Stuck in a fitness rut?
Moncler Sale Fear not, because New York’s latest exercise trends – and super-gyms – are hitting the UK. So steal their secrets and get a better body before New Year chimes
Sleek, toned and super-disciplined… When it comes to fitness, New Yorkers are always three treadmill strides ahead of the rest of us. From new-fangled Broadway Dance classes at trendy urban gym Crunch, to the barefoot-running movement and fat-burning power sessions at Barry’s Bootcamp, if there’s one thing Park Avenue princesses know, it’s how not to pile on the pounds.
Which is why one of the UK’s most hotly anticipated openings of the year isn’t a designer fashion store, private members’ club or even a nightclub, but a New York gym. Founded in 1991 on the Upper East Side by siblings Danny,
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Now Equinox has landed on West London’s Kensington High Street. Forget crusty towels, grubby changing rooms and queuing for a cross-trainer. This 40,000 sq ft space, which used to house the hip 1970s hangout the Rainbow Room (when the building was the site of the iconic Biba department store), has been decked out in slick wooden panelling, its original art deco features have been restored, and more than 290 pieces of high-tech fitness equipment have been installed. To the gym machinery, Equinox adds touchscreen TVs, an Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill (great for rehabilitating injuries), Matrix Climbmills (like mini escalators), and that’s before you discover the spinning studio, boxing arena, spa and café. In short, it’s the Willy Wonka chocolate factory of working out.
‘New Yorkers take an integrated approach to their health through fitness, diet and beauty,’ says Carol B Espel, a director at Equinox. ‘We’re bringing Londoners a one-stop shop for mind and body wellbeing, so that they too can enjoy the health benefits – and make them last.’
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Before you’ve dropped a bead of sweat they’ll treat you to a full-body analysis using high-techery that includes the Tru Cal machine (to analyse your metabolism) and a Functional Movement Screen, which helps you get the most from each exercise. Then your personal trainer takes you through a three-stage programme of strength and conditioning, balance and coordination and advanced training – to the beat of playlists curated specially for members by P Diddy and Madonna.
One-on-one sessions not your thing? Even fitness-phobes will find something to love among the list of classes, from Whipped! (think kettlebells and ropes), Barre Burn (ballet – but harder), pilates, martial arts, 15 types of yoga and boxing with former middleweight star Michael Olajide.
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By which time your aching muscles will be crying out for their signature Equissage massage, which is tailored to your posture and work-out goals. Hell, once you’re in situ in the spa, why not go the whole hog with a 24-Carat Gold or Chocolate Facial, a leg wax and spray tan?