In a fitness industry often fixated on extremes, Janina Washington took a different approach when she opened Evoken in West Hollywood. Unable to find a wellness space that balanced beautiful design with expert instruction and multiple healing practices under one roof, she decided to build it herself.
The studio doesn’t ask clients to choose between Pilates or yoga, movement or meditation. Instead, it offers all of them as part of a broader philosophy: that wellbeing shifts depending on what your body needs on any given day. This integrated wellness approach includes Pilates, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and sound healing, treating them not as separate services but as interconnected tools for physical and emotional health.
“True wellbeing isn’t linear; it shifts with the seasons of our lives,” Washington explains. “Some days we need intensity and release, while other days call for softness and restoration.”
Beyond the Physical Body
What distinguishes Evoken from typical fitness studios is its attention to what Washington calls “the unseen layers of wellbeing.” Monthly breathwork and soundbath events create space for nervous system regulation and emotional release—aspects of health that don’t typically appear on gym schedules.
The studio’s design reinforces this intentionality. From curated music that regulates energy to signature scents that signal the body to relax, every detail aims to create an environment where members feel seen rather than processed. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while experienced instructors focus on presence alongside technical skill.
“Members aren’t simply attending classes; they’re forming meaningful connections with themselves and with one another,” Washington says.
Training Teachers to Hold Space
Evoken’s Teacher Training program extends Washington’s philosophy beyond her own studio walls. The program offers both comprehensive training and specialized modules in Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Mat, but the emphasis goes beyond choreography.
“Great teaching isn’t simply about delivering a sequence—it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported enough to transform,” Washington notes. The teacher training curriculum focuses on what she calls “the art of holding space,” teaching instructors to read energy and respond with intuition, not just instruction.
Expansion With Soul
Washington envisions bringing Evoken to major cities while maintaining the intimacy that defines the West Hollywood location. Each future studio would function as what she calls a “sanctuary—distinct yet familiar,” offering consistency for traveling members.
But growth isn’t just about square footage. Washington’s broader goal is shifting how people conceptualize wellness itself—from an occasional activity to a daily practice woven into life.
The studio operates at 1105 N. Hayworth Ave. in West Hollywood, with classes and events available through the Evoken Studio app. Those interested in exploring holistic movement and healing practices can find more information on the studio’s website or Instagram @evoken.co.
