In New York City, Equinox is typically known as the gym you go to if you're rich, ripped or runway-worthy. While I am none of those things, I did enjoy my few days as a member. You can read my reviews of the 5 classes I checked out here:
Ropes & Rowers
PURSUIT Spin
METCON3
30/60/90
Athletica
People pay big bucks for memberships at Equinox. Like, $200+ a month. That may sound cray cray to you, but there were quite a few times that I started to seriously consider whether or not it was worth it.
Reasons Equinox Is Worth The Hype
INNOVATIVE CLASSES
There are a huge variety of classes to choose from as an Equinox member. Many of these classes aren't cookie-cutter yoga and Zumba that you find at some other gyms. Equinox is pushing the envelope and offering cutting-edge classes that use new technology and the latest trends in fitness.
The Ropes & Rowers class was an awesome experience - one that people pay lots of money to take at boutique fitness studios like Row House and City Row where classes cost upwards of $30.
A class like PURSUIT Spin uses new technology to create a unique experience that you won't find in just any spin class.
TOP-NOTCH EQUIPMENT
All of the machines in Equinox are so shiny and new looking! And the fact that they casually roll in water-rowers and battling ropes for a 45 minute class blows my mind.
There are not just a huge variety of foam rollers, but STICKS for your recovery sessions.
Sadly, I never got around to doing my own weight session at Equinox - I only took classes - but from what I saw, there are a LOT of options and no one area was ever over-run with people. Which brings me to -
SPACE
Equinox gyms, at least the 3 locations that I saw, are pretty massive. So much room for activities! There's a main studio, a yoga studio, a spin studio and a room with Megaformers (torture device)!
CLASS SIGN-UPS
Aside from spin classes and the treadmill-based group fitness class - there are no sign-ups required for Equinox classes. Is this easy? YES. Does it mean some classes can get pretty packed? Yes, it means that as well. But there is no dealing with cancelling, paying cancellation fees, signing up the second the class opens up online, etc. that is required at a lot of other gyms.
*For me, I like the accountability of signing up and knowing I'm going to get charged if I don't show up. BUT, it's frustrating when something comes up last minute and it's not my laziness that's preventing me from getting to the gym.
THOSE SHOWERS
When I start my day with a shower at NYSC, I don't feel exceptionally clean.
After 5 days of showers at Equinox - I felt like I had been showering in a spa. Those Kiehl's products, the spaciousness of the showers - there's something to be said for ending a workout with a luxurious feeling shower instead of "how quick can I make this, some woman's hair is caked to the side of this shower and it's way too close for comfort."
CAFES & JUICE
Most Equinox locations have a cafe or juice bar attached to them. If you can afford the $200 membership, it probably means you can also afford the $10 green juice post-workout.
Why I'm Not Going To Give Equinox All My Money
At the end of the day, Equinox does offer an elevated gym experience. There's no denying it.
But a gym,when all is said and done, is a place for you to go to move, sweat and lift heavy things. And a gym with a $50 membership still lets you do all of those things.
The gym is what you make it. Your workout is what you make it. And with the money you save on a cheaper gym, you can spend a day at a spa, luxuriating in marble showers. You can take a few boutique classes at a place like SWERVE or The P.E. Club. You can afford that mid-week or post-hangover green juice even though it's insanely overpriced.
And you can still get in a great workout. You can still find kick-ass classes with top-notch instructors. You can be creative with the available equipment.
And you can have some extra cash moneyz for things like margaritas and ice cream cones because
SPRING IS HERE!
Then again - you could say, "I go to the gym every day and therefore I'm willing to pay top dollar for the best of the best."
You could also say, "I have a body and the great outdoors - I don't need to no stinkin' gym!"
Or, you could say, "Give me SOULCycle or give me death! I just want a membership at my favorite boutique studio."
I'm not here to tell you what to do. But for me, a moderately priced gym as a place to take classes and do my strength training is what I require - the rest of the time you'll find me pounding the pavement, riding my bike (ugh) or treating myself to the occasional boutique fitness class.
And if I magically get a large raise or win the lottery despite not buying lotto tickets - maybe you'll find me at Equinox.
For now, I'll be at NYSC avoiding the hairy showers. It was fun, Equinox.
YOUR TURN:
IS A GYM MEMBERSHIP SOMETHING YOU ARE WILLING TO SPLURGE ON?
WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE ABOUT YOUR GYM?
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