Equinox
Bethesda’s Equinox practically screams luxury, from its state-of-the-art yoga, cycling and Pilates studios, to the indoor saltwater pool, to a variety of strength and cardio equipment, to eucalyptus-infused cotton towels and a spa that offers customized massages, body wraps and facials. Workout junkies appreciate its top-notch trainers, group exercise instructors and challenging classes (with names that will appeal to young go-getters, like “Shockwave,” “Breathless” and “Flow Play”).
“I love Equinox for the amazing classes—especially Tabata, Metcon and Spinning,” says 35-year-old Emily Wexler. “Since I live and work in downtown Bethesda, I work out mostly after work and enjoy meeting up with friends and coworkers for a fun workout. [And] because the locker rooms are so nice, it makes showering and meeting friends at a local restaurant really easy and enjoyable.”
The gym, which opened in 2010, won “Best Gym for Fitness Fanatics,” “Best New Gym” and “Best Locker Rooms” in 2012 before being named “Best Gym for People Under 40” this year.
Individual memberships start at $144 a month, with an initiation fee of $250.
4905 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-652-1078, www.equinox.com/clubs/bethesda
