David Barton, dubbed "The Man Who Made Working Out Cool" by the New York Times, builds gyms that are as much about design as they are function. Walking into a David Barton Gym is like entering a dreamscape. The Collins location evokes a futuristic version of Atlantis: workout equipment appears to be at the bottom of the ocean beneath neon blue lighting and a wavy metallic ceiling, presided over by an imposing skeleton of an ancient sea creature chained to the wall. Where as the Astor Place location resembles an art museum, decked out in bold fuchsia lighting, Victorian-era furniture, damask wallpaper, and graffiti-style art work.

Though the décor varies from place to place, the focus on fitness does not. At each David Barton Gym, members can hit treadmills or lift weights. They can also work up a sweat in group fitness classes, which mix familiar workouts with more unusual offerings. After stretching and strengthening in yoga and Pilates, they can head to the Blood, Sweat, and Tears intensive, after which they'll receive a complimentary vial of the blood, sweat, and tears shed throughout the boot-camp-style sessions.