When Toluca Lake Tennis & Fitness Club was founded in 1974, its members didn’t bat an eye when celebrities such as Bob Hope, Johnny Carson and Farrah Fawcett entered the doors. Nowadays, not much has changed. Located next to Warner Brothers and Universal Studios, the club specializes in catering to Hollywood’s entertainment professionals and executives in the Los Angeles area.
Recently, Toluca Lake Tennis & Fitness Club was voted the “2015 Best Health and Fitness Club” in Los Angeles in the Readers Choice Awards for the Los Angeles Daily News.
Adam James, the gym’s general manager, said this was a huge honor, especially when you take into consideration the club’s competition. “We were up against the big chain club companies, in particular Equinox, but also 24 Hour Fitness and LA Fitness, as well as all the other hundreds of clubs in Los Angeles,” he said. “For us, to be singled out is a huge honor.”
Toluca Lake Tennis & Fitness Club is best known for its tennis program, overseen by Ben Brunkow, a nationally ranked doubles champion. The gym hosts tournaments, clinics and private lessons.
However, James explained the club’s staff is really what makes it stand out from competitors. “Our staff is tremendous and this award is really a testimony to them,” he said. “They work so hard to create that family atmosphere, knowing the members’ names, doing the extra things that go beyond the expectations and even anticipating their needs. We create that club atmosphere that goes beyond the typical gym.”
Another interesting aspect to the gym is its architecture, which blends classic Hollywood with modernity. “The architect is a son of one of the founders and he designed it to have that Spanish Hollywood look to it that makes it very classic,” said James. “But at the same time, we’ve built modern amenities and elite fitness facilities throughout.”
Ultimately, Toluca Lake Tennis & Fitness Club has succeeded in combining classic Hollywood charm with elite, modern fitness facilities.
“We love to tell people that we’re more than just tennis,” said James. “We have an amazing fitness facility, which includes over 50 classes a week. We have everything from Spinning and yoga to dance and boxing.”
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
