The Training Lab {Fitness Review}

Editor’s Note: The Training Lab is no longer in business.

The Training Lab is a fitness studio located in Chatsworth. The studio focuses on Boot Camp, Cross Training & Cardio Blast. In addition to group classes, The Training Lab also offers private training.

For those who read my blog, you may remember that I like to mix up my workouts. I don’t enjoy doing all cardio or strictly lifting weights. That’s why I like Boot Camp classes because you do both cardio & strength work in one class. Variety is the spice of life!

Recently I attended a few classes at The Training Lab. Dave Kaczor, co-owner & fitness instructor, taught the Boot Camp class. One of the things I noticed is that the studio is not one of those oversized gyms. The focus is on smaller class sizes so that the trainers can help you make adjustments or modifications during class. I personally like the intimate feel (there was about 8 or 9 of us in the class). Prior to the class starting, Dave asked me if I had any injuries that he should be aware of. I mentioned my weird “runner’s knee” but said that it should be fine.

My first class with Dave, he had me lifting weights that were heavier than I was used to. We had to drop it down a few pounds so that I could finish the circuit but it was a good exercise (and the weights were still heavier overall than what I usually use). I remember thinking that if I had been at a different gym, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to “lift heavy.” Sometimes you need encouragement AND a good trainer who can help you go further in your fitness goals. That is the only way you can change!

In addition to the weights, TRX bands & weight sled, we also used cardio machines & the rope. I hate using the rope, but Dave taught me to focus on making smaller waves & to go faster. Usually I try to make the waves big which causes me to go slower. Dave’s method made a difference for me & I didn’t dread it like I normally do. Which is a good thing because we repeated that circuit several times!

These are the cardio machines we used. We used the treadmill in between the strength training, as well as the stair machine.

My favorite of the cardio machines that we used is the row machine. I forgot how much of a good workout the row machine can provide!

Not only is Dave one of the co-owners but he is also the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Chatsworth High. Natalie Balyasny is also a co-owner at The Training Lab. Natalie offers nutritional & lifestyle coaching at The Training Lab. About 4-5 times a year, the studio will host weight-loss challenges so it is beneficial to have Natalie’s coaching along with Dave’s classes. We all know that fitness & food go hand in hand. What you eat & how much you eat play a big part in weight loss.

The Training Lab is starting up a 5-Week Challenge next month. Beginning November 1st, a five-week workout & nutrition challenge will be led by their trainers. Attendance charts, weigh-ins, before & after shots will be conducted. Call Natalie at (818) 426-0521 for details.

A good sign in evaluating a fitness studio is whether or not I would go back. I would definitely continue my training at this studio. The instructors are caring, the people who attend the classes are nice & the studio is clean & machines are in good order. Thanks Dave & Natalie for inviting me to train at The Training Lab!

The Training Lab is located at 21534 Devonshire Street, Chatsworth, CA. Free parking available in the mini-mall parking lot. For more information, visit their website here. You can also visit their Instagram for the latest updates!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I attended complimentary fitness classes which helped facilitate this review. All images are my own unless otherwise noted. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.