New York Spas: Exhale Spa, Gansevoorte Hotel
Exhale Spa opens fifth location in NYC, and our writer
gets her butt kicked.
by Catinca Tabacaru
Exhale Spa has opened its newest New York location inside the Gansevoort Hotel in the city’s trendy Meatpacking District. This newest addition brings the total to five Exhale outlets in NYC. There are another half dozen in other states and Exhale’s new international location at the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos where Exhale runs all-inclusive 3-day retreats.
Location: The Gansevoort is one of NYC’s hippest hotels. The design is modern and the guests are chic and sophisticated. Its roof bar attracts locals and tourists alike and is known for its city views, its inventive cocktails and its exclusive clientele. The roof also includes a pool, but unfortunately it is reserved for hotel guests. Spa guest do, however, get to use the herbal steam room and lounge by one of the three hydrotherapy pools in the relaxation area.
Philosophy & Services: Exhale targets both the body and the mind. Spa services include vibration therapy, acupuncture and a treatment called “magic” – meant to address “every conceivable face-related concern” – in addition to the more traditional facials, massages, waxing and nails. A variety of exercise classes focus on the breath while maintaining a boot camp-like intensity.
The Experience: After signing up for a class through the spa’s on-line reservation site, I arrived at the Gansevoort ready to have my butt kicked. The Core Fusion Sport class was recently voted the "best guy-friendly gym class in New York City" and I have always liked keeping up with the boys. I am typically quite confident when it comes to my own fitness and have recently been bragging about being able to stand on my head for two entire minutes in my yoga class. So bring it on….I thought. Clearly I had no idea what Exhale had in store for me.
The Core Fusion Sport class is not for the faint-hearted. Instructor Alessandra Bessler guided the class through a total body workout designed to help improve performance in sports while reducing the risk of injuries. Like all Exhale instructors, Bessler teaches exclusively at Exhale and has completed the 275-hour Exhale training program. We used six-eight pound medicine balls in many of the exercises and the routine was continuous as to keep our heart rate up for the entire length of the one-hour class. By the end of the class I was a sweaty mess and could barely peel myself off the matt.
Two days after the class, I’m still feeling the pain in my thighs, back and abs.
Exhale also offers a somewhat less intense Core Fusion class which combines the disciplines of core conditioning, Pilates, the Lotte Berk Method and yoga", which, according to the brochure, is designed to produce long, lean muscles, washboard abs, a tighter and higher backside, and a perfectly toned body. I want it all!
Exhale also offers yoga classes of varying levels and a Core Energy Flow class which fuses yoga with a more challenging workout. Classes are frequent and available seven days a week. Anyone can sign-up, although classes should be booked beforehand on-line in order to guarantee a spot.
Regardless of the seemingly intense level of the core classes, Bessler assures me that "all Exhale teachers are well equipped to provide modifications for each exercise" and all fitness levels are welcome.
Downside: While the teachers at Exhale are expertly trained, friendly and responsive, I can’t say the same about the staff. The atmosphere at the Reception and the opening party which I attended after the class was somewhat snooty – similar to that attitude typically found at very exclusive, members-only type establishments. I was somewhat put off… but not enough to walk away without buying a 10-core class package at the end of the day.
For more info 
Catinca Tabacaru contributes to Travel to Wellness from her home base in New York.
Other stories on New York spas:
Nickel Spa for Men
Caudalie Vinotherapy Spa
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