America's Best Health Club Restaurants

When joining a health club, you want to know if they have good classes that fit with your schedule, you want to make sure the pool and locker rooms are decent, and... oh yes, you want to make sure they have a top-notch restaurant on the premises. Luring both members and the public in with more than the standard juice bars, increasing numbers of health clubs are upgrading not only to better quality food choices but are considering atmosphere, as well.

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With upscale amenities currently offered at many health clubs (luxury bath products, eucalyptus-scented towels, etc.) the pressure is on for club owners to stay on top and stand out in a crowd. It makes sense that food is also a crucial element of the big picture. Recognizing that exercise is only one element of a healthy lifestyle, more health clubs have focused on how nutrition plays a key role in how our bodies use fuel, whether in building muscle or losing weight. Offering dining options that are themselves a destination — not just a stop on the way out the door — gets clients to stay and also draws the public in. The result is a complete experience, merging the aspects of the physical and the social into something to look forward to.

Whether you're looking for a brisk workout or a healthy getaway, we've listed venues that look farther than granola and bland lettuce salads. Professional chefs and nutritionists are working together to create memorable food and are not afraid to offer dishes with impactful flavors balancing protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats. The result is often gourmet cuisine in its own right. So put down your gym bag and stay a while.