Equinox

Equinox is higher end gym than 24 hour fitness of course with higher membership dues. Everything is cleaner here and the staffs are cleaning after you in the locker rooms so you won’t see wet and used towels all over the place and there are always stacks of clean towels ready at multiple spots in the club. This is my 4^th year here after quitting the crowded 24 hour fitness with messy locker rooms… so far still in love with Equinox

Heath Hunter rocks!!!
I just attended his Barre class this Monday morning, and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it. He is a gem! Anybody who likes dancing/​cadio workout, his class is THE class to go.
Only wish is he teaches more in the San Mateo location.
Love love his classes!

This is a pretty luxurious place to work out. It’s expensive, so wait until there’s a promotion (there’s a new one every month) where you can can a discounted (or waived) initiation fee. It’s totally worth it. Huge pluses are the heated pool, Kiehl’s bath & body products, super clean marble showers, towel service, and spa within the facility. The yoga room is also absolutely gorgeous.
My only complaint is that one of the many amenities that sold me on the membership was that there would be trainers on the main floor dedicated to help you stretch after your workout. After several weeks of working out here at various times of the day, there has never been anybody available to stretch me out. There were personal trainers waiting for their clients, so they happily helped me out. But, still! If you’re going to sell it, then make sure it’s offered consistently.
Overall, I think it’s worth the price tag, currently at around $ 150/​month, especially if you go to classes often. If you’re considering joining in June, and would like $ 100 off your first month’s membership fee, please consider using my referral code:

(It’s like getting the initiation fee waived for this month!)

Joining as a member was great! Very quick and very efficient. The facilities were amazing and worth every penny.
I joined and one to two weeks later was notified of an immediate job transfer. I called Kenny and he was very understanding and said that he would take care of everything and get me refunded. I was pleased that not only for myself but for all customers that he made it very simple during a stressful time. So I thought! Per his request I sent him an email that very day to confirm what we had discussed. He said I can expect a refund within 7 – 10 days maybe sooner, and over a month later I had to leave several messages to follow up and never reached him. The front desk would say he was working out or not at his desk. I’m very patient, and had he responded to my email or left a message to update me I wouldn’t have cared the refund was behind. I understand things happen.
But to finally make things worse on their customer service end, I finally was directed to Bart Frantz their assistant general manager. He told me Kenny never forwarded the email, and I was understanding as I said above, things happen. I again was reassured this was taken care of and that HE would send an email to confirm. Well no surprise, he never did. So I sent one, again confirming our conversation. At this point I was very disappointed, and it’s not about the money. It’s about two people (a manager at that) not following through with their word. His reply to my email was «Confirmed!» One week later — I was positive my refund would show on my account. Well not only was it still not there. But there was another charge for the membership fee!
At this point again I called and reached Michelle. She went over the cancellation terms which at this point was pointless, but it did help me understand that two people clearly hadn’t taken the time to handle my cancellation properly. I asked her if I was still active (since I was being charged) and she said yes. Not her fault! She really got the bad end of the deal. I had to unload why I was upset to someone. She was the first one to follow through with her word and promised a call back within 15 minutes. Her manager Jennifer Adams returned my call and assured me that I would have a refund for the entire total within a week.
Total will be $ 411.28 — if this refund happ a in the time promised I will definitely be happy to update my review.

The front desk staff may not be the most helpful at times but the general manager is responsive and the locker rooms are nice and clean. I somehow left my shoes at the gym and called twice and was told they were not there and likely stolen. I had to call back a third time to make sure and they confirmed they had something fitting the description. If I didn’t call back a third time, I would’ve assumed it was stolen for sure. 3 stars for the monthly rate and non-​helpful front desk staff.

The Staff here was great! I had a very difficult interaction with the staff at the Sports Club in San Francisco and the team at San Mateo picked up the slack big time.
I would like to commend their efforts in providing great service!
Almost cancelled my membership because of my experience in SF sports club but the team here changed my perception completely.

I signed up two weeks ago and my membership started today. I specifically asked the sales rep during my tour of the facility if the allowed Olympic weightlifting as this is my workout routine and sole reason for going to the gym. He assured me on multiple occasions that this was no problem. The gym does have a platform and bumper weights for this purpose. One Day 1, I was about 30 minutes into my workout when one of the trainers came down and told me that Olympic lifting was definitely NOT allowed despite multiple assurances to the contrary when I signed up. We went upstairs to discuss with the manager, and she affirmed this and so I quit. On the first day. They refunded my money and we parted ways. Just wanted to emphasize this point to anyone looking for a oly lifting spot in San Mateo — Equinox is NOT it!

Great gym because it isn’t packed and you can get on any machine or squat rack you want! Tons of free weights available, even during peak hours! I can super set or even triple set and no one gets in my way! Trainers will let you work in, if you go during peak hours. Great gym!

Maybe this is a case of you get what you pay for… but this place became WAY too expensive for folks who earn a normal salary. The classes change constantly… which is good if you like variety, but bad if you like your class and want to keep attending it. The staff seems to be on a constant revolving door, so don’t expect to establish a relationship with them.

I usually go to the Equinox in the city, and I pay for a membership for all Northern California branches, so when I had business nearby I thought I’d try this one.
It operates more like a cheap 24 hour fitness, not a club charging $ 205 a month. The facilities are small, there’s no locker room attendant, and you have to bring your own lock, unlike SF where you are not allowed to use your own lock.
Since I’ve been told not to bring my own lock in SF, I didn’t have one with me. When I asked what I should do I was directed to a 6 X 6 inch cubbyhole and told to use that… as if my backpack and clothes would fit there. When I stated the obvious that this wouldn’t work, the guy at the front desk said, «Whatever.»
I left. I’m not comfortable leaving my valuables unsecured while I work out.
«Whatever» is not the level of service members should receive at this price point. There needs to be a consistent level of amenities and service at every gym in the chain. We’re all paying the same high fee! I feel bad for locals who must use this branch — you are definitely getting a substandard experience compared to SF.

This is a top notch gym where you can get your workout on! The facility and classes can’t be beat and the option for childcare while you workout is amazing! Yes, Equinox can be pricey but it is definitely one of the very best places to workout in the Bay Area and is worth the higher fees. In my opinion, Equinox, stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Super expensive club, so I used my free passes!
Yoga studio is gorgeous and made out of bamboo.
Rooftop pool is heated with cabanas!
Kiehl products in the locker room showers and a badass steam room.
Just wish I could afford it! Love the amenities here — top of the line!

Ugh! I love Equinox as a gym. People are infuriating. Put your stuff back. I can see why the clients do this though. Even the trainers don’t put their weights back. How can you expect the clients to follow simple gym etiquette if the trainers don’t.

Fancy gym on the main streets of San Mateo. Parking can be limited

If your looking for a great gym — with great amenities this place is awesome! I have been going here for about 2 years now and Love it!!!
Eff’s Saturday Morning Whipped class and Cat’s Zumba class are legit worth my membership fees for me. If your on the fence about this gym I recommend trying one of these classes first and you will not regret :-)
Locker rooms are always clean, stocked with towels, and Khiels products! Machines are all up to date and working. Great Gym!

Yes, it’s expensive but if you use it, it’s worth it. I’m talking 3+ times per week. There are some regulars here who use it several times per day! It does get crowded at times but it’s not consistently crowded. In six months, I’ve never had to wait to get on a machine or been turned away from a class.
Staff — The people who work here are really nice! Always smiling and saying hello. The cleaning crew is friendly as well and they do a fantastic job.
Store — Super cute stuff, expensive but I would buy a ton of it if I could.
Café — We love the grilled salmon wrap and it makes a fantastic quick dinner (shared with a side salad) to take home after a workout.
Yoga — They’re pretty good. A lot of Vinyasa classes but the teachers are well trained and cool people.
Parking — I walk but I think they have 2 hour validated parking. There’s also metered street parking.
Pool — Yeah, the rooftop pool is very cool. If you’re there in the morning or evening, you’ll have to share a lane. There are only four. It’s saltwater so no gross chlorine smells or sore eyes. A good temperature, cool but not cold. People sunbathe out here too!
Cleanliness — In general, it’s very clean but the class rooms can get gross with dust and hair on the floor. I got an eye infection after a class where we did a lot of burpees and such on the floor.
Locker rooms — Can get crowded but everything is available: lockers, clean towels, hair dryers, showers. I go in the evening and have never had to wait for anything. Love the steam room and the products are nice; you don’t have to bring them.
Amenities — Like others have said, the water is delicious, the eucalyptus towels are nice, magazines in the lobby. There are plenty of extra touches to make it nice. They have a spa. Expensive but very nice.
Classes — There’s a pretty good variety of classes. I’ve heard that the teachers don’t last long though. I think Equinox is pretty rigorous about how many people attend the class so if isn’t popular, it gets axed. They don’t have room for classes that aren’t packed.
Warning: The cardio type classes — like the appropriately named Whipped and Stacked — are hard. They can be super fun with lots of rewarding sweat but you can also hurt yourself. Do your best to protect yourself from undue soreness or tweakiness and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. The ones taught by women like X-​treme X-​train are much better for women and I love the teachers.
Trainers — I did the free trial sessions with a pilates coach and personal trainer and thought they were both top notch. I just can’t afford hundreds more dollars.
Events — They throw events here every once in a while, happy hours and such, and they’re fun. People here are mostly friendly and approachable. I don’t feel judged but I did feel conspicuous when I first started coming in old t-​shirts. People dress in nice workout clothes. I got a subscription to Fabletics and in three months fit right in.
Membership — You have to know that once you commit, they really don’t want to let you go. Read the terms. But if you use the gym, you’ll be happy here. So use it!

I have now lost 42 pounds total, have built foundation of new muscle mass that I’m going to continue to develop, and feel so much more happy and confident. It is still a work in progress, but Equinox continues to motivate me immensely. I am there 6 – 7 days a week, and I’m loving it as much as ever.
Jaime is a great trainer, by the way. She started me on my journey with 12 training sessions and has been so kind to keep encouraging me and checking in with me to measure and monitor my progress (body fat percentage, etc.). I highly recommend her, and Equinox!

Beautiful facility! Went for the first time with my sister yesterday and I was definitely blown away. Immediately I checked in on facebook, commenting «Is this a gym or is this heaven?»
I’ve been a member of 24 hour super sport for quite some time now because I’m located in Fremont, and I always thought it was pretty nice… until I came to equinox.
When my sister told me the initial price for membership, I winced. However, after trying out the facility for myself, I can honestly say I think it’s worth the extra money. The entire gym is beautiful and clean.
I took the cycling class, zumba class, and the ultimate workout class. All of the teachers were fantastic, super enthusiastic, and fast pace. The zumba class at Equinox was a lot more fun than any zumba class I’ve ever taken at 24 hour fitness! My only complaint is that the zumba room was a bit on the smaller side. I normally don’t mind smaller rooms although I wish the teacher had a platform to make it easier for the students to see when everyone is packed in.
Another thing I noticed was that their water was really nice and fresh. Even though the water at 24 hour is filtered, definitely doesn’t taste as good… and after working out they provide eucalyptus towels. Super minty and refreshing after a hot and sweaty work out!
Moving onto the locker room. Again, beautiful and not grime-​y at all! Tons of new towels along with other great perks such as razors, mouth wash, cotton balls, etc. The soaps/​shampoos in the showers were all Kiehl’s, so obviously very high quality.
Overall, this gym is just straight up amazing. In my opinion, the experience itself makes it worth the extra money because you’ll feel more motivated to work out in a facility so nice. Can’t wait until the next time I come here! If only they would open one in Fremont or closer to Fremont!

Having been a member at Planet Granite and 24 Hr, Equinox was a nice change for me. Despite the $$$ monthly fee, I do feel the price is worth it if you’re a gym rate. The people who go to this San Mateo branch are mostly young professionals or people in their 30−40s, all dressed in their finest lululemon.
The locker rooms and equipment rooms are always clean. While some say the gym is small and I agree, I do love their classes which also extend to 6:30 pm start time; something great for someone who works in Palo Alto and has a commute. After comparing Crunch, San Mateo College, PJCC, and 24 Hr gyms that are also nearby, this one had the widest range of classes on the weekend and after work — something that better fit with my schedule. Barry and Edwina are my favorite yoga instructors while Jenny has a great Cycle Beats class and Kelly’s Metcon3 class is invigorating and motivating.

After the Elite Event held here in February where attendees were given a week pass I decided that although I already had use of two Gym’s along with the setup I have at home I would take them up on their kind offer and already being no stranger to Gym sessions of intense Cardio and Weight Training I chose to try out some of the classes offered here and I must say I found them really enjoyable.
* Whipped! with Brian Taschida.
So much fun! Think Circuit Training with Ropes, Bosu Balls, Kettle-bell’s, Sandbags and free weights among other things. The class was big and you completed each station in pairs. We managed to complete the circuit twice when I really started to get into it only to find the hour had passed already and it was over. I kind of wish it was longer and more intense.
* Superhero Training.
Woaah. fun! Bring out your inner Wonder Woman or Superman by jumping, climbing and leaping in this action filled class.
* Studio Cycling
I cannot remember who the teacher was but I do remember it being fast passed and very energetic. I was pleased to find the class had both Men and Women too. The class had me so pumped that once it was completed I took advantage of one of the many empty Treadmills to Run 12 miles before Cycling home. Now that was a good workout!
* Danceation with Heath Hunter.
I found Heath’s high energy class kind of crazy. Really enjoyed some of the dances and Heath is really funny (British too). I found it to be more of a fun workout than nailing the perfect dance moves.
* Yoga Basics with Carol Allison
I chose the beginner class because it was my first ever attempt at Yoga which I found surprisingly easy. Carol went through the steps slowly for the newer members of the class and was great at helping those who were struggling with the moves. Very relaxing. a little too much so for me I think.
The facility really is luxurious with towels scattered throughout the Gym along with cooled face clothes in a fridge near the Cardio machines. Love it!
They have so many Treadmills, Ellipticals and Free Weights that on each of my visits I didn’t have any problem getting to use the equipment. This may have been helped by the fact I was here in the middle of the day too.
Lockers in the changing rooms are sparse though and reserved for what I was told are ”long term” members which explains why I saw many people carrying their bags from Treadmill to Weights… not so great. Paying as much as $ 190 a month I would expect to have somewhere secure to leave my belongings.
The shower facilities are kept so clean and even have complimentary Kiels products (
), you don’t get that at 24hr Fitness!
Although I didn’t see or use it they also have a pool (where they also have water workouts) and a Spa. Parking is a little difficult as it’s street parking only.