The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association reported that as of January 2013 about 58.5 million Americans are using fitness centers via membership or other type of status. Clubs come in all sizes and price points from no-frills spots and old-school gyms to lavish fitness centers and lifestyle boutiques. For those looking for more than the average gym experience, we've rounded up a list of the fanciest gyms across the country that offer out-of-this-world amenities and world-class service.
California Health & Longevity Institute
Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village, California 91362 1 of 11
Membership Cost: Starting at $2,950 per year
Why We Fancy It: You may recognize the California Health & Longevity Institute from shows like NBC's The Biggest Loser and ABC's Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. The Institute offers more than just fitness options. It has a medical center offering physicals, radiology, dentistry and a full-service spa facility with a serenity pool. Nutrition services are available along with cooking classes at its wellness kitchen, an interactive cooking experience where registered dietitians offer both hands-on and interactive demonstrations with fresh ingredients from their on-site greenhouse and garden. This is more than just a gym; it's the place for a true lifestyle and fitness overhaul.
The Houstonian Club
111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 2 of 11
Membership Cost: Contact Club for Details
Why We Fancy It: The Houstonian Club offers everything you could want in a fitness facility—and more. For those who want to do more than just strength training, there are five pools, a racquetball court, four indoor and five outdoor tennis courts, a boxing studio and more. Other perks at this one-stop shop includes a car wash, laundry services and dining options.
The Setai Club & Spa Wall Street
40 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004 3 of 11
Membership Cost: Starting at $1,980 per year
Why We Fancy It: For those looking for a health and fitness experience where all you need to do is show up, the Setai Club & Spa Wall Street has anything you could need. When arriving, members can head to the men's and women's changing rooms, which include robes, rubber slippers, workout wear and a private attendant to serve your needs. In addition to state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, members can also get treatments from the spa and use the AquaGrotto (a luxurious retreat that taps into the natural, healing powers of water). This includes a raised marble hydro Jacuzzi, eucalyptus aromatherapy steam room and Finnish sauna.
TriFit Club and Studios
2425 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90404 4 of 11
Membership Cost: Starting at $88 per month
Why We Fancy It: Founded by athletes, TriFit Club and Studios is an official USA Triathlon Training Center that offers run and swim video analysis along with bike fitting and bike fit training. Members who want to hop on the bike but feel like they are outdoors will get plenty of use out of the virtual reality cycling studio. Those who aren't triathletes can still appreciate the facility, and yogis will enjoy the 2,100-square-foot yoga studio complete with rope wall. The eco-friendly fitness club is perfect for all athletes, no matter their sport.
PRO Sports Club
4455 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, Washington 98007 (and two other locations in Washington) 5 of 11
Membership Cost: Contact Club for Details
Why We Fancy It: Their website says, "Everything you've dreamed of in a health club and more." They're not lying. Athletes of all disciplines will find something they love, including fitness equipment, tennis, soccer and four separate pools. The club offers sports medicine and wellness services along with world-class amenities. The floral studio, auto detailing shop and various dining options are the icing on the cake to a world-class club experience.
East Bank Club
500 North Kingsbury Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 6 of 11
Membership Cost: Starting at $180 per month
Why We Fancy It: With more than 25,000 square feet of cardiovascular offerings, this fitness and wellness club exceeds all expectations. Members can take advantage of the Golf Center and play indoors year-round, along with offerings in aquatics, tennis, squash, racquetball and more. For those who want to take their fitness experience outdoors, private kayaking tours through downtown are available, making this a truly unique experience for Chicagoans.
The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers
Pier 60 - 20th St. & Hudson River Park, New York, New York 10011 7 of 11
Membership Cost: Contact Club for Details
Why We Fancy It: No matter the weather in New York, the Sports Center at Chelsea Piers enables athletes to work out year-round. Runners especially will love the indoor track—so training for that winter race can involve less frostbite—and the center offers the only indoor sand volleyball court in New York City. If members want to bring the beach even closer, there is a class featuring a surf trainer. Gym-goers can make use of personal training and cross-train with every sport imaginable, including rowing, rock climbing and basketball. New Yorkers can truly leave the world behind at the door and get lost in this health haven.
MySportsClubs Dupont Circle
1835 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009 (and 7 other locations in DC) 8 of 11
Membership Cost: Contact Club for Details
Why We Fancy It: MySportsClubs has locations in New York, Boston, Washington DC and Philadelphia, but the Dupont Circle club in Washington DC is one-of-a-kind. What makes it unique is the hamam spa—an updated version of the classic Turkish spa. The club describes the hamam as "a semicircle of tiered marble slabs that radiate relaxing heat." This option is perfect way to relax after Pilates, an interval circuit or cardio training and exclusive to the region.
Vida Fitness U Street
1612 U Street NW, Washington DC 20009 (and 6 other locations in the region) 9 of 11
Membership Cost: Contact Club for Details
Why We Fancy It: The U Street location of Vida Fitness is the largest with 60,000-square-feet of space and an exclusive rooftop pool with views found in the Penthouse Pool Club. Those who love classes will appreciate the six group fitness studios and boot camp, Pilates and TRX classes. If the spa, salon and steam rooms aren't enough, you can rent a cabana or day bed at the pool. The member lounge with Wi-Fi will keep members busy long after a workout and makes Vida Fitness a home away from home.
CORE: Club
66 East 55th Street; New York, NY 10022 10 of 11
Membership Cost: Contact Club for Details
Why We Fancy It: The CORE: Club offers members an experience that has to be seen to be believed. Through their Zoomtion Fitness offerings, members get a customized health and fitness program that considers everything from sleep patterns to workplace environment. The club has more than 50 art pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol on exhibit and programming through their screening room, epicurean events and art events. CORE Club not only refines your body, but also your mind, spirit and palate.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article