Equinox

The gym is super in terms of facility. The staff is wonderful. It just get too crowded during peak hours especially in the locker room. Price isn’t cheap either.

This has to be my favorite gym ever! Sadly I do not live in SF, but I come up every few months and make a point to work out here. I love that they managed to put a swimming pool in a historic building. Love the bank vault locker room too, gives the gym some character.
I wish Equinox Pine Street was in Los Angeles!

Priority for group classes is given to iPhone users who have the ability to sign up for classes in advance. This option was not developed for android users. The website occasionally, but irregularly, permits others to sign up for classes in advance.
The third star is because of the sparkling clean facilities and locker rooms.

Um, the crowds here are insane. This is not just hardos trying to maintain their new year’s resolutions, but legitimately every time you show up to Pine Street, expect to wait for equipment, be overwhelmed by the amount of people crammed into a small space and enjoy trying to access your locker without bumping into several other people. It won’t happen.
The gym is supposed to be a therapeutic experience — not the case here at all.
Had to upgrade to Market Street which is infinitely better.

I rarely write reviews, but because I found my personal trainer, Jonathan Jordan (JJ), through Unilocal,I thought I’d write about my experience with him. Equinox (Pine Street) as a gym is solid — a few great classes, lots of equipment, clean facilities, crowded peak-hours…gyms are gyms. JJ is what makes Equinox exceptional and worth my time and money.
My job has done a number on my body… shoulder problems, poor posture, weight gain, nagging hip pains — all have worsened through many hours at a desk. My work is both demanding and fulfilling, so I put my 100% into it. It leaves me with a greater need for exercise, but less time for it.
Last fall, I wanted to commit to a plan to get back into shape. I saw the reviews on JJ, so five months ago, I gave him a shot. It was, without a doubt, the best decision I could have made regarding my health. Here’s why.
1) JJ is efficient. He matches my type-​A personality with thoughtful multi-​week plans to first address my problems (e.g., five variations of shoulder rows that get incrementally harder), and then to improve my health more broadly. He knows I value my time, so he makes sure I get the most out of it — both in and out of the gym. Anybody will tell you that improved health is a function of both exercise and nutrition (either is necessary but insufficient alone). JJ goes the extra mile to make sure I address both in a way that matches my lifestyle. I don’t have time to make elaborate healthy meals… I have 3 minutes to figure out breakfast, and in the past that meant a loaded bagel from across the street. JJ taught me how to whip up an unquestionably healthy breakfast in under 3 minutes — AND helped me commit to making it… first once a week, then a few times a week, and now I eat healthy breakfasts all the time. He is brilliant strategist in that way — he knows that (1) lasting change requires good habits, and (2) habits stick through small, incremental improvements. He has made both become true in the most efficient way possible.
2) JJ knows his stuff, because he has a genuine fascination with health and nutrition. He accommodates my incessant peppering of questions about EVERYTHING — «why is this exercise important?» «this smoothie has XYZ, is that good for me?» «how many minutes of stretching before I start spinning?» «what’s the best foam roller out there?». He has become my go-​to guy for everything food and fitness.
3) JJ cares about the long game. Beyond addressing specific problems (e.g., posture), we optimize for something we can measure: body fat reduction (hat-​tip to Equinox’s fancy measurement machine). After four months, I was so pumped to see that I shed 8 pounds of body fat. Nothing is more motivating than results, and my goal for the next four is to do it again.
4) JJ is so much fun. He’s hilarious, but he’s also positive, encouraging, and someone that constantly inspires me to sweat, hustle, and stay optimistic through it all.
I’ll end my review there. If you’re looking for a smart, experienced, committed trainer that makes you look forward to your workout, JJ’s your guy.

I love this gym! Great gym with great people!
Trainers… these folks are awesome! If you have a chance to pick a trainer, give Michael Bonella a try, he is really knowledgeable and great to work with. I booked several sessions with Michael Bonella (aka GI Joe) and he has been wonderful to work with to gain strength and improve my flexibility. He took the time to listen to exactly what I wanted out of my sessions and put together a customized training program that is both challenging and takes me to the next level of fitness without risk of injury.
Michael makes the training sessions fun and I appreciate his wealth of knowledge to make sure that I am breathing appropriately and engaging the right muscle group to gain the maximum results. He is focused and dedicated to making sure that I get the most out of every session. I highly recommend him if anyone is looking for a personal trainer!
Since my schedule is a bit hectic, Michael has been very flexible with my busy schedule and has made himself available to make sure that I can attend my weekly sessions. He makes sure that the fundamentals are taken care of with proper warm ups and he is focused on building my stability and core strength. Once that is achieved the results come quickly!
I had originally booked sessions 2X a week and I enjoyed working with him so much that I have up to 3X a week. The sessions are so much fun — He is soooooo great to work with!
P. S. Did I mention I am also in love which their cool eucalyptus towels. Imagine a cool, damp, tightly rolled towels infused with eucalyptus and available in a tiny little glass-​doored refrigerator by the cardio machines. So, when you come off the treadmill, or from spinning class, you can bury your face in a refreshing eucalyptus towel (big smile on face). Take it with you to the sauna for a relaxing nap. Ha my favorite!

I’ve been working with Michael Bonella (GI Joe) as a personal trainer for a couple of months now and have had a fantastic experience! He pays attention to what you want to get out of the sessions and pushes you just the right amount to make great progress. He is also very attentive to your form, which means you are getting the most out of every exercise and you’ll avoid injury! Basically, I can’t say enough great things about Michael! Highly recommended

Michael Bonella (aka GI Joe) is a great asset to Equinox as a personal trainer. His energy gets me in the right mood to workout and he’s very attentive to your goals. He takes the time to watch each rep to ensure I have the correct form while pushing me to work harder. As a member of this gym for 5+ years I’ve trained with others in the past and didn’t feel I needed a trainer anymore to show me around the gym or to count my reps for me. He helped me break through workout plateau and I’m seeing results again. I bought 12 sessions to get ready for a trip approaching and have already renewed for 12 more to continue the great progress I’ve experienced while training with him. I would definitely recommend him for newbies to the gym and also guys who are tired of their old routine and need a jump start of progress. Trainers like him make my workout experience at Equinox worth the dues.

If you are looking for a trainer, I highly recommend Michael Bonella at Pine Street Equinox. He is not the first trainer I have had, but when it comes to making the most of an hour, improving body movement, building and toning muscle, Michael is the best. I am always impressed by his knowledge of the body and how to maximize progress with the best training. If you want to get to the next level and aren’t afraid to be pushed, then check Michael (GI Joe) out.

Great gym overall. Am member at Equinox Union and training with JJ at Pine Street. Thinks the quality of group instructors at Equinox Union can be improved; not particularly excited about classes there and would love to be — so hopefully management can take note of that. And the exception is Buddy Macuha — LOVE his classes!
On PT with JJ (he’s why I train at Equinox Pine Street): Training with Jonathan Jordan («JJ») makes me feel productive, pushes my limits and energizes me, especially if I’ve had a busy or a «meeeh» day. I also find that I feel better about myself emotionally, physically and spiritually after training. My #1 goal: Be the best version I can be, and truly understand why I am doing certain exercises. This is also why I enjoy working out with JJ because JJ explains to me in-​depth, with patience, why he wants me to do a certain exercise. This demonstrates to me JJ’s passion in training, commitment to his clients, and in-​depth knowledge of fitness.

Equinox Pine St Personal Trainer JJ Jordan
I started working with JJ this year and feel lucky to have someone knowledgeable about body mechanics as well as nutrition. From the start JJ worked to understand my strengths and weaknesses and he now regularly pushes me beyond what I think is possible for myself. I’ve increased my strength and lowered my % body fat.
But to just talk about how great a trainer JJ is is missing half the story. JJ is a good human. He’s somebody you wake up at 5 in the morning for because he’s going to be there for you. And he’s not going to lay it on thick or just tell you want you want to hear. He’s going to be straight with you, make you sore in ways that you don’t see coming (I write this with my upper core screaming from a nasty series of up downs), make you stronger and happier and best of all make you laugh when you need it the most.

Join gym with caution — they use very shady sales techniques when selling memberships… If they say «you only have to give a 30 day notice to cancel» — they are not being truthful — the process is much more in depth… Let me know if you have had a similar experience…

Personal training — Jonathan David Jordan («JJ»)
I have been a member at Equinox for 4 years now and whilst it’s not cheap, it is a great gym. However, the best thing about it is JJ! I’ve had a couple of trainers over the last 4 years but my two previous guys left the gym and after going 6 months without a trainer (and doing a lot of calorie laden travel!) I decided I needed to take myself in hand and get back in the zone! I had got to know JJ through one of the Equinox boot camps and thought he would be a great trainer — but had no idea just how great!
In the first 6 weeks of training with JJ, I lost 10lb, 3.7% of my body fat and gained a pound of muscle, I was THRILLED! JJ is an awesome trainer and I love working with him. Not only does he make sure our sessions are varied and enjoyable, he also gives great nutritional guidance (the nutrition side is optional but definitely take advantage!). I have been keeping a weekly food journal and every week he reviews it and gives me tips on what to change and sets «challenges» for homework. He is literally changing the way I think about what I put in my body and making it so much easier to resist the junk that I used to rely on to keep me going through the day.
JJ goes above and beyond in his dedication to his clients. He checks in with me on a regular basis, even when he’s on vacation and sends me useful suggestions, articles and recipes. In the last couple of weeks I have had so many compliments from friends and co-​workers about how much weight I’ve lost and how great I look and I owe a huge part of that to JJ.

Just finished my 1 year membership and will not be returning to equinox. It was a cool experience, don’t regret it, the employees are all nice, but hoping to share some knowledge on the experience before committing to a year long membership at $ 165+/month.
Firstly, I re-​signed with 24 hour fitness (ALL LOCATIONS) and am paying ¹⁄₁₀^th the monthly rate I was paying at Equinox (one location) — but is the quality difference ¹⁄₁₀^th of Equinox? I’d say the 24 on california and Equinox on Pine street are about even since 24’s upgrade to their weight room. Additionally, I didn’t participate in many classes. I personally think if you’re into classes (spin, yoga, etc), Equinox is a really great option, if not the best.
My issues with equinox are as follows
–Trainers running the gym. If you want to work out alone, good luck. There are trainers everywhere and often running circuit types of workouts with their clients preventing you from jumping in on machines.
–Machine quantity. the upgraded 24 on California street has the weight machines beat easily by a 2:1 ratio. I can pump out workouts a lot faster at 24.
–Machine quality. Typically good at equinox, but one thing noticed is that when handles are tearing on weight machines at equinox, they don’t get fixed. There were some machines that had issues for the entire year I was a member that never got replaced.
Overall, the style of the gym wasn’t a good fit for me. It’s a «lifestyle» gym. Go there, be hip, get a smoothie, rub Kiehl’s lotion all over your body, and go 50% in your workouts.
If you’ve got the disposable income, everyone inside that building is gorgeous. +1 star for that.

PERSONAL TRAINING: Jonathon David Jordan («JJ»)
One year after re-​locating to SF, I needed to recommit to my health and fitness. I decided to hire a personal trainer; which has turned out to be the best investment; both time and financially. I train with Jonathon Jordan David («JJ») and he has proven to be indispensible because I am seeing and experiencing results: physically, mentally and emotionally.
Body image/​health/​fitness is very personal. JJ has a very amiable demeanor, which makes it easy to not only communicate with him about my personal needs and insecurities, but to physically be present to work out with him. JJ creates a safe and judgment free experience. He has a sincere desire to help his clients accomplish their goals, which goes much farther than having a fit physique, but having a healthy emotional relationship with fitness, body image and nutrition.
JJ takes time to create workouts that are individualized to meet my needs on my level. For example, I sustained a shoulder injury and JJ customized my workouts to help my shoulder heal while strengthening specific parts of my body to prevent future injuries. JJ knows that I spend hours sitting at a desk and creates workouts to make sure that my body remains in healthy alignment. It is clear that JJ pays attention to my body and my needs. My workouts with him are never mundane. JJ always challenges me physically, pushing me to discover what I am capable of.
More importantly, JJ keeps me accountable. Staying committed to a fitness routine is hard. My job schedule is unpredictable, so in order for me to stay on path, I work out with him at 6:00 a.m. Working out at this time required me to make lifestyle changes, but I have been able to commit to my early morning workouts because I am seeing and experiencing results. Moreover, JJ consistently shows up every morning with the same vigor, dedication and enthusiasm as when we worked out in the afternoon. There is no better way for me to start the day than with his energy, passion and care for his clients. Having JJ’s unconditional commitment, creates a strong sense of accountability from me to him. This is how results are accomplished: dedication, teamwork and trust.
After a year with JJ, I consistently work out 4 – 5 times a week; personal training combined with group fitness classes, and am now taking my health and fitness plan to the next level: nutrition. JJ enthusiastically supported this decision and asked me to keep a food journal for 3 days for him to review. This was a scary request and a brand new area of vulnerability that I perceived as an opportunity to be judged. However, JJ made this experience pleasant and judgment free. He reviewed my journal and provided me with valuable information so that I can maximize my fitness routine to achieve my physical goals. JJ’s unconditional support makes me believe that I can accomplish anything.
Lastly, to ignore the cost of personal training would be disingenuous. It is expensive, but JJ is worth it. Personal training is an investment in my life. This is money I do not regret spending. Feeling strong and healthy, looking good and being happy is priceless. Having a healthy mind, body and soul is the best return on investment.

Surprisingly bad air circulation, limited weight lifting machines (many of which are out-​dated) and the cardio section has a low ceiling so you feel a bit stuffy inside. I’m surprised this is an «equinox» gym
Locker rooms are well equipped and pool looked decent for laps

Please note this is only a review of their facilities. I am not a member, but I participated in the Cycle for Survival event they hosted.
For such a high-​end gym, it seemed a bit small, but compared to other gyms in the city, I guess it’s comparable to some of the larger sites. It’s cool that it is a renovated bank because you can still see the original vault door that leads to the locker rooms. They locker rooms are stocked with everything you could possibly need and the facilities are kept very clean. The layout is a little confusing if it’s your first time there and I made a couple wrong turns in the ladies locker room during the day. If you’re willing to make the investment and its location is convenient for you, this place is worth looking into.
I’m a gym rat, but the price and location just don’t work for me right now especially since I have a free gym at work.

Gorgeous building, clean and working machines, ample room for stretching, and a 25-​yard lap pool. The locker rooms are in the old vault — very cool!
New York City Equinox staff (esp. Lex and 63^rd Street) — please visit this gym to see what you have to learn!

I cannot take this anymore. The situation is getting worse by the month. I am escaping to Sports Club Equinox on Market St. Depressed and hater Equinox employees please don’t follow. Just stay where you are.
To my awesome gym friends, don’t waste your time at this location, switch to Sports Club on Market St.
Again, if you are a good-​looking male member, you most likely don’t have the experience I have.
A string of bad experiences happened to me at this location since April this year and it dawned on me that it is because no one has any clue why this gym is going down hill and no one cares about it.
This location is notorious for its bad attitude from the front desk and personal trainers. For the longest time I just ignored employees but since I got in shape this year, I am attracting negative and hater employees left and right.
Don’t just hire some randos, hire people with communication skills and know customer service. This is a gym where professionals workout to de-​stress. Employees at this gym should be professional and friendly.
I loved this location for a long time and have been a huge Equinox fan, but this year has been disappointing.
Trainers who felt they could just make snide comments to members and get away with it. Front desk staff who are too busy flirting with good looking men and are mean to women.
This gym is NOT FEMALE FRIENDLY, and has a lot of depressed and hater employees working here.

I have been a member since 2010. I used to love them and access to amenities: friendly front desk, towel service, sauna, pool, spa, lots of equipment, Kiel’s products. Over the last 5 years I’ve seen a steady decline in services and experienced awful selling practice. As a stand alone facility, the management is great and has worked with me during special circumstances. However, as a company, they’re über expensive and under delivering.
Twice a year they hike up the membership fees. Sometimes you’re hit 3 times. Twice for membership and once for personal training increases. All these are under the pretense of membership improvement. You’d imagine your rate’s locked for life until you cancel your membership, NOT THE CASE!
Your membership doesn’t include all gym access, whether it is all Northern California, California or nationwide; it’s single access. You want to go to Equinox Union St? Ok, that will be an add-​on! Even though they increased your fees so they can buy SouleCycle or Sports Club LA/​SF, but NOPE, you don’t have access to them, and will pay extra.
Over the last five years, they’ve increased the sales of membership even though the gym is at full capacity. I used to be able to get on a machine at peak time. Now, they’re no better than a 24 hr Fitness. Crowded (no machine, no yoga studio spot and no spot to stretch), outdated equipments and facility.
It’s unfortunate when they can’t commit to the member benefits they promised and continues to jack the rate at $ 15x/​monthly for single access. That is no way to treat your clients. Yes they might have a couple awesome group instructors and sign-​up spinning class system. But charging this fee is a rip off and I’m happy to give other new upcoming trainers a shot.