By Beth Landman
Lululemon and Hokas have long edged out jodhpurs and tennis whites as daytime wear on the East End, and weekend warriors have been replaced by a community devoted to health and fitness. Even bed and breakfasts started adding yoga classes, and when Equinox finally opened a full-on club in Bridgehampton, athletic choices reached a new level. The options keep growing, and this season, Equinox will launch a groundbreaking holistic program—a partnership with Function Health, founded by Mark Hyman, M.D., a longevity guru. Optimize by Equinox, which costs $40,000 per year, will only be available at its E by Equinox clubs, as well as Bridgehampton (204 Butter Lane). It aims to maximize members’ peak physical potential and improve their long-term health, based on biodata gathered from over 100 biomarkers and protocols, and analyzed by medical experts. Equinox is also taking advantage of Bridgehampton’s bucolic setting by adding an outdoor barrel sauna and cold plunge. Apart from the health benefits attributed to contrast therapy, it is meant to aid in post-workout recovery.
Good posture is currently being viewed as a crucial component of physical fitness, with Pilates key to achieving that goal. Kevyn Zeller, who has a studio on East 70th Street, will focus on one client at a time in her new space at 7 Muchmore Lane, East Hampton (studio.kevynzeller.com). “People are sitting so much of the time, and Pilates is the most effective and efficient way to restore alignment,” says Zeller. Her sessions begin with foam rollers, a Theragun, and hands-on myofascial release to activate muscles that are weak and relax those that are overstressed. The sessions also target back pain and breath. “My work increases function of the respiratory system, and builds a strong center. The machines get muscles firing and target the core muscles involved in healthy breathing.”
Post House, the new boutique gym at 31 Long Island Avenue in Sag Harbor that plans to meld the Hamptons social and fitness worlds with on-site podcasts, social media uploads, music and evening activities, will also zero in on alignment, promising “an experience that focuses on reprogramming the body through posture-based exercises and weightlifting techniques.” Private and group classes will be offered by well-known trainers, with an emphasis on mobility and strength (posthousehamptons.com).
Pilates will be brought to the home, along with water aerobics classes, now that Physical Equilibrium’s new PE East (11 Railroad Avenue, East Hampton; physeq.com) satellite of its Midtown location is offering house calls. Partners Sara Dimmick and Sarah Currie specialize in post rehab, as well as marathon and triathlon training. They integrate with clients’ physical therapists, and Currie, who is also a registered dietitian nutritionist, coordinates a nutritional program with private and group fitness.
Hotels, too, are in on the action, with Gurney’s adding classes such as Taylor Pearl’s Summer Sweat & Sculpt, targeting small muscle groups with isometric holds (gurneysresorts.com/montauk), and the Montauk Yacht Club (montaukyachtclub.com) is introducing Ocean Club Montauk, including opening two Privé Padel courts. If you have just finally gotten the hang of pickleball, don’t worry: The resort also offers padel lessons.