There’s no denying that upon hearing the Equinox name, you’re talking about a luxury gym. Equinox has 108 gyms worldwide and offers everything from top-of-the-line fitness equipment to fitness classes, spas, personal training, studio Pilates and an in-house shop where you can purchase activewear and accessories. Some locations may even offer a juice bar where you can refuel after your workout. When you’re not at the gym, your membership also gives you access to the training app, Equinox Plus, so you have Equinox workouts at your fingertips at all times.
Becoming an Equinox member comes at a price, so it will depend on your budget and equipment preference whether or not it’s right for you. Membership costs vary based on whether you want to visit one or multiple locations. For the purpose of this review, I’ll be using NYC-based prices, but keep in mind that even within NYC Equinox gyms, prices may differ.
According to the Rockefeller Plaza Equinox location fees, it costs the following:
- Access to Rockefeller Center: $265 per month, 12-month commitment
- All Access to 80+ clubs across the US/Canada, including Rockefeller Center: $315 per month, 12-month commitment
- Destination + Century City (SoCal), except Hudson Yards and E clubs: $385 per month, 12-month commitment
Often, Equinox will have deals during certain times of the year when it waives the initiation fee. You can also pay a visit to the gym first and try it out for free or by purchasing a day pass to see what it’s about before fully committing.
I tried out Equinox for about a month in the past and found it to be fully equipped with every piece of equipment imaginable. There’s plenty of space to spread out, a dedicated weight training room with enough squat racks and deadlifting platforms, a group fitness studio, a cardio section, a Pilates studio and so much more. In other words, you’ll never be fighting with someone for a space or piece of equipment.
Staff constantly keeps the gym clean, which is important, especially when you’re sharing equipment with lots of people every day. You also have the option to take various group fitness classes and relax after your workout at the spa, if you’re willing to spend extra since it’s not included in the membership.
If personal training is more up your alley, you’ll be in good hands with the trainers who have to undergo a training program first before working with clients and then have to earn continuing education credits and certifications every so often. For those days you can’t make it to the gym, you also have the option to use the Equinox Plus app, which connects you to classes like SoulCycle, Pure Yoga and Equinox-based classes such as Precision Run and T2. If you aren’t an Equinox member but are interested in the classes, you can sign up for the app for $40 a month.
As you can tell, Equinox gives you your money’s worth if you become a member and are a dedicated gym goer. If the price is steep for you and you know you’re not the most committed to your fitness, you can always try the app first and see if it’s a gym you’d like to explore. If not, there are plenty of other options that may be a better fit.