- After a bit too much champagne this holiday season, it might be best to stop counting your South Coast trips as "cardio" and to start hitting the elliptical. However, to get the most out of your health club experience, it’s important to pick a facility that has all the bases covered. From private locker rooms, hotel suites, restaurants, and one-on-one classes, these first-class gyms are bound to put your body back in shape just in time to hit the beach.
The Newport Beach Athletic Club
Situated within Corona Del Mar’s premier shopping destinations, Fashion Island, The Newport Beach Athletic Club offers all the amenities to make serious training seem like a walk in the park. The club only allows a certain number of members due to the size of the facility, and their priority is to maintain individual attention to every gym-goer. Want to take your gym routine to the next level? Pamper yourself like a star with executive locker rooms (complete with large-screen TV), a stop at the salon, or a soak in the sauna. When you’re done shooting hoops on the private courts, head over to Café NBAC to recharge your appetite.
The Newport Beach Athletic Club is located at 1367 Avocado Ave. Newport Beach, CA., (949) 644 8910.
Custom Bodies Fitness
Voted Best Health Club by O.C. Weekly, Custom Bodies Fitness focuses on making sure members meet their fitness goals. Known for their fantastic results, the gym has helped with serious weight loss–one member losing 84 lbs. due to their exemplary training. If your next goal is to get a six-pack (and we’re not talking Stella Artois), then Custom Bodies Fitness is the place to whip you up into shape.
Custom Bodies Fitness is located at 4880 Irvine Blvd., Ste 102, Irvine, CA., (714) 544-4010.
Back Bay Fitness
The Back Bay Fitness Center offers all the amenities of a large luxury facility, but also offers the comfort of a private club. Recently renovated, the center offers state of the art equipment…umm, Cardio theater anyone? When you’re not hitting the treadmill with your trainer, consider a hip hop or ballet class to change up your routine.
Back Bay Fitness is located at 2675 Irvine Ave. Ste. A, Costa Mesa, CA., (949) 631-5587.
Equinox
Recently voted “America’s Healthiest Gym” by Health Magazine, Equinox in Newport Beach makes it hard to pass up on their award-winning reputation. Did I mention their locker rooms are fully stocked with Kiehl’s products? Sold! I’ll warn you, you might get lost in there. Newport babes are abound, classes go on all day, and there's a full service spa, sundeck, and free wifi, making it very hard to find a reason to leave.
Equinox is located at 19540 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA., (949) 296 1700.
Absolutely Pilates
Pilates is one of the hottest fitness trends, and it has been proven to have fantastic results, not only sculpting your body, but also lessening the chance of injury or strain. Absolutely Pilates, located in Huntington Beach, guides their members through private or semi-private classes. If you’re hesitant to take the Pilates plunge, try their single session for only $60.
Absolutely Pilates is located at 1907 Delaware St., Huntington Beach, CA., (714) 960-7906.
