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Anna Rahe: Owner, GST

Fitness Innovator, Anna Rahe Shares The Secrets To An LA Lifestyle That's Fit, Frugal and Fabulous!

ELAINE SAYS: Anna Rahe is charming, funny....and real. Plus, she's created GST BODY, a fresh and original new approach to exercise that incorporates so many fun pullys, springs, what-nots and who-si-do's, you'll never get bored (and friends tell me you'll definitely get fit!). Here, Anna shares her "core philosophy" on how to have Beauty and Balance.....even on a Budget!

Posted on June 28th, 2011

Collections

Primp

Sweat / Shrink

EAT | DRINK

You Are What You Eat: Vintage Enoteca VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 7554 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles [Hollywood] I believe that eating should be a full body experience. I need ambiance, texture, flavor and a general aesthetic “feeling” about where I am and what I am eating. This is my meeting place. The ambiance is quaint but stylish, the food tasty and wine list complete. If you want a place to have “coffee talk,” a lunch rendezvous or an urban, tapas-style dinner, Vintage is your neighborhood home.
Antipasti Eating: M-Cafe de Chaya VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 7119 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles [Melrose] People always ask my about my eating habits because I am in the sports/science/fitness industry. My personal philosophy (that is incorporated into our GST Signature Nutrition System) is a technique I call, "Antipasti Eating," in which a small, eclectic selection of diverse, yummy foods are ordered or placed on a plate and enjoyed as your meal. M-Café provides this eclectic variety that is both healthy (macrobiotic) and hip. Real food for real people.
When Harry Met Sally Moments #1: The Mercantile VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION:6600 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles [Hollywood]My sister and I believe that people have a responsibility to make, "movie moments" in their life. This is required to avoid feeling average and mundane. The rule is this- Go to places where you feel like you’re in your movie moment life...a place that makes you feel that you are the person you’ve always wanted to be. I have always, since the time I could remember, wanted to be an urban artist/dancer in NYC (think Flash Dance). In LA, you can "be" anywhere....NYC, Paris, Milan- you name it. The Mercantile is my NYC-fix and gives me my "Flash Dance Moment." This NYC-esq urban wine bar, with amazing antipasti platters that taste divine and unique ambiance, makes you feel artistic and avant-garde.
When Harry Met Sally Moments #2: Cafe Figaro VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 1802 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles [Los Feliz]My European, Parisan-esq movie moment is at Figaro Café in Los Feliz. Their sidewalk café, Moules Frites and crepes are to die for. These are my suggested locations that make great, "movie moments" and for you, they’re a place to start.

PRIMP

The Mane Issue: Cathy Morado, Hairstylist CONTACT: By Appt Only 626.461.2941 You’ve probably heard that the "frame makes the pictures." Well, such is the case with your hair and your face. I found Cathy Morado by chance, but it was true destiny. After cutting my hair for years, because no one could do what I wanted or envisioned, I found Cathy. My mom always said, "A good hair cut keeps its style for a long time.". Considering that the recommended time between haircuts is about 4-6 weeks, the fact that Cathy’s sculptures last well past 8-12 weeks is a miracle. She could charge (and used to charge) the Beverly Hills price of $250+ but now she only works exclusively with private clients. If you get a chance to have her cut your hair you will be lucky. You can thank me later - she is THAT good!!
Relax and Restore: Sunset Foot Spa VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 7125 West Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood [Hollywood] I am frugal but more so, I am picky. I rarely pay for bodywork or massage because I can’t find someone worth my money and who knows how to work my body to my standards (I am a body worker!). The Sunset foot spa is amazing. I get the 60 min combo massage (back & foot). It is quick, effective and did I mention $35?! Just make sure you ask for what you want- strong or light touch, more on the shoulders less on the feet, etc. It is clean, relaxing and did I mention good for you? Like I said…I am picky and I pick Sunset Foot Spa to relax and restore from my 10 hour days of helping other peoples bodies. That’s gotta say something.
Eyes Are The Pathway To The Soul: Rachel Ortiz, Sublime Eyes CONTACT: rachelortiz@yahoo.com | 323.747.0519 My confession- My eyelashes are truly my one indulgence. Totally unnecessary but totally worth every penny. I am low maintenance. I don’t wear make up because I look like a transvestite if I wear it and it ends up running off my face (oily eyes). I am in a profession where I am my brand and I need to look amazing - even while working out! Ridiculous? So this is how I do it. I scoured the internet for affordable lash extensions (Reg about $350 for a full set). I was a novice. I found what I thought was an incredible deal with a lady in Echo Park (50% cheaper than other Hollywood locations) Then I found Rachel Ortiz! Forget her incredible rates…She is an artist. With the old place, I always had lash damage! With Rachel, I get mink lashes (what!!?), that look real and my lashes are healthier than ever! People always comment on my eyes/ lashes saying, “they look so natural!".... that is because they are. Naturally beautiful and healthy, just like I keep my soul.
Love The Skin You're Living In: Smooth Skin Laser Clinic VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 127 South Brand Boulevard #230, Glendale [Glendale] Like most luxuries in LA I thought I could never afford laser treatments. After $1500 worth of laser with no promise of an end in sight and my beauty budget bankrupt, I did some kamikaze-type reconnaissance and I found what I consider one of my best finds ever!!!- Smooth Skin Laser is a hole in the wall place...very clean and professional with state of the art Lasers- IPL, PDT, Hair removal, you name it. It’s a no frills place that just gets the job done right. Antonio’s packages are worth over $600 at most places in LA but not here. The usual saying is that you get what you paid for but smooth skin laser gives you way more. Like I said- its my best find.
Power and Speed Be Hands And Feet, Emmerson: ABC Nails LOCATION: 5704 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles [Hollywood] The time consuming effort of relaxing while people pamper your digits has never worked well with my ADD, but….I am starting to get into it. Like most things of luxury, I always thought I could do a better job then the pros. Nothings is worse than walking out of a mani/pedi and wanting immediate access to acetone, to wash away the sin of bad polish. Not so with ABC Nails- a serious diamond in the rough. Justin, the head guy, used to make very high-end jewelry in Vietnam...if that is any indication of what your digits end up looking like. ABC Nails is clean and hygienic. I think it should actually be called A-Z Nails because you get everything from A-Z at less than the cost of other local nails salons (ie: Gel manicure for $20!). Please, if you go- don’t take my place in line…there usually is one J.

SHRINK | SWEAT

Crave Your Workout: GST Body LA VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 7562 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles [Hollywood] This might be considered “taboo” because I own the joint but here is my philosophy…People only do what they “want” to do- not what they “need” to do. Your workout shouldn’t be your nemesis or a drudge. Most likely, your body sees your current workout as “punishment” for what you ate (or shouldn’t have eaten). If you were your body- would you cooperate towards the goal of looking different? No wonder your body won’t do what you want it to do so you can look like you want it to look. This is what I hear at GST every day, “Oh god- this feels so good”, “This makes so much sense”,”I feel like I just had a massage,” “Can my body really be looking this different?". The bottom line is that I workout because I love my workout. My body and I feel good and look amazing!! Change your body by changing your mentality and your work out. Stretch, strengthen, lengthen and transform your body all at once. Give your body the permission and pleasure of working for you!