Review / We review every Equinox gym in New York - which ones are worth the price?

In New York, going to Equinox, an upmarket gym chain, is an undeniable signal of status.

The American fitness company Equinox Fitness, which also operates the gyms PURE Yoga and Blink Fitness, has expertly crafted a brand that truly evokes luxury, sex, and wellness even when brought up in casual conversation.

Its Equinox gyms are notoriously expensive – its top membership costs US$500 per month with a US$750 initiation fee – and it's not uncommon to hear people quip that they can't afford it.

For a long time, that reputation kept me away, but in February, with my local Williamsburg gym membership feeling a bit ragged, I decided to dip my toe into Equinox's waters.

What I discovered was a vast network of gyms at various price points with different amenities, aesthetics and services.

Paying for a single gym membership can cost anywhere between US$185 and US$220 per month, typically with a US$300 initiation fee, varying by gym and offers available.

An “All Access” membership costs US$260 per month plus a US$500 initiation fee and gives you a membership at all 29 regular locations in New York and clubs nationally, but doesn't allow access to premium “E” clubs, Sports Clubs, or other special locations.

A destination membership allows you access to all clubs except for E clubs and costs US$300 per month on top of a US$500 initiation fee. And an E membership gives you access to all clubs, costing US$500 per month on top of a US$750 initiation fee.

During the enrolment process, the scope of options left me a bit baffled – how was I supposed to choose to have access to a set of gyms that I've never been to?