With the launch of its first stand-alone Precision Run studio in New York City, Equinox wants to reach the urban running community in a new way.
The two-level space opens Wednesday in the Flatiron District with a “hydro-bar” and retail area out front, a 34-treadmill studio in the back, and a spacious lounge and recovery zone. Downstairs, you’ll find locker rooms, showers, and a soon-to-open Performance Lab, where runners will be able to get an in-depth assessment and address any concerns.
As the name implies, the studio will offer the club’s Precision Run group fitness program, with 49 treadmill-based classes per week throughout the day.
“Precision Run is based on a scientific method I developed called B.I.T.E., or Balanced Interval Training Experience,” said David Siik, co-founder and creative director of Precision Run, who has spent close to a decade perfecting the program. “It’s not just a name. Everything is extremely precise and carefully considered.”
The 50-minute cardio class is done on the treadmill, with intervals that vary based on speed, incline, duration and recovery. To create his dream treadmill, Siik worked with Woodway, a brand known for innovating slat-style running surfaces.
“Our completely customized treadmills are the heart and soul of the brand,” Siik said. “We wanted to produce a treadmill that people actually want to touch. It’s ergonomically designed and the rails are real walnut wood. It’s meant to feel like a luxury automobile or a yacht.”
Appealing to data-driven runners, the treadmills also use smart technology that learns about its runner’s preferences and works with their P.R., or personal record.
The room features an innovative ventilation system that replaces oxygen in the air. “We wanted to have great air quality and get it as close to outdoor fresh air as possible,” Siik said.
In fact, everything in the studio has been chosen to be on the cutting-edge, from the lights and music, which take runners through an immersive journey, to the Hyperice vibrating rollers and balls for post-class recovery.
The high-end studio also debuted its own line of performance wear.
“We’re very linked into the urban hipster running movement at the moment, so we designed this space around the running industry and its lifestyle,” Siik said. “Everything is pliable and movable so that you can host events.”
That also means having kombucha, wellness water and nitro cold brew coffee on tap regularly; for parties, the studio pours Sixpoint Brewery’s Jammer beer — which has something of a cult following among runners.
Precision Run is just the latest treadmill-based fitness studio to open in the city; Mile High Run Club debuted in 2014 and now has three locations in Manhattan, and Peloton Tread opened last year in the West Village.
IF YOU GO
Drop-in Precision Run classes $36, intro offer $75 for three | 12 W. 21st St., precisionrun.com
