Equinox's Waz Ashayer Flexes His Fitness Formula

Equinox head of group fitness Waz Ashayer is here to fire up your routine.

Recently relocated from London, Equinox head of group fitness Waz Ashayer is importing his signature extreme energy to ignite the Hamptons this summer (204 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, equinox.com). We asked the former model turned fitness maverick for his take.

What first inspired you to get involved in fitness?

I grew up with a twin brother, and our parents put us into tons of sports. We played everything—even field hockey. Day-to-day, my brother and I did so many things together, like-for-like, so athletics were my space to be competitive and showcase my individuality. I loved being in the gym so much that I qualified as a personal trainer at 17. My personality very much lent itself to teaching groups of people, so I took that and blended it with my passion for fitness, and that was it for me.

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY MANTRA ON HOW YOU MOTIVATE?

I write in the calendar after every workout, ‘Rent paid.’ There’s this saying that success is rented, not owned, so I have to continue to pay that rent every day. Getting to write down that ‘rent paid’ every day is a driving force for me.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE HAMPTONS SO FAR? ANYTHING UNEXPECTED?

I just finished shooting a reality series (out next January!) in the Caribbean, and being here is still a dream. The Hamptons lives up to everything it‘s said to be—especially the Bridgehampton club itself. This is like nowhere else in the world, really. I’ve found it to be very community-led and a welcome break from the city. (London, in my case.) It can almost put you in a meditative state. The air, the scenery, the food, the weather, the energy. It’s a new world to me, and I’m soaking it up.

One thing that’s been both surprising to me as well as inspiring is that there’s no one target persona here—the Hamptons encapsulates a whole range of people. I’ve only been here a few days, but I’ve also seen that Equinox has built a really strong community here. Being at this club is definitely an intimate experience.

ANY BIG DIFFERENCES WITH A HAMPTONS CLASS AND A U.K. CLASS THAT YOU HAVE NOTICED SO FAR?

The classes here have truly exceeded my expectations. As an instructor, you’re able to tailor-make experiences here. You can know so much about each person and their fitness goals. Actually, it’s more like small-group personal training than it is like a class. We have an all-star lineup of instructors and trainers out here who I know are going to bring so much to this experience this summer. There’s a lot to look forward to.

WHAT CAN HAMPTONITES EXPECT IN ONE OF YOUR CLASSES?

To feel very energized. I mean it—it’s an experience to remember. I am always going to provide positivity and energy over negativity and intimidation in class. People might not remember every single movement, but they’re going to remember the impact. I definitely bring the energy.

We share the best things in life with each other by talking about them. And when we do this, we build community. I think an instructor being authentic and consistent and growing an organic community is such an incredible thing, and I’m really looking forward to doing that in this incredible place.