Downtown Downturn

Joohee L. Muromcew

Real estate and stocks aren't the only assets suffering in the San Francisco economy. The city's Financial District has seen a decline in hot young professionals whose gym-toned bodies spice up lunch breaks, Starbucks runs, and mind-numbing Muni rides. The latest reports from downtown dating's front lines are about as upbeat as the recent unemployment figures.

"The odds are good, but the goods are odd," says Tracy, an ad sales executive. (Tracy, like others interviewed, asked that her last name not be used in the name of job insecurity.) "We're back to the guy who works long hours, and his body shows he's been in his cubicle rather than at the gym." Katherine, a communications manager, sees "a few cute banker types around the BofA building, but they look so dejected that no one wants to hang out with them!"

Young men on the prowl aren't exactly returning the compliment. Rob, an investment banker, laments that of the 10 percent of his department recently let go, about two-thirds were women under the age of 35. In terms of who's left to ogle downtown, Rob says "all we get are the tourists."

So, where do callow youths shop for daytime eye candy these days? Forget pinstripes and worsted wool. Look for Lycra. Despite a torrential rainstorm on a recent Friday morning, the Sports Club/LA on Market Street was hopping with spandex-clad 20- and 30-somethings. Personal trainer Lawrence Shaffer estimates that one-fourth of his clients are unemployed and spend at least two hours a day at the gym, three times a week. Basketball courts are also teeming with men, adds the club nutritionist.

"The best-kept secret for guys is yoga classes—they're filled with toned women," offers Mark, an Olympic gold medalist turned investment banker who recently moved from New York and now finds himself in great demand. "I'm definitely having fun in San Francisco."