Equinox Brooklyn Heights

This has been a mess since about a month upon signing up. I was a former Equinox member in Los Angeles (two locations) and some how got on Brooklyn’s radar… I was chased (aggressively) by the sales team to sign up for the Brooklyn Heights location. Each time, I let them know it wouldn’t work for me for a few reasons but most importantly the child care coverage wouldn’t work with my schedule. As a single mom; I need a gym that is family friendly and their hours are mornings at 8 AM (when my child is at school and I’m heading to work) and weekends. Despite my – no thanks. I continued receive emails and calls every two to three months. In late summer 2015; I received a call and again explained their childcare didn’t work for me. I was told they had a pilot program for evening care. After several conversations and emails; I was told that it was 99.9% sure thing this program passed the «pilot» phase and would be regular program. With these assurances I signed up and paid in advance for childcare. The program did in fact become full-​time… for another 3 – 45 days. Then, I showed up at 5:30 PM to take a class with my child in tow and was told the program for evenings was now sign-​up 24 hours in advance only. What? Where was the notification? Oh, we sent a note. No, that didn’t happen. And, as much as I tried to work with that program (for the 30 days or so that it existed) it just didn’t work. Eventually, all evening coverage ended. So, the gym I singed up for didn’t commit to the program that was the only reason I was able to join. Now, I’m stuck in a year commitment. I was given the option to sign up for a Manhattan location with evening childcare hours — I live in Bed-​Stuy so commuting 45 minutes with my six year old at night is just not a reality. And, simply silly they would even suggest it. They have also refused to let me end my membership. Unless I get a doctor’s note or can show I have moved x amount of miles outside of Brooklyn. I haven’t been to the gym for months. Not only and I paying for a membership I can’t use and have paid in advance for childcare that isn’t available when I need it. My office hours are short so after I drop my daughter at school I’m on straight out until I get her again… there is not wiggle room for me to work out when she’s at school. Thus, my need to take her with me to the gym. I’m not only disappointed in what happened but I’m furious that they would market this gym to families — it isn’t family friendly. I got yelled out when I was with my daughter and tried to bring her up to the second floor so I could save a spot at class before checking her in to the child care space. No kids beyond the lobby floor. The reason I was so stressed out is because classes are always packed. I’ve tried to sign up for spin class and never am able to get in. I’ve tried to talk to their managers about this and how they hope to resolve it and was told I just had to be faster in trying to get myself signed up. Really? I’ve worked out all over the place at top gyms and fitness clubs and never had such an issue with signing up for spin or getting into a yoga class. I’ve been turned away and it’s so uninspiring — that in addition to not having the childcare I need — I’ve just stopped going. Nice work Equinox… my suggestion — stop marketing to families that they can still work out at your hip and cool facility and bring the whole family… it can’t happen here that is for sure. #Equinox fail

This Equinox shouldn’t even exist makes all the other ones look bad. Doesn’t even compare to East 74^th, West 76^th or Printing House. Not sure why they made the Brooklyn one such a piece of shit especially since it’s right in Brooklyn heights, you would think it would be really nice! Like this might as well just be a crunch fitness at this point.

I’ve been in NYC for 21 years and been a member at one time or another of almost all of the major gyms here. I held off on Equinox for a variety of reasons, but really my love/​hate relationship with gyms in general just couldn’t justify the relative high cost of membership. Well, now I realize that I hated the other gyms because, well, they were other gyms.
I cannot stand a packed gym. I like space. I don’t like waiting for cardio machines, I don’t like packed locker rooms, and I don’t like feeling like I have to rush through my circuit because 10 people are using the same equipment as me and it’s a big olé cluster f*ck. I like to do my thing in peace, at my own pace. Also, I hate bad gym music. Why does gym music need to be universally terrible and headache inducing? Deep breathe. Now that I’ve gotten all that out I can say with confidence that none of those factors have plagued me at Equinox.
I have the all access pass so I can go to almost all Equinox clubs but Brooklyn Heights is my «home» gym. It seems to be one of the smaller ones but it’s still a decent size with plenty of space. Unlike other gyms I’ve been to there’s always room somewhere to stretch. The locker room may be a little crowded once a couple of classes get out and you might have to wait for a shower for a minute or two, but the facilities are large enough that any crowd dissipates quickly. Even during the peak time after work the gym isn’t unmanageably crowded. I do like the Kiehl’s products, too, so I don’t need to lug my own shampoo/​conditioner, moisturizer, or shower gel with me which is really nice. Also, whoever thought of the chilled eucalyptus towels you are an absolute genius.
The classes are great and definitely challenging. The barre burn class is better than any class I’ve taken at Pure Barre and while the yoga classes vary from instructor to instructor most of them have been very good with more highs than lows. The quality of classes also helps me feel better about the monthly membership costs because I’m not spending $ 20-​$ 30 per class on yoga, pilates, or barre at private studios to keep things interesting.
Anyway, it only took 21 years, but I’m a fan.

I’ve been to most gyms/​clubs in the city and it is safe to say I’ve found my haven. It isn’t overly crowded ever (or at least when I go between 12 and 4 PM), they have ample stretching areas and cardio machines including the true form treadmill, lots of free weights etc… They also have steam room and every amenity you can think you may need after you work out. I love Kiehl’s so that’s a plus for me! Then you can visit Mario (he is the sweetest and best) for a juice on your way out.

For the price — the gym and locker rooms are small, the customer service is in need of improvement, and my experience with a personal trainer at the location was an insult to my physical capacity and wallet.

I love this club! It doesn’t have the pretentious vibe that some of the Manhattan locations seem to reek with. Great Fitness classes and instructors!!! The Spa on site has great massage therapists and they do waxing, facials etc as well, and the Spa is open to non-​members. The Pilates studio could use some updating and weekend mornings can sometimes be overcrowded in the locker rooms, but it’s my favorite EQX in NYC!

I was just in the Brooklyn Heights location and there were contractors (Meridien Plate Glass) removing the mirror in the men’s locker room by breaking the mirror into pieces. This was the middle of the day. There was no management from Equinox present. I, later, spoke with the manager on duty and he told me this was the way that this is supposed to be handled because this is the «regular contractor that Equinox uses». There was no access to the sinks. There was no email warning or signs saying no bare feet. There was zero protection from the rest of the locker room and consequently there were shards of mirror all over the entire locker area. I was getting dressed 20 feet away and looked down and there was a shard near my feet. The contractors were almost three quarters of the way done before I noticed and said something. That’s when one of them started brushing it up with a 6″ paint brush while the other continued to break the mirror. This club isn’t cheap. For what I’m paying, I’d expect better management. Amateur hour, ignorant and extremely dangerous. Come on guys!

The front desk person welcomes me with a smile and asks how he could help me and looks me up on his ipad. I walk up to the 3^rd floor to the men’s locker room and I was happy to find lockers that not have wooden panels and hangers but that fit my coat, outfit and gym bag too. There made of a beautiful dark wood that don’t smell like other lockers in previous gyms I’ve visited. Everything in the locker room was impeccably clean, not even the showers had mold or rust. I enjoyed the complementary toiletries like the mouthwash, hair gel, razors and shaving cream. The Kiehl’s facial moisturizer coupled with their amino acid coconut shampoo and conditioner along with their grape fruit body wash was also a delightful treat since each of them go fro $ 30, and more importantly I don’t have to carry them with me in my gym bag. The towels were surprisingly always warm and in abundance and I felt like the Eucalyptus Towels in the fridge near the cardio machine help me want to run longer. I appreciated that they had two floors of cardio machine as well as 4 different stretching spaces. All of the machines looked new and there were at least 6 variations of them.
When I moved on to the free weights and machine I was excited that not only were there plenty machines but plenty weights. I’ve worked out before where you have to wait a while before you were able to take a turn and people around didn’t seem focus. I felt like I could really zone into my music and routine. I had one trainer asked me if I needed help finding anything while I was exploring the space and noticing other trainers helping clients. This inspired go back down and grab and learn about the different Tier programs options. I understand that Equinox is certainly not the cheapest gym but the experience is unparalleled and the space is tremendously gorgeous. I always had the machines I want when working out, which were not only abundant but the best one the market. The experience is definitely worth more than the membership fee. I’ve personally spent more money going to yoga classes, buying quality toiletries, paying a gym membership owning my own kettle bells and form rollers, which were also in abundance. If one wants a environment to remind them that they deserve luxury, Equinox is it.

They have oversold the memberships and it’s now far too crowded for this relatively small Equinox. Forget visiting between 5 and 8pm. And the clientele lately includes an increased number of grunting, construction-​boot-​wearing steroid types.
Partly as a result, some of the trainers are rude about claiming the limited number of machines for their clients. If you don’t pay for a trainer, you’re treated as a second class citizen.
Want to work out later? They are really aggressive about closing down the club. They often start breaking down and cleaning the showers over an hour before it’s supposed to close.
On a brighter note, it’s among the cleanest clubs anywhere, many of the classes are excellent and the front desk staff is always a pleasure to deal with.

I was only a member for about seven months but had a great experience.
When I went after work (7:30 p.m.) on weekdays and during the afternoon on weekends, there were always weights and machines available. The lockers were very clean, and the showers were nice. The entire gym has a very luxurious feel to it. The music is at a reasonable level. The trainers don’t force themselves on you. (I was approached maybe 2 – 3 times in my 50 or so visits.) Oh, and the WiFi reliably works.
I never went to classes, so I can’t say anything about those. The only gripe I can think of was some of the machine accessories weren’t always at 100%.
When I moved away, I didn’t have any trouble ending my membership through my company. They even signed my healthcare reimbursement form (thanks to Austin Taylor) after I was no longer a member without any trouble.

I love this equinox! It is never crazy packed like the clubs in the city. They keep the space especially clean and organized. I will admit that the classes they offer are very interesting, but the instructors are not the best.

Updated review: I liked the gym but I didn’t want to extend my membership because I am traveling for work for the next few months. It was like pulling teeth to get a straight answer out of anyone. No one would return my calls or pick up, just respond to my emails. When I was a member no problem talking to people.
I was hesitant to spend more $$$ on a gym but I am pretty happy. It is a bit more reasonable than the other locations. It is a bit small, but I use it on off peak hours as my office is a block away. Good steam room that is much cleaner than others I have used.
Specifically Mike Obertlik, the general manager, was very responsive if I had any questions or needed some assistance. I am very appreciative of that.
Cons — They should have a lounge where you can just sit if needed or a better computer area. Other locations have better layouts.
Pros — Clean, many floors, everyone is friendly, steam room, good vibe.

I usually Unilocal when I’ve received really poor service or had issues with facilities and neither is the case for BK Equinox. The front staff is always really friendly in addition to the sales, shop and trainers. It’s also very clean and probably more so than the other EQ’s.
Been to the other Equinox’s and this pales in comparison simply due to lack of space. The facilities are just about the same… it just feels very compressed from 5−8/9pm. All in all I’ll probably cancel soon. As a guy that doesn’t like machines or classes this place misses the mark.
Firstly, very few mirrors here go to the ground and too few mirrors to see oneself. It’s not vanity but necessity to see oneself and gauge form during exercises. Most mirrors it’s difficult to see one’s lower body or just not at all. I like to do dips and it’s necessary to use proper form. Unfortunately there’s no way to assess this without taking a video of yourself. Also gauging the position of any floor exercises done (pushups, etc) requires finding a mirror that goes to the floor… of which there are two… three if you’re ok being tread upon.
Second, no standard (straight) bar for chinups/​pulls??? There’s plenty of exercises that use a straight bar: pull overs, front dips, muscle ups, front/​back lever, That’s absurd… there are at least 4 – 5 stations for this and not one straight bar with a standard grip width. Was someone high when designing this?
Third, TRX is strapped to a wall so you can’t go under. No rings available and there’s plenty you can do on rings (takes up much less space than a bs eliptical)
Lastly, I’ll probably switch to a cross fit gym. I’ll be missing the fancy towels but no longer the necessities in a workout. I don’t have an issues with the price though. Nice products, smartly designed lighting, decent music, etc. You really pay for what you get… however what you get isn’t necessarily what you need.

I was very excited to join Equinox about a year ago. It’s all the things you’d expect for $ 160 a month! The latest machines (and plenty of them), a kind staff, lots of space, great classes (I take the Yoga classes and love them) and clean facilities. All that is great. I’m giving 2 stars for the following reasons:
Too many trainers loitering: When I work out, there are just loads of trainers walking around with and without clients. They have an intimidating presence and feel as though they own the gym. Also, when you join the gym they are a bit aggressive with emails, trying to get your business.
Too many cleaners: I love a clean gym, but maybe clean up before and after operating hours. Everywhere you go, someone with a back-​pack vacuum is in your face. I might be the only one stretching in the Yoga room — but for $ 160 a month I was hoping that 10 minutes of meditation wouldn’t be partnered with jet pack cleaning…
Physical Fitness: Equinox has spent loads of money on their branding, it’s slick and sexy. So why when I’m working out (trying to look slick and sexy) can I see right into a physical fitness practice? I feel for these people, struggling to get better, trying hard to get back into their top physical shape from an accident or an illness — but I really wasn’t ready for this to be part of my positive work out experience. Hey Equinox, FROSTED GLASS on the One on One window please!!! NOT SEXY.
I’m going to continue to work out at Equinox, but they are on probation. Hopefully they can tell the trainers to share the gym, reschedule the cleaning staff and work on the appearance of the PT office. If I do quit, Equinox made me do it…

I’ve been an Equinox member for about a year and have been able to test try a lot of the facilities around New York. This by far is my favorite club in the New York network.
In terms of facilities, it’s definitely not as bougie as the other clubs but, for me, that adds to its charm. The cleaning staff does an excellent job at maintaining a super clean & stocked locker room and bathroom space. I also appreciate the friendliness of the staff up front — everyone’s always friendly and collaborative whether it’s 6am or close to closing time.
Some of my favorite instructors/​classes:
— Elimin8tor with Marie Jasmin
— Power Yoga with Bee Bosnak on Thursday evenings
— Pilates with Betsy Buzaid on Wed evenings
Finally, I’ve found that the other clients are just friendlier than at other locations. Maybe it’s a Brooklyn thing.

Love this gym. Kiehls products in the locker rooms. Eucalyptus towels to cool off. Clean, friendly and low key. Great yoga classes too.
As far as sales associates, ask for Damir.

Equinox is unequivocally the nicest and well put together gym I’ve ever been to. Best decision I ever made. Let’s start with the fact that they use Kiehls everything in the locker rooms. The front desk staff is welcoming and knowledgable. And the facility itself is in pristine condition.
Eugene Kelly set my up membership as well as made specific recommendations for my goals. And guess what? I’m seeing results thanks to his suggestions. I am so impressed with this gym. The sign up process was a breeze and he was super laid back funny and not at all pushy.
The barre burn and Yoga classes are my absolute favorite. I am so grateful for the instructors expertise, energy, and level of professionalism especially now that I no longer have to fork over $ 30+ a class to private studios.
I am a satisfied customer

It’s definitely not the nicest Equinox. Probably one of the worst– more on par with Crunch than with other Equinox gyms.
The classes are nice and most of the instructors are good– although I had one unbearable instructor for Barre Burn. But great spin instructors. I also wish they offered more TRX classes at this location. And what happened to the kettle bell class?!

One of the worst, if not the worst, Equinox in New York. I’ve been to several different locations all throughout Manhattan and this one in Brooklyn takes the cake for being the most disappointing. The cons far outweigh the pros.
Pros:
–The front staff is nice, warm, and welcoming.
–Multiple floors
–Good location.
Cons:
–Far too crowded, even during off peak hours.
–Not enough room for foam rolling and stretching.
–No automated lockers in the locker room.
–Coat check closes earlier than the gym closes.
–Trainers here are not the nicest. I was using a bench and one trainer told me that he needed it since he was working with a client. Rude.
–Only two free squat racks (not including smith machine).
Suggestions:
–Equinox needs to open another Brooklyn location. This one is far too crowded.
–Add at least another bench or two and another squat rack or two. People are constantly fighting/​waiting for these.

Oh man, how I miss my Equinox membership. It’s one of the things I miss most about living in Brooklyn Heights, but now that I moved it’s just too inconvenient to trek all the way over here.
While it is not a huge space, Equinox has a smart layout so that it’s almost never too crowded. I also got into classes for the first time in my life, with Prince’s Shockwave (and formerly his boot camp) really standing out. Prince is the man. Friendly community, especially the pre-​work crowd, and a nice mix of people of all ages (although probably on average a much older crowd than you’d find in say, SoHo).
Why oh why can’t they open a new club in Park Slope/​Boerum Hill?