Equinox – 74th Street

I love Equinox and I go to all Equinox’s around the city. The gym and everything was great I give the gym 5 STARS — but I had THE WORST juice from the juice bar. I get the juices from the ones in SoHo & 50^th St. all the time and they’re delicious… But this one was over-​blended and tasted like fluffy kale. It was disgusting. :/

The layout is amazing, even though its over five floors. But then there is the elevator for those of us who only deal with steps when it’s on a Stairmaster. This is the most spacious Equimox that I have been to. Of course, it has all the amenities including facial moisterizer. The dumbbells range between 10lbs and 130lbs unlike most Equinoxes. And of course, the staff is fantastic. Mind you I rarely give five stars for anything.

Facilities are fantastic, including the layout. Great space, especially on the ground floor. Staff seem decently professional enough. Never took a class here so can’t comment there, but I’m a fan!

I really wanted to like this gym.
I used to go to the 92^nd st equinox but have recently moved to the east side. I almost exclusively take classes and use the locker rooms.
Compared to 92^nd st, the classes are dated. Think step aerobics. Minimal plyo, no cross-​fit type challenges. The main studio is really too small. It’s impossible to do any exercises with side to side movement because the room is so full. People are forced to work out out in the storage area. I have taken a few classes multiple times (tuesday cardio sculpt; tuesday barre burn) and they are essentially the same routine every week. I also think the timing of classes could be improved — there is a boxing studio but they only have 2 – 3 classes a week in this space. Thursday and friday early AM there is nothing in the yoga/​pilates room.
The spin classes are fine and the room is pretty nice.
The yoga room is really lovely — however, the walls are lined with some sort of wood decoration that effectively eliminates any flat surface for practicing inversions safely. It seems unnecessary and counter productive. The pilates classes are good.
The locker room: a decent number of the automated locks do not work, which of course you don’t know until you fill the locker and are about to dash off to class/​shower. In the ladies locker room, there is some issue with drainage and there is always a really big puddle of cold dirty water when you exit the shower. At 92^nd st, they had doors on the showers; at this gym they have curtains that just don’t seem to do the job.
The front desk staff is okay. I felt more enthusiasm from the people at 92^nd st, but whatever, I don’t think i would be enthusiastic if I had their job either. They need more bike parking outside. There are only enough spaces for 4 bikes.

This gym had nice space and locker system. Pilate classes by Dara are great. She is a very nice instructor. Pilate classes by Diane Finkley on the other hand are terrible — this woman is obnoxious and refused to adjust the room temperature when one older lady complained about the AC being too strong.
Some receptionist are extremely rude and unprofessional. One of the girls curled up in the couch in the lobby and flirted with other male trainers as if she was was in a night club, completely ignoring the customers.
When I called to ask if sneakers are required for certain class, the male receptionist sounded like he had too much to drink the night before and couldn’t understand the question. He kept saying «slippers» and I literately had to spell out letter by letter for him.
In the locker room. It is very often that trainers bump into others without saying excuse me. You would think being the most expensive gym in Manhattan, the company will put in a little effort hire more decent people to do better service.
I have been a member for a couple of years but plan to find a better and more pleasant work out place. Don’t waste your money here.

I’ve been a member here for three years. I have gone (almost) consistently for those three years, mainly because it is the only gym in my area.
I have had numerous trainers (in blue shirts because they are new to the gym, though they wouldn’t ever admit that’s the reason they’re in blue) come up to me and ask me what my personal fitness goals are — while I am doing my cardio, with my headphones in. That may not seem like a big deal to you, but it happens to me ALL THE TIME. With every single new trainer who comes to the gym. I am just trying to put my headphones in and listen to music or watch TV and tune out the world, I don’t want to talk about my fitness goals. They always try to talk me into signing up to do personal training with them. I have started politely telling them that I don’t like to talk when I work out, and that often does the trick. I never see the new trainers going up to the incredibly physically fit members, only to those of us who are trying to get to that point. I know you are looking for new clients, but I am not interested — I’m just trying to work out.
As for working with a personal trainer at this gym, I have only worked out with one right when I first arrived, for about six months. He often told me that I had such a pretty face — as soon as I lost weight, I would be beautiful. I found this incredibly disheartening and not at all motivational. Maybe this wouldn’t bother you, but it really bothered me.
The front desk staff has never bothered me. Most of them are actually quite nice and friendly. There are only a couple who won’t say hi back when you greet them, but I don’t care. Maybe they are in a bad mood because they are being bothered by the new trainers too!
As for the machinery, I have been complaining to the managers for three years about the poor quality of sound on the cardio machines in the basement. They always say they will look into it. I appreciate their responses, but the sound quality is still poor. There is heavy static on most of the TV channels on the cardio machines.
On the nights that I’m not cornered by the new trainers, and the sound on the particular channel that I’ve found is working fine, I really enjoy going to this gym. However, If I continue to be pressured by new trainers, I will consider leaving. One last note: They do frequently increase the price of membership — only by $ 5, $ 10, or $ 15 at at time, due to «new equipment and services.» Just a heads up!

The lifestyle/​fitness center is worth the investment. Specifically the spa is top rate with Florica Zdrinca’s expertise in skin care and the exceptional spa manager, Gianna Loubono-​Agag, who makes the trip value added. Yoga classes are great too with Bee, Jon, Terrence, and Adrian. The facilities are clean. The wayward treadmill and other top notch equipment round out the novel experience. Thanks everyone at 74^th street location!

First let me just say I don’t usually write reviews unless I experience excellent customer service. I am new to this gym and came just to check it out and see what it was about and get a feel for it. Heard some really good things about this place and it is conveniently located close to my job which is a plus as well. But I really signed up because of the front desk person who persuaded me to. Very nice personality, and very inviting. I felt right at home and definitely wanted to show my appreciation by writing an honest review. The employees name was Rafael Morales and I am sure if anyone comes here they too will sign up right away. A + for customer service skills.

This is my favorite equinox location in the city.
The club is spacious (someone mentioned to me that it was the largest club in Manhattan by square footage), spanning 5 floors. The very top and bottom floors have strength, cardio and stretching machines, so the club, and most importantly the locker rooms don’t get outrageously crowded at peak hours (looking at you Equinox Soho).
You can expect the same high quality products and amenities that Equinox is known for offering but here are my 74^th St favorites:
Personal Trainer: Rhen St. Christopher
Cycling Class: The Pursuit with Colleen Conlon
Yoga Class: Warrior Flow with Adrian Molina
Barre Class: Barre Burn with Cindya Davis
This club has become the standard to which I compare other gyms to, and I’m still on the lookout for a club — Equinox or otherwise — that would surmount it.

Not sure this particular location is worth the ~$ 200 monthly fee. Often machines, weights or even the wifi is down. Maintenance is unavoidable, but management could do a better job of communicating up front when something is down — particularly the wifi.
For example, you can’t stream Amazon Prime videos without wifi. My workout includes a long stint on the treadmill/​elliptical catching up on shows — 2^nd weekend in a row that plan gets busted c Equinox wifi is down. Hard to rationalize an almost $ 200 monthly fee if the service isn’t there (or expectations aren’t set up front).
Equinox was nice enough to reply and say that they did manage to fix more than 1 week later. The digital weight in the lady’s locker room is still broken (2+ weeks now). Will that get fixed? Again — it’s not that Equinox has to be perfect, but then ~$ 200 fee does create some expectations on how quickly broken things are fixed (eg 24 – 48 hours seems reasonable)
Still 1 star.

Love Equinox but love this location even more. It has 5 floors and everything is state of the art. They have a lounge area to just chill, boxing area w bags and of course their classes are always awesome. Def check it out of you are in the UES

This is an AMAZING location of Equinox — it’s massive and beautiful. Abundance of machines, towels, showers, and space. Quality of classes is great, and amenities are fab.

This is by far the worst gym ever. The General manager Joe is ALWAYS working out rather than tending to issues in his gym. I’ve tried to talk to him and the desk staff always says he’s either not there or that he’s working out… Like when I was getting my massage and the roof was leaking water… Disgusting to say the least (I’ve been back for 2 other treatments & the walls are still disgusting) the Women’s locker room has mold and mildew in the showers and on the shower curtains. Never toilet paper in the mornings.
Not to mention the staff that will literally push you out of the way to do their own workout! Poorly managed! This new manager I think his name is Jack or something. He’s The one that replaced the only good manager. Well, he is Lazy I asked him to help me get a coat from coat check and he said he had to find someone else to do that, that he was busy! 15 mins later I finally got my coat.
To say the least, there is absolutely NO reason to pay the price for this gym! Thank god my contract ends in April and I can get the heck out!
Equinox should think about paying their staff better and maybe they would get some quality people that actually care about their business!

Summary: Go to this gym. It’s First Rate! You won’t regret it. Super clean and spacious, courteous and friendly staff, plenty of things to explore and take advantage of.
I joined Equinox last summer because I wanted to have motivation to go and do the right thing for me, which was to improve myself. Because of this gym I’ve reached my initial goals and I’m looking forward to improving myself beyond what I expected. I’ve lost the weight, built the strength, and developed the athleticism. I credit this gym with helping me accomplish that.
I made the RIGHT choice as this is the best gym I’ve ever belonged to or been a visitor of. I’ve become better, stronger, and faster because of what this gym has to offer. And they offer a lot. I’ve only scratched the surface.
The facility is Ah-​Mazing, to start. To have two floors dedicated to weights and machines is tremendous. Equinox goes above and beyond providing more than enough for their members and this location on the UES does just that. They have two other floors dedicated to classes and they’re always full of people/​members willing to improve themselves. A gym with a daycare? Whaa? #Fughettaboutitt! Juice bar?! Are you kidding me? Spa??! Now you’re just messing around… Give me more, please!
I go five days a week and it’s because I LOVE COMING HERE. I’ve gone 5 days a week FOR THE ENTIRE WINTER. No other gym has inspired me that much. The staff is friendly and courteous at ALL HOURS of the day, from the front to the back. (Take advantage of the coat check when possible.) I sometimes use the locker room and have enough space and time to shower, steam, and shave whenever I see fit. Equinox doesn’t miss a beat in providing uninterrupted service to their members, and this location is no exception. I always have a towel, always have room to work out, and always leave feeling better about myself and my experience. They say Hello when you come and Thank You For Coming when you leave. The manager, Joe Vito, is always ready to help you with a question or concern (and we on the UES are the most finicky customers,) so kudos to Mr. Vito and his team.
I’ve taken mostly yoga classes here, which I enjoy, even with subs. Different days and teachers, very enjoyable and challenging, especially being a guy who’s very much an awkward beginner regarding yoga. I took a few Cycle classes and found it to be at or above the level of SoulCycle (which they also own, btw.) I’ve yet to experience Personal Training, Pilates, and other classes like Boxing, but I’ve been told by members they’re top-​notch. Maybe when I reach another level of my own personal journey to improve…
I tend to go in the early mornings and late evenings so I observe the PT Staff. They seem to cultivate happy, loyal clients (I see they keep the same, regular appointments, and that to me means they’re really good,) are courteous and friendly to everyone, and even have given me a tip here and there to improve my own training. That, in itself, goes above and beyond my expectation as a customer (I work in luxury sales so I can attest to this personally.) There is always an available machine or weight to use and the other members are happy and accommodating to let you do you, or even let you share with them. People!!– when the other members are kind and friendly to you about sharing a space, or equipment, it means they are also ENJOYING THEIR EXPERIENCE!
I’ve been to a few of the other Equinox locations across the city, and while the others are also great, my preference is this location on 2^nd Ave and 74^th Street. I equate paying a premium with getting the most out of your experience, and dollar for dollar, this is the place to be. I haven’t taken all the classes or instructors, but since I’ve been a member, because it’s a great facility and they have a great staff, I feel assured that I’m getting the most for what I pay. I even have a friend who recently became a PT at a downtown location and he’s experiencing a very successful career because of the kind of company Equinox is. (That says a lot.)
Hands down, you get what you pay for. You’ll get the most out of belonging here.
It’s true: «Equinox made me do it.»

It is definitely expensive as Equinox is but it is immaculate. The classes are all very well-​instructed and give a great workout. The gym is one of the older ones so some of the equipment needs to be updgraded. Showers and all areas are well maintained. Staff is friendly. It does get VERY crowded though so if you go at high traffic times, just be aware of the tendency to be crowded and to have to wait for machines.

my home home is Equinox at 92^nd, but since they have been under construction for almost 3 months now, I have started coming here, and to be honest, I dont see why its so highly rated. Yes it has 5 levels but every level is the same machines, there is no variety, the mens lockers is highly annoying.
The digital lockers barely work, or sometimes dont work. One time I finished showering and my lock wouldn’t even turn on. so I though the battery died or something. The custodian was cleaning the steam room and I asked him to go get help for me. He said «why dont you go» remind you im naked and wet in a towel, I had to remind him of my present nakedness and tell him I can’t cause IM NAKED! he said 5 minutes. so I just go to my locker and tried about 20 more times, finally it worked and then the custodian comes over and sees if I still need help, little too late but thanks.
Also the steam room, it is never ever hot enough or moist enough, and the ceramic bench is so wide that you can’t sit on the bench comfortably. Either you have to put the back of your knee on the metal edge of the bench so your feet touch the floor but your back is SOO FAR from the wall you can’t lay back, unless you wanna lay back soon far your pretty much putting pressure on your neck. while the metal edge cuts into you leg. Or if you sit all the way back so your back does touch the wall your calves rest on that metal edge, which hurts and then your legs sticks out over the bench. its completely annoying because you can never find a comfortable spot to relax in unless you want to sit indian style.
Also I have never had a shower at this location that has hot water, I have had to skip showering a few times because there was no hot water. this weekend I went and it was warm water, but half way through my shower the warm water dissipated.
And just to be honest. I have had some horrible greeters as well. Just not a well thought out location. large yes, thoughtful. no

Opinion:
Pros
* generally decent instructors and classes
* nice yoga and cardio room layout
* nice overall configuration of machines
* generally good music
* usually clean bathrooms
Cons
* electronic lockers often broken/​not working
* basement area feels uninspiring
* some noticeable steroid users in the weight area
* equinox makes canceling your membership very difficult
* some classes (e.g. yoga) will be cancelled without advance notice because an instructor may flake, and just not show up
* some of the front desk employees (greeters) are very rude/​arrogant/​condescending
* generally poor customer service as many other reviewers have also mentioned

This review is for the manager’s customer service.
First off, I want to mention that the support staff and front desk are all very welcoming and personable. It’s a wonderful facility for your workout. I used to love this gym so much and look forward to my workouts here.
I don’t mind shelling out $$$ for a gym, but for $ 195 per month, the manager’s behavior was unacceptable. I’m not saying they’re all rude (Everyone was quite nice when I was joining), but this was just my experience.
I had to cancel my membership prior to starting medical school in a different country. As per the contract, moving 25 miles away from an Equinox gym allows for cancellation prior to the end of the 1 year commitment.
I am attending medical school at St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies. I understand that gyms are often strict about cancellation policies, so I gave them copies of:
— the immigration letter
— acceptance letter
— flight information
— dormitory information
I don’t understand why all of this initially is not «proof enough», and not «proof of address» (dormitories ARE an address). I shouldn’t have to convince them that Grenada, West Indies is outside of the 25 mile radius range. I was told that my dorm address in Grenada, WI is not a good enough address for them. Well, I can’t change the format of how addresses are written in different countries.
I was assisted by a very nice girl at the front desk, who went back and forth speaking to the manager about my situation. I requested to speak to Mr Joseph Vito, who came out with the most attitude I’ve ever seen in the customer service industry, who also failed to bother to introduce himself. I asked for his help and explained my reason for cancellation, and it took a good 15 minutes to convince the gentleman that I do have a valid address.
Eventually, with attitude and hesitation it was honored by Mr Vito (who could work on his manners whilst speaking to clients and customers).
Anyway, aside from the cancellation issue, it’s a great gym. Just don’t try and quit.

Oh, Equinox. How I love thee.
At first I was a little hesitant to join given the high price tag, but I am really glad I did. This place really makes working out a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The locker rooms are clean and spa like and the Kiehls, well it’s Kiehls and it’s awesome. The classes are great and the equinox app makes it really easy to sign up and more specifically, book a bike. The juice bar is a great addition and who doesn’t love staff that walk around and hand you towels while you’re on you’re bike getting your sweat on? The location of the 74^th st facility is super convent to my apartment since it’s around the corner (I have literally zero excuses to not go now) but at great for other as well since the bus stops right out front on 2^nd and the 6 subway is only a few blocks away. I really do love that I took the plunge and signed up. No regrets! And you won’t have any either.
Knocking 1 star off because it’s pretty crowded around 7pm week nights and some of the digital lockers are out of commission which is annoying on a busy night.

Excellent, gorgeous gym that’s worth the money. Spinning classes are great, locker room is like a premium spa (with Kiehl’s omg) and an app that won’t quit. They really won me on their app.
Anyways, my favorite part of this location is that all the lockers have built in locks which make things pretty when you just wanna run over and toss a few things in.
Would highly recommend this location. I think the 63^rd street one is better, but this just happens to be closer to me…

This is most likely the best gym in the area. And its no NYSC so don’t think your going to get in here without paying the $ 195 per month. Hell its damn expensive especially coming from a base level gym paying $ 20 a month. This place is a damn complex, with 2 main workout floors on the top and bottom with 5 total floors including a level with a spa and juice bar (have yet to try either but food in the bar looks average at best).
I have nothing but positive things to say regarding classes and while I dont do cardio there always seems to be place open on the machines.
So the consensus is that while there are certainly less expensive gyms in the area, you go with Equinox due to convenience, high quality locker rooms and eye candy.

This is a gorgeous gym. Definitely on the expensive side at $ 195 a month especially when prior to living in NYC an expensive gym was $ 50 a month.
There are 2 main workout floors and 5 floors total including a level with a spa and juice bar.
Its certainly the nicest gym I have been a member at. Lots of cardio machines. Tons of group classes to choose from.
While there are certainly less expensive gyms near me I optes for Equinox because it is literally around the corner from my apartment so no excuses for missing.

This is a perfect place for young professionals. The atmosphere is upbeat and the eye candy is awesome! Other places I went to made me very uncomfortable with getting a trainer and membership, but Vicki was amazing! Cute, sweet, and never pressured me. The staff is always helpful and it’s soooo clean.
Highly recommend checking out the classes!