't wait to get back there and do it again. He's motivating, engaging, energetic, funny, nice, flexible with his client's schedules and running a top quality, service-oriented business. Net/Net - I feel really privileged to be able to train at The Study; and am clearly happy with the results I am seeing. It's worth every penny and then some. read more

I can't sing Alexander and The Study LA's praises high enough. In 2014, I trained for one semester and felt the strongest, the most physically motivated and in shape that I've ever felt. Alexander custom tailored my training sessions to injuries and ensured that my form was always correct, allowing me to protect my lower back which I am generally concerned about due to scoliosis. I gained significant muscle (for my size) and shred inches in my waist. Now it's 2017 and I'm back training with Alexander at The Study and writing this long overdue review. During my sessions, we discuss everything from meal planning and nutrition best practices to proper form to injuries and recovery... He is very knowledgeable in all things related to nutrition and fitness and because it's important when spending time with anyone, he is also very enjoyable to be around and a great conversationalist. The Study is a beautiful private gym, really well done, always very clean, towels on hand and a shower, should you need. When training there, you will be one of 5 people max in the studio. There are a variety of machines but in my experience, we mostly use my body, paired with bands, exercise balls, weights etc for my workouts. If you are looking for a trainer, I very highly recommend that you look into training with Alexander at The Study. read more

I was on a week long road trip to Los Angeles over the 4th of July weekend. I train regularly and hate falling out of routine, so I called Equinox to see how much guest passes were. $50 a DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????? I went through Yelp! and found Alex. He did a quick phone assessment and said i should stop in and go over my goals for the week. I stopped by that afternoon and we did another little Q&A, a quick fitness and stability test and then it was off to the races. After all was said and done I did a 6 day, back to back mini-course with him and it KICKED MY BUTT. I appreciated Alex's ability to quickly determine my strengths and limits and get going with the training. I also appreciated his flexibility in working with my existing fitness goals. The studio is rad and super clean. He gave me a load of information on new exercises that are easy to do on the road. He even got me a birthday card and gift! He also let me bring my dog - and had water out in a bowl for him every day when i got there. Even though I was only in town for a week, Alex treated me like a lifelong client - and that's what i consider myself at this point. read more

DISCLAIMER: To give this review some context--before I worked with Alex, I was not a consistently active person. I wasn't very well-conditioned or toned. I had trouble sticking to a routine and would bounce between spinning, pilates, and dance classes. I had never worked with a personal trainer before, but wanted to try something new; and based off of his perfect 5-star ratings, I went with Alex. The experience was a bit of a shock--at times I found the one-on-one attention a little intense. I missed the camaraderie of working out in a group. And to be honest, I initially had communication issues with Alex and I was not the most engaged client. Having said all of that, you may wonder why I'm leaving a 5-star review...well, read on! THE FACTUAL DETAILS: * The studio is in an alleyway just off the 10 and Lincoln, with parking in front. It's spacious, with high ceilings and he leaves the gate to the loading dock raised, which contributes to the open and airy feel. The studio includes a kitchen and bathroom + shower. It's well-stocked with equipment and is impeccably clean. There's a digital timer on the wall that helps keep you on track during the drills. The sound system and playlists are great--he'll adjust the music to your tastes and you can bring your own music as well. * Alex works on a semester system, which runs for 60 days. Sessions are 3 days a week. * You can work out one-on-one or form a group of up to 4 people to split the cost. He mentioned getting larger group classes up and running and hiring another trainer in the future. * You'll get invited to come in for a complimentary consultation and trial work-out. * He asks you to keep a food log and asks about your food preferences; based on that he provides a sample meal plan and articles on nutrition. * Every 2 weeks, he'll take body measurements and give you feedback on changes in weight, circumference and body fat %. THE SUBJECTIVE STUFF: * First and foremost, Alex is an awesome person. It's obvious that he's passionate and very knowledgeable about what he does. You can tell that he cares about you as a person and will bust his butt to help you. Specific examples include: 1) Alex is literally on-call all the time to help you. He will answer e-mails late into the night and you could literally call or text at any hour. He welcomes questions and is always ready to share his expertise and provide resources. 2) Due to being swamped with work, I cancelled my last session at the last minute. He was nice enough to let me reschedule it to do feedback and go over my work-outs, free of charge. * I really appreciate the fact that Alex takes the time to get to know you and wants to know what your specific goals are for the semester. I told him that I wanted to get in better condition for hiking and to improve my plank. I felt that he truly listened to what I asked for and his workouts were tailored to meet my goals. * The drills themselves were fun, interesting, and varied. There were tons of exercises I could do on my own, using my own body as resistance. While some exercises require equipment, the cost of the equipment is not prohibitively expensive if you wanted to buy some pieces for home. Off the top of my head, I remember using a balance ball, bosu, resistance band, indo board, medicine ball, hand weights, body bar, and slide board. The balance exercises could sometimes be frustrating, but I saw improvement over time and I'm glad he didn't skimp on them. I personally enjoyed the task-oriented exercises. * Alex is really good about demonstrating the exercises. Yeah, some of the exercises make you look goofy (perfecting the pelvic tilt or doing butt lifts from a squatting position)--but he's right there next to you doing them as well. While I may have initially felt intimidated or self-conscious about doing some of the exercises, that quickly dissipated once it became apparent how nice and non-judgmental he is. * Alex is also great about making sure you are using good form and technique. He will explain why he picked a particular exercise for you and what you're supposed to get out of it. I felt confident that I was exercising safely and efficiently, and getting the maximal yield out of each movement. * Communication is a strong point. When you talk to Alex, it's not superficial or small talk. He wants to know how you're feeling mentally and physically, and he will make adjustments to the work-out based on that. He welcomes real-time, on-the-spot feedback. We also did scheduled, formal feedback sessions. BOTTOM LINE: Working with Alex was a rewarding and challenging experience. Even though I only worked with him for a brief period of time, he has made a positive impact in my life. I think the sheer number and quality of his 5-star Yelp reviews speak volumes about what a great trainer he is. So if you're on the fence about working with a trainer or not sure if Alex is right for you--just go for it! You'll have a great experience and see results! read more

Alex is an artist. Step into his warehouse of tools, give him what he asks of you during and outside of class, and enjoy the evolution as he meticulously sculpts your body and mind into a lifelong educated being of healthy practices. Seemingly small methods to master such as the hollow body, 10 minute warmup rituals and foam rolling compound in returns over time. Attention to your posture becomes a shadowy friend to your conscious throughout your days. From meal planning to posture, from grips to form, accountability to mindset, this is truly a holistic approach to exercises you can live by. All in all a champion of a recommendation to Alex -- he becomes your friend, trainer and life coach within weeks of your start date. read more

In April of 2009, I walked into a studio gym in San Francisco to meet a man named Alexander Bruce. He was going to help me lose 180 lbs. Yup, 180. Having been overweight my entire life, I didn't believe Alexander when he told me that 130 lbs., a reasonable goal weight for my 5'4" frame, was attainable. I met with Alexander 3 times a week for two years. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. It took about three months of training with Alexander, before I could feel comfortable pushing myself in front of him. We worked with the Bosu, balance ball, and, my favorite, kettle bells! Alexander is a perfectionist and will be tough on you. In fact, it took me a while to realize that what I thought was abrasiveness was Alexander's demand for me to give my best in every single workout. The workouts were uncomfortable and pushed me beyond what I believed I could do, but he constantly reassured me that just because I've never seen it doesn't mean that it's not attainable. With Alexander's help, in just under two years I reached my goal weight, could hold a 4-minute plank, and could balance on a stability ball while Alexander threw things at me! I am indebted to him for his professional help, warmth, and constant support throughout the entire process. read more

This review is for Julian who is the best trainer I've ever had. I've tried many trainers over the years but have had to quit either because I got injured, or the trainer's focus and attention waned quickly over time. Many never had a full understanding of how previous injuries and weaknesses could be exacerbated by improper exercises. I have worked with Julian for nearly a year now and find him to be a gem due to his unique combination of intelligence, passion and knowledge. He starts out making sure he understands his client's goals, and from there he makes it his job to facilitate and help his client realize them. This includes being creative and relentless in coming up with new strategies, while always supportive and encouraging. He aims to communicate to the entire person: the emotional, mental and physical and adjusts his strategy accordingly. I feel extremely fortunate to have been introduced to such an amazingly smart and dedicated trainer, and I feel confident in his guidance. I have seen real progress in my strength, stamina, balance, coordination and overall well being, all of which are essential especially during these most difficult times. read more

Having grown up in Los Angeles, I've gone to my fair share of personal trainers over the years. All I can say is that Alexander is one of a kind! He offers a really unique approach to training in a space he built from scratch to fit all of his and his client's training needs. Just last Friday, I went for my first session. He took the time up front to get clear on my goals and personalized an initial workout that combined baseline assessments with a perfectly gauged work out. I have been to other trainers in the past who have either worked me out too easy or too hard initially, leaving me feeling nothing or almost disabled. I felt sore for several days afterward, but in a great way that left me feeling like I'd really worked out and honored my body. One of the highlights of the session was Alexander's level of engagement with me. He has a real gift for motivating, challenging or supporting at all the right times. Although he's really fit himself, and has mastered a lot of the drills he put me through, I never once felt intimidated! That's saying something. Now, I'll speak to the space itself. It's a big open space that has a warehouse feel to it. It seems like he spent a lot of thought and energy creating a space that can be used for an endless amount of workout combinations. Although we primarily used blocks and mats for my session, there were all sorts of amazing gear and wall equipment that piqued my curiosity and made me even that much more excited to come back for workout number two! On top of all the cool equipment, there was also a great bathroom where I could get ready for work if I needed to after a workout. It's very spa like with a teak wood shower and fun products. Although Alexander and I only briefly touched on nutrition, it was very clear that if I sign up to train with him regularly, he would take all my baseline stats and we could come up with a full nutrition plan to help me reach my goals faster. Alexander seems really knowledgeable in this area and not at all judgmental, which is key for me since I am huge foodie! All in all, I give him a 5 star review across the board. I cannot wait to sign up for a semester with him and see what I can accomplish! If you are looking for some real help in reaching a fitness goal, you cannot go wrong with Alexander! read more

I trained with Alex for 3 months. I consulted with a couple other trainers in Santa Monica, but Alex is the most responsible and sincere one. He always keeps notes of each training session, always makes plans on what to train on each session of the week. I didn't remember what we trained last session but he could always recall. I highly recommend training with Alex instead of training with trainers in a gym. first we shouldn't pay a trainer to learn how to use equipments in the gym; second, Alex's training drills are more easily accessible, anytime anywhere, using less equipments but achieving same results; and the effect is long lasting, I can do (still remember) mostly all workout drills he taught me at home, with just resistance bands and bosu ball, even I'm not training at his studio anymore. I like his theory of training both stability and flexibility, along with muscle power and strength. We train our muscle group in order to perform and function better, not for showing, but that definition will eventually come along if you keep going. most importantly my training with Alex changed my lifestyle, I didn't train for a bikini body look for one summer. I never went to a gym on regular basis before I met Alex, but now I keep breaking a sweat every single day because the training has already changed my perception and lifestyle. Thank you so much Alex! p.s. he keeps his studio super organized and clean. read more

Just finished my first semester at The Study and couldn't be more pleased with my results. Alexander really takes the time to get to know you and your goals. HIs approach is unique and focuses on well-rounded fitness AND nutrition. He pushes you but also gets you excited to come in and workout. I was in relatively good shape before beginning my sessions and just wanted to tone and drop a few stubborn pounds. Overall I lost 6 pounds and 3.4% body fat. Nothing has changed the shape of my body like this. ' I thoroughly enjoyed my workouts with Alexander and feel so fortunate to have found him. Not only was he super genuine and passionate in the studio, he also wants to make sure you are getting the knowledge you need so you know what to do on your own too. You will not regret signing up to work with him! read more

Can't say enough about the training at the Study. Zac is great. Gets you motivated to exercise. Each session the routine is different and exciting. Never a dull moment. You get a great workout and increase stamina and strength. The equipment is non traditional but cutting edge. They emphasize full body workout each session which really helped improve my tennis game, speed and agility. read more

I studied here to create habits. Healthy habits that you can take with you. You learn how to work on your weaknesses and strengthen your body. You learn simple and effective exercises that doesn't require anything but a little space. You learn that eating isn't just about taste but it's about nutrition. The meticulous attention to detail creates results and it is truly inspiring. Alex and company has changed my life for the better. read more

It's been over a year, and I'm still mourning the loss of the best trainer in San Francisco. As I haven't found a trainer as effective and wonderfully personable as Alexander. I rarely speak in hyperbolic language, but I think it needs to be said in these precise, not uncertain terms: Alexander Bruce is the Michael Jordan of personal training. And by MJ, I mean he's the greatest trainer of all time. He has quite easily built a favorable reputation as such in the Bay Area (but to get a sense of it, you would need to know that he was under a different moniker last year, Dynamorphosis: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dynamorphosis-private-training-san-francisco ). He takes in all your strengths and weaknesses and builds a workout that's tailored to your desires. And he has the rare ability to make each exercise fun and engaging, without compromising its high order of challenge. And I'm not sure what it is, his razor-sharp intuition on what to do next, his calm, soothing voice paired with his quick-witted sense of humor, or his soulful and quietly intense eyes, but he has the uncanny power to motivate you to push yourself to what you believe is beyond your breaking point and yet you keep on going. With Alexander, I think you'll constantly surprise yourself at the end of each session by how much you've accomplished in just one hour. Yes, it's true, I still hope for the stars to be aligned and that one day he'll answer my prayers and return to the Bay Area and restore his title here as the Best Trainer Ever. read more

Zac is the best! He really helped me learn about strength training from the ground up and taught me a lot. This is a great program that caters to people at all levels of fitness and I really enjoyed it as well. This program is effective in achieving any specific fitness goals you have in mind. Definitely recommend! read more

I did a semester with Alexander at the Study last semester and I've been meaning to write this review for a while now. Alexander is a top notch trainer and importantly taught me to work out on my own so that I don't have to rely on a trainer in the future. For me, that semester was an investment that is still paying off even though I completed the semester several months ago. Results: I shed about 4% body fat and the equivalent of about a pound per week. Your results can probably be even better, since I had several business trips including a week-long international trip that put a damper on my routine. What you'll get: super clean facility (Alexander is pretty freakish about this in a good way), top trainer who will customize your workout according to your needs/abilities (I was unaware that certain muscles were really restricting me), better understanding of how to eat better (ratio of carbs/fats/proteins, etc), planned workouts and stretches to do outside of the Study, progress reports throughout the semester. I highly recommend Alexander and the Study. It was great jump start and foundation for my workout routine now. At some point, I'd love to do another semester to take me another level higher. read more

I trained with Alex for two years in San Francisco and I was so sad when he moved. Not only was I in the best shape of my life, I also had more energy, felt happier, and truly enjoyed getting to hang out with Alex twice a week. It was also pretty nice that when I went swimming with friends they all noticed my six pack abs! I was not in particularly good shape before training with Alex, and he tailored the workouts to match my conditioning, gradually making them harder as I got more fit. Even when I was working my butt off, I always had fun during the workouts with Alex. He made them different each time so I never got bored of doing the same thing over and over. I should also say that I visited his new studio, The Study, on a recent visit to L.A. and it was amazing! The bathroom (which has a shower) feels like a spa, not a gym bathroom. And he had cucumber-flavored water out and ready to share. I so wish I lived in L.A. so I could train with Alex again at the Study. If you're considering starting to see a trainer --- don't wait. Call Alex today! read more

Don't let the nondescript exterior fool you - this is one of the best personal training studios in Los Angeles. The space is clean, minimalist, functional and clearly purpose-built. Everything you need (new equipment, inventive training tools, great sound system, reverse-osmosis water, abundant fresh towels) and nothing you don't (bulky machines, excessive mirrors, obnoxious house music). It's so personal and comfortable that it sort of feels like working out in the ultimate home gym. The great aesthetics of the space match the exceptional training skills of Alexander (the trainer/owner). I was admittedly a little nervous coming into my first session but once Alexander said "let's get to work," nervousness was replaced by focused energy as he lead me through a complete, but not overwhelming workout. He was always encouraging, gave me total attention and helped me get the most out of my own abilities. Alexander is clearly endlessly knowledgeable but I never felt overwhelmed or intimidated. I'm just getting into the personalized nutrition and goals plan that Alexander created for my "semester" at The Study but I'll already seeing results which is really the ultimate endorsement. read more

I've been going to Alexander at the Study for over a year now and couldn't be happier. Quick context about my workout history: I've always been in decent shape but never a true athlete (never played a team sport, etc.). Most of my workouts have consisted of pilates or spin classes (because I'm an admittedly basic b***** when it comes to exercise), and before I started training with Alexander I'd hardly worked out at all in the past year. So knowing that, here's my take: THE FACILITY: Impeccably clean. Feels very uncluttered - almost sparse - but somehow there is SO MUCH equipment in there. THE INSTRUCTOR: Alexander is amazing. He is so incredibly well informed about fitness - the exercises themselves, the body, diet, stretching & recovery ... everything. He's really hilarious and fun to talk to, but is also down to business and never lets conversation slow down the workout. I genuinely looked forward to seeing him every session. THE WORKOUT: Always challenging and never, ever ever boring. I saw him three times a week every week for the past year, and no workout was ever the same. He also takes you through different "phases" throughout each semester that emphasize different things (some strength, some endurance, etc.) I hadn't done 99% of the exercises we did before I started training with him -- like, I'd never even lifted a barbell. And I was legitimately afraid of box jumps (any height). At this point, I feel totally comfortable doing dead lifts, kettlebell swings, box jumps (up to 2'!), rope exercises, TRX, sled pushes, tire flips, pushups (!!), etc. etc. In fact, during almost ever class I would find myself remembering how hard an exercise was for me just a few months earlier. The progress you make is crazy fast, thanks to Alexander's expert instruction. He is so good at breaking down even what can at first feel like complicated moves, and if you don't understand the first time he'll find a way to make you get it. THE RESULTS: I am stronger than I've ever been in my life, and I feel just generally so much more athletic. My balance, strength, coordination and endurance skills have improved DRAMATICALLY. I also learned a lot about recovery and diet. I'm super happy. It's not the cheapest option out there, but I strongly believe it's money well spent. If you're serious about getting in shape and really learning about the RIGHT ways to work out (because that's Alexander's big emphasis - making sure his students can do all these workouts on their own, with confidence) then you need to go to The Study. It's that good. read more

I've known Alexander for about two years now and I finally got to train with him at his new BEAUTIFUL, modern and slick studio (er, Study ;) in Santa Monica. I've had my fair share of personal trainers before at the likes of Equinox (with their tier 3 trainers and several other small boutique places), but none compare to Alexander. He's so calm and friendly (who wants a drill sergeant?!) yet has that perfect balance of seriousness about his work and your effort and form that it'll keep you motivated and coming back for more. Not to mention, you'll be sore the next day and stronger already the next time you're back to see him! Definitely go see him and you won't regret it! read more

Alexander is an excellent trainer. He's practical, down-to-earth and highly effective. I am not an easy client: I generally don't like to exercise, I procrastinate and I have the attention span of a small child. Alex recognizes this and is able to tailor a quick-moving workout that never gets boring, all the while keeping me simultaneously engaged and distracted with whatever we banter about that day. Each workout generally covers the whole body, and he makes sure that I've got good form with each set before progressing higher. He also pays attention to what I'm doing to stay fit when we're not working out, primarily ensuring that the food and liquids I'm putting into my body are aligned with the goals I have. I'd recommend working out with Alexander to anyone looking to get fit and stay fit read more

As a professional martial arts instructor (SchoolofMA.com), I appreciate everything that goes into making the Study a phenomenal workout environment. The facility is exceptionally clean, comfortable and state of the art. More importantly, the instruction is top notch. Alex is knowledgable and motivating. I wouldn't work with any other personal trainer. read more

Great workout and Alexander really knows his staff. Try it out and you won't regret it.

The Study is a beautiful space. It's evident that Alexander is very thoughtful about ensuring that his clients had plenty of space and a wide variety of equipment. It's unlike any other studio and makes working out fun and dynamic. Alexander is an exceptional trainer. He is very knowledgeable and creates a custom curriculum that addresses your goals while optimizing the time you have with him. He is meticulous about form and changes things up regularly so the time flies by. The results are evident - I've never been in better shape than when I work out regularly with Alexander. If you're looking for a professional trainer who will push you to exceed your goals Alexander is right for you. read more

I almost don't want to write this review because this gym is so amazing and I don't want it to get so busy! I started training here almost a year ago and have experienced all sorts of improvements; better posture, weight loss, no more neck and back pain that comes with my job. I've struggled with weight loss for as long as I can remember but I want to say The Study is the only program that I've stayed with and seen results. Zac is an amazing trainer and listens to what results you want to achieve. Thanks Zac!! read more

Went through a semester with my partner-- hands down one of the better gym regimens and trainers I've seen so far in my life! My personal target was weight loss and improved explosive exercises and I was able to achieve both during the 2 months I was working out with Alexander and The Study. The facility: it's a clean, personal training gym, with all the equipment you need to work on the exercise routines. If you're a bit of a clean-freak, you'll love this gym, since Alexander is quite particular when it comes to making sure the gym is kept tidy, equipment is regularly cleaned, and the floor dust-free! The training: it was a bit tricky to have one trainer and my wife and I have varying goals throughout the semester, but Alexander was able to make it work for both of us! We started off with stretching exercises, then worked our way up to maintaining good form (which I personally think is a mark of a good trainer if he/she knows how to teach proper form first), then slowly got introduced to a variety of balancing, core, explosive/agility, and endurance exercises. Exercises were always designed based on your capability and condition for the day, which helped in gradually developing the level of difficulty as we progressed through the semester. At the end of the sem, my wife and I were able to get the flexibility, endurance, and agility needed to go through three 10-minute sets of exercise routines with 1 minute rests in between. A lot of stuff online you see might have these kinds of intervals, but to actually go full-speed and full-effort on these routines by yourself takes much longer and much harder. With the help of Alexander, I can emphatically saw I can do higher intensity training sessions better than if I just went to the gym daily doing stuffy by myself. Near the end of the sem, we were asked to design an exercise, and then was re-designed/vetted by Alexander (which you need to go through on your last session)-- something that you can do at home after the sem ends. Think it's one key take-away that is gonna make it worthwhile together with the developed discipline you've gained throughout your time working out at The Study. The trainer: If you want a trainer who knows his craft, who can explain why an exercise is done the way it's done, and who can push you without being super aggressive unlike 95% of most personal trainers, then Alexander is the trainer for you! Personally feel like you have a friend watching out for your physical well-being, given that he also provides resources outside of the workouts that supplement achieving your stated fitness goals. He's pushed me to work out on stuff that I didn't bother working on before (e.g. I have bad balance, so he helped me focus on it while I was doing the training), which I now incorporate in my daily exercises. Overall, he's not an in-your-face, testosterone-filled, steroids-pumping trainer people are generally used to, but a scientific, motivating, and communicative friend/trainer who'll make sure you get somewhere far with whatever fitness goal you bring into The Study. Thanks for being awesome, Alexander and The Study! read more

Julian Hess changed my life for the better. It's hard to put into words, at least without getting emotional, but I'll try. I've always been self conscience about being able to do so few push ups (with my build, it always seemed like I could do a lot more). I have a strong upper body, and I've always been convinced the problem is in my wrists, that I have weak joints and that's just the way I was born. I told a friend about this at the gym I go to, and he could not stop going on about Julian Hess, so I figured I'd give him a try. When I first showed up to the first class, I told him about my wrists and the push-ups just matter-of-factly for some background. He decided instead to jump on the issue right away. I thought this is gonna be some voodoo and there's no way something can be done about my situation; it's just going to be a waste of time. I got into push-up position and immediately heard "no no that's wrong, let me show you". He moved my body parts around a bit and guided me through the motion. It was like a different kind of push up, but I felt the exercise completely working out my muscles in a way I never could before from push ups. I knocked out 8 that day, whereas before I could never do more than 3. He told me this was just a temporary solution and that the problem was not in my wrists, but the muscles around my wrists. I can do 30 normal push ups now too, and my only regret is that I didn't find him sooner. So grateful and excited to sign up next semester! read more

I've been going to The Study for 2 semesters now. My first semester I did by myself and the second I had a friend join me. Both semesters I saw measurable results and had a ton of fun with Alex. He makes every work out and even when I am frustrated at my total lack of coordination he pushes me further. I am about to start my third semester and cannot wait to see the results! Oh and the gym is fantastic. Clean. Nice bathroom and the other clients are all very nice. read more

A+++++ Alexander Bruce is the REAL DEAL. I've done it ALL and THE STUDY is the total package. He is encouraging, tough, educational and funny, all the while transforming your body completely. Always leave happier than when I walked in. Do yourself a favor and train here. I promise you will achieve all your fitness goals. read more