New Equinox Gym Transforms 'Dusty' LES Into 'Hub For Fitness'

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — Luxury gym chain Equinox opened its Lower East Side location this week, establishing the neighborhood "as a hub for fitness and high-performance living," according to a spokeswoman for Equinox.

The new gym at 200 Orchard Street near East Houston Street offers members personal training sessions and studios dedicated to cycling, yoga, group fitness and pilates. The high-end fitness center also includes a spa and a Juice Press outpost, according to the spokeswoman.

Designed with a "boutique feel" the health club is “symbolic of the new wave of ‘members only’ clubs" but stays grounded with “artwork that brings to mind the guerrilla murals plastered along the Lower East Side’s dusty streets,” said the spokeswoman.

In addition to a symbol of gentrification, Equinox has also earned a reputation for lewd behavior from its clients.

The luxury chain is facing lawsuits from dozens of complainants who say the company ignores sexually inappropriate behavior from its members, including one New Yorker who said Equinox ignored his report of an attempted rape at the West Village outpost.

A lawyer was hit with charges Tuesday for allegedly masturbating while staring at an employee at the club's Wall Street center.

Photos courtesy of Equinox