EVENT REPORT   05.20.08 2:57 PM
Gym Jam
To mark its official opening, the Tysons Corner Equinox Fitness Club turned its space into a low-lit party spot, complete with trapeze artists and feats of fitness.
The 46,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Club in Tysons Corner had its soft opening on February 4, but last Thursday marked its official opening bash, benefiting the nonprofit Knock Out Abuse Against Women. Hosted by Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, and with Equinox C.E.O. Harvey Spevak on hand, the event transformed the main fitness floor into party setting for 350 guests.  

"There is an undercurrent of fitness involved with all the workings of a cocktail party," said Carrie Foster, publicist and vice president at Linda Roth Associates, which produced the event. "Everything is among the equipment so it adds a very fitness-forward feel."
Although a few of the exercise machines were moved out of the space, many were left to act as additional seating, with pink, green, and yellow lighting replacing the usual bright overheads. Foster took advantage of the gym's 25-foot atrium, bringing in Arachne Aerial Arts, which featured a trapeze duet during the evening. The event also incorporated the glassed-in workout studio, presented as a sort of giant fish bowl, showcasing acrobatic belly dancing performances from three Equinox yoga instructors inside.

Morton's the Steakhouse provided the food stations, offering sliced beef tenderloin, crab cakes, and scallops with mango chutney, as well as a decadent triple chocolate cake for dessert.

  —Danielle O'Steen
Trapeze artists from Arachne Aerial Arts performed a duet at the grand opening of the Equinox Fitness Club in Tysons Corner.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
The event setup, which included a silent-auction area, incorporated the gym's machines.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
Colorful uplighting took the place of the gym's usual overhead lights.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
Equinox yoga instructors used the cardio studio as a performance space during the event.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
The evening benefited the nonprofit Knock Out Abuse Against Women, which provided guests with specially branded candles.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
Centerpieces from the Plant People included tropical florals.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
Morton's the Steakhouse provided food stations, including tables with crudités and fruit.
Photo: Chris James/Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
   
Equinox Fitness Club Grand Opening

Audiovisual Production, Lighting Swank Audio Visuals
Catering Morton's of Tyson's Corner
DJ Brent Kallmer
Entertainment Arachne Aerial Arts
Flowers The Plant People
Production, PR Linda Roth Associates LLC
Rentals Brooke Rental Center
Transportation Metropolitan Parking and Transportation
Venue Equinox Fitness Tysons Corner


RELATED TOPICS Equinox Fitness, Knock Out Abuse Against Women