If you dread making separate trips to spin class, the tennis courts, and yoga, one of the athletic megaplexes in the county might just be the answer. If “megaplexes” connotes nightmarish visions of Walmart-like chaos, take a closer look: The only superstore thing about them is the breadth and scope of what they offer. In fact, some of the following places will have you running, climbing, and dancing in the lap of luxury.
Life Time Athletic in Harrison (914-290-5100; www.lifetimefitness.com), newly opened this year, is more like a small village than any gym we’ve seen, boasting squash to rock-climbing to 10 climate-controlled indoor tennis courts. It’s easy to spend an entire day at this state-of-the-art facility: Drop the kids off at one of 11 different enrichment programs for little ones before you hit up a cardio class; afterwards, relax with a massage at the in-house spa. Who says six hours at the gym is excessive?
Club Fit in Briafcliff Manor (914-762-3444) and Jefferson Valley (914-245-4040; www.clubfit.com) has classes that run the gamut from staples like yoga and spinning to specialties such as belly dancing and tai chi. The club also features a pool and full aquatics program, as well as tennis, racquetball, and pick-up games of sports like soccer. Adult and youth athletes alike can enhance their agility and conditioning through programs with the Parisi Speed School, and, naturally, you can cap your workout with a massage any day of the week.
Premier Athletic Club in Montrose (914-739-7755; www.premierathletic.com) isn’t as cushy as some ’plexes we’ve seen, but indoor and outdoor tennis courts (five in total), racquetball courts, three(!) pools, and pickup games of soccer and basketball throughout the winter season mean all of your bases are covered when it comes to getting your game on. A typical day of working out? How about a game of volleyball by the outside pool? Beats the elliptical.
And look out for…
The Westchester Field House is a proposed all-ages indoor sports facility in Greenburgh that will provide year-round rec opportunities, including soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, and volleyball camps/clinics for kids. Plans outline a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, along with a 94,000-square-foot field house, and both an indoor turf field and an outdoor field. Seniors will have free access to an indoor walking track as well as health and wellness services, while adults can participate in coed rec activities, fitness programs, and competitive sport leagues.
