A SELECTION OF ULTRA EXCLUSIVE AND EXPENSIVE CITY HEALTH CLUBS
BY TIA KIM
EAT EQUINOX
Though the New York City headquartered and already high end gym is typically mum about it, a by now well established rumor is this stratospherically priced and secret membership stratum, one capped at 200 members and available locally at the Columbus Circle and Greenwich, Connecticut locations. Amenities include private laundry service (workout clothes cleaned, folded, and ready for the next workout), training, and complete exercise plan and diet construction. ere are also exclusive showers and changing cabanas, as well as access to a private golf coach. Cost: $23,500 per year. 10 Columbus Circle, equinox.com
DRIVE 495
This little slice of heaven in Soho is courtesy of owner Don Saladino (who helped train celebs like Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Liev Schreiber, and Hugh Jackman). The golf and fitness club incorporates everything from nutrition to holistic practices, with group training classes (maximum of 10 members per) led by industry leading strength coaches. Preferential members enjoy access to golf simulators as well as preferred pricing and scheduling for services like physical therapy, acupuncture, golf lessons, nutritional support, and cryotherapy. Cost: $3,100 per year. 495 Broadway, driveclubs.com
TMPL
David Barton’s newest endeavor is a 40,000 square foot West Side gym that features a 75 foot saltwater pool (seen here), an immersive spin theater, and 20 tons of free weights. A first meeting with one of the many trainers will produce a M.A.P.: a metabolic assessment pro le that looks at health parameters like sleep, hormone levels, and weight to form a comprehensive betterment plan. TMPL also has one of very few Styku machines in the city, which measures body fat, muscle, and hydration levels. Steam and sauna rooms and a juice bar complete this, at least for this list, relatively thrifty option. Cost: $165 a month, plus a $300 enrollment fee. 355 West 49th Street, tmplgym.com
THE NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB
This venerable private social and athletic organization, founded in 1868, sports approximately 8,600 members and maintains two facilities: City House at 180 Central Park South and Travers Island in Westchester County. Membership is by invitation only, and minimal requirements for men include being able to run a 4:10 mile, a 15:00 5K, and a 31:30 10K, and there’s a considerable wait list. NYAC members have won 119 gold, 53 silver, and 59 bronze Olympic medals, and, though members are strongly encouraged to keep others’ names mum, at least one in the roster frequently reported is Eritrean born American long distance runner Meb Ke ezighi. Perks include private changing rooms, a full restaurant, tap room, and cocktail lounge. Cost: $3,030 annually, plus $8,500 initiation fee. 180 Central Park South, nyac.org
LA PALESTRA FITNESS CENTER
On the lower level of the Plaza Hotel and founded by Pat Manocchia a pioneer in the integration of health and medicine this 9,000 square foot club was designed by Frank Gehry and Davies Tang & Toews as a state of the art space that reflects Manocchia’s integrated philosophy while preserving the classic architecture of the historic hotel. Services include everything from marathon training and pose method instruction to acute back pain management and pregnancy/post par tum exercise methodology. There are also individual therapy rooms, locker facilities with steam rooms and private showers, and Hervé Descottes lighting fixtures throughout. Cost: $10,000 annually. 768 5th Avenue, lapalestra.com
