About Us
Our Story
Owners Emylee Covell, Pieter Vodden and Katherine Haker set out to build the best fitness experience for every body.
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.
The ambition was grand, but the original Pharos started in a shed after delays with construction. What it lacked in AC, amenities or showers, it definitely made up for it with its grit, splinters, and a “luxury flush portaloo”.
But Pharos made a name for itself around the Eastside as being THE place where you got great coaching, programming with purpose, and actually had fun doing it.
After 2 expansions, Pharos now extends over 22,000 sqft of dedicated class studios, an open gym and cardio room, a Fuel Bar, personal training and in-house recovery and nutrition services.
In 2023, Pharos opened Idyllwild, Redondo Beach and are looking to open Palm Springs later this year.
From humble beginnings to an icon on the Eastside and beyond; A big gym built by a small family; Grown by the community who are the light in your day and a guide for your limitless potential.
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 deliver results that last: Strength, Conditioning, and Mechanics. Through this, we have multiple programs and 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.
our Facilities
Each location of Pharos Athletic Club is built to be the most effective and diverse training facility, designed intentionally to meet the needs of the community we are serving.
Our aim is to create a facility filled with light, plenty of space, and high-end equipment that creates a motivating, energizing environment for the best workouts.
While specific features vary location to location, all Pharos Athletic Clubs offer quality equipment in a range of thoughtful spaces, each curated to provide the diversity of programs we are founded on.
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