How luxury gyms became the new third place

Four years ago, gyms were in trouble. It was the early days of the COVID pandemic, and the government implemented a temporary mandate to close fitness centers. People squeezed their workout routines into whatever shape they could take in basements, backyards, or the cramped corner of an apartment. As a result, a number of budget gyms declared bankruptcy in 2020, including Gold’s Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, and Town Sports International (the parent company of New York Sports Club). Just last...