Robin makes fun of the fact that I wear $9 pants (from Marshalls) with $430 shirts (Paul Frederick) and $720 shoes (Fluevog). There's an explanation to this sartorial eccentricity: priorities. Some things matter to me (the sky's no limit); some things don't (I'm super-cheap). I'll travel across town with a $5 coupon to save on pedestrian items while splurging the same day on a Montblanc fountain pen ($1,200). Priorities.
You know my health is important to me. It's what keeps me alive. Preserving my physical condition matters so, when it came to selecting a gym, I went for the best: Equinox. There are a dozen gyms in my neighborhood: I picked the one offering the best facility (eucalyptus towels!), most customized exercise options (personal trainers, specialized regimens, Pilates, yoga) and luxurious accommodations (private spa, steam room, health cafe and athleisure-clothing shop).
Also elevating the importance of this choice is Robin: she plans to join me at the gym. Since particular things matter to her (like friendly staff and cleanliness), I looked for a place offering those comforts. Equinox does.
We visited their Woodbury location and were impressed. Before we entered the building I told Robin about eucalyptus towels and she scoffed. Once inside, however, she smelled them and was instantly ensorcelled. Rubbing a fragrant towel against her face Robin smiled like a kindergartener.
Equinox is expensive (total cost for both of us is about $30,000/year) but, again, priorities. This matters.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Ally,
ReplyDeleteI love your philosophy, splurge where it counts, save where it doesn’t. $9 pants with $720 shoes? Perfectly logical when you put it like that! And I totally get it: Montblanc pens over pedestrian items any day. Priorities, indeed.
Your Equinox experience sounds next-level, eucalyptus towels, personal trainers, private spa… basically a wellness wonderland. I can just picture Robin’s face when she got the full towel treatment, instant enchantment! Definitely worth the splurge if it keeps you both happy, healthy, and motivated.
Also, your point about aligning priorities with Robin’s preferences is so thoughtful. Not everyone thinks about someone else’s joy when choosing a gym! Sounds like you two are set for some seriously luxurious workouts.
Happy Thanksgiving to you both, and here’s to $9 pants and $30k-a-year eucalyptus towels!
Thanks for the understanding and eloquent response!
DeleteYour splurge/save philosophy makes perfect sense and I'd definitely be swayed by those eucalyptus towels!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and Robin! xxx
Thanks! Hope you're well, too.
DeleteOoooooh, this gym sounds gooooood!!!! Does it have a nice pool??? I love a nice pool. I'd love to join a nice place with a pool!!! There's one called David Lloyd that my husbands colleague, Kayleigh, goes to, locally, which costs her and her husband and kids £450 a month which I guess equates to a similar coat to yours and I'm very envious of her but as I don't drive, I wouldn't get there easily (also, the cost!) Ang I get home late, but I shall live vicariously through you so it'd be good to hear more about it!
ReplyDeleteI get it though. Why spend loads on something that doesn't bring you any especial joy (e. G. Pants) when it can be used for something that does bring you joy.
I now spend a lot on winter boots and but not so much on underwear! My £189 boots have now lasted me 5 winters already though!
Thanks for grasping the concept. Some think I'm crazy but there's logic to it that you see. Our gym doesn't have a pool but that's okay because I don't like pools. I wasn't introduced to water early in life and can't swim well. Thanks for writing!
DeleteYou don't like pools??? We can no longer be friends! 😂 Only kidding! My husband doesnt like pools either or my friend Joanne.
DeleteI think water is something you need to be exposed to early in childhood. If you aren't, a natural fear of it inhibits enjoyment. It took me years to become comfortable in a bathtub!
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