Exercising Success in Greenwich

Just three months ago the gym that made sweating sexy, Equinox, arrived in Greenwich. A bonafide urban-center fitness center, complete with a black-and-silver design motif plus signature clothing stores and juice bars, Equinox is the ideal gym for those who like the gym more than they like to exercise.

As a former member of the club in New York City, I was equal parts curious and chagrined. Wait a second, hadn't I left all that aspirational body glorification back in the Manhattan? Or moreover, the majority of gym-goers who spent more time staring in the mirror, or better yet, one another than actually working out? Allegedly, not.

However, I am happy to report that my visit to the gym this morning definitely tempered my cynicism. The Greenwich Equinox is delightfully not a sleek, chrome and rubber-accented meat-market, heck, it has ivy growing on the exterior (a nod to its surburan surroundings, perhaps?). Rather, it is a sparkling clean, new space with top-of-the-line machines and three large class studios for spin, mat classes and aerobics. Unlike its New York siblings, the Greenwich Equinox enjoys a remarkably open layout plus loads of natural light.

General Manager Gentry Long (whose name seems typecasted for the location) has an infectious energy and sincere personal attachment to the gym's success. His eyes lit up as my friend revealed her mother's identity to be that of one of the gym's first clients and who is, according to Long, "one of my favorites."

Despite being open only a short bit, the gym has already reached a 90 percent membership capacity. They offer both exclusive use (just Greenwich) or full access memberships. And, if you are an American Express card holder (gold or higher, of course) then your membership benefits increase with tidbits like complimentary spa treatments and extra personal training sessions.

So, then who was actually in the gym on this Monday morning? Women. I think I counted four or five men, while the other 100 or so clients (people both attending classes and out on the floor) were women ranging from the ages 25 to 55, and predominantly 35. To me, it seemed the gym specifically attracted those recent NYC transplants, or perhaps, those who split their time between CT and NYC, who are familiar with the Equinox product and thrilled to have it available in Greenwich.

I also couldn't help but notice the adorable kids playroom, available to member's children at a rate of $10 for 2 hours. You can bet that's not a fixture in the NYC gyms. Perhaps that and the ivy facade are the clear nod to the 'burbs location. Either way, I like them both.

As one may imagine from any previous visit to an Equinox gym or from even just driving by, the scene inside is rather glamorous. Most people seem more intent on maintaining a certain level of fitness or set body image rather than striving for something profound. In other words, people already looked good. Really good.

Equinox is at 16 Old Track Rd., Greenwich; 203-863-0070. http://www.equinox.com/clubs/greenwich-ct