Imagine, if you will, a nirvana of sorts, where nearly everything you need to exude your highest, healthiest energy was under the same roof. From intense workout classes that push you to your physical limits to workshops that examine your career followed by meditation courses that challenge you to dig deep within your heart’s center, this hub would be home to all mind, body and soul needs. This is not a one-of-a-kind destination secluded within an enlightened tribe in the South Pacific, but likely located in your city.
Over the past few years, a new breed of wellness clubs has sprouted along the west and east coasts, giving those who prioritize their overall well-being the convenience of one-stop shops. Meant to foster everything from networking connections to friendships, you can expect a mix of work and life at these spaces.
Usually carrying a luxury monthly price tag with countless Instagram-worthy amenities, wellness clubs are not only trendy but also predicted to skyrocket. How come? Well, the fitness industry is booming, with little end in sight, making it an ideal time to consider your own goals. Here, a look at this new sector of health, along with recommended wellness clubs to work up a sweat, grab a fresh-pressed juice and get your Zen on.
Why Are Wellness Clubs Popular?
If you ask Mary Keane Arenson, head of partnerships at The Assembly San Francisco, the emergence of wellness clubs is a response to the hustle culture. Because so many millennials — and let’s face it, every age group — are pushing themselves to work full-time, side gigs, stay fit, check off countries around the world and maintain a social life, there has to be a place to combat burnout. “We are bombarded with tasks and responsibilities that don’t include taking care of our own well-being,” she explains. “We’re seeing the tip of the iceberg with wellness clubs. There is such a strong resonance with the concept and the possibilities and growth are endless.”
On the other side of the country, Alex Mizrahi, the director of communications at The Assemblage in New York City, echoes the sentiments of Arenson, stressing that New Yorkers are becoming increasingly busy. With deadlines and demands, he says having access to multiple wellness options throughout the workday (or weekend), all under one roof, enables overachievers to practice self-care and stay grounded without sacrificing time.
Another club opening in Manhattan this spring — The Well — will offer practitioners in eastern and western medicine, a full-service restaurant, acupuncture and spa treatments, all as a part of their membership package.
What Are the Benefits of Wellness Clubs?
Dependent on location and ethos, wellness clubs offer a little bit of everything to their members. Some highlight co-working spaces that cater to the ever-growing breed of digital nomads. Others feature notable speakers who give members-only discussions or seminars. Some are for ladies only, while a handful welcome both sexes. Others have gyms, some have spas — and the list goes on. Apart from the obvious benefits of reduced stress and anxiety, Arenson says one of the most valuable perks is access to a like-minded community. “Through wellness-centered activities — fitness classes, small group gatherings, continued learning from peers — we feel less alone and more impactful now than ever before,” she adds.
Most of these spaces are — wait for it — alcohol-free, which in cities that fuel themselves on happy hours, is a rarity. The Assemblage, for one, does not allow any sort of alcohol, which Mizrahi says contributes to a more intentional way of breeding friendships and fostering connection.
If you are intrigued enough to inquire about a day pass, here are some of the top wellness clubs in the country in 2019:
The Wing
Arguably the first in the part-wellness, part-coworking club space, The Wing calls itself a network of work and community spaces, designed for women. According to their website, their mission is to provide professional, civic, social and economic advancement of women through community. They have three locations in New York, one in Washington, D.C., one in San Francisco, another in Los Angeles, and they are opening at least three more this year in Boston, Chicago and London. As for 2020? They have plans to expand to Toronto and Seattle.
As they put it, The Wing creates new opportunities, ideas and conversations that lead to ‘great mobility and prosperity for womankind.’ Your membership here is not centered around fitness, but instead on female friendships and a place to exhale from your day. Amenities vary by location, but you can usually expect conference rooms, phone booths, showers, lockers, beauty rooms (with hairdryers, makeup supplies, hair products and so on), nursing areas, childcare, cafes and more.
Memberships are across the board, as you would expect with many hubs around the country, and guests can bring up to two guests at any given time at no additional cost. It is ideal for a working mom, a solo-go-getter who is just getting started with her business, or someone new to a city and hoping to make new girlfriends.
Membership Rates:
-Single location membership: starts at $185/month
-All-access membership: $250/month
The Assembly
At the female-only wellness space, Arenson says they actively want to help women feel less burnt out from the moment they walk through the doors. Focused on physical and personal wellness, you can expect everything from fitness classes to political and social activism events — think Women’s Marches and open discussions around fundamental rights — pampering services and beyond. It was built within a historic church and is touted as a safe place to practice self-care.
Many benefits are included within your membership, from unlimited fitness classes, access to the digital community and area discounts, meeting spaces ideal for entrepreneurs, full stocked arts-and-crafts room, a pumping room for moms, a backyard for sunbathing, and more. Various memberships appeal to different budgets, allowing you to figure out what’s best for you.
For those who want to mix exercise, mental health and friendships all together — this is your new place to fit everything in, and then some.
Membership Rates:
-Unlimited membership: $250/month
-Drop-in fitness class: $30/per class
-Day Pass (including a fitness class and access to working space): $70/day
Primary
This New York-based wellness club was opened by the first employee of WeWork — and you should think of it as a place to get your job done and then head straight to yoga. Their first location in the financial district opened with an impressive 25,000-square-foot space (yes, you read that right), including all of the things you would expect of a co-working space — desks, offices, communal lounges, charging stations — but also hosts eight classes a week. You can expect everything from Vinyasa flow yoga and running clubs to guided meditation and nutritional workshops, and so on.
You will also find a cafe with espresso, bone broth, teas and another nosh. Their second location in Midtown Manhattan is a tad smaller, but still just as Zen-ful.
Membership Rates:
-Private office: $750/month
-Open coworking space: $300/month
The Assemblage
With three locations in Manhattan, The Assemblage is the latest within co-working-turned-wellness-club hubs. You can choose from a variety of memberships, all of which add value to the lifestyle you lead. Your monthly rate includes access to the co-working space and their vast cultural programming, including dinner series, interactive workshops, film screenings, upstate New York retreats and travel. You can also enjoy a selection of Ayurvedic food and beverage options, book event spaces and beyond.
For a mighty premium, you can actually live here, too, with nightly, weekly and monthly rates. These apartments are spacious and serve as luxe hotel rooms for visitors when members do not have them booked.
The Assemblage is almost like a cult but in a positive way. With so many events to pick from and a working space lit by natural light — and featuring comfortable corners to write your business plan from — it is a splurge, but one that is definitely tax-deductible.
Membership Rates:
-Assembly Membership: $200/month
-House Membership: $495/month
-Desk Membership: $1,200/month
-Resident Studio/Office: $2,500/month
-Traveler Membership: Starting at $100/month
