The widely anticipated David Barton Gym at The Bravern in Downtown Bellevue is now open for members, workouts and tours. With close to 40,000 square feet on 2 levels, the space is full of top of the line cardio equipment, weights, group exercise rooms, and a gorgeous Pilates studio. This is not your Pro Club where you might go for the family swim class or a gym chain with a manufactured feeling, but if you’re serious about results, classes, and training you should feel comfortable at DBG.
As you make your way through The Bravern parking garage maze, find the “amethyst” elevator and it will take you directly to the unique lobby of the gym. Much has been said about the exciting interior design…As you walk in the long front entryway you see the rounded walls that remind of a skateboard half-pipe. The smoothie bar is still in the works, and they have a small retail section with an eclectic assortment of items.
Six Pack Attack, Ass Blast, Pain & Pleasure, and Yoga for Jocks are just a few of the catchy names and cool classes that David Barton Gym is offering free with membership. I have tried about a half dozen of the classes, including Pilates, and have to say I am impressed. They have a huge selection of classes at all times of the day. With a background in fitness, I can appreciate that in most cases the group exercise instructors are the personal trainers. Seems like a good way to take a “test drive” to see if you like their style and energy before committing to buying training sessions and also a great way for the trainers to build relationships with future clients. I can tell they are focused on results and I am looking forward to my complimentary training session.
The gym is robustly staffed, kept in great order, and is immaculate. The Cardio Theater on every piece of their new Life Fitness cardio equipment is a huge bonus. Time flies doing cardio with a built-in TV and iPod docking station on my treadmill, bike, or elliptical. Bathrooms and locker rooms are well stocked with fluffy white towels, top notch body wash, shampoo/conditioner, razors, Listerine…you name it. The upscale locker rooms, sauna, and steam room are amazing and make you feel like you are visiting a 5-star salon & spa.
While I haven’t seen any of Seattle’s A-list celebrities pumping iron or taking classes, I have seen some Project Managers from Microsoft, marketing folks from Expedia, and the occasional soccer mom from Bellevue. Members are not pretentious, but regular people that are friendly and offer up the occasional smiling hello. No attitude from employees, but instead a friendly knowledgeable staff with people from all walks of life and fitness backgrounds.
On my adventure to “Look Better Naked,” next classes on the list to try are Guns and Rope Burn…See you at the gym!
Past David Barton Bellevue Stories:
- Getting to Know David Barton Gym (8/14/09)
- David Barton Gym Announced at The Bravern (2/27/08)
