Here's my philosophy on gyms — and I'm certain many of you feel me on this. If I'm going to go the gym to work out rather than sip a splendid savory cocktail at my favorite bar, it better be a kick-ass time. And I mean that in both senses of the word. With hundreds of gyms vying for your attention, sometimes it's hard to weed through the bad ones to find the gym that's worth your time, money, and sweat. Here are five — some boutique, some major — that will get you in top shape and put you in a good mood.

  1. What makes Barry's Bootcamp (1106 N. La Cienega Blvd., Ste.104, West Hollywood, 310-360-6262; 14622 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-784-6262) so standout — besides its hot celeb clientele like Kim Kardashian — is that it's a boot camp and gym in one . . . and you don't have to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to get your butt kicked. Sweat it out in a dark room with red lights, weights, treadmills, and great music.
  2. Equinox has nine locations in LA, from Santa Monica to Pasadena to Westwood, and more, and that's not just luck. The motto "It's not fitness; it's life" has something to do with its success and popularity. That and its advanced equipment, personal training, plethora of fitness classes like yoga and martial arts, and awesome amenities like an organic juice bar.
  3. Core Fitness (1301 Manhattan Ave., Ste. B, Hermosa Beach, 310-372-7347) has been offering circuit training, Pilates, yoga, and personal training, all in an ocean-air environment since 1999. The studio size is cozy compared to many larger gyms, but it has all sorts of high-end cardio machines to help you achieve your fitness goals.
  4. Founded in 2001 by Kimberly Fowler, YAS Fitness Centers — with locations in downtown, Silverlake, Venice, and East Costa Mesa — is dedicated to the combination of spinning and yoga. Hard work and fun get fused in various classes like Yoga For Athletes; YAS indoor cycling, a 40-minute, high-energy cardio class coordinated with music; and YAS, 30 minutes of indoor cycling then 30 minutes of Yoga For Athletes.
  5. It may be the poshest of the crew, but Los Angeles Athletic Club (431 W. 7th St., 213-625-2211) downtown has the goods to back up its fanciness. Members get treated to a bevy of sports: aerobics, boot camp, circuit training, cycling, kickboxing, Pilates, rowing, tai chi, yoga, basketball, racquetball, handball, and squash. Of course, getting in isn't cheap, but you also get access to spa facilities like massage, laundry, saunas, Jacuzzis, and unlimited towels.