When people talk about going to the gym, it's usually with a tinge of regret that they couldn't do their workout outdoors. Getting fit among nature sounds lovely in theory, but Houstonians know better than most that the weather doesn't always comply.
That's why The Preserve, a new and exclusive fitness center in River Oaks, has taken its #fitspo from Mother Nature herself and combined high-tech equipment with al fresco-influenced comfort.
Features such as an outdoor yoga deck and tranquil patio garden, coupled with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the building with invigorating natural light, help you feel connected to nature. A 25-meter pool helps balance the elements. The overall atmosphere of the two-story, 16,000-square-foot building is more like that of a spa or resort, instead of a traditional indoor gym — but then again, hardly anything is traditional at The Preserve.
Membership is limited, which helps keep class sizes small and means you'll always find a spot on your favorite machine. You'll never feel like just a name on the sign-in sheet again, as most of the cycling, high-intensity Tabata, and total-body classes in the four boutique studios are capped to maintain an intimate environment.
There are nine Pilates reformers for the same reason; with deliberately smaller class sizes, each member receives more in-depth personal attention from the instructor, who has been briefed on your personal health history and any injuries that might require alterations in the movements.
And you'll want to take advantage of having the city's best personal trainers on hand to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether building muscle, whittling your waist, or improving your overall health, these talented trainers are dedicated to making it happen.
That one-on-one attention runs throughout the center, from the second you check in to the triumphant moment when you leave, exhausted but happy at having treated your body well that day.
