Too rich to be seen dead in a public changing room? Too famous to be exposed to civilian sweat? Then consider joining the esteemed ranks of Beyoncé, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Garner who are all paid-up members of the A-list’s most exclusive gym.
A windowless, basement space hidden down an alley in Beverly Hills may not sound like the most illustrious proposition. But at Granite (formerly known simply as ‘Bunker’) discretion is key – hence the adjoining paparazzi-proof car park, to ensure that nobody gets papped entering or leaving.
Inside, the celebrity clientele pay $200 an hour to enjoy 24/7 access to world-class trainers and state-of-the-art labs conducting bioelectrical impedance analysis (high-tech body-composition measurement), saliva testing (to screen for gene variations, which dictate exercise and diet plans) and 3D body mapping (to keep track of your changing shape). It’s referral only, so there’s no chance of being asked for a selfie when you’re mid-grunt on the cross-trainer. And, although the gym floor is 2,500 square feet, it allows just three clients in at a time.
For a movie star to look his or her best, $25,000 a month is not that much money
Speaking to Grazia, A-list trainer Adam Ernster, who founded the gym, said, ‘It’s the first of its kind in LA that is completely inaccessible to paparazzi or prying eyes. That was the point of setting it up in the first place. It quickly became popular among celebrities who want to work out without being pictured and, obviously, those sort of clientele aren’t put off by the price tag. It’s not uncommon to walk in and see Ben Affleck training next to Lewis Hamilton, and that kind of exclusivity is what attracts clients.’
In fact, the idea of an A-list-only gym has proven so popular that rival businesses are enjoying similar success. The Kardashians’ trainer Gunnar Peterson runs an unlisted gym above the Sonya Dakar Clinic in Beverly Hills, where valet parking comes as part of the service. Meanwhile, Danny Musico’s gym at
the Crescent Hotel in Beverly Hills includes a three-bedroom penthouse for those who work out too much to bother going home in-between. According to Danny, ‘For a movie star to look his or her best, $25,000 a month is not that much money.’ Stars: they’re not just like us.
Some A-listers don't mind being papped at the gym, though...
1. Bella Hadid's workout: Gotham Gym in New York
2. David Beckham's workout: SpinCycle in L.A.
3. Kim Kardashian's workout: Barry's Bootcamp in New York
4. Kendall Jenner's workout: gym in New York
