The Roof Was On Fire

Exhale Spa could not have picked a nicer day to host a party on the roof of the Gansevoort in honor of its newest location Sunday. The sun was shining, the vodka lemonades were flowing and spa-goers eagerly sampled the freebies (chair massages, mani/pedis, acupressure beads etc.) I myself enjoyed a massage and an application of acupressure beads... and the vodka lemonade.

These indulgences were well deserved after Barbara's open level Core Fusion class. Though it did not radically alter my overall impression of Core Fusion classes (I still prefer Physique 57), Barbara's class was seriously tough and the live DJ was a great addition. I definitely hit some muscle groups I've been missing, and that's never a bad thing.

Exhale at the Gansevoort has everything you'd expect from Exhale, but it's all underground and the classroom has a basement kind of feel. I'm not sure if the mirrors haven't arrived yet, or if this classroom won't have any. The real issue, though, is that the ladies' locker room has one shower. It's a seriously awesome shower with marble, impressive water pressure and yummy smelling products, but there's just one.

The party at the Gansevoort is not over. Through September, they are offering complimentary blowdrys at the salon next door, evening classes with live music and a cocktail, a "one week transformation" and more. Exhalespa.com for details. What I'm most intrigued by now, though, are the Core Fusion Sport classes. I may opt to try those closer to home, but the locker room buzz on those has me thinking that I've been missing out on the best of Exhale.

I'll keep you posted.

-Gym Belle-