Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 3

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n celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and several national fitness observances in May, we present the third edition of our Bruin-owned series showcasing businesses that strengthen, heal and nourish the mind, body and spirit. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to explore previous fitness and wellness Bruin business listings.

Essential Physical Therapy and Wellness

Owner: Mita Patel ’99

Phone: 424-209-7884

Location: 2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 119, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Email: info@essentialptwellness.com

Website: essentialptwellness.com

Social: @essentialptwellness_la

About:

Essential Physical Therapy and Wellness envisions a world where people live healthy vibrant lives. Dialogue about pain, injuries and functional limitations will change. People will know they can improve their physical conditions, heal and live life with more ease, regardless of their condition, pain, level of fitness or age. Its mission is to empower our community to be healthier, happier and stronger - to instill and enhance the overall wellness of the individuals in our community.

Review:

“Mita worked wonders for me. I came to her with pain in my left knee. My orthopedist said it could be an old injury, so we did an MRI. He saw scar tissue and suggested I see a therapist. Mita showed me how my muscles were tight and taught me to watch my IT band. She also showed me how my balance was off. She corrected it in just a few sessions and asked me to stretch post-workouts. And here I was stretching before... She is the perfect blend of educator and therapist.” - Anil P.

Core Conditioning

Co-Owners: Allyson Cabot ’88 and Gabrielle Shrier ʼ91

Phone: 818-907-0008 (Studio City) ǀ 818-333-7281 (Burbank)

Locations: 12930 Ventura Blvd., Suite 226A, Studio City, CA 91604

2104 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506

Email: info@coreconditioningpt.com

Website: coreconditioningpt.com 

Social: @_core_conditioning_

About:

Core Conditioning is a premier rehabilitation, fitness and wellness center. What makes Core Conditioning different from conventional physical therapy clinics is that we integrate the worlds of medical science, whole body fitness and lifetime wellness. Our staff of passionate professionals brings diverse skills and backgrounds, including sports medicine, orthopedics, women’s health, pediatrics, neurological rehabilitation, osteopathic techniques and dance medicine. We are a team of highly trained physical therapists with only one goal: to strengthen your body and condition your life.

Review:

"THIS is how physical therapy should be done! The entire staff, from the front desk to the PT aides, to the trainers, Pilates instructors, and of course, the physical therapists are incredibly friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. They use evidence-based methods combined with innovative techniques to provide a holistic service. The owners, Ally and Gabrielle, are extraordinary PTs that will check in and follow up with you to make sure you're improving and to adjust their treatments as you progress with your injury. I personally had a neck/shoulder that immediately started feeling better after the first session. This is very much a hands-on clinic, unlike many PTs that sit you in a corner to do exercises alone and then come back to check on you." – Conrad S. 

Kenneally Acupuncture & Healing Resource Center

Owner: Kathleen Kenneally ’88

Phone: 661-252-4100

Location: 23542 Lyons Ave., Suite 202, Newhall, CA 91321

Email: acudoctr@sbcglobal.net

Website: kenneallyacupuncture.com

Social: @kenneallyacupuncture

About:

Kenneally Acupuncture is a place of transformation, healing and hope. Here, people are met where they are; we nurture and support our patients on their personal paths of healing and expansion. We embrace our patients with the boundless joy that comes with serving people we love with medicine we love to share. With hearts fully open, we compassionately hold a vision of healing for all who seek it. It is our honor to be part of your journey to wellness.

Review:

“I travel 2 hours for my appointments to see Kathleen - that’s how good she is as an acupuncturist. Kathleen also has a great awareness about her clients and has helped me in numerous positive ways.” - Deanie Z.

4 Sight Academy

Owner: Sean Panado ’20

Phone: 619-800-8382

Location: 7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92111

Email: 4sightacademy@gmail.com

Website: foursightacademy.com

Social: @4sightAcademy

About:

4sight Academy is where everyone is an athlete. Our state-of-the-art facility offers world-class equipment, training and community to empower your performance and limitless lifestyle. The 4sight Family consists of athletes of different ages, sports and professions. How they impact their communities, teams and organizations differ, but they share the unifying traits of unbreakable integrity, confidence in their self-worth and the ability to uplift others.

Review:

“There is nobody I could recommend more highly in the athletic trainer space than Sean Panado. He takes immense pride in his work, which is evident in the spotless facility and level of detail he puts into making sure each athlete's regimen will ensure their success. Anyone looking to elevate their training and performance is sure to find an incredible coach, mentor and lifelong friend in Sean.” - Jacob Y.

Mission Oaks Counseling & Wellness Center

Owner: Michelle Wonders ’88

Phone: 805-419-0449

Location: 1100 Flynn Road, Suite 201, Camarillo, CA 93012

Email: contact@mocwc.com

Website: mocwc.com

Social: @mocwc

About:

Mission Oaks is an organization for healing that provides the tools for revitalization of the mind, body and spirit. Our treatment philosophy considers all layers of a person to ensure overall wellness and vitality: the psychological, the physical, the spiritual, the social and the intellectual. MOCWC is staffed by professional and licensed practitioners who utilize healing modalities that support a nurturing environment for adults, adolescents, children, couples and families.

Review:

“MOCW is an asset to our community. I came to the center with my youngest child who was dealing with anxiety. Working with Ann, we were able to do some exercises that helped resolve it and continue to address it through the home program. I also love the meditation programs and the variety of classes they offer outside of the counseling programs! I highly recommend the center!" - Maggie R.

Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health

Co-Founder: Nenita McElroy ’93

Phone: 760-814-8196

Location: 6120 Paseo Del Norte, Suite L-1, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Website: aviaraacupuncture.com

Social: @aviaraacupuncture

About:

Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health delivers quality, compassionate and superior patient care using a time-tested, holistic healing system. You benefit from receiving a customized treatment plan based on your specific health needs in a caring and professional setting. In addition to acupuncture, we implement herbal therapy and other East Asian modalities such as Tui na therapeutic massage, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

Review:

“I am so happy I found Nenita. I came to her after years of unresolved symptoms with insatiable hunger. My doctors were unable to treat me successfully, which led me to go to Nenita with a list of strange symptoms that most doctors dismissed as "stress-related." She confidently knew that my condition was treatable, which gave me hope. Her warm and caring manner made me look forward to returning each week. I swear, I've never felt so relaxed! After a handful of sessions, I feel awesome. Just make an appointment. You will not regret it!” - Alisha B.

Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition

Owner: Dr. Ben Weitz ’83

Phone: 310-395-3111

Location: 1448 15th St., Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Email: patients.weitzchiro@gmail.com

Website: drweitz.com

Social: @weitzchiro

About:

Quality chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, elbow pain, wrist pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, foot pain, whiplash, headache, migraine, soft tissue injuries, muscle injuries and joint injuries. Dr. Weitz has over 27 years of experience as a sports chiropractor, rehabilitation expert and functional medicine nutritionist.

Review:

“Dr. Weitz has been my chiropractor for about three years and I'd highly recommend him! I began working with Dr. Weitz due to my lower back pain. Over the years, he has helped me resolve several issues with his precise diagnoses and adjustments. I feel a surge of energy and a sense of well-being after each session. My entire body feels connected and even my mind is sharper. The atmosphere in the office is peaceful and inviting. His staff is very personable and caring. Dr. Weitz is an excellent chiropractor who also has a great podcast, "Rational Wellness," addressing a variety of topics with top experts in each field.” - Jana H.

Village Health Foundation

CEO/Founder: Jewel Thais-Williams ʼ71

Phone: 323-733-0471

Location: 4077 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019

Email: villagehealthfdn@aol.com

Website: villagehealthfoundation.org

Social: @villagehealthfdn

About:

Our main mission is to provide affordable, accessible and effective professional services in complementary medicine to the community. We originally began as a natural healthcare clinic offering nontoxic treatments for people with HIV/AIDS. Our activities have expanded to include treatments for a wide range of diseases. We treat clients who are at risk for, or who have already developed diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, chronic diseases and have any variety of pain issues.

Review:

“This place is a 'jewel' in the community (no pun intended.) I was treated by Jewel who is thoughtful, patient, warm and kind... not to mention extremely knowledgeable and experienced. If you are interested in beginning or maintaining a holistic health and wellness regime while supporting an amazing community resource without breaking your pockets, the Village Health Foundation is your place!” - Lena H.

The Lunch MOB

Co-Owner: Jonathan Bonuan ’94

Phone: 949-415-9529

Location: 23552 Commerce Center Drive, Suite D, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Email: thelunchmob.co/contact

Website: thelunchmob.co

Social: @thelunchmob

About:

It was 2014 when new dad Jonathan started preparing lunches for his then rambunctious toddlers, Jonah and Liam, to take to daycare. At first, he was happy-go-lucky, but then happy-go-lucky became a boring routine after noticing he was packing the same three to five "vanilla" meals each week. More importantly, he became increasingly concerned about his boys' nutritional needs, leading him to explore a variety of tastier and more health-conscious meals.

Review:

“Thank you, Lunch Mob, for the high quality, interestingly conceived lunches you provide to schools. Our child has not only been enjoying your meals but has also had the opportunity to develop a more adventurous palate due to being less resistant to trying new foods at school than at home. We appreciate the daily variety of options to choose from, the different portion sizes that you make available, the nutritional value of the food and the reasonable cost. Keep up the good work!” - Dan R.

Perfect Body Incorporated

Owner: Shawn Phillips ’98

Phone: 310-720-8125

Location: 11567 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Email: holisticbodytrainer@gmail.com

Website: shawnphillipstraining.com

Social: @shawnphillipstraining

About:

As a personal trainer in the Los Angeles area, I believe that in order to reach your highest achievement in life you must optimize your body so that this optimal state enhances your ability to express all of your gifts, talents, skills, abilities and attributes. Health and wellness is the foundation and platform of all expression and action in life. With an optimized body, you will begin to create and design the life that you want! By using an integrative approach to health, holistic fitness allows you to focus on various aspects of health which can optimize hormonal and neurotransmitter function, allowing you to have more energy, think more clearly, be assertive and look great.

Review:

“Wow! After working with many trainers over the years, Shawn is absolutely unique and the best. He takes a holistic approach to training, not just focusing on pumping iron or cardio till you drop. A tailored nutrition plan and a balanced life are key ingredients. After 4 weeks with Shawn, I've lost 7 pounds and 2 inches in my waist! Amazingly, with less pain and body aches than in my past training experiences. His approach works, I'm lucky to be working with him!” - Robin H.

Balance Chiropractic

Owner: Amy Yang ’00

Phone: 626-357-2222

Location: 120 W. Olive Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016

Email: info@bal-chiropractic.com

Website: bal-chiropractic.com

Social: @bal.chiropractic

About:

At Balance Chiropractic, we are committed to relieving our patients' body pain and improving their overall health and well-being using the principles of chiropractic care. We are results-oriented professionals who provide a step-by-step treatment program to help our patients achieve their goals, whether they are to alleviate pain, optimize mobility and comfort, improve posture, speed up recovery time or increase performance in their daily lives.

Review:

“This place is great! Dr. Amy Yang is kind, courteous and an amazing doctor. My lawyer sent me here after my car accident in February. My neck was feeling sore and painful, but she was able to relieve my pain and discomfort. If you are looking for an awesome chiropractor, look no further. She is a rock star! Thank you very much for such great care.” - Yasmin C.

Imbody Wellness

Founder: Isabella Bablumian ’04

Phone: +55-21-99832-1907

Location: Online

Email: hello@imbodywellness.com

Website: imbodywellness.com

Social: @imbodywellness

About:

Isabella’s passion is helping people find their unique path to vitality and pleasurable wellness. She has a passion for living with the Sensefulness Method for activating body wisdom, self-awareness and embodiment. This unique interdisciplinary approach was born in Brazil, inspired by the Afro-Brazilian traditions that celebrate life on earth as the culmination of our spiritual embodiment, based on the latest research in behavioral change, nutrition and fitness, positive psychology, and neurolinguistic programming. It infuses sexual energy activation practices and other healing modalities from the ancient Taoism.

Review:

“I would like to thank Imbody for the workshops and talks that opened my eyes to new ways of being, bringing quality of life, knowledge and the desire to continue improving. The little droplets of wisdom I learned from the Institute brought big changes to my inner world and my day-to-day. Despite the simple approach of workshops and talks, the experiences I had with Imbody were transformative and memorable, burning wellness directly into my soul's blueprint. As a result, I continue discovering the best version for myself, while the benefits I learned are perpetuated in me and my future generation. My eternal gratitude to Bella.” - Isabella R.

9Round Fitness

Owner: Chris Borgia ’10

Phone: 310-986-3910

Location: 1109 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Website: 9round.com

Social: @9round_hermosabeach_aviation

About:

Get fit and have fun with 9Round Kickboxing Fitness, the premier kickboxing fitness studio in Hermosa Beach. The 30-minute, circuit-style workouts are the perfect solution for busy schedules, with no class times and a new session starting every three minutes.

Review:

“I have been going to 9Round for about three months now and I have never felt better. Chris and Barbara are amazing! They inspire me every time I come to work out harder. In just three months, I have seen results - I am healthier, stronger and happier. I had a hard time finding a safe gym during the COVID pandemic until I found 9Round in Hermosa. I love that you can show up whenever to start your workout and you really get a one-on-one training experience. The workouts also change every day so you never get bored. So happy to be a member of this gym.” - Brenda L.

Artemis Yoga

Co-Founder: Elizabeth Padula, MBA ’99

Phone: 617-393-3590

Location: 639 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472

Email: info@artemisyoga.com

Website: artemisyoga.com

Social: @artemisyoga

About:

Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Artemis Yoga is an independent yoga studio offering more than 30 classes weekly in studio or online. The schedule is flexible for studio or home practice. Artemis Yoga is known for its welcoming community where anyone can learn and practice yoga to strengthen the body and relax the mind.

Review:

“Can I do 10 stars? I've been practicing Iyengar yoga for nearly 30 years, and Artemis is simply superb, a warm and welcoming studio and a true community. The space is bright and spotless. The teachers are top-flight, attentive and careful, modifying poses to suit individual abilities. The range of classes and educational sessions are impressive. Oh, and they have lovely front-of-house staff plus easy parking. Hats off to owner Liz Padula for creating and nurturing this gem of a yoga studio!” - Cynthia B.

Sculpt Fitness

Owner: David Minishian ’15

Phone: 562-470-6466

Location: 3255 E. South St. Suite K202, Long Beach, CA 90805

Email: longbeach.sculptfitness@gmail.com

Website: sculptfitnessla.com

Social: @sculptfitnessla

About:

We help clients create sustainable lifestyles to build the body they want. We don't push supplements or promote restrictive diets. We believe in finding a flexible approach to your health and fitness. Our training programs include our small group boot camp, semi-private training and personal training. Our coaches specialize in weight management and fat loss, muscle building and strength training, aerobic conditioning, sports performance, mobility and sustainable nutrition coaching. We also provide meal prep and food delivery services with our private chef to make nutrition simple and convenient.

Review:

“I have been part of the Sculpt Fitness family for over 5 years, I have contemplated going elsewhere only to realize Sculpt is my forever home. Sculpt is the only place I have ever felt comfortable. The coaches at Sculpt believe in their clients and will go over and beyond to provide the best experience possible. The atmosphere is clean, safe and definitely worth checking out” - Liz. V.

LA Sports Acupuncture

Founder: Jorga Houy ’93

Phone: 323-739-4333

Location: 5619 N. Figueroa St., Unit 221, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Email: jorga@lasportsacupuncture.com

Website: lasportsacupuncture.com

Social: @lasportsacupuncture

About:

At LA Sports Acupuncture, we specialize in sports medicine: the prevention and treatment of injuries and pain. Acute traumatic injuries require rapid response and are usually resolved rather quickly; old chronic injuries usually take longer to treat. Combining traditional knowledge of acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicine with orthopedics and sports medicine. Chinese medicine regards the highest class of medicine to be prevention and the pursuit of longevity. By adopting many of the lifestyle choices offered by the philosophy of Chinese medicine, we can live long and healthy lives.

Review:

“It's truly amazing how a single session can address issues you've been grappling with for years. Over the past 15 years, I consistently experienced hip clicking and tight hip flexors on my right side, particularly during exercise. I used to attribute this to my body's natural asymmetry, believing I had to just deal with it. I tried various remedies such as stretches and trigger point balls, but they only offered minimal relief. Then, about five years ago, I began to develop lower back pain on the right side, and I soon realized the connection between my right hip clicking and this discomfort. Following just one session with Jorga, the hip clicking disappeared, and I immediately noticed an improvement in my core strength, as I could perform leg lifts without any clicking. Even my back pain seems to have improved significantly. I can't help but regret not seeing Jorga sooner.” - Sylvia S.

NutriFit

Founder: Jackie Keller, Ext. Cert. ’88

Phone: 310-473-2989

Location: 11692 Gateway Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Email: info@nutrifitonline.com

Website: nutrifitonline.com

Social: @nutrifitonline

About:

NutriFit specializes in crafting fresh, personalized meal plans that are delivered to your doorstep. We also offer full-service nutritional support, biometric testing, wellness coaching and health-related products. Since 1987 we have been providing custom solutions that help our clients achieve optimal health and well-being. It’s our mission to help our clients live longer and healthier lives.

Review:

“I can't recommend Nutrifit enough. From day one my experience has been amazing. I met with Jackie to discuss my weight loss needs due to high blood pressure and pre-diabetes concerns. She put me on a plan that not only helped me lose the weight, but got me off all the medication I was on. In addition to health benefits, she opened my eyes to foods I had never had before. The food is absolutely amazing! I look forward to every delivery to see what 'goodies' I have for the day.” – Tara M.

Wonderwell Creative

Founder and CEO: Kate Bone ’00

Location: Online

Email: hello@wonderwellcreative.com   

Website: wonderwellcreative.com

Social: @wonderwell.creative

About:

Creativity is your nature. Everyone and everything is creative, and you were born to create. Here at Wonderwell, we take a holistic and nature-based approach to the creative process. We tend to our projects as if we were tending to a garden. Through our educational programs, community circles and private mentorship, we help creators ground into your body, clarify your vision and develop nourishing structures to bring your dreams into reality. The best part? You don't have to do it alone. We're cultivating a global creative community of multi-passionate creatives to encourage and inspire you every step of the way.

Review:

"This is a space I have been looking for my whole life. The space you've created is conscious, buoyant and extremely loving. I am beyond grateful to share space and learn from you and the beautiful community that has formed." – Hannah B.

Happy Camper Play Therapy

Owner and Founder: Renee Holdo ’86

Phone: 404-731-8621

Location: 707 Whitlock Ave., Building D-34, Marietta, GA 30064

Email: ​happycamperplaytherapy@gmail.com

Website: happycamperplaytherapy.com

About:

At Happy Camper Play Therapy and Expressive Arts, we specialize in individual, and family play therapy, as well as child-centered play therapy and adolescent counseling. Additionally, we offer group work, workshops and seminars. Our clinicians are available to present on a variety of topics. Throughout the therapeutic process, the client is encouraged to take an active role in his or her treatment with the support of the therapist. Our goal is the client's goal. We utilize a variety of techniques to assist the client in achieving greater self-awareness, more positive relationships while increasing their capacity to experience and express their feelings. Clients of all ages, couples and families can reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth enabling them to find their way to move forward. When you play more, you feel better.

LushNature Wellness

Founder: James Aliberti ’87

Phone: 415-999-1554

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Email: ​jamesalushnature@gmail.com

Website: golushnature.com

About:

LushNature Wellness offers guided forays, bird walks and outdoor team-building exercises to stave off chronic illness and isolation, and improve employee satisfaction and retention, benefitting present and future generations. With deep connections to the transformative properties of nature and the inhabitants of the wilds of the San Francisco Bay Area, sustainably promoting constructive partnerships with local organizations and beyond, we foster change by empowering thousands of participants to pursue interests in science, education and other positive quality of life enhancements.

Review:

"After my LushNature experience, I started looking at my challenges in the lab from more of what you'd call 'a bugs eye-view,' and it helped my project progress profusely.​ So many of the things the naturalist said super-resonated with me." - Kara P. 

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