Discovering the Perfect Equinox Gym Near Me: A Real Person’s Guide

If you’ve ever typed “Equinox gym near me” into Google while half-asleep on the couch, still wearing yesterday’s workout clothes, you’re not alone. I’ve done it more times than I watch to admit. There’s something about the name “Equinox” that just sounds… premium. Like the kind of place where people actually wipe down machines without being glared at and the towels smell like eucalyptus instead of old socks. So I decided to finally stop scrolling and start exploring. Here’s everything I learned about finding (and deciding whether to join) an Equinox gym near me — written like I’m telling my best friend over coffee, because that’s basically what this is.

12/3/20253 min read

What Actually Makes Equinox Different?

Let’s be honest — there are a million gyms. There’s the $10/month place where the leg press is always broken, Planet Fitness with its free pizza Mondays (no judgment), and CrossFit boxes that feel like cult meetings (again, no judgment). Then there’s Equinox.

Equinox isn’t just a gym. It’s… an experience. The lighting is moody but not creepy. The music is curated (think remix playlists that somehow make burpees bearable). The locker rooms have those rainfall showers that make you feel like you’re in a luxury hotel. And yes — the infamous eucalyptus towels. They’re real. They’re cold. They’re life-changing.

But the real difference? The classes. Pilates reformers? Yes. Hot yoga in a room that actually gets hot? Obviously. Something called “MetCon3” that leaves you questioning your life choices? Absolutely. I took a class called “Vinyasa Yoga” at the Equinox in SoHo once and the instructor somehow knew I was stressed about taxes just by looking at my downward dog. It was unsettling. I loved it.

How to Actually Find an “Equinox Gym Near Me”

Step 1: Google it (you already did that).

Step 2: Use their official club finder — way better than random Google Maps pins. Go to equinox.com and click “Locations.” You can filter by amenities (want a spa? basketball court? rooftop pool? yes, those exist).

Step 3: Stalk Instagram. Search #[YourCity]Equinox. Real members post stories from inside — you’ll see if the vibe matches what you’re looking for.

Some of the standout locations I’ve visited or heard insane things about:

•New York City — Obviously the motherland. The Printing House in the West Village feels like a secret club. Hudson Yards has views that make treadmill runs weirdly enjoyable. Brooklyn (Dumbo) has a saltwater pool. A POOL MADE OF SALTWATER.

•Los Angeles — The Century City and West Hollywood locations are where you’ll spot celebrities pretending they’re not famous while doing kettlebell swings.

•Chicago — The Gold Coast and Lincoln Park clubs are stunning. The Loop location has a full basketball court if you’re into that.

•Miami — South Beach Equinox is basically a fashion show with dumbbells.

•London — Kensington and Bishopsgate if you’re across the pond.

•Toronto — Yorkville is gorgeous.

•Expanding cities — They’re opening new spots in Austin, Nashville, and more suburban areas, so even if there isn’t one super close now, there might be soon.

Is Equinox Actually Worth the Price?

Ah, the question everyone whispers but no one says out loud.

Yes… it’s expensive. Like, “cancel your Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify” expensive. Like “maybe I don’t need avocado toast every day” expensive.

But here’s the thing — I’ve belonged to cheap gyms. I’ve belonged to mid-tier gyms. And I’ve now been an Equinox member for over a year. The difference is that I actually GO. Consistently. Because it doesn’t feel like a chore. It feels like self-care disguised as exercise.

Also, the little things add up:

•Free coffee (good coffee) in the lounge

•Kiehl’s products in the showers (yes, really)

•Complimentary fitness assessments

•The app actually works and books classes without crashing

•Guest passes (great for making your friends jealous)

My Honest “Should You Join?” Checklist

Ask yourself:

Do you actually enjoy working out when the environment is beautiful?
Are group classes your jam? (Equinox has the best instructors I’ve ever had — many have actual dance/yoga/Pilates careers.)
Do you travel a lot? (All-access membership lets you visit any Equinox worldwide — huge perk.)
Are you tired of gyms that smell like regret and broken dreams?

If you said yes to at least two… it might be worth it.

Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Been There

•Try before you buy. Book a complimentary guest pass or trial class.

•Go during off-peak hours your first time (usually 2-4 PM weekdays) — less intimidating.

•Download the Equinox app before you go — everything (class bookings, instructor bios, digital key) lives there.

•Ask about founding member rates if a new location is opening near you — sometimes they’re significantly lower.

•If the price makes you gasp, check out the “E by Equinox” tier at some locations — slightly lower cost, still access to the fancy stuff.

The Bottom Line

Typing “Equinox gym near me” is the start of something. For some people, it’s just curiosity. For others (like me), it’s the moment you realize you’re ready to treat fitness like an investment instead of a punishment.

Is it for everyone? No. Is it perfect? Also no (the parking situation at some locations is a personal attack). But if you’re looking for a place that makes you feel excited to work out — not just obligated — Equinox might just be worth finding out how close the nearest one actually is.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a “Best Abs Ever” class in 20 minutes and I still need to find parking.