equinoxis a chain of luxury gyms with more than 300 locations in most major metropolitan areas across the United States, as well as in London, Toronto and Vancouver.
I recently trained with one of my friends at Equinox to see if joining was worth it.
So is Equinox membership worth it?If you live in a big city or near an Equinox that offers a lot of amenities, membership is worth it. But if your Equinox club is in a smaller suburb and doesn't have many amenities, it's not worth it. You can find the same type of equipment or take similar group classes at cheaper gyms.
After reading this article, you can decide whether Equinox is the right gym for you or not.
In this article I will also talk about:
- My Equinox Training Experience
- The Pros and Cons of Equinox
- How much does it cost to join Equinox
- What kind of equipment and amenities are available at Equinox?
- What are Equinox's policies?
- Whether personal training at Equinox is worth it or not
- Tips for New Equinox Members
- Common Complaints About Equinox and Other Gym Alternatives
My Equinox Training Experience
I wasn't sure I was in the right place when I walked into Equinox.The lobby has high-end marble and bamboo finishes and definitely didn't feel like a gym at first. It felt like a spa that added some gym equipment as an afterthought.
When I checked in at the front desk, the woman who helped me was friendly and informative.She wasn't too pushy about signing me up for membership while I was in the club, but Equinox has emailed and texted me nearly every day since my visit.
I didn't realize the staff had to monitor members a lot, but at clubs like Equinox,I found that the members are more mature and respectful.
There are trainers that walk around the gym all the time, so I'm sure they would say something if they saw someone behaving inappropriately. Brand image also seems to be very important to Equinox in general, so I'm confident the team will do their best not to tarnish its reputation.
Most of the members were in their 30s, which makes sense since college students or young professionals probably can't afford membership.
I had no negative encounters with the members,but I felt a bit out of place while I was there. The other members seemed to have expensive tastes and were very fashionable. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's just not my style.
During training, I sometimes felt like I was getting in the way of some trainers who were working with their clients at the time.I think it's largely due to the location itself. The gym is attached to another business, and Equinox didn't have much room to expand when it was built. The room is long and narrow so you quickly feel cramped.
there was no dedicationStrength and cardio training areas like I've seen in some other gyms. At the Paramus location, cardio and resistance equipment was placed on both floors because there wasn't enough space to fit everything on one floor.
I can imagine this being annoying if you have to go up and down the stairs multiple times during your workout to access different equipment, although to be fair you are in the gym to train and move your body so it's not necessarily a bad thing!
I wouldn't buy an Equinox subscription, but it's not because I had a bad experience or because I have terrible equipment. Aside from the showers and locker rooms, I didn't find anything better than other less expensive gyms.For the amount of amenities that the Paramus location offers, I don't think the cost is justified.
However, I've heard different things about other Equinox locations, particularly some in New York City and other big cities.They usually have more amenities like swimming pools, climbing walls and basketball courts that you don't often find in the suburbs.If I lived in New York or another big city, I would probably feel differently about joining.
It's important to remember that this review is based on my experience at the Paramus, NJ location. As Equinox facilities vary greatly by location, I recommend calling or stopping by if you have questions about what's available at a club near you.
Equinox: pros and cons
Despite what you might think, luxury gyms like Equinox aren't perfect. Below are some of the pros and cons of an Equinox subscription.
Benefits
- Equinox has really fun group classes.Equinox offers a wide range of classes including Pilates, Boot Camp, Barre, Martial Arts, Boxing, Spin and Yoga. You can also take strength and career based courses. People love trainers and find them motivating and supportive.
- You can use chalk.Equinox is one of the few gym chains I've visited recently that has no qualms about using chalk. They just require you to clean yourself up and clear your bar afterwards (which everyone should be doing anyway).
- The cold eucalyptus towels are ideal for cooling off.Before visiting Equinox, I read reviews about how much people loved the cool eucalyptus towels. I don't normally fuss over stuff like this, but I used one after my workout and could see why people love it. It was a refreshing way to cool down my body before leaving the gym.
- Equinox has amazing showers.Showers are luxurious, and Equinox provides items like shampoo, conditioner, cotton balls, hairspray, and hairdryers. If you shower at the gym, you don't need to bring toiletries.
Disadvantages
- Some places can be very crowded.Each gym has its peak hours, which are usually between 5pm and 7pm, but you can usually still find a machine for free. At the very least, you may only have to wait a few minutes for it to become available. Some Equinox locations, especially in large cities, are so crowded that members crowd the gym while waiting for classes or to shower.
- Opening hours in some locations are limited.Unlike other gyms that are open 24 hours or at least until 23:00. m., some Equinox venues close at 8pm. m. or 21:00 m. This is a disadvantage for people who work odd hours or like to exercise late at night.
How much does an Equinox subscription cost?
Prices vary by location, but you can expect to pay at least $100/month no matter where you live. Memberships can cost double or triple that amount in major cities.
To give you an idea of what to expect, below are the membership plans available at the Paramus, NJ location. There are two plans: one that only gives access to the Paramus club and another that gives the option to access other clubs in the United States or internationally.
Access to Paramus
This plan costs$176/month plus tax. Only includes access to all group classes and on-site Paramus services.
Access to various clubs.
This plan starts in$280/month plus taxbut it can increase depending on what other clubs you want to access.
admission fees
Equinox subscription fees start at $100, but they often have promotions throughout the year where you don't have to pay an application fee.
Looking for a gym that offers free passes or free trials? Check out our in-depth guide:.
free trial period
Before joining Equinox, you can register online for a free day pass. This pass is valid for a single visit.
If you are a student, membership fees may be cheaper. See our articleThe best gyms for students.
training equipment
Equinox's equipment is from the same brands you'd find at most chain gyms. It features Schwinn spinning bikes, Life Fitness and Hammer Strength resistance machines, and Life Fitness and Precor cardio equipment.
Equinox also has some unique equipment that I haven't seen at other gyms. It has Woodway treadmills similar to the AirRunners or TrueForm machines used in CrossFit. You can also find Stair Climbers and VersaClimbers in some places.
The plates on the machines are Iron Grip, as are the preloaded bars, EZ curl bars, and dumbbells in the free weight area. The location I visited had a combination of flat and sloped Cybex benches.
For the cost of an Equinox subscription I would expect them to have quality lifting equipment. The skid plates and weights on the Paramus Equinox were from a brand called Perform Better, which I had never heard of.
The plates and bars looked like good quality, but for a gym that costs around $200 a month, I was surprised they didn't have equipment from some of the bigger brands like Rogue.
Some places have at least a 15kg bar for women, but most places only have 20kg bars. I also saw some traps in the Paramus location.
Chapéus Equinox Squat Racks?
Equinox has squat racks. The Paramus location has two, but I know some locations only have one and some have four or more.
In venues that don't have a lot of squat racks but have functional training areas, you can use the equipment as long as there's no class.
Does Equinox have deadlifts?
The Equinox has platforms attached to the squat racks.
Features and Amenities
Does Equinox have a pool?
The Equinox in Paramus, NJ does not have a pool, but other locations have Olympic-size indoor pools. Some places also have outdoor pools.
Want our full list of gyms with pools? Consult our guide:.
O Equinox tem sauna?
Most Equinox locations have saunas and steam rooms.
Does Equinox have showers and changing rooms?
Equinox has showers and changing rooms. The showers are arguably the best showers of any gym chain in the US, and Equinox carries toiletries by Kiehl's, a luxury skin care and cosmetics brand.
Lockers are available to all members, but you cannot leave anything in them overnight.
Want our full list of gyms with showers? Consult our guide:.
Does Equinox have a basketball court?
The Equinox location I visited does not have a basketball court, but some locations do.
Want our full list of gyms with basketball courts? Consult our guide:The 7 best gyms with basketball courts.
A Equinox tem creche?
Equinox has a Kids Club where your kids can do crafts, tell stories or do gymnastics while you work out. Depending on your membership, you may have to pay extra to take your child to the Kids Club.
Want our full list of gyms with daycare? Consult our guide:The 12 Best Gyms With Daycare (What To Expect, Rules, Cost)
Does Equinox have a yoga studio?
Equinox has a studio they use for yoga, barre and some group classes. It also has a separate stretching area in the main gym.
Does Equinox have a smoothie bar?
Equinox has a juice bar offering Juice Press juices, protein bars, shakes and other drinks and snacks.
Sombrero Equinox Massagesessel?
Equinox does not have massage chairs, but you can get a massage at the spa.
Does Equinox have a women-only section?
Equinox does not have a women-only section.
Does Equinox offer group classes?
Equinox has group classes. Each location has a unique variety of classes, but these generally include yoga, cycling, cardio boxing, Pilates, Precision Run®, barre and metabolic conditioning.
Want our full list of gyms with classes? Consult our guide:The 11 best gyms with classes
Does Equinox have a cardio cinema?
Equinox doesn't have a cardio room, but there are televisions throughout the gym.
Is Equinox open 24 hours?
Equinox is not open 24 hours. Opening hours vary by location, with some clubs open until 11pm. m. and others are only open until 8 pm. m. or 21:00 m.
Does Equinox have red light therapy?
Equinox doesn't have red light therapy booths, but some places do.HigherDOSE-Infrarotsaunen.
Who is Equinox for?
From what I saw when I visited Equinox, the main audience is made up of people who like to take group classes. It has a yoga studio, a pilates studio, a cycling studio and a gym for groups. The Paramus location has around 90 group lessons per week, offered throughout the day.
Equinox also offers specialized courses like Precision Run®, taught by a certified running coach, and STRONG, a strength-only course.
Classes are also good for those who like to train HIIT.Some of the group classes, like MetCon3 and Athletic Conditioning, use a combination of bodyweight, dumbbell, and kettlebell movements. Most classes last between 30 and 45 minutes and are performed in three or four circuits of around 10 movements each.
Depending on location, Equinox can be a decent gym for CrossFitters.I know of a few gyms in New York City that have functional training areas, which they call The Playground, where you can do most of the CrossFit moves. The Paramus site had a functional little grassy exercise area, but it would be hard to do a WOD there if it was full.
I think Equinox is a good gym for weight lifters. You can raise and lower your weights, but it's still not a true weightlifting gym.If you're heading to a minor Equinox at a busy time, you might have to wait for a squat rack. And depending on the location, you may also find that the seats are not well maintained and have rips or rips in the upholstery.
Equinox is a good gym for anyone interested in individual training or looking to lose weight.The quality of Equinox's personal trainers is better than other gyms, and the gym has InBody machines and other tools to help you monitor your weight loss progress.
It's also good for bodybuilders as you can find a variety of resistance machines and free weights.
I would not recommend Equinox to most beginners just because of the price.I think you'll be welcome at Equinox even if you've never exercised before, and the personal trainers and staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
But paying around $200 a month is a lot for something you might not like. If you're new to fitness, I would recommend starting out at a less expensive gym first and then switching to Equinox once you've developed a good routine.
Specific information for women
As a woman, I didn't feel uncomfortable training at Equinox. In my experience, people who can afford Equinox don't spend anywhere near $200 a month wasting time looking at women at the gym. The clientele in general was more female, which also helped me feel comfortable there.
At the Paramus location, I also saw some women using free weights and squat racks, so a woman lifting weights at this gym isn't surprising.
Do you want a gym that accepts children and teenagers? Consult our guide:
equinox politics
Reopening policy and what happens to members during a closure?
Equinox is following local guidelines regarding capacity restrictions and mask requirements.
Where I am in NJ, vaccinated people are not required to wear masks, but unvaccinated people must wear masks at all times.
Rules for other states vary, with some states not requiring masks and others only requiring masks when entering and exiting the building. Some places may require proof of vaccination if you choose not to wear a mask.
Most sites are running at 30% or require members to reserve spots for when they can join.
You must also complete a health declaration in the app before entering the gym to confirm that you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and that you have not been in contact with anyone who has symptoms.
At all Equinox locations, custodial staff will deep clean the facility three times a day and once overnight. Lockers are sanitized after each use and additional hand sanitizers are available throughout the gym.
During the first suspension of 2020, Equinox did not automatically freeze its subscriptions, but members who requested suspension were able to obtain a waiver of their monthly suspension fees. In some cases, Equinox only waived the fee within the first 30 days of closing and required its members to pay the fee thereafter.
Equinox has received a lot of flak for this, so they might reconsider their freeze policy if the government orders another mandatory shutdown.
Drop weights, grunts and chalk policy
You can drop weights at some Equinox locations with platforms or functional fitness areas. In most cases, you cannot drop weights on the main floor of the gym. I've also heard that some places only allow weights to drop from waist height and not overhead.
I asked the folks at the Paramus, NJ location and they said they don't recommend dropping weights, but that's fine if you have to do it every now and then and just put the weights on the platforms.
I was happy to learn that the Paramus website allows chalk. Most gym chains I've visited recently don't allow chalk of any kind, so finding one that did was refreshing. They just asked me to make sure you clean the bar and dust the floor before you leave.
Snarling is also allowed, as long as it's not done frequently.
Cancellation conditions and contract duration
Unsubscribing from a gym is difficult with most chains, and it's especially true at Equinox. They are known to have contracts that are difficult to break.
Equinox contracts are typically 12 month contracts. You can cancel within three days of joining with no consequences.
Additionally, Equinox will not allow you to cancel unless you become ill or injured and unable to exercise for at least six months, die, or move at least 25 miles from an Equinox location. Regardless of the reason for cancellation, you must pay a minimum cancellation fee of $100.
You can notify the club in person, by email or by phone if you wish to cancel, but you must notify them at least 45 days in advance.
If you wish to freeze your subscription, you can do so for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days. You may only suspend your membership once per calendar year and will be required to pay a $30 monthly suspension fee until the suspension expires.
However, there are exceptions to how long you can freeze your subscription. For example, if you're pregnant and on bed rest, you can freeze your subscription for up to nine months.
Guest Policy: Can you bring a friend or wife/husband?
You can bring one guest to Equinox as long as you first register for a day pass on the site.
Pet policy: Can you bring your dog to training?
You cannot bring your dog to Equinox. Only dogs that are certified service animals may accompany members with disabilities.
Are Equinox subscriptions transferable?
You cannot transfer an Equinox membership to another person, but you can transfer your local club to another location by speaking with the front desk staff.
Does the Equinox subscription work everywhere?
Depending on the membership you choose, you may or may not use your membership with each club. Even if you sign up for an all-access subscription, there are still some exclusive places you can't visit.
Is there a dress code?
Equinox does not have a strict dress code, but members are expected to dress appropriately at the gym. Men must wear shirts at all times except in the sauna, locker room or pool area. Women can wear shorts and crop tops.
When I was in Paramus I asked about barefoot lifts and was told to keep my shoes on unless I was in the yoga studio or sauna.
Can my child train on Equinox?
You must be 18 years old to sign a contract with Equinox, but children over 14 years old can train as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Equinox Personal Training vale a pena?
Whether personal training on Equinox is worth it or not depends on your goals, fitness history and budget.
Since you're already paying for a hefty subscription, you might want to save some money and skip the in-person workouts. But if you can afford it and want to change up your routine or train for a specific goal, an Equinox personal trainer is worth it.
Equinox has its own personal training institute called Equinox Fitness Training Institute (EFTI). I'm generally skeptical of gyms that have their own personal training programs, but EFTI has a solid reputation.
Equinox personal trainers are classified into five different tiers based on the amount of EFTI training they have completed. Instructors start at Level 1 and must have completed at least 70 hours of EFTI courses. Trainers then rise through the ranks as they work 220 hours at EFTI and earn a Precision Nutrition certification, which is also highly regarded.
Training sessions with lower-level instructors start at around $100 per hour and can go as high as $150 per hour or more for higher-level instructors.
Equinox's highest level of personal training is called Level X. Level X trainers must have completed a minimum of 270 hours of EFTI training and have a degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science.
The Tier X program starts with a five-hour assessment that can cost $150 per hour or more, depending on your location. When starting the program, you will need to complete an extensive questionnaire about your sleep habits, diet, current exercise program and daily routine. A trainer then measures your heart rate, blood pressure and body fat.
You'll also wear an oxygen mask, designed to tell you how well your body is metabolizing fat versus carbs, and perform a test similar to a stress test that measures your VO2 max.2Salida.
According to the original rating, Tier X packages start at around $2,000 for a three-month package. The trainer will ask you to commit to at least three personal training sessions a week, which can take a toll on your wallet and schedule.
However, I've heard from some people who have completed the Tier X program and thought it was worth it. If you're lucky enough to have the budget for it, want to learn more about your body, and want to hold someone accountable for your lifestyle changes, the Level X program can help.
Want our list of gyms with personal trainers? Consult our guide:The 9 Best Gyms With Instructors (And How Not To Get Ripped Out)
Tips for New Equinox Members
1. It's easier to cancel your subscription if you have proof that your financial situation has changed
As I mentioned before, Equinox is one of the hardest gyms to cancel. But if you've been laid off from your job or your financial situation has changed for other reasons, it's easier to cancel a subscription if you have proof. The team will be more willing to work with you if you have proof that you can no longer afford the subscription.
2. You can save money with your subscription
At most network studios, you can negotiate the monthly cost or admission fee if you're trying to save some money. The same is possible with the Equinox.
You can try asking an admin for a lower monthly cost if you pay your subscription in full.
I've also heard that if you sign up after the 23rd, you'll get your first month virtually free, as Equinox processes your charges on the 23rd. And if you sign up with a roommate or family member who lives with you, at sometimes you can get a cheaper group rate.
You may also receive a corporate discount if your employer participates in Equinox's corporate wellness program. I know that some employers or insurance companies also refund your gym membership if you go to the gym a certain number of times per month.
3. If you are only interested in the classes, you must register in the Equinox+ app
Group courses are the be-all and end-all of Equinox. If you want to take the courses but can't afford a subscription, consider downloading the Equionx+ app for just $40 a month.
The app lets you take live or on-demand cardio or strength classes, sync your account with the Apple Health Kit, and integrate with a WHOOP strap. If you have a spin bike at home, you can also take SoulCycle classes.
equinox claims
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most common complaints about Equinox are how difficult it is to cancel a subscription.
Former members have complained that Equinox continues to charge them even after confirming that their cancellation request was successfully processed. Other members had difficulty dealing with the team when they tried to cancel in person.
I've heard that equipment is not well maintained in some places and despite high membership rates, cleanliness in locker rooms, showers and saunas can vary.
Some members also expressed dissatisfaction with Equinox raising their membership fees each year without notifying them.
Alternatives to Equinox
If you're looking for a gym with more amenities or can't afford an Equinox membership, here are some alternatives to consider.
1. Fitness for life
Life Time Fitness is another luxury gym that costs about the same as Equinox but has more amenities, at least in New Jersey. Life Time Fitness also has more weight machines, more machines, and from my experience, it didn't feel as good as Equinox.
look at ourLifetime fitness review.
2. Gold Gym
Gold's Gym doesn't have all the amenities or spa services that Equinox does, but it's still a great gym for beginners and experts alike. It has lots of equipment, a good range of group classes and a welcoming atmosphere. It's also a lot cheaper.
look at ourGold's full gym review.
3. F45
While not a traditional Globo gym, F45 is known for its challenging group classes. If you like the Equinox classes but aren't interested in all the Equinox spa services, I recommend the F45.
F45 classes are similar to CrossFit and Bootcamp classes, and you can find a variety of strength or endurance based classes. F45 memberships aren't much cheaper than Equinox memberships, but at least you know you're not paying for things you'll never use.
look at ourF45 full review.
Other gym reviews
- Is it worth being a member of Snap Fitness? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of Goodlife Fitness? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of Planet Fitness? (honest review)
- Is Anytime membership worth it? (honest review)
- Is membership in the YMCA worth it? (honest review)
- Is a 24-hour fitness membership worth it? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of LA Fitness? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a Fit4Less member? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of World Gym? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a member of Blink Fitness? (honest review)
- Is a Workout Anytime subscription worth it? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of Onelife Fitness? (honest review)
- Is Crunch Fitness membership worth it? (honest review)
- Is it worth it to be a Youfit member? (honest review)
- Is it worth being a member of Orangetheory? (honest review)
Equinox Gym Comparisons
- Life Time Fitness facing an equinox
- Anytime Fitness vs. Equinox
- Equinox x LA Fitness
final thoughts
If you live in a big city and can afford a subscription, I would recommend Equinox. They tend to be nicer and have better amenities, though they get more crowded.
However, in my experience, suburban places overcharge for what they offer. There are other gyms that offer the same amount of services, if not more, and cost more than half the price of an Equinox subscription.
About the author
Amanda is a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industry. Raised in a sports-loving family, she learned from a very young age the importance of staying active. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in weightlifting and powerlifting. She is passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to properly energize their bodies. When you're not working out or working out in your garage gym, you tend to drink coffee, walk your dog, or indulge in too many chocolate bars.