Equinox

I joined back when DTLA location first open in 2014.
I got a new job in Santa Monica and they had a location here two blocks away. I came in and spoke with Ian and he helped upgrade my account for all gym access.
The gym is good size there are 3 floors and a big outdoor area.
There are tons of classes. Also if you want to box they have a boxer area too. Lots of cardio machines and TVs too.
The staff is amazing and always friendly.
The Men’s locker room is always clean and fully stocked with lotions in and out of the shower.
I been to other gyms in the area and it doesnt come close.
The gym is back but not overly packed.
Everyone here is pretty serious about their fitness.

My name is Jaime, 2 days ago in Santa Monica at the Locker Room, they stole my, jacket, right in front of my face in matters of seconds, the Jacket was a present from My Son for Christmas, it a Was a US Marine blue Jacket from Camp David, I will never recommend this club to not one, I report the incident to a manager by the name of Andrea, she said she was going to look at the camera, but of course nothing happens, I am very upset.

I became a member here to make fitness a part of my routine. The location is ideal for me, since I work in DTSM. The facilities are always clean and well stocked. It’s a gorgeous place and a treat to be able to exercise and train with a view of the ocean from the balconies.
The Membership Advisor who worked with me when I joined, Lia, made the process seamless. She’s got a positive and helpful attitude, and completely exceeded my expectations. For example, after explaining my goals and situation, she helped me select a Certified Personal Trainer who has been a good fit to work with. She offers encouragement and advice, and checks in regularly with members to help them to achieve their goals.
The front desk staff are friendly and helpful, maintenance is constantly ensuring an orderly environment, and the trainers are professional and dedicated to clients’ safe, healthy, growth.
The Spa makes faster gains possible by having massage therapists with good knowledge of anatomy and physiology to help speed recovery. It’s also open to the public, though members receive a discount.
Group fitness classes are plentiful and varied, scheduled across the day from pre-​dawn to nighttime.
The premium experience comes with a premium price, with membership being around $ 200 per month for this location. Certified Personal Training sessions are around $ 125 per hour, and private Pilates instruction is around $ 110 per hour. The prices of spa, pilates, and CPT services decrease on average when purchased as part of a package (e.g. 12 sessions), but this requires a large charge upfront. It would be ideal to allow a purchase of a larger package but with the ability to pay for the cost over the course of several months, just like the membership requirement. If this were implemented, more members would be able to use more of the services at the club, more often.
This is the best fitness club /​gym experience I’ve every had and look forward to being a member for the foreseeable future.

This gym is great! I was here on business and was greeted by very friendly front desk representatives. Kelly, the Membership Advisor, took me on a tour of the gym and I was amazed!
She let me workout for free, which was awesome. The place is HUGE — 3 stories — and despite being relatively crowded, there’s so much equipment and space, it’s easy to find a place to do a workout.
If I lived in the area, I would join and spend a majority of every day here. Awesome place!

I would never recommend this location the salesrep lied to us about the membership fee and didn’t even honor what she said the same day. Also she said the manager on duty would call us right away. He never did. This location is all fluff wouldn’t recommend it.

GREAT BRAND OF GYM– HORRIBLE LOCATION. The staff at this gym are completely negligent. After being a member for over 13 years, I had some financial hardship and cancelled my membership. THREE MONTHS LATER they were continuing to try to charge me. I was told by central office in New York that it looked like my account had been closed and then reopened for some mysterious reason. I called and spoke to one of the membership specialists who made it clear he did not care, and said «Well then I guess collection agencies are going to come after you.» I asked to speak to the GM, left voice messages and personal messages for the past three days with no response. I am filing a formal complaint to the central office about this location, and will sue them if they attempt to charge me for the three months I had been cancelled out. I would strongly reconsider before joining this location. Try Westwood or Bev Hills– the staff there is much better– these people are arrogant, unprofessional disasters.

I have been a member for about 8 months than cancelled my membership and decided to try out other gyms in la. Result I was back 6 months later and had to pay more :(.
However, I honestly do not enjoy going to other gyms as much as I do enjoy going to equinox. I personally prefer other equinox locations but the Santa Monica one is good too. I love yoga and Equinox has amazing yoga teachers as well as many other classes and the teachers are great. It is always very clean, the people are good and everyone seems to be taking their health and fitness seriously which motivates you to do so as well. It is over priced but totally worth it. If you’re thinking to join, I would totally say you should!

Here’s a copy/​paste of a note I wrote to Equinox corporate:
Dear Equinox,
I expressed my displeasure on Twitter the other about Equinox Santa Monica and its management, and you invited me to e-​mail.
The other day, I asked the front desk guy to see what my upcoming bill (debited the 23^rd of each month) would be. My dues go up every October and I wanted to confirm the amount I would be debited. Front desk couldn’t find out the information and I asked him to ask the GM Andrew to find out what my bill would be. They couldn’t find the information, or wouldn’t contact billing dept at the very least.
The point is, something is very wrong with Equinox Santa Monica if they can’t tell you what you will be billed. Why was I asking them? I didn’t get any notice in the mail or e-​mail about a dues increase, but I am expecting one so I asked directly. A gym is failing its members if they can’t dispense with basic «gym 101» info.
The larger context is that Equinox Santa Monica does not care about the welfare of its members. It is more concerned with blasting music at unholy levels in close proximity (3 – 4 feet in some case) to members’ ears, marketing and getting new members in the door, and getting through the day without having to confront anything they may perceive as difficult or negative. This is the impression given. I have asked time and time again for the music to be lowered and its all over the map, one minute its at a decent level then silent, then blasting, and it’s the same EDM-​ish/​synthetic/​industrial sounding pop music over and over, with big build ups and synthesizers that sound like the power saws at the construction site next door to my home and my office. It’s a daily aural assault, the acoustics are terrible and the gym mgmt is not looking out for my welfare (my hearing, my sanity) with their policy. And the vacuuming should take place before and after hours unless there is a specific mess to clean up.
The GM Andrew (last name?) seems approachable but he mostly is concerned with marketing. I have brought up my concerns to him time and time again, politely, and he (politely too) gives me a gentle brush off. He doesn’t care. But he did try to get me to come to the Equinox cocktail hour on a recent Sunday afternoon. I told him thanks but I am not feeling social or just want to relax at home. Fine. Then a few days later, he approaches me again while I am working out and tries to pitch me on visiting the party, trying to twist my arm. I was very firm but polite and told him «no, I am not interested», I could not have been more clear. I mean, what is the deal? What does this have to do with running a gym? When I bring up gym concerns I get double talk and a brush off. When we have a discussion, he brings up the member survey I filled out online. I ask about what changes will be implemented, and it’s like, «well, we’ll see, and then we’ll see also after the next member survey in a few months». It literally is the same discussion I’ve had with him earlier in the year on the same topics and nothing changes.
(I do want to point out the assistant GM Eric Garcia is doing a terrific job and works hard on behalf of members concerns).
To sum up, focus on members’ concerns and well being, give them basic info (like billing) when asked… isn’t that reasonable? And please, turn down the music, mix up the genres, and keep it at a volume that doesn’t overwhelm ears and cause stress. I live next door to and work next to heavy construction sites and the gym is my only real escape, and often after a visit to Equinox Santa Monica, I need an escape. That shouldn’t be the case at a gym of that level and cost.
Thank you,
Adrian Reynolds

More on bike room– bikes are not maintained at all. Gears screech, knobs are stripped, monitors don’t work, and some pedal clips are unsafe.
And when members complain the GM tells them they are the only one with problem. The guy doesn’t listen to members about the spinning room. Poor management.

Had played morning basketball at an elementary school in Palisades early morning. Needed a place to shower before work and luckily found Equinox in Santa Monica to ask for a day pass to use the showers. Having never been in an Equinox I was immediately brought into a great sports club that really placed the user experience at the forefront. Will sign up for membership in the future

Everyone is fabulous here! Facilities are always spotless, the staff is friendly and the location is great. It’s a little on the pricey side — but worth every penny!

I’m a member at the encino one and I guess I am spoiled over there. I drove 16 miles to try out Edgar’s spinning class (because he is the best)
Cons;
Bathroom was dirty
They do not clean bikes between classes. Also signed up for a bike that was broken. In fact fix was missing a screw !!!
Layout really weird

I MISS THIS EQUINOX. California EQ are definitely different (and better) than the ones in NYC. So I gotta share my insights.
It’s just a gym right? Why am I trippin out over it?
THAT OCEAN VIEW THOUGH. The ones in NY are street level/​underground. Let me tell you, I do not feel zen when I’m working out. I feel stressed.
It’s not too crazy in SM and the people are much nicer. I have to elbow my way to get out of the locker room and people look at me like I’m the bad guy.
and the main two reasons: two classes. Beautiful Booty. I miss you. Don’t got that ANYWHERE in NY… Not only is the playlist for the class absolutely perfect but also Natalie literally got my butt in shape. She’s the greatest. The class, hands down, the most fun class I’ve ever taken at Equinox.
Also. CANDLELIT YOGA WITH EILEEN. She really is the most wonderful yoga instructor. I honestly can’t say anyone does it better. She is so kind and soothing. I feel a million times better leaving her candlelit yoga classes.
If you’re in the area and it’s in your budget… sign up. Please. Take it from someone who had it all and then moved to a different location: this one is top notch.

In general, I love Equinox! This location has nice ocean views, and it’s so convenient to grab a protein shake from Earthbar right after your workout. Marti Bradley’s yoga classes & Natalie’s booty classes here are great. I think Derek Beres still teaches here too. I’ve taken his yoga classes at other Equinox locations & he is one of my favorite teachers! If you’re bored with the same old yoga sequences, you’ll be challenged & inspired by Derek’s classes.
This is not my favorite location for the following reasons:
They should validate parking for a longer time. By the time I’ve taken a class, done my own workout, and a steam & shower my parking has expired. So on top of my pricey Equinox membership, I have to pay for parking at this location too. If you’re in & out of they gym in 1 hour you won’t have this problem. But if you’re like me & enjoy stretching out your gym/​relaxation time as long as possible, you’ll have to pay for parking at this location.
Lastly, they need to enforce their policy of no cell phones in the locker rooms. They have this policy in place to protect your privacy, but few members actually follow the rule. Every time you go in the locker room you’ll have to get undressed next to someone taking selfies in the mirror, someone shouting loudly into their speakerphone, and nearly everyone else texting. There’s signs all over the locker room that cell phones are not allowed, but staff members do not enforce the policy.
Step up your game Equinox SM!

The front desk guy literally walked away to the back as he saw me coming in. This is a first for me to encounter someone so rude at an a Equinox. He clearly did not want to be there and it’s very obvious.

ENVIRONMENT
Like any other Equinox, this one has a fun sexy vibe, but with a beautiful ocean view from the second floor patio where you can work out and stretch, outside.
The proximity to the ocean is perfect because I don’t always have to work out inside. I often find myself running on the beach and then come in for some weights, stretching and showering.
Like other SoCal Equinox locations, this gym does a good job keeping its facility up to date.
It also offers permanent lockers for an extra fee, which I love.
YOGA
Eileen O’Connell — definitely one of the most comfortable yoga classes I’ve done and not because it’s easy, but because of Eileen’s presence and style.
Brock Cahill — this is like yoga boot camp. It usually feels difficult, but it’s great.
PRECISION RUNNING — The hardest class offered by Equinox, but the most inspiring and euphoric
Angela Moore Rubin — full of inclines and speed work
Natania Goldberg — definitely one of my favorite Equinox instructors. Natania comes from a serious track background and it reflects in her training of this class. She’s fun and motivating.

Have been a member of Equinox Clubs for many years and have always been impressed by how well managed they are particularly the customer service elements of the clubs… with one striking exception of the Santa Monica Club.
Soon as you walk-​in it is remarkable how different the front desk is than any other Equinox I have been to. By way of example, at West LA you are typically greeted by name when you enter and usually something positive is said both as you enter and you exit, like, «have a great work out mr. …» or «have a wonderful night mrs. …»
At Santa Monica expect to have someone roll their eyes or snicker over some fairly audible rude comment. I can not believe the things I have overheard Santa Monica Staff Members say about members coming and going without regard for who is listening.
The staff of the Santa Monica Club are generally not friendly. On many occasions I have witnessed the staff openly be rude and disrespectful towards members, even yell at them and chastise them openly on the floor or at the front desk.
It is clear the staff has adopted a general stance of us against them with regard to its members and from the aloof service at the front desk to the manager Andrew, the service never comes close to the premium pricing. This has to be the least sophisticated or mature crew in the company and one of the least enjoyable places you will ever pay hundreds of dollars a month to go.
Steer clear of the Santa Monica Club, it is easy to get your moneys worth at West LA, Westwood or Marina Del Rey and know that in addition to the equipment, you will get friendly, helpful staff that make you feel like they are glad you are there.
Santa Monica is just no good for your chi, and it does not have a pool, basketball court or many of the amenities the other clubs have.
Further, Santa Monica’s parking is the most disastrous of them all. In addition to your membership this club charges outrageous parking rates for small cramped spaces in a very unpleasant underground lot.
Also the club is a very awkward space stacked over many levels in an office building that was never intended to be an Athletic Club. Santa Monica also has inferior bathrooms and locker rooms. Generally its amenities are significantly below the level of the other Equinox clubs in the area. Santa Monica is also much more packed and among the only clubs that consistently have waits for machines and classes; the club is very small in a very densely populated membership base. Expect long wait-​lists for popular classes and to be packed in like sardines during busy times, e.g. before and after work.
I think Equinox could do a lot to fix this club and make it lots more fun starting with completely restructuring a staff that has been mismanaged for too long.

I’ve been a member at Equinox gyms for over two years. Having been to a few, the Santa Monica location is by far the worst. Not worth the extra money they make you pay to join this gym. Less amenities, old, rough towels, very dirty equipment, broken equipment, minimal equipment, cramped spaces and horrible management. You can’t change the amount of space, but replacing ripped rubber handles on equipment and cleaning the machines should be a given. They’ve sat unchanged for months. Isn’t part of the Equinox edge that everything is clean and maintained? It’s probably one of the busiest gyms, but no excuse for charging extra but failing to keep it up to brand standards. — It’s a disgrace to the Equinox brand.

Once was enough visiting this location. Equinox DTLA is my home gym and the MDR and BH location are my other favorites.
It’s seriously a workout navigating this place. Whoever thought a 4 floor layout made sense should be fired. Every floor has the same crap– weights and cardio YET there’s still not enough room, at least it feels that way.
The locker room should get a little update. I’m used to lockers that already have locks, this location you need to bring your own which I didn’t have.
If I lived in this area, I would join the MDR location over this one.

I’m big fan of equinox gyms. For some reasons this locations is okay. It’s on a main street in an office building. The staff if nice and always want’s to help. The energy at this gym is not the same like Beverly Hills or Sunset Strip. I feel the management is getting better.
As I would love to give them a 4 stars. I feel they have to earn my vote. The gym is very clean well maintained. If you live in the area and looking for a high end gym you will like this place.

Entrada moderna y abierta en una de las zonas mas activas de Santa Mónica, los vestuarios son de los mejores que he conocido muy similares a los de Bonasport de Barcelona. tienen bar y pequeña tienda de ropa deportiva.
Probé dos clases; Body Sculp todo mujeres excepto yo explicado por monitora madura, fibra da y delgada, similar Tonificación del Dir de bcn. La segunda Hot Yoga ahí casi, me evaporo, es mi 3 clase de yoga con temperatura alta, 90% chicas resto nosotros nivel medio/​alto, monitora buena.
De los mejore clubs que conozco, 145 $ mensuales y acceso a todos 185 $.