2009
Bellevue, Seattle
2009
Astor Place, New York
2012
Tivoli Village, Las Vegas
2012
West Hollywood, Los Angeles
2012
Century City, Los Angeles
– it’s just about finding the right deal and the right opportunity. I definitely think it’s on the horizon.
How are you going to celebrate David Barton Gyms’ 20th anniversary? I’m going to have a huge workout and then throw a big party in one of my gyms. We’re well known for great par- ties and this will be no exception.
What motivates you?
My son is 18. The other night I went to a dinner for parents of kids about to graduate. I see this next genera- tion and I feel that what we do is so important. Fitness will hopefully save the ever-declining health of my country. Here food and inactivity is killing peo- ple. I’m really motivated to set the bar high and to make this business about quality and professionalism. It’s not out of reach for anyone to be
healthy, to feel good and to have the body they dream of having. Our trade- mark tagline is ‘look better naked’, and I’m not ashamed of how shal- low that may sound. I really do believe that when somebody works out in my gym and feels good in their body they leave here and become a better lawyer or politician or artist or whatever their contribution to the world is. I’m moti- vated by trying to make an impact on my little corner of the world.
How would your friends describe you? And your critics?
My friends would describe me as someone who loves to have a good time. I love what I do, probably because most of the time I do what I love. My life is filled with things that I love; I love my business, I love being in the gym. I live a charmed life. I don’t know what my critics say, because I don’t speak with them.
What do you do for pleasure? I’m a musician – I play the drums. I’ve played in a lot of punk rock bands, and right now I’m in a band called the Liquid Blonde, which plays elec-
ISSUE 3 2012 © cybertrek 2012
The David Barton Spa at the Perry hotel in Miami features 10 treatment rooms
tronic rock. They are great and I think they’re going to do really well. I love hanging out with my son, while he will still hang out with me. I also love spending quality time with my schnauzer, Bippy.
What’s your favourite film and book? I have to read so much about exercise science, just to keep up on it, as I still work a lot with the trainers. I read a lot on biochemistry, movement science, neuroscience and everything that relates to exercise. My all time favour- ite book is Crime and Punishment though. I’ve probably read it 20 times. My favourite movie ever is Barry
Lyndon, Stanley Kubrick’s epic period piece. It’s really a film-making mas-
terpiece – he used genuine antique costumes, and filmed the candle- lit scenes without using any artificial light. It’s like a work of art.
What have been your highest and lowest points?
My highest point was opening up my first gym. I fought so hard for it. I started out without two pennies to rub together, and there I was opening up this gym, which was my dream. It was just the greatest business high. As for the lowest point, I can’t think of one. Since opening my first gym, there have been a lot of struggles, but there’s never been anything that I didn’t think I could resolve. I’m a very positive person and I never get that down. l
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PHOTO: DAN FORER
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