When you picture Venice Beach, the iconic boardwalk lined with surfers might be the first thing that comes to mind, but the gym scene is a close second. Known for housing some of the world’s most legendary fitness communities, from the original Gold’s Gym to the famous Muscle Beach, athleticism is deeply ingrained in the fabric of this quirky Californian neighborhood.
Over the past decade, Venice has seen a surge in hot Pilates studios, boutique spas, and breathwork classes, catering to a new generation of health and wellness enthusiasts. However, these often operate as separate entities, requiring clients to navigate pre-set schedules and notorious Los Angeles traffic. The dream of starting your day with a sunrise yoga class overlooking the ocean, followed by a private strength training session, a cold plunge, a B12 shot, and journaling over a special matcha latte (a Venice staple!), all before 8 a.m., seemed like a far-fetched fantasy. Until Hume arrived on Main Street this month.
Designed to support both fitness and recovery goals, Hume brings together classic gym elements, modern wellness practices, diverse physical therapies, local hospitality, and a unified community of like-minded individuals under one beautiful roof. The 13,500-square-foot indoor-outdoor space sits just steps from the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Venice, boasting views of the Hollywood sign on a clear day.
The brainchild of Roger Briggs, former COO of Kin Europhics, and Sandy Bole, a developer and design aficionado, Hume is a testament to their shared love for the neighborhood and their desire to create a new way for people to connect. “The demographic of the Venice community is truly fascinating. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world,” says Bole. “The residents here are highly involved. They enjoy walking and cycling. They choose to live here for a specific life balance. This lifestyle already existed; it was just fragmented. Hume was an idea to bring it all to one place.”
With an emphasis on purpose, reconnection, and shared rituals, Hume transforms the typical high-energy gym atmosphere into a space that engages all the senses at a more relaxed pace. “I was an athlete growing up and there was just a lot left for me to be desired, especially from a recovery perspective,” explains Briggs. “Here at Hume, we are driven to provide an expansive roster of amenities dedicated to holistic well-being from nutritionists to acupuncture to bodywork to physical therapy and electronic muscle stimulation. Any way you want to go deeper in your physical well-being, we want to help you get there.”
Imagined by Bole in partnership with architecture firm Wisan Studio and design studio Bricault Design, every floor takes the concept of a personalized health and wellness club to a new level. Upon arrival, members are greeted with a modular, hand-carved reception desk by Topanga-based sculptor Chad Hagerman. Nearby, all the treadmills, weight machines, and reformers are not only the latest models but one-of-a-kind pieces produced in Hume’s earthy brown colorway. The dumbbells feature the brand’s iconic font. Even the flooring is a special blend of cork and rubber, an earth-toned antimicrobial material exclusive to Hume.
From custom concrete benches to cold tubs to ceramic installations, every detail, even down to the hi-fi speakers, has been designed by a local Angeleno or Venice-based artist. “I wanted the space to feel anthropologic and artisanal, a place where the small details matter just as much as the foundation,” Bole explains. “There are a lot of local artists involved in the design who are not only masters of their crafts but close friends. It was important to us to work with the community by bringing them into Hume from the early stages to the final touches.”
The homegrown love doesn’t stop there. In the expansive locker rooms and spa facilities, Santa Monica-based beauty brand Tower 28 products can be found alongside personal care products from L.A.’s Nécessaire. Taking cues from architectural marvels such as the Palaestra of Pompeii and Moroccan hammams, while also drawing on his North African heritage, Bole embedded a sense of warmth throughout the design. Texture and tone reign supreme from the ambient glow of bronze mirrors to the velvety touch of hand-plastered walls and the soothing scent of amber-like incense. Every element serves a sensory purpose as well as an aesthetic one.
“Hume, in French, means to sense, to inspire, or to take a deep breath,” Bole shares, with a smile. “In today’s fast-paced world, we aimed to create a sanctuary where people can reconnect with their senses—a tranquil space to press pause.” This philosophy is why clocks and televisions are notably absent from the premises. Instead, Bole and Briggs encourage members to disconnect from the digital realm and immerse themselves in restorative treatments like acupressure yin yoga, a Ballancer full-body compression suit, or a Brazilian lymphatic massage by Rebecca Faria of Detox by Rebecca, a new offering on the West Side. And don’t worry: if you just want to jump into a group class, there is a robust roster of classic and contemporary options to choose from.
On the hospitality front, the founders enlisted the help of friend and local restaurateur Rudy Bueve, known for Le Great Outdoor at Bergamont Station, to create a menu that is both nutritious and flavorful; rich in protein, without being restrictive. The establishment features a full-service cafe offering fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and a selection of non-alcoholic craft beverages curated by The New Bar, providing a rejuvenating and mindful way to relax after a workout.
After a few weeks of welcoming friends and family to preview the space, Hume is officially open to all members. While there isn’t a rigorous application process, the founders are focused on building a community of aligned individuals through friend-of-friends introductions and offering current members the opportunity to bring up to six guests per year. The community is tight-knit, but it definitely doesn’t feel like a cult. Rather, the sense of spirit resembles a familial bond. It’s a refreshing change from the intense and competitive environments commonly found at private gyms. This clear shift is a reflection of the founders’ mission to reimagine the gym concept while maintaining the intimacy of a wellness club.
“We’re also not done,” Briggs says. “There are so many things we want to do that this place will continue to evolve. There are so many plans in store that will keep evolving this place. If you return in a year and a half, you’ll witness a completely transformed space. It will continue to grow and serve what the customer wants.” From its beginnings, Hume has always been focused on the future. With its transportive atmosphere and ahead-of-the-curve rehabilitation practices, everything is designed to prepare the mind and body for a better tomorrow. It’s proof that going to the gym doesn’t have to be linear—because, at Hume, you’ll always feel like you’re at home.
