New fitness studio more than a gym, it’s a lifestyle

EQUINOX: Upscale chain planning to open a Vancouver location

Downtown Vancouver’s luxury shopping district will have a new venue for the well-heeled to work out their bodies — and credit cards — by the end of the year.

Equinox, an upscale fitness and spa chain originating in New York, is setting up shop at 1111 West Georgia St., across from the Shangri-La Hotel. It marks Equinox’s third location in Canada and the only one outside Toronto.

It promises a lifestyle — as opposed to mere fitness — with marketing aimed at A-type achievers who have at least $150 a month to spare for a membership. (That’s a pre-opening price and existing locations in Canada and the U.S. charge closer to $200 per month for the privilege.)

Those fees cover unlimited group fitness in six different studios offering stationary cycling, yoga, barre, strength, conditioning and cardio classes, according to Equinox’s website. Private Pilates sessions and personal training are extra, as are all spa services including massage, facials and the like.

“Equinox Vancouver will complement this city’s high performance lifestyle, so whether you’re marathon training, a yogi or getting ready for ski season, there’s a tremendous opportunity to serve our new members in Vancouver, ” said John Klein, senior vice-president of real estate for Equinox, in an email to Postmedia.

Since the chain’s inception in 1991, there are now 81 locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

For more information go to: equinox.com/westgeorgiast

— PNG FILES An artist’s rendering depicts the lobby of Equinox, an upscale fitness centre and spa to open at 1111 West Georgia St. by year’s end. It’s the third Equinox site in Canada, the first in Vancouver.