About Us
Our Story
Owners Emylee Covell, Pieter Vodden and
Katherine Haker set out to build the best fitness experience in Los
Angeles.
With over a decade in the fitness industry training some of the top
celebrities for movies and getting pro athletes back into top shape, Pieter
and Emylee had a big vision to take every great fitness and recovery practice,
put it under one roof and create a new standard of excellence for the
industry. One that would inspire action and foster community.
Classes began in a storage
shed while construction was still underway. With little equipment but
effective programming, Pharos made a name for itself around the Eastside as
being THE place where big dreamers go to train.
They expanded twice in 2 years to build out a space reaching over 22,000 sq.
ft. of dedicated class studios, an open gym and cardio room, multiple
programs, a Fuel Bar, and in-house recovery and nutrition services. Pharos
quickly multiplied in its 4th year, opening Pharos Idyllwild and then
subsequently expanding to Redondo Beach and Palm Desert.
From humble beginnings to an icon on the Eastside and beyond; A big gym built
by a small family; Grown by the community and changing the lives of all who
walk through its doors.
Our Philosophy
Our classes are all-levels, coached to the highest standard with a whole lotta heart.
Based on our experience, there are 3 pillars to a well-balanced training
program that continually delivers results: Strength,
Conditioning, and Mechanics. Within these 3 pillars, we have
multiple programs, rotating clinics, and recovery services, all built to serve
a growing and diverse group of people who don’t want to feel limited by the
small boutique studios or drowned in the mediocrity of a corporate
globo-fitness.
Like getting personal training in an energetic group environment, our programs
will undoubtedly motivate and inspire you to reach farther, push harder, and
get in the best shape of your life.
Programming is carefully designed and tested to work synergistically across
all classes.
We believe that through multiplicity, you will see optimal results, and we
encourage our members to lead actively diverse lives.
The Palm Spring Facility
- Over 27,000 sqft oasis to train, relax, connect and fuel
- The best curation of cardio, strength, functional training, accessory machines
- Top Tier programming with purpose and classes that provide a system of body re-education centered around mechanics, strength and conditioning
- Open Gym Access open 5a-9pm
- Contrast Therapy with Ice Bath + Sauna for ultimate recovery
- 2 Indoor Pickleball Courts
- Dedicated areas for machine strength, cardio, yoga/recovery + massage, functional class room, contrast therapy
- Also home to Fuel, our coffee shop + shake bar
Pharos is hands down the best gym in Los Angeles! The coaches deliver nothing but excellence, the equipment is top notch, the community is vibrant and the staff is super friendly!
Athlete
Arthur Guillosson
Pharos is a great gym. I've really enjoyed the Build class—I'm doing things I never imagined I'd be able to do and feel motivated by the results.
Athlete
Bret Hansen