Equinox – Flatiron

No yoga studio, not enough squat racks, and it’s always under construction and packed. They never have enough yoga classes (and they don’t let the best teachers teach enough).
At first I didn’t realize how bad we had it. Then, I went to 74^th Street and I saw what we are really paying for and not getting at all (tons of classes, lower crowds, huge space, childcare, a separate yoga and a separate Pilates studio). Now it’s like Flowers for Algernon when I go back to my home base at 19^th Street.
And this week, I got a letter in the mail that they are increasing the already outrageous fee by $ 5 a month. It’s not much on the surface… It’s the point.

Disclaimer: This review is based upon a tour that I went on, and I am not a member or in anyway affiliated with Equinox.
I had never stepped into an Equinox before, I always presumed that it was too pretentious. I went in at rush-​hour and was greeted by one of the many friendly receptionists. After waiting a few minutes, I was greeted by a membership coordinator named Amanda who offered to get me a drink before the tour.
We started off chatting in the office about my goals, what I enjoy and other questions to get to know how Equinox can enhance my life. Then we went through the 3 or 4 floors that the club has — I can’t remember exactly. I toured the locker room and legitimately got lost, in a good way. The machines were top notch and everything seemed brand new. The gym was so clean and the clientele were oh so attractive.
At the end of my tour I was given the run down on membership costs and what programs would best fit my goals. The only thing that turned me off was them trying to sell me on the personal training ($ 1200!!) as if the monthly membership wasn’t high enough. Although I assume that most of the people who go there can afford it so I guess it was too bad, but for a poor college kid it was a little much, that’s like 1200 slices of pizza.
I was very impressed by the facility and staff. This place is not just a gym it’s literally a ‘temple of fitness.’

I have been a member of Equinox for 12 years, and I must warn those who are planning to put down the large membership fee.
Pros: New, clean, bright. locker room is first rate.
Cons: Very, very crowded. Good luck finding space to work out unless you are there very early! locker room is crazy crowded — lines for showers. Trainers frequently take over huge space for their own use. Many treat members like second class citizens. What is worse: the club management really does not care about any of the above.
So, if you don’t mind crowds, tight quarters and rude trainers, this is your place.
I am sorry to say that, after 12 years, I will be leaving…

What separates Equinox Flatiron from everything else is the classiness. First off, you don’t have to wait forever to use equipment, it’s a classier crowd, towels are always being cleaned, services and amenities are top. I go here before work and I feel like a million bucks walking into my office after a sick workout, sauna, shower and shave. The café needs to have better service though.

By far one of the best choices does gym membership. Yes it’s more expensive than NYSC, blink, planet fitness, ymca Ect, but it’s well worth it!
The gym is huge and pretty busy, but you seriously don’t feel it. There is so much equipment and different levels that you don’t have to wait for anything. I would say though 5 – 7 pm lockers are packed. The locker room for women is absolutely superb. Nice locker space, lots of showers and my personal fav a steam room. They have blow dryers, bags for your workout clothes, lots of towels you name it!
I switched to equinox mainly for the classes. I have to say every class I have taken has been great. The spin classes rock. Ab lab kills. You think it’s an easy class, but you leave leaving sore. Barre is great and I’m waiting to try the run class.
Another feature is their upstairs Crossfit like area. They have the boxes, trx, weight racks, kettle bells Ect which is great.
My fav part is their little smoothie area once you leave. Always fresh fruit and salads you can get. Their app to book classes, check in, and keep a calendar is absolutely amazing! Great gym.

Beautiful facilities and friendly staff, but more women in the showers than in the actual classes or on the floors. Mediocre classes (if even available) and rude clientele. Grown women shoving each other to get to the locker room, and the worst part is you can’t blame them… if you’re not fast enough, you won’t have a chance to use the facilities. Sad reality of what type of behavior «exclusivity» bought by money warrants, especially in NYC. Canceled my membership after a few visits to different locations at different times and found the same nonsense everywhere — will not be going back despite the hype.

way too expensive for what you get. Been a member since 2009. They constantly raise prices to fund other gyms they build in Ohio. As a member in NY, who cares? Am I getting better service or facilities for this year after year increase in cost? No. They built a new locker room that closed the men’s room for 6 months and amazingly it is uglier than before. The people who work there are mostly very friendly, but the corporate strategy is awful. Stop treating members as thought they are your source of funding for expansion projects. We are new Yorkers, we know what you are doing.#rubbish

Equinox one of the best gym love visiting this place especially after remodeling the hospitality is always great people in the gym always willing to help out any questions, top of everything locker rooms are always clean, awesome job crew treat everyone that walks in as they important…

Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
As far as Equinox goes in New York/​not the West Side, this is probably the best spot to be. After the remodel happened, it’s easily one of the nicest and well-​thought out gyms in NYC. Unlike the Bryant Park location, the morning rush is actually something that you can handle.
Like any location out of business areas, it has a wide array of classes. There’s enough to keep me entertained at use this location even though I have the pass for most of the Equinox spots in the city.
Key things to note:
1. Just fresh off the remodel, everything is really new and well-​kept.
2. Juice and healthy food bar attached. Much cheaper than those $ 10 juice ripoffs at other locations.
3. A lot of different classes.
4. You don’t need to bring your own lock.
Yeah, it’s not the same as going to Equinox in California where I’m overlooking the beach but it’s still one of New York’s best.

Very rude customer service. Didn’t seem to care that my wife was already considering cancelling her membership because of their ill-​conceived «destination» policy. I quit last year and now, with Equinox staffers like Emma Holmes help, I’m hoping to get my wife to quit and join my gym. Thanks Equinox and Emma: «you made (her) do it!»

This is most definitely in the top 5 Equinox locations I’ve been to thus far during my short ‘run in place and lift heavy things’ lifestyle change. Though the cycling classes are probably the worst here (no Pursuit and a very light schedule), the sheer amount of space makes up for it. Here, you get 4 floors, each of which are pretty unique. The top floor with it’s high ceiling and large window looking out over Broadway, the second floor with it’s open-​aired layout is filled with cardio machines, the ground floor with a few benches and machines, and then the lower level with the cycling room and more free weights/​machines. The Men’s locker room has recently been renovated, and although it’s arguably laid out worse than before, it still works. I’ve never waited for a shower and will continue to never ever ever step foot into a steam room. There’s a café on your way out for any post-​workout carb or salad binge needs. I really enjoy this spot and you will too!

Equinox 19^th & Broadway! Such a convenient locatiion Long time all access member of Equinox, love visiting as many locations as I can. Yes I am obsessed with Equinox and its fantastic classes.
Love this location! Its close to my apt, and close to all the trains. they just redid the locker rooms.
Clientele– mostly a mix of working professionals all ages
Kids club, spa, yoga studio, main studio, cycle studio, free weights, cardio machines, weight machines, shower & steam rooms, café which has pretty good salads here, bike locks in front
Some of the trainers here are great– good tip– if you see people in light blue shirts– they are actual trainers! they walk around and are there if you have questions, most people don’t realize they are actual trainers and are there to help people out!
All the typical equinox amenities here– main studio, yoga/​barre studio, spin studio, tons of free weights, tons of machines, everything you can imagine. All the machines are new and in excellent condition and are up to date with the latest technology. Womens locker rooms are downstairs. spin is downstairs. main studio is top floor.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the group fitness classes. They are so much fun and the energy is always high. Instructors are enthusiastic and challenging. Tip– try wayne’s body conditioning monday 545pm or any of Sarra’s yoga classes– 11:15am saturday
This location has also the typical amazing equinox amenities in the locker rooms, towels galore, qtips, cotton balls, shaving crème razors and of course KIEHL’s bath & body products — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, crème de corp moisturizers.
TIP:
If you are thinking of joining, best way to get the best rate is to go thru a current member. My advisor who I have known for over 10 years is the best, he is upfront, honest, not pushy and will get you the best deal. He always throws in extras. make sure you try the gym before you make a huge commitment.

As a former collegiate and pro athlete I like finding a good, quality gym. I found that at Equinox. Although it’s pricey to join and monthly dues, if you use it, it’s worth it! The staff, locations, cleanliness and instructors are good.
And a shoutout to Keith Henion for setting up my membership. Super helpful and attentive to all my questions. He went above and beyond to help me out.

Badly needs more classes, especially in the afternoon. Strangely no classes at all in the afternoon, only mornings and a sparse selection of evening classes. The classes are great, but jammed to the point that it’s impossible to stretch without hitting a neigbhor. They are constantly running promotions for new members, but I wonder where they will squeeze them in. Staff and teachers all very nice and professional. Good juice bar. Fun place to hang out.

I love this location! As an all-​access member, I have tried eight or more different locations, and this one is one of the best. My favorite part about this club is the huge fan that overlooks the treadmills on the second floor so you can run longer, and its proximity to Juice Generation, Paragon Sports, and Whole Foods.
I would definitely recommend! If you want me to hook you up with a Free VIP trial week, feel free message me and I will connect you with my membership advisor!

I am a very loyal Equinox fan, and especially a loyal customer to my personal trainer Jon Vel. He is seriously amazing.
I have a Health and Racquet club in my building, so I never really considered joining another gym. However, I was in desperate need of getting in shape for summer, so I splurged and joined Equinox. Yes, its expensive. Yes, its worth it.
Everything in the club is pristine and in its place. They have staff walking down the aisle of treadmills offering free towels, and whenever you use a weight, its back in the right spot when you walk away. Its like magic. You can’t name a piece of equipment you won’t find here.
I bought a 12-​pack of session with Jon as well, after my first initial free consultation. He is great. Its expensive, but if you have the funds, its a great way to motivate yourself to get into shape and follow a diet/​workout regiment. Jon always asks me what I’ve eaten to keep me on track, and knows what muscle groups I am targeting working on. He also wipes down every machine before I use it, it makes me feel like royalty! Plus, he’s a nice guy and great to talk to. That helps the time go by.
I’ve been to many Equinox clubs in the vicinity. I wouldn’t say 19^th Street is the nicest (Greenwich Ave is definitely nicer and more spacious), but its in the heart of Flatiron and super convenient for many people’s offices and homes. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

19^th Street Equinox sucks. Stay away. No wet area and very overcrowded. But, that is the least of my issues with this branch. Bigger picture, I am taking a 4-​month leave of absence from work to help care for my newborn son. I asked to be released from my contract due to this extraordinary life event only to be cornered by a punitive fee structure. No truly exclusive club would ever have to resort to such low-​ball tactics to retain their client base. Be warned!

Affectionately called «the nox», this is one of the nicest gyms in the city.
Your Equinox membership might cost you more than a monthly car payment, but you really get what you pay for here.
I upgraded to Equinox from Crunch much earlier this summer and could not be happier with the switch.
Everything about walking into this place is refreshing. While I used to dread going to my local Crunch, as it was full of possible crack addicts on the treadmills and had small, crowded locker rooms, the opposite is the case at Equinox. I am motivated to work out and embrace the culture there.
Notable that everyone who goes here is likely a model or ex lacrosse player — which is also motivational in its own way.
They have cold eucalyptus towels that smell sooooooo good and I love them so much.
As everyone has mentioned before me, the products in the locker rooms never disappoint and everything is provided for you.
I love the steam room, and it’s surprisingly never ever crowded. There is also eucalyptus oil in the steam room so you can supercharge your skin with moisture after a workout.
Classes are great and instructors are always some of the highest rated in NYC.
I always like their spin classes, BARRE BURN IS AMAZING — esp tues nights! — and I’ve also really enjoyed the whipped classes and the 30−60−90.
Staff is super attentive and very responsive to any email inquiries, calls, etc. they are really dedicated to making sure that their members have a great experience, and even have a specific group of employees who are dedicated to making sure you acclimate to the club well and are happy/don’t have questions, concerns, etc.
Best club in NYC for young professionals who want a more luxury gym experience.

Shame on this equinox and their obnoxious management no showers on men’s locked
You get better service and attitude at planet fitness at least they have showers

Equinox is a little slice of heaven in NYC. They are roomy, clean, and friendly. It’s like being in the Midwest without the terrible politics. The classes are awesome. Steam room very clean and enjoyable. It is on the pricey side but if you can afford to treat yourself it is worth it!

My favorite gym. I tried all the different Equinox this is by far the best. They have a lot of machines and many classes to take.
Take the cycling class with Richie. You won’t regret it you might regret it right away when you don’t feel your legs but you will feel amazing afterwards.

Terrible customer policies, only interested in squeezing every last penny out of you.
I had the unfortunate experience of having to take a leave of absence from my job for a period of two months for personal reasons, during this time I was not receiving a pay check so my direct deposits to Equinox were not possible. Instead of doing the gracious thing and extending my current corporate rate for the short two month time frame, Equinox refused and insisted I pay the full membership amount, until they could extract the money directly from payroll. I was shocked they had no sympathy for my situation and my years plus of membership at the gym.
As an update to Equinox social reach out comment below, after I reached out they indicated there was nothing they could do and the actions above were aligned to their policy.

Just worked out here today for the first time in a while as I moved jobs and work in another neighborhood now, but it’s still probably one of my favorite Equinox locations along with the Tribeca and West Chelsea locations.
It also has a great café with really good healthy food, where you can get hot full meals… as opposed to just smoothies and protein shakes, although you can get them there as well. And like the centrality of the location in the city and nearby great restaurants and parks for after-​workout relaxing.
As a side note, I tend to like the Downtown Equinox locations as opposed to Midtown and UES/​UWS ones cause they seem to be bigger and more open and not compact and claustrophobic as the uptown ones.

Due to the outstanding selection of clubs in the greater NYC area — this one is one of my least favorite. As an equinox, it is still HEADS above any of the other gym selections in the area — with clean change rooms stocked with all of the best amenities, but the location is a bit older and very VERY crowded. The treadmills definitely are in need of an upgrade in comparison with the other clubs as well.
Any equinox is definitely worth a visit, and better than pretty much anything else you can go to in the city anywhere near this price point, but I prefer some of the newer locations around the city.

I frequent this Equinox, along with the 43^rd street, 54^th street, Prince Street, and a few in California. This is hands down my favorite. Even though it is busy after work (5−7PM), it is so spacious that I do not wait longer than 3 minutes for any machine I need. Some say it is 3-​stories, but in my mind, it’s really 4 (So much room for activities). One of the reasons I like this one the most is the boxing studio. Another reason is the respect the staff and trainers give the members. I am NEVER hassled to take training sessions. Being a former high school 5-​star athlete, I like to think I know what I’m doing in the weight room.
If you’re the type of person that squeezes every penny, this place is not for you. If you’re the type of person that wants the elite treatment after paying a pretty penny, this place is for you. They keep this place immaculate, right when I leave the shower, lockers, bathroom, someone rushes in to scrub the place down and replace the amenties. Makes me feel comfortable in the amenities I use. Never use the salad bar or the clothes store so no comment on those. But all-​around, I can’t imagine joining or needing any other gym. I’d pay my equinox membership fee before I pay my utility bills, that’s how much I need it.