Pendulum Fitness

One of the best parts about training in Pasadena? The food options when you’re done.

A few of our go to spots are always in the rotation.

Zankou Chicken for the chicken plate, without the skin preferably, Organico when you’re looking for something fresh and packed with quality ingredients. Paper Rice never misses when a rice bowl sounds perfect. And Sweetgreen on Colorado is an easy favorite for a quick lunch that actually leaves you feeling good afterward.

The best nutrition plan is one you can stick with, and having great local options makes that a whole lot easier.

What are we missing? Drop your favorite healthy Pasadena spot below so we can add it to the list. 👇

We blindfolded Mark and gave him one job: identify gym equipment by sound alone.

From the cable machine to the SkiErg, box jumps, and a few other familiar noises around the gym, every guess felt a little more confident than the last. Whether those guesses were actually correct is another story.

Pasadena coffee opinions might be one of the city’s most competitive sports.

Ask a few people where they grab their coffee and you’ll get a completely different list every time. Mandarin 2, Copa Vida, Boy & The Bear, Bevel Coffee, Républik, Philz… everyone has their spot, their order, and a reason they swear it’s the best.

Some people are there for the coffee. Some are there for the vibe. Some just found a place that feels like part of their weekly routine.

We love hearing the little local favorites that make Pasadena feel like home.

What’s your go-to coffee spot? Did we miss one? ☕👇

Dips and ring dips both have a place in training.

Regular dips give you a more stable setup, which makes them great for building strength, controlling your reps, and eventually adding weight when you’re ready.

Ring dips ask a little more from you. The rings move, your shoulders have to work harder, and every rep requires more coordination, balance, and control.

One might feel better on your joints. One might expose a weakness you didn’t know you had. Both can teach you something.

The goal is choosing the right tool for the right season of training.

What should we challenge him with next? He scored fairly high for the challenge we gave him.

His arms are a little fatigued from carrying his baby so we caught him at a good time.

Mark’s fit, just a little confused here :)

Rachel’s story is one we hear often: someone walks in looking for a gym and ends up finding so much more.

She joined Pendulum shortly after moving to Pasadena and quickly found a place filled with great coaching, welcoming people, and a community that made the city feel like home.

Over the years, she’s trained through different seasons of life, including pregnancy and now life with a newborn.

What’s stayed the same is the support, guidance, and consistency that keeps her coming back. Showing up, giving what you can that day, and building fitness for the long run adds up in a big way.

Barbell press and dumbbell press both have a place in training.

The barbell lets both arms work together, which makes it a great option for building overall pressing strength and learning how to stay tight through the whole body.

Dumbbells ask a little more from each side on its own. You’ll usually notice more demand on shoulder stability, control, and balance between left and right.

The goal is choosing the right tool for the day.

Strength, control, stability, and better movement all matter. Good coaching helps you understand when to use each one and how to move well while doing it.

Around Pendulum, a few favorites that came up were Domenico’s, Setebello, Prince Street, Pasadena Pizza Co., and Prime Pizza. Strong opinions, solid recommendations, and probably a few debates.

The funny thing is that everyone has their spot. The place they’ve been going to for years, the order they never change, and the pizza they’re always ready to recommend.

Training hard and enjoying good food have always gone hand in hand. Sometimes the best conversations happen after class when everyone’s talking about where they’re headed next.

What’s your go-to pizza spot? 🍕

A great coach can change the entire experience of training.

In this video, Coach Alex is working one on one with a member during class, helping refine movement, answer questions, and build confidence one rep at a time. That kind of hands on coaching is a big part of what makes Pendulum Fitness different.

Every class is a group experience, but you’re never left to figure things out on your own. We take the time to teach movements, adjust technique, and help members develop strength safely and efficiently.

Small corrections today often lead to better movement, faster progress, and more confidence in the months ahead.

The result is a room full of people who enjoy training, trust the process, and continue surprising themselves with what they’re capable of.