Spry Fitness founder Evan Spry opened his gym at 2815 Pico Boulevard with a simple goal: create a space where training feels personal, welcoming, and rooted in community. The studio focuses on individualized strength training and rehabilitation-informed programming, helping clients build strength while staying pain-free. We sat down with Evan to talk about his journey into fitness, the philosophy behind Spry, and why Pico Boulevard turned out to be the perfect home for his growing gym.

Welcome to Pico Boulevard! What drew you to open Spry Fitness here?

Honestly, I ended up here by happenstance. I live in Santa Monica and was originally looking for a space closer to home. What really clicked was the sense of camaraderie on Pico. The businesses here support each other and there’s a real neighborhood energy. My landlord wanted someone who could be a good tenant but also a good neighbor, and that aligned perfectly with what I wanted Spry to be.

How does Pico feel different from other locations you considered?

It’s honestly the best case scenario. Businesses on the street refer people to each other, which creates a real sense of community.

I also love the neighborhood itself—there are young families, people who care about health and wellness, and a lot of genuine connection between neighbors. I can’t really imagine the gym being anywhere else now.

Where did your personal fitness journey begin?

It really started through sports growing up. I played football and rugby in middle school and high school, and eventually played college football for a bit. But by the end of that experience I had a lot of injuries and had spent countless hours in physical therapy after multiple surgeries.

That experience changed the way I thought about training. I realized I didn’t just want to work harder—I wanted to work smarter. That led me to study rehabilitation, corrective exercise, and strength training that actually helps people live healthier, longer lives instead of just chasing numbers in the gym.

How would you describe the training approach at Spry Fitness?

The biggest thing people notice is the personal approach. Nobody here is a number and no program is the same as someone else’s. Every client starts with an assessment so we understand their injuries, their goals, and what their body needs.

From there we strengthen the areas that are healthy and rehabilitate the areas that need attention. It’s about building a body that works well long-term. I’m not a nutritionist, but I do believe in looking at the whole person—lifestyle, recovery, and habits all play a role in someone’s progress.

Would you say Spry is starting to build a small community of its own?

Definitely. People bring their kids, their dogs, their families. We even have a wall with photos of dogs that come by the gym regularly. There’s also a little kids’ area that gets used every week.

For a lot of people, traditional gyms aren’t realistic because they can’t leave their kids or pets at home. Here they can bring them along and still get a great workout, which makes fitness feel more integrated into everyday life.

“I also love the neighborhood itself—there are young families, people who care about health and wellness, and a lot of genuine connection between neighbors. I can’t really imagine the gym being anywhere else now.”

What does healthy living in Los Angeles mean to you today?

For me it’s a full picture—physical, mental, and spiritual health all working together. Strength training definitely improves physical health, but it also releases endorphins that support mental wellbeing.

And the community aspect matters too. When people feel supported and connected, that contributes to their overall health just as much as the workout itself.

What moment at Spry reminded you why you opened it?

A client once told me that other gyms he had tried felt really serious, but here he actually has fun. People laugh while they’re working hard, and he said he genuinely looks forward to coming in.

That meant a lot to me. Fitness is hard work, but it shouldn’t feel like punishment. The culture here is about pushing yourself while still enjoying the experience.

What’s next for Spry Fitness?

Right now I’m focused on improving the space and continuing to grow the community. We’ve also started large group classes on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Personal training is incredibly effective, but it’s not affordable for everyone. The group classes are a way for more people to access strength training and improve their health.

What do you hope Spry contributes to Pico Boulevard long-term?

I want Spry to become a neighborhood staple—a place where people walk in and are known by name. As the team grows, I want every trainer here to maintain that same personal touch.

That’s our bread and butter. We’re not trying to be a gym for the masses. We want to be a neighborhood gym where people feel welcome, supported, and part of something.

Anything else you want people to know?

One thing I always tell people is that personal trainers are a lot like therapists—there are many of them, and the right one depends on the person. I may not be the right trainer for everyone.

That’s why I offer a free consultation to anyone who walks through the door. It’s a chance for people to see if the gym and the approach are the right fit for them.