What Unplug Meditation is and who runs it

Unplug Meditation is a meditation studio based in Los Angeles that offers in-person classes, private sessions, and online instruction. It was founded in 2012 and operates as a for-profit business, not a nonprofit or government program. The studio teaches secular meditation — meaning the instruction focuses on technique and mental health benefits rather than religious or spiritual doctrine, though some teachers may incorporate philosophy or mindfulness traditions into their approach.

Unplug holds classes at a physical location in West Hollywood and also streams sessions online so people outside Los Angeles can participate. Classes range from 30 to 60 minutes and cover different styles: some focus on breath work, others on body scanning, and some on visualization. The studio also offers workshops on specific topics like sleep, anxiety, or focus.

The studio is run by teachers who are trained in meditation instruction but are not medical doctors or therapists. If you are dealing with a diagnosed mental health condition, Unplug classes are meant to complement professional treatment, not replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug Meditation is a for-profit studio in Los Angeles offering in-person and online classes taught by trained meditation instructors.
  • Classes range from 30 to 60 minutes and cover different meditation styles, from breath work to body scanning to visualization.
  • You can attend drop-in classes, buy class packages, or pay a monthly subscription for unlimited access to online and in-person sessions.
  • Unplug classes are secular and focus on technique and mental health benefits rather than religious practice or spiritual belief systems.
  • Meditation instruction from Unplug is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment from a licensed provider.

How to attend an Unplug class in person or online

To attend a class at the Unplug studio in West Hollywood, you visit their website, view the class schedule, and book a spot. Most studios that operate this way charge per class or offer a package of classes you buy upfront. Some also offer a monthly membership that lets you attend unlimited classes. Pricing varies depending on whether you choose drop-in rates, packages, or a subscription.

For online classes, you log in through their website or app at the scheduled class time. Online classes work the same way as in-person ones — a teacher leads the session in real time, and you follow along from home. Some studios also record classes so you can watch them later, though this depends on the teacher and the class type.

You do not need any equipment to start. Most people sit on a cushion, mat, or chair in a quiet space. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in slightly, though meditation requires very little movement.

Different meditation styles Unplug offers

Unplug teaches several approaches to meditation, and different classes emphasize different techniques. Breath-focused meditation teaches you to pay attention to your breathing pattern and use it as an anchor when your mind wanders. Body scan meditation involves mentally moving through different parts of your body, noticing sensations without trying to change them. Visualization guides you to imagine specific scenes or images to calm your mind or build focus.

Some classes are labeled for specific outcomes — classes for sleep, for example, might use slower pacing and visualization to prepare you for rest. Classes labeled for anxiety or focus use techniques designed to settle racing thoughts or sharpen concentration. The studio also offers workshops that go deeper into one technique over several sessions or teach meditation for particular situations, like meditation at work or before a difficult conversation.

If you are new to meditation, beginner classes are designed to teach the basics without assuming you have prior experience. Teachers explain what to expect, how to sit, and what to do if your mind wanders — which is normal and not a sign you are doing it wrong.

What happens during a typical class

A typical Unplug class starts with a few minutes of settling in — the teacher might ask you to get comfortable, close your eyes if you want to, and notice how you feel. Then the teacher introduces the technique for that day's class and explains how to practice it. For a breath-focused class, for example, the teacher might say "breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out for four" and then guide you through that pattern.

For most of the class, the teacher speaks periodically — offering reminders, gentle instructions, or observations about what you might notice. There are also stretches of silence where you practice on your own. The teacher's voice is usually calm and unhurried. If your mind wanders, the teacher typically normalizes this and suggests you straightforward notice it and return your attention to the technique.

Classes end with a few minutes of stillness and then a closing. The teacher might say something like "when you are ready, gently open your eyes" and offer a brief reflection or intention to carry into your day. Most people feel calm or alert after a class, though the experience varies from person to person and from day to day.

Cost and membership options

Unplug offers several ways to pay for classes. A drop-in class — attending a single session without a commitment — typically costs between $20 and $30, though this varies. A class package — buying five or ten classes upfront — usually costs less per class than drop-in rates. A monthly membership for unlimited in-person and online classes is another option and may be the cheapest per-class cost if you attend regularly.

Online-only memberships are usually cheaper than memberships that include in-person access, since you are not using the studio space. Some studios also offer introductory rates for new members — for example, a discounted first month or a free trial class. Pricing changes over time and may differ based on location if Unplug expands beyond Los Angeles.

If cost is a barrier, some studios offer community classes or sliding-scale pricing for people with lower incomes, though this depends on the individual studio's policies. It is worth asking directly if you are interested but concerned about price.

What meditation research shows about benefits and limits

Research on meditation has found that regular practice may reduce stress, improve focus, and help some people sleep better. Studies also suggest meditation may lower blood pressure and reduce symptoms of anxiety in some people. However, these benefits typically come from consistent practice over weeks or months, not from a single class.

Meditation is not a treatment for serious mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, meditation can be part of your overall care — alongside therapy, medication, or other treatments your doctor recommends — but it should not replace professional treatment. The same is true for medical conditions: meditation may help you manage stress related to an illness, but it does not treat the illness itself.

People's experiences with meditation vary widely. Some people feel noticeably calmer after their first class. Others need several sessions before they notice a difference. Some people find meditation difficult or uncomfortable at first, and that is normal — it is a skill that improves with practice, like learning an instrument.

How to decide if Unplug is right for you

Unplug is a good fit if you want to learn meditation from a trained teacher in a structured setting, either in person or online. It works well if you prefer guided instruction over self-teaching through an app, or if you want to try different meditation styles to see what resonates with you. The in-person option is useful if you benefit from being in a quiet, dedicated space with other people practicing.

Unplug may not be the best fit if you are on a very tight budget, since classes cost money and there is no free option. If you prefer learning at your own pace without a set schedule, a meditation app might work better. If you are looking for meditation rooted in a specific spiritual or religious tradition, Unplug's secular approach may not match what you are seeking.

You can try a single class to see if the experience works for you before committing to a package or membership. Many people attend a few different teachers or class types before finding the style and time that fits their life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have meditated before to take an Unplug class?

No. Unplug offers beginner classes specifically designed for people new to meditation. The teacher will explain the technique and what to expect. If you attend a class that is not labeled for beginners, you can still participate — the teacher will usually offer modifications or explanations for newcomers.

What if I cannot sit still or my mind races the whole time?

Both are completely normal. Meditation is not about achieving a blank mind or perfect stillness. It is about noticing what happens — including a racing mind or physical restlessness — and gently returning your attention to the technique. This is the practice itself, not a failure at it. Teachers are trained to normalize this experience.

Can I do Unplug classes if I have a diagnosed anxiety or sleep disorder?

Meditation may help manage some symptoms, but it is not a treatment for a diagnosed condition. Talk to your doctor or therapist about whether adding meditation to your current care makes sense. Unplug classes can complement professional treatment, but they should not replace it.

How often do I need to attend classes to see a benefit?

Research suggests that regular practice — even 10 to 15 minutes most days — shows more benefit than occasional classes. Some people notice a difference after a few sessions. Others need several weeks of consistent practice. The more often you attend, the more likely you are to develop the skill and notice effects.

Is there a difference between Unplug classes and free meditation apps?

Unplug offers live instruction from a teacher who can adjust the pace and offer real-time guidance. Many meditation apps are free or low-cost and let you practice on your own schedule. Apps work well for self-directed learning. Live classes offer community, accountability, and the ability to ask questions. Both approaches can be effective — it depends on what you prefer.