David Barton Gym

Walk into Manhattan's alternative take on upscale fitness and you'll find yourself surrounded by 100-plus workout stations and over 10,000 pounds of iron. The facility runs Precor ellipticals, a full lineup of treadmills, and stationary bikes across its floor. Winter mornings get crowded with people seeking refuge from the cold in group sessions—spinning classes, yoga flows, pilates reformers, and kickboxing rounds all happening simultaneously. Personal trainers roam the cardio theater section where rows of equipment face screens. The locker rooms feel more like a spa than a gym, complete with complimentary towels and a juice bar where you can refuel post-workout. Between traditional strength work and specialty classes like tai chi, there's enough variety to keep any routine feeling fresh.

The Upper Eastside Studio is located on the corner of East 76th Street and 1st Avenue. The studio entrance is located on the northeast corner of East 76th Street and 1st Avenue above the 3 Star Diner. Follow the stairs up the first stairway to the second floor. Please note that the buzzer is outside the first door but opens the inner door.

Joseph Pilates created original pieces of equipment for his exercise system that he called “Contrology.” His studio in New York City had a workshop where he created his designs. Today, there are many different companies that now manufacture Pilates equipment. <br> The Pilates Movement uses equipment produced by Gratz Industries. Gratz Industries is one of the only manufacturers that produces equipment closest to the original designs. Pilates equipment is different than your typical gym equipment. The equipment has springs, leather straps, wooden and leather handles, and fuzzy foot straps. Through the use of springs, instead of weights, the equipment helps to show you where the muscles are and how they work within the movement. Performing a series of controlled movements that work against the resistance of springs is unlike using your average machine in a gym.