Find out a little more about a block, a building, the city—maybe even your neighbors—when you get your daily SmartMatch recommendations.

Beyond the Gym: In-House Fitness Centers
With today's emphasis on health, wellness and working out, a fitness center of some kind is a standard offering in any new residential building. But New Yorkers are picky about their fitness choices, and the impat that this amenity has on a building's desirability can depend on what's being offered. Rooftop and skylit lap pools, and full-service gyms with access to personal trainers that surpass high-end clubs like Reebok Sports and Equinox add real value.

Companies like La Palestra specialize in creating high-end fitness facilities in residential developments, and are themselves becoming brand names that buyers look for. Among La Palestra's creations: The Orion offers residents a fitness center with 18-foot ceilings, a double-lane lap pool, saunas, an 18-person whirpool and a yoga center. A thoughtful detail at the Avery: The state-of-the-art fitness center overlooks a large children's playroom. Also popular: Celebrity trainers like Ari Weller, who lends his expertise to the fitness center at 10 West End Avenue.

15 Central Park West residents get a 13,500 square-foot fitness center, including a 75 foot pool with skylights. The Atelier provides basketball and volleyball courts and the by-now-ubiquitous skylighted swimming pool. The Miraval condominiums on the Upper East Side bring fitness to a new level: Its "Miraval Living" center includes—in addition to a state-of-the-art gym—facilities for Pilates and yoga, an indoor basketball half-court, and a 20-foot climbing wall. Downtown by Phillipe Starck offers a half-basketball court as well. The William Beaver House boasts what might be considered the Rolls-Royce of fitness experiences: In addtion to a gym with a trapeze bar and rings, a yoga center, a Zen center, pool, squash and handball courts, there's a full-sized outdoor basketball court with bleachers.

Of course, residents may choose not to get sweaty with their neighbors, and may want the fitness focus that a stand-alone gym can offer. Residents of the Park Millennium get the best of both worlds. They have the 140,000 foot Reebok Sports Club for swimming, rock climbing, basketball, volleyball, classes and more, right on the ground floor.