Let’s talk about Equinox. It seems like a fantasy land that’s always talked about, yet very few of us have actually been able to enter. What happens in an Equinox gym? What do people do there besides work out? What are the locker rooms like? I was lucky enough to be given a guest pass recently, so I can answer all of these questions for you.
For those who may not know, Equinox is a luxury gym that has locations in major cities such as Los Angeles and New York. A membership for Equinox is between $200-300 a month, making it an exclusive gym for its members. It comes with many amenities and perks that keep its members hooked, such as free workout classes, sound baths, locker rooms with expensive hair and face products and a plethora of equipment.
When I went, the first word I could think of to describe the place was clean. Insanely clean. Everything had a very calm energy to it, and I felt like I wasn’t even supposed to be there — it was that nice.
When you first enter, you have to check in at the front desk. Because I was a guest, I needed to provide my ID and email. They had a ton of vendors out the day that I was there, sampling a variety of items from truffle oil popcorn, fresh fruit and skincare products. I was already hooked by all of these accouterments, but what really shocked me was the champagne that was left out for guests as they enter. I never would have thought day drinking and going to the gym would mix, but here they do.
As I walked upstairs, I was greeted by the gym itself, and honestly, this might have been the selling point for me. I was SHOCKED by how empty it was inside. Most of the machines were open and I felt like I could breathe, which is not something I can say for Wooden. I think it helped take away a lot of the anxiety about the gym. There was more space, and I wasn’t so worried about following the proper gym etiquette while someone stared me down to finish my last set.
As a member, there are definitely perks to working out at Equinox as well. They have a ton of personal trainers who can help identify your fitness needs and help you meet your goals. It seems like a great place to get a personalized workout.
After using the machines for a bit, it was time to shower and head out, and oh my god — I think this is what sells a lot of people. The locker rooms were ridiculously nice. All of the products in the bathrooms were Kiehl’s brand from the lotion to shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Not only that, but they had warm towels ready for people to use and anything you could possibly need at the last minute while showering. Hair ties? Yes. Razors? Yes. Cotton balls and swabs? Yes. Literally everything.
Another perk I didn’t personally get to experience, but definitely want to try in the future, is the workout classes. My friend was showing me the lineup and they have everything you could imagine. Yoga, Pilates, cycling and so many Vinyasa classes (I didn’t even know what Vinyasa was before I went). I’ve heard really positive things about them, so I definitely would want to try them as well.
So, now I must ask, is it worth it to go to Equinox? Was it fun? Absolutely. But was it necessary? Absolutely not. I do think Equinox is a great gym and they provide a lot of services for the price point, but for the average college student, your money might be better spent elsewhere. It isn’t the most doable for people who are budgeting, and even though it’s crowded, Wooden provides an astronomically cheaper alternative. The amenities are a nice bonus, but definitely not a necessity. So, if you are a college student, maybe rethink that membership, but keep it in mind for when you’re a post-grad and have some extra money to spend.