As an Equinox member, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many of their offerings, each with its unique approach to fitness. If you’re looking for Equinox Class Reviews, these are from my personal experience. From the core-strengthening discipline of Pilates to the heart-pumping intensity of cardio, there’s something for everyone. In this review, I’ll be diving into the specifics of their classes, sharing insights on what to expect, the difficulty level, and how each class can contribute to your fitness journey. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply find a new workout routine, these reviews will help you navigate the diverse world of Equinox fitness classes.

The Equinox Advantage: Variety, Frequency & Community

The great thing about Equinox classes is the variety and the frequency. You can sneak away mid-morning to take a workout class if you have a gap in your schedule. The equipment is all provided for you (with the exception of boxing, you have to bring wraps). You don’t have to lug around a yoga mat – they have them all cleaned and waiting for you. They even have manduka towels! 

The other great component is the instructors. They spend a lot of time on picking the right choreography, music, and even dim and brighten the lights throughout the class. Many of them are willing to stay around afterwards and get to know the members, and will learn and call you by name within just a class or two. That kind of personal touch really makes you feel welcome and less intimated, especially if it is something new for you. 

Maximizing Your Equinox Experience: Tips & Tricks

1. Plan Ahead:

Equinox class signups usually open 26 hours before the start of the classes and some of the popular ones fill out quickly. I plan my whole week over the weekend and build in the classes I plan to go to and then I block my calendar. This helps me not flake out and also protects time.

Equinox has a pretty forgiving cancellation policy. If you cancel in less than a 3-hour window or are a no-show, you get a “strike.” And if you get 3 strikes in less than 30 days, you are barred from reserving classes for a week. 

2. Build in Cardio:

Now some of the classes ARE cardio based, but if you are taking a yoga or Pilates class, it is great for toning but won’t burn as many calories. So I typically warm up with 30-45 minutes on the treadmill before the class so that my muscles are nice and limber and my heartrate is already elevated. And the calorie burn – check! 

3. Make Friends:

You will notice that there are a lot of “regulars” who like to reserve certain spots or just are there most of the time they are. Part of the reason to go to a gym in the first place is for the social interaction.

You can start by just a wave or asking someone where they got their yoga pants – and before you know it, you have a great little friend group that may be good for networking as well, because most of the people with Equinox memberships are high-powered career people just like you. Even aside from that, it is nice to have someone to chit chat with and maybe grab a smoothie together after class at the cafe that most Equinox gyms have

Equinox Class Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide

Pilates Equinox Class Reviews:

As an Equinox member, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into their diverse Pilates offerings, each with its unique flair.

• Pilates Fusion : Difficulty Level 6/10
  • This class is a blend of classic Pilates with contemporary sculpting sequences.
  • You will do a lot of squats, lunges, bicep curls, and other standing exercises with light hand weights and bands.
  • The class usually starts with “classic” mat work.
• Pilates Mat : Difficulty Level 5/10
  • Rooted in the teachings of Joseph Pilates, this mat-based class focuses on
    core strength and flexibility.
  • It’s a fantastic way to get back to basics and truly understand the
    fundamentals of Pilates.
• Pilates Rise : Difficulty Level 7/10
  • This class starts with classical Pilates movements and then intensifies to
    sculpt the core, glutes, and full body.
  • It’s a transformative experience that leaves you feeling
    stronger and more toned.

Yoga Equinox Class Reviews:

Equinox’s yoga classes offer a serene escape, each with its unique approach to mind-body balance.

• Gentle Yoga: Difficulty Level 3/10
  • A slow-paced class focusing on releasing tension and body awareness through relaxing stretches.
  • My go-to for unwinding after a long week.
• Restorative Yoga: Difficulty Level 2/10
  • Using props to support deep rest and balance, this class is about healing and relaxation.
  • A gentle way to ease the mind and nurture the spirit.
• Slow Flow Yoga: Difficulty Level 4/10
  • A mellow take on vinyasa yoga, emphasizing deliberate, quality postures and transitions.
  • Perfect for balancing effort with ease.
• Vinyasa Yoga: Difficulty Level 6/10
  • Links movement and breath through flowing sequences.
  • A transformative practice challenging your limits and soothing your mind.
• Weekend Wind Down Yoga: Difficulty Level 3/10
  • A special weekend-only class using extended postures and supportive props to fully reset body and mind.
  • The perfect way to end the week.

Barre Equinox Class Reviews:

Barre classes at Equinox are some of the best, usually held in the yoga studio with built-in bars and mirrors.

• True Barre: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • A challenging class incorporating authentic barre exercises rooted in dance technique.
  • A rewarding way to build, sculpt, and tone lean muscle.
• Bala Bangle Barre Burn: Difficulty Level 5/10
  • An off-the-barre class featuring Bala Bangles and light dumbbells for variety.
  • A fun way to define and tone while increasing flexibility.
• Barre Beyond: Difficulty Level 6/10
  • Elevate your barre experience with expansive movements and continuous low-impact exercises using Bala Bangles.
  • A heart-pumping, muscle-toning workout.
• EQX Barre Burn: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • An off-the-barre sculpt class using light weights and props to add variety to traditional barre exercises.
  • A great way to mix things up and keep your body guessing.
• Barre: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • A traditional barre class, a bit more “ballerina-like” than “True Barre.”
  • Can be confusing as names are similar, but “Barre” tends to be more classic and slower-paced with a focus on sculpting.

Cardio Equinox Class Reviews:

Equinox’s cardio classes are a must-try, offering a full workout that can be combined with other disciplines.

• Cycle Beats: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • A rhythmic cycling class with an addictive playlist to build cardio strength, power, and endurance.
  • Comparable to SoulCycle in terms of energy and intensity.
• Cycle Beats + Bands: Difficulty Level 8/10
  • Combines cardio and conditioning by alternating between cycling and resistance band work.
  • An intense and dynamic workout experience.
• Cycle Power: Difficulty Level 8/10
  • A metrics-driven cycling workout using the Stages Console to measure performance.
  • Great for pushing your limits and seeing tangible progress.
• Precision Run: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • An interval-based treadmill running workout to build endurance.
  • Self-oriented, allowing you to set your own pace and push your limits.
• Precision Walk: Elevate: Difficulty Level 6/10
  • The popular 12/3/30 workout, challenging cardiovascular endurance with treadmill incline intervals.
  • A great way to mix up your routine and build strength.

Strength Training Equinox Class Reviews:

Equinox’s strength training classes are designed to build muscle, endurance, and power.

• Circuit Training: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • A full-body workout using timed intervals at specially designed stations.
  • A high-energy class that keeps you moving and engaged.
• Lower Body Blast: Difficulty Level 6/10
  • Focused on lower body strength to define and build endurance in the legs and glutes.
  • A challenging yet rewarding workout experience.
• MetCon3: Difficulty Level 8/10
  • An intense metabolic conditioning workout taxing all three energy systems.
  • Pushes your limits and boosts metabolism.
• Ropes and Rowers: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • A dynamic full-body circuit including rowing, ropes, and strength stations.
  • Keeps you on your toes and delivers a comprehensive workout.
• Stacked: Difficulty Level 8/10
  • Targets endurance, strength, and power by “stacking” exercises.
  • Leaves you feeling accomplished and well-worked.
• Tabata: Difficulty Level 7/10
  • A traditional class with 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest.
  • Focuses on cardio and explosive bodyweight exercises. Not ideal for those who dislike jumping.
• Best “Butt,” “Abs,” “Arms”: Difficulty Level 6-9/10 (varies)
  • Intense, focused classes to sculpt and define specific body areas.
  • “Best Abs” is usually the shortest due to quick fatigue in that area.
  • “Butt” class is often ALL women and intense with lots of repetitions.
  • “Arms” class can attract a male-dominated front row, all too happy to admire themselves in the mirror!

Boxing Equinox Class Reviews:

• The Cut: Difficulty Level 9/10
  • A signature boxing class combining boxing drills with metabolic conditioning.
  • Includes shadowboxing, heavy bag work, and bodyweight exercises.
  • Designed to improve boxing skills and deliver a full-body workout, comparable to “Rumble.”
• Rounds: Difficulty Level 8/10
  • An intense 60-minute boxing workout pushing you to your physical limits.
  • Not just “slapping a heavy bag,” but a challenging, sweat-inducing experience.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a cardio junkie, or a strength-training devotee, Equinox classes offer something for everyone. With their variety, exceptional instructors, and community-oriented environment, you’re sure to find your fitness match and maximize your workout potential. Remember to plan ahead, mix and match classes, and take advantage of the incredible amenities and community that Equinox has to offer!