Definitely one of the most unique Equinox's I've been too. The men's locker room downstairs is something out of Bladerunner. I was actually intimidated by it. I actually had a hard time finding the entrance and had to walk around the footprint of the building it was located in. Otherwise, the facilities and the equipment is pretty typical of Equinox. read more

Totally full of themselves thinking they can charge ridiculous prices for a gym and personal training. Wanted to charge me $1260 more than a friend of mine that signed up two months earlier. That is per year! All told they wanted to charge $3780 per year when my friend pays $2520 per year. On top of that they wanted to charge me $8160 for 48 training sessions which is $170/hr. I would have more than likely paid for the trainers because they are known for this, but when they cannot give you a similar rate to what others are paying because they think you have the money is ridiculous. Especially when you are prepared to spend $8160 on just the PT. All told that is $11940 for 16 weeks of PT and one year at the gym. That is a lot of money for anyone to put down. With this amount of money I was able to get two weeks of health spa vacations in La Jolla, CA and I am talking to several independent trainers that have made names for themselves in the area and will get 16 weeks from them. It took me a bit to find out who is who and who the best PT trainers are in the area. Certainly not at Equinox since the trainer they were going to assign me too you cannot find any information about them. So for me I am now spending ... $280 at Planet Fitness for Black Card $4320 for 48 PT session, plus 3 more for free $6400 for two weeks at an all-inclusive health resort in CA $560 for round trip tickets Total all together is $11560 which is $380 less and much more enjoyable than Equinox. Let's check the checklist. 1) Year long gym membership with access to every gym at Planet Fitness has around the world 2) 16 weeks, 3 days a week of PT training with a top trainer 3) 2 weeks at a health spa resort 4) Oh yeah, traveling to California On a related note, I was a member of this gym years ago. They played funny games with me where they allowed people that live more than a certain distance away to get out of their contract with no problems. I was well beyond that distance. Instead, they changed my address to their location at 225 Franklin Street and tried to tell me I was not able to get out of the gym membership because I lived at the same building as the gym. I had to report them to the attorney general to get out of the membership. I would not have gone back if it hadn't been so many years and my business partner and life coach recommended that I go for the PT. Just goes to show that a leopard cannot change their spots. Avoid this gym! There are better gyms out there. read more

If this gym were cheaper I'd give it 4 stars, but due to the expense it's 5. I actually get a discount since I work in the building. I can use this one and the Dartmouth one on the weekends. What's good: - Very clean, both locker rooms and floor. - Lots of cardio equipment on both levels. - enough places to stretch out. - Weights of all sizes which is good for us ladies. What's not good: - Music is LOUD. Yet, everyone has air pods in. Who is listening to the music? Turn it down. - Not enough squat racks. One downstairs, and 3 upstairs. Always full. Need more space for olympic bars. - Hard to use TRX. It's either in the workout studio which has classes or there is 1 downstairs but in between other equipment. - Locker rooms are so crowded in the morning and HOT. So hot. Getting ready in a sauna pracitcally. Locker room is 20 degrees warmer than the workout floor. - Two floors is inconvienent. Not all equipment is on the each floor so you end up going up and downstairs a lot. I have not done personal training. read more

I've been a member at this facility for almost 2 years. Its a nice gym, interesting classes which I don't have time to go to, a good variety of cardio and strength machines and lots of free weights. They open at 5:30 am which is necessary if I want to get my workout in before work drains the life out me. I love the Kiel's products in the locker room, but the towels are awful. They are with so thin and worn they are of no use or they feel like sandpaper. I'm grateful for the towel service but for the anmout of money Equinox bleeds from us annually you'd think we could have fluffier, absorbent towels. The high cost of membership is the main reason for the 3 star review. There are less expensive gyms out there that are just as good. I stay because the location and opening time is convenient for my schedule. read more

This is the absolute best gym I have ever been to. First class in every way. First of all, let's talk price. Of COURSE this gym is expensive. You're paying for name, location, prestige and amenities. Granted, I have not actually been a member, but have been lucky enough to be a guest several times. I was planning to join at a corporate rate but then changed jobs. My new job is not a corporate partner, nor are they located close to this gym, however, I would still consider joining this location despite the distance. Now that we have that out of the way, let me gush: Facility: Spotless and swanky. Mood lighting, modern and plush decor. They have refrigerated towels, people. Classes: MetCon3 was literally the hardest workout I've ever done in my life and Spinning was intense and fulfilling. Great coaches, not intimidating, even to a class newbie like me. Locker rooms: Spotless and luxurious. Feels like you are in a spa, and it is always impeccably clean. Modern lockers with keypads reduce the hassle and eyesore of traditional locks. You could eat off the floor. The sauna is eucalyptus oil scented and magnificent. Also, just a note, despite the poshness of Equinox, I never felt intimidated. Everyone is there to work out and luxuriate in the best gym money can buy in Boston. read more

Equinox Franklin Street - Lobby - Gyms Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I've been going here for about 2 years now and I completely love this gym. Besides home and work this is where the majority of my time. This, my friends, is how I justisfy the high price tag. Many area employers have partnerships with this place so it is possible to get a decent discount. I take classes here when I can and they have more than I can list here. Everything from Boxing to Yoga. The staff and the members are for the most part polite and considerate. The machines and areas to workout in are usually immaculate. They even provide free towels, at this price what do you expect. Some negatives, on my few run interactions with corporate they have been rude and not helpful, while the local staff is top notch. hear the woman's locker room can get a little crazy at peak times. Some members are complete slobs in the locker rooms (aka leaving their dirty cloths everywhere like it is their bedroom), however I am being picky because compared to the common man's gym this place is immaculate. read more

I was visiting from NYC and took a yoga class here. As luck would have it, it was a block from my office and 3 from my hotel. I would've taken more but they didn't work with my schedule. And I wasn't smart enough to pack my gym shoes to do other things. This location is way nicer than my "home" location. Programmable lockers. Nice, clean yoga studios. Very extensive roster of classes. read more

Ridiculous - I called to freeze my account, since I am going to be away for six month. They didn't have the option to do it for that long, so I needed to cancel my account. Completely understand where they are coming from. I have every intention of signing back up when I return. Regardless, the club is CHARGING my wife and I for another ~45 days, even though we aren't there. Is it really worth 350 bucks to do this to a customer who's LTV is probably well north of 50k? Talked with the manager, and explained I've been a long term customer and intended to come back. I figured any reasonable person would realize this is kind of silly. Instead she argued with me and told me "we should agree to disagree"... class act. BTW I love everyone at the gym. Every trainer is amazing and the people are great. I also believe in paying for quality. Just disappointed in how Equinox has lost touch with its values. read more

Great gym and it is very clean. Staff is very nice and pleasant. Two levels and neat locker room

Having grown up with a Bodybuilder Dad and a gym in our home, I have high standards. I have a personal commitment to weight training. Because of that I have 3 gym memberships. One near each office, one near home. So, my expectations were high. Equinox has become the new Sports Club LA. Kind of overpriced (to keep out the "Riffraff") it would seem. What I found was a very impolite receptionist or whatever they call that role, both on the phone when I called and ever worse in person. I approached the desk and explained that I had called. She was simply unfriendly. I had to ask about both lockers and towels and had to come back up because the locks are electronic. It was a deliberate lack of courtesy and a poor impression. So, the staff...sucks. The facility is beautifully designed. I'm an Architect and I can say I appreciate the design and finishes. If only that carried through to the actual workout facilities. The "weight room" rivaled only that of my hotel. Any LA Fitness, Planet Fitness or other large chain has superior equipment. They had four Hammer machines (today was back day) where any LAF has about 14. There's cardio equipment and some Lifefitness or some such beginner's kind of pulley and weight machines. I remember them from Sports Connection in Weho in the 80's. So, why anyone would pay $150 a month for this, other than an attempt to cure low self-esteem is lost on me. You would be far better off at literally any chain gym. I can say, it wasn't crowded on a Sunday afternoon, which I think is a credit to the intelligence of the people of Boston, who perhaps, know better. read more

Honestly nothing special. The locker room = small and always super crowded, the wait time for treadmills after work is pretty awful, and I swear people really do treat this as a pick-up place.... The classes are awesome (I love Jennifer Phelan!), and the Kiehl's products are a nice touch. But I switched gyms a few months ago and am so much happier at my new place. read more

One year into my membership and the shine has waned quite a bit. There is no arguing that the classes are fantastic. The instructors are tough, on-point and make every work out fantastic. I am a huge spin fanatic and really enjoy that there are so many instructors that bring their own style to each class and the bikes are top of the line. The issue has become the number of members. Many classes are packed (only a few classes cap the number with sign up sheets) and it gets incredibly frustrating to have late arrivals set up next to you in an already over-crowded class. Cell phones are everywhere... I have been in more than one spin class where the instructor has had to remind a member that texting is not allowed in class. Who does that??? Insanely rude. The locker room is a straight up nightmare. Just try finding a spot to dry your hair before you're late for work.. Or getting in a shower without waiting 20 mins for one to become available. They have been saying for almost a year that the locker rooms are expanding, but that has yet to happen. For the (now higher) cost of this facility, this level of frustration should not exist. With the new Republic Fitness due to open across the street, I will be checking it out if these issues continue to exist. read more

Womanhood: A Two-Sided Coin by Tamar A. Once I was a Healthworks gal, used to naked bodies of all shapes and sizes sauntering around the locker room, estrogen billowing every which way, signs for women-friendly, womens'-body-targeted activities. When I told the staff I'd run my first treadmill 5k, they cheered. Now I am an Equinox gal, surrounded by women who exercise in long sleeves with their hair down, who walk around the locker room in their push-up bras, their tanned toned tummies exposed, the track lighting gleaming off of their belly-button rings. All of the ad campaigns feature obnoxiously fleshless models with zero muscle tone. You're hard-pressed to find a treadmill that doesn't face a TV (a liability in my book), and some of the men are so jacked they look like they can't even turn their heads, however, the staff hands out towels, and you'd be surprised how effective the refrain of "DIE SKINNY BITCHES DIE" running through your head at all times is at motivating a workout. In sum, this gym is the epitome of how my relationship with women has changed since I hung up my moth-eaten, hippie-intellectual grad school sweater and started working in the Financial District. And more's the pity. read more

Membership warning - even though you think you are signing a contract for 1 or 2 years, you have to proactively cancel your membership 45 days prior to the anniversary date or Equinox will continue to charge your credit card. I am really frustrated to give them one star because I loved my gym membership, the steam room and especially their Pilates classes with Jennifer Phelan. When friends asked how I could pay so much for membership, I always defended the price by saying it was worth the value! The only reason that I did not renew my membership was because I could not commit to another year. I signed a one year membership in January of 2012 and assumed that I was done in January of 2013 so I stopped going. In March of 2013 I noticed that my American Express was still being charged monthly for membership so I called to see why and I was put in touch with Megan. Megan proceeded to explain that Equinox does not have 1 or 2 year contracts (even though that is what they ask you when you sign up) and that there is no membership expiration date because they want to retain members (aka-continue collecting dues). Even though I told her that I was not aware of the 45 day prior cancellation policy and had not been to they gym once since my assumed expiration date, she would not refund my money from the months past my membership date. So I paid Equinox $450 (3 months of dues) for the privilege of not using their service. This is why people don't get gym memberships. It is in line with the Blockbuster late fee business model and I would suggest that Equinox change their policy or another competitor will come along with a radically different model (Netflix) and drive them out of business. read more

I have been a member at Equinox Franklin Street for almost a year. I thoroughly enjoy the facility, the amenities, and the classes as well as the instructors. Ali B is incredible and I have yet to miss a Cycle Beats class taught by her. The only point I would dock from EQX Franklin Street is the lack of hours on the weekend. I understand this is in the Financial District and weekdays are obviously heavier, but closing at 4:00 on Sundays makes it impossible for those who live elsewhere in the city to pencil it into their day when balancing anything else to do. Clubs elsewhere in the city are open much later on weekends. Altogether, Franklin Street is a great club and I enjoy being a member. read more

This is a pretty nice gym. There is great lighting (like orange lighting in the basement workout area), it looks nice, the people aren't as snooty as the other Equinox club by the park, there'a a fair amount of equipment. 3 flat benches, an incline, decline, preacher curl, caged squat rack, etc.. Neither Equinox has a Max Rack, which almost every Boston sports club has. There are trainers in blue shirts that walk around and offer help with spots, or tips for free. Wasn't a fan of all the cardio equipment facing the free weights. It felt like being in the middle of a dance floor with everyone staring at you. The lockers are electronic locks that you select the code right on the spot. The locker room is very nice and they provide Q-tips, lotion, deodorant, and hair gel. You will likely have to wait for a shower. I visited this gym three times, and 2 out of the 3 times there was a line. The soaps and shampoos smell great though. Really this is a top of the line sports club. But you have to pay for all this niceness. It's $165 a month, with a $100 (marked down from $300) sign up fee that gets refunded to you if you meet with a trainer. Every Boston sports club, while not as nice, is still about $65 a month. So is it worth it to me to pay an extra $100 a month for all the fanciness? Probably not. This gym was packed, so apparently lot's of people are willing to pay for it. read more

Okay, I've been going long enough now to really give them an accurate review... I really love this gym. Although I'm repeating what others have been saying, the facilities are beautiful. I've only had experience with some of the various BSCs (in the city and suburbs) and have never seen the other Equinox locations nationwide...but I shouldn't have to take a world tour to know how I feel about this one spot. I've never had a problem waiting for equipment/free weights. There's always been a bench open and I've never encountered an overcrowded locker room. I'm a student, so I'm able to avoid the rush hour times, though I have been during the lunch hour as well as 6-6:30ish and have never had an issue. Now, I've only ever taken a couple of yoga and spin classes. I'll admit, I was intimidated by some of the classes - i.e. Whipped, VIPR, Power Sculpt, Tabata - so I decided to give myself time to get into shape again before attempting them. Now that I'm well on my way, the classes are somewhat conflicting with my schedule. Sadface, indeed. The ones I've taken have been great and I LOVE that you can use the space - including the spin room, Liz F. - which I have definitely taken advantage of. The girls at the front desk are always friendly. The locker rooms are kept in great condition and are nearly always well stocked (I've only once encountered a depleted body wash jug) and the digital keypads are a sexy touch. Yes, sexy. I'm not sure how, but I know the word applies. Actually, it applies to the entire gym. Equinox is sexy. And is making me more so as well. read more

I am obsessed with Equinox when I can go during odd hours. Otherwise, it is my nightmare and personal Hell. PROS: - Spa-like experience (when it's not incredibly busy) - Top of the line machines (when you can get one) - Motivational and knowledgeable instructors (if you can get into a class) - Kiehls shower products and eucalyptus steam room (if there are no lines) CONS: - I bet you can guess this one: It gets so freakin' crowded so freakin' often! - It's also really expensive for potentially going there and not being able to do what you want to do (many times I've resorted to just running home because the treadmills are all claimed) I begggg of you, Equinox, please please please add more classes after work and more cardio machines. Or stop accepting new members. At least they're adding more showers, so that's a step in the right direction. In the meantime, I'm strongly considering changing gyms to a more affordable option where I can actually enjoy myself without feeling pressured to hurry up. read more

I still can't rave enough about this place. I love the clientele, solely because I don't fit in with them since I'm actually working off my fat and not already a greek god, and they provide entertainment for me, (in the nicest possible way) everytime I go there. Like the lady who came in dressed in a power suit, talking on her BlackBerry, who went to change, came back in a Neon Pink Velour Tracksuit and what I can only assume were Uggs, walked on a treadmill for approx. 4 minutes, (still on her BlackBerry,) got off, changed, and walked out. Priceless. People are super nice though, and you don't get that creepy "I'm going to hit on you now" vibe you get at most other gyms. Love this place. read more

I LOVE this gym! Though it's incredibly expensive they have top of the line equipment from Pilates Reformers to the Power Plate (used by NASA to train astronauts)! The staff is wonderful, friendly and attentive. I also love the clothing shop right near the front desk and smoothie bar near the reception waiting area. If you're serious about getting in shape you should get a membership. I will most likely be back to try some of their spa treatments!! read more

I recently joined the Franklin Street location of Equinox after 4 years at BSC and absolutely love it! I've been there pretty much everyday since joining. While I'm lucky enough to receive a corporate discounted rate through my job, I would have willingly joined at the full $145/month rate. The facility is gorgeous and the staff that I met with while signing up were very friendly and helpful. I think a lot of people are held back from Equinox because of the price tag. But when you think of everything that you spend money on, is $145/month for a gym that is top of the line really that expensive? You'll end up paying around $70 at BSC and many of the other gyms in the area. True, if you're just looking for a treadmill and some weights, maybe the price isn't worth it. But if you're even remotely interested in classes or working out on brand new, state-of-the-art equipment then it is well worth it. Check with your company to see if they offer a corporate discount first to save yourself some money every month. In addition to the great workout space, there are a slew of other perks that come along with membership. One is the amazing locker rooms that provide Kiehl's products and everything else you might need (razors, Q-Tips, hair dryers, cotton balls, hair gel). You don't need your own lock since you can set your own combination on the digital locks on the lockers. Upon signing up, you also receive an Equifit fitness consultation, 30 minute Pilates class, 25% off a spa treatment (10% off for members on future visits), 20% off a purchase in the store and a free t-shirt. There is also a small cafe area for post-workout refreshments. It can get a little crowded in the morning and right after work but not nearly as crowded as when I went to BSC. You'll always have open equipment although you might have to wait a couple minutes for the showers in the morning (worth the wait though!) The only drawback (literally the only one) is that the gym is not open on Sundays. If you get the $145/month membership then it only allows access to the Franklin Street location and not Back Bay. I rarely workout on Sundays so this isn't a problem for me but might be for some people. Well worth checking out if you're considering Equinox - just be warned that it will be hard for any other gym to measure up once you've been inside! read more

The equipment here is pretty standard. They used to have some great TRX stuff, but I haven't seen it around for a few months. Membership wise - it's your standard 'upsell' gym. They'll try to get you to do personal training sessions, re-up your membership, etc. Some of the trainers here are great, but there's also high turnover so you may be randomly allocated to a trainer who isn't worth the $. The classes here though are awesome. Barre Burn and Pilates (with Swan or Jennifer Phelan) are always popular. Great way to get some cardio in when it's freezing outside for most of the year. read more

I wanted to like Equinox. I believe in paying more for a quality experience, but the experience I had just wasn't worth what I got. Signing Up: They have you meet with a membership advisor who was mostly nice and explained the various services to me. I was only signing up so I could get a personal trainer for a while and learn some good workouts from them so I could eventually work out on my own. Due to the high cost of PT sessions, I knew it would be a short-term thing, so when I started going through the payment process, I balked when she said I had to commit to a full year, and they could only cancel before that if I were moving away or had a medical issue. We haggled for a bit and she eventually said that if I wanted to cancel before the full year, "we could work something out". I gave her my credit card. Facilities: The gym itself is very nice. Clean locker rooms, good equipment, and a couple of studios for classes that you can use for your own thing when there's no class in session. Personal Training: I had a Tier II and a Tier III trainer. Both of them give you some damn good workouts. My Tier II trainer had a great attitude and was fun to work with, though I asked him to e-mail me the workout plan for that day after each session so I could study it and learn how to work out on my own, and he said he would, but never did. The other trainer was friendly and tried to make it work but probably just wasn't the optimal personality fit. And he really really did not understand how I could possibly be a vegan. He tried to put on a brave face when adjusting his nutrition advice for me, but you could tell he had zero respect for the vegan diet. So overall, I got some good workouts in, but that's about it. Using the Equipment By Yourself: I never did this, but I can confirm what other reviewers mentioned about how personal trainers get really annoyed with other members when they're working with a client and they can't use the exact machine they want. It was great for me, because I was the one with the trainer, but I felt bad when my trainers swept in as soon as someone stepped away or tried to hog equipment for a while for when we came back to it, even when we were off using a different machine. Cancellation: I made sure to cancel well ahead of the year's "obligation" was up (because after I stopped training, I was paying $150/month for a gym I didn't go to) so I didn't run into the you-have-to-actively-cancel-45-days-before-or-we'll-renew-your-membership-for-another-year issue that other people ran into. The person who I dealt with for cancellation confirmed that I absolutely could not cancel ahead of my year's obligation unless the aforementioned reasons applied, confirming that the signup person was lying to me. So the best I could do was make sure that once the year was up, my membership was over. You have to contact someone and then go in and sign a cancellation form to make that happen. Overall, the shady business practices around membership and the fact that my trainers were very much on board with "give a man a fish and feed him for a day", but not so much with the "teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" (which was what I really wanted), means that I can't give this place more than two stars. Get P90X and work out at home; it's a hell of a lot cheaper and likely more effective. read more

I put 4 stars because there is no sauna or a pool for the price you pay a month (about $150/month). Also their spa is disorganized, even after spending a good amount of $, their spa service people were not friendly and seemed rushed. But the instructors there are great, for Yoga and Pilates - I only take classes there. I don't use the equipment but they do look very modern and well put together. In general, for the gym portion of Equinox, the staff seems very attentive and organized. The interior is excellent, there is nice lighting and the yoga studio is mellow. People also seem to dig the steam room with the eucalyptus scent, so that's nice. The showers are great, and I like that they have high quality shampoo, etc. I believe they're upgrading their shower areas to add more stalls. That would be nice because during the lunch rush hour, people do wait in line for the shower. Since it's downtown, I guess the space is the issue so sometimes the pilates class can get pretty full, and not all students end up getting the weights/ball for the class. They did add additional sessions to avoid this but it does still happen once in a while. It would be nice if they resurrected the food bar a bit, so there is fresh sandwiches and salads made there with organic veggies. I think now they just sell some prepackaged stuff and juices. I like the music that's streamed in Equinox. I often get inspired by it ;) read more

I absolutely love this gym, it's really my second home. Love the fact that it's always clean and I never have to wait for any machines. Between this location, the two in SF, and the Back Bay location, I would have to say this is my favorite one hands down. The women's locker room is also equipped with self locking doors, unlike the other locations. It comes in pretty handy as I don't have to lug around a combo lock. read more

I thought that I would love this gym when I joined in September 2010, sadly this is not the case. I have three major issues: I have to wait for a shower most mornings. There are only 8 showers in the womens locker room. The handicap shower is lousy very few people use it so there are really only 7. Today I had to wait for 20 minutes, yesterday 14 minutes. The general manager basically told me there was nothing they can do to fix the issue so I can cancel my membership if I wanted to. The women's locker room is consistently over heated. Most mornings the thermometer reads around 73. Very difficult to apply make up when you are sweating. There are only two spin bikes on the cardio floor. One has been broken since I have been here. I have had numerous conversations about this with the manager and staff. I have also sent emails and left comments on the customer service web site with no response. Every time I am in the club these bikes are being used. Fix one of the more popular pieces of equipment or add more. Not rocket science. The good point is that my favorite yoga instructor is here. I am sad to be leaving the club for that reason. The Barre Burn class on Thursday mornings is also very good. I just think they have oversold memberships and don't know how to handle the demand. read more

I've been going to this gym on Franklin St. for a few months now and overall it's a great, clean gym with a wide variety of equipment and classes. They also have a smoothie bar, clothing shop, and spa right in the gym for your utmost convenience. Every time I walk in they are super friendly, scanning your id tag and welcoming you by name. They have managers on site to help you with anything you may need. The locker rooms are always very clean and well stocked. I love how they have lock key pads built into the lockers so you don't need to worry about bringing those heavy duty locks like over at the back bay gym. They provide you with towels, Keil's body wash, shampoo, and conditioner as well as razors and blow dryers. They also have a steam room which is fantastic. I love love love the classes: Barre Burn, Pilates, Boxing, Spin, Circuit Training - you name it. They cator to the typical 8-5 schedule meaning they have a wide selection of these classes early in the morning, again at lunch, and then again around 5-5:30. Since it's located in the heart of the Financial District this is very convenient for most of us working in the area. They lose one star for the very high prices for pretty much everything. Memberships are outrageous but luckily I get a deal through my work making it much more affordable. Then we have the personal training which would obviously be GREAT to try but at $100/session ..I don't think so.. The shop (which I have only used in emergency situations) is very expensive but then again they do offer a variety of brands including Lululemon. Then we have the locker room situation in the morning and at lunch.. good luck waiting for a shower for 15-20 minutes only to find to your dismay that there isn't any hot water left. The scene after the shower is just as brutal since you basically need to either wait patiently for another 15 minutes or claw your way to an open mirror and/or blow dryer. Overall I do enjoy the gym so... 4 stars!! read more

There is a new cafe in the gym and it's great. Good value, great taste, very convenient. The gym has maintained it's level of excellence in my book - everything is still spotless, the machines are great, the staff is fabulous - even the music has gotten better! I wish the women's locker room had wider and fewer lockers so they could put in more vanity space. I also think they could afford to lose two toilet stalls and put in two more showers. I have never seen anyone in the steam room but maybe this winter that will pick up. Also, if you pay with an AmEx, you get a slew of perks and benefits. The rest of us just plug along feeling slightly jilted but it is what it is and that's that. They do have new products in the locker rooms which are much better than the previous ones. Kiehl's. Good choice. read more

There's a lot to like about Equinox on Franklin. I've been to two Equinoxes in New York, three in the Los Angeles area, and this was my first visit to a Boston area one. I have to say, I was pretty pleased. Out of all the Equinoxes I've been to, this one, by far, had the nicest bathrooms/locker rooms out of any that I've been to. So, why the four stars? It's really a great gym, but I'm only giving it four when I compare it to other Equinoxes that truly shine in some areas. The facilities are nice, new, and clean, which is what you expect and enjoy as an Equinox member. I was a little disappointed at how much workout equipment was actually in the gym. There were a number of machines that are available in other Equinoxes that aren't here and I agree that the layout can make circuit training a little tough. There are few popular machines here that are inevitably going to be "busy" and I could see how on a packed day at the gym, you'd have a really tough time efficiently getting through your workout because of how the upstairs/downstairs split is. Also, the layout of the gym is not super conducive to doing things off machines or off free weight benches, so if you're trying to do a lot of unique exercises or need a lot of open space, it's tough than you might think to find a good "run way." What is AWESOME, truly awesome, however, is the locker room. Wow. I was really blown away. This is the way every single Equinox bathroom should be. Members don't have to bring locks because they're programmed electronically, the floors are clean and somehow feel luxurious, there's a steam room AND sauna, and the shower heads are fantastic. This is the gym bathroom of the gods. Equinox is what it is. It's for some people. It's not for others. If I was in the Boston area, the locker rooms alone would be a huge selling point for me to join and I'd love to try out a class next time I'm in town to take advantage of their huge studio. read more

Do not join this club. They have a one year membership commitment with no exceptions. Very expensive and when we canceled they charges a $149 cancellation fee. Outrageous. read more

Great gym, great equipment, some really great trainers (Colin, Nicole and Mike), huge facility, the best locker rooms I've seen, great classes (Cycling, boot camps, yoga, etc.). I really do not have anything negative to say. I guess maybe some people don't like the amount of training sessions going on, but it doesn't bother me and I get new exercise ideas from them if I want. You get what you pay for and you can't beat the location if you work in the area. read more

(score 1-100) - 80. I've worked out here for many months and have been at the Dartmouth St location for many years. This location is decent but let me save you the time, if location is not a factor, the Back Bay location is FAR better. I spent many months getting to know the staff and members in both locations and Dartmouth Street is just more enjoyable. This gym is CLOSED on Sundays, which should tell you allot. They can't draw enough people who live close by in order to keep it open. Those things being said it is still... Equinox, voted Best Gym in America by many publications. It is clean, beautiful, modern and offers you just about any class you could possibly want. The locker rooms are far superior in cleanliness and amenities than any other gym in the city. I've gone through workouts here though feeling unsatisfied. I feel like it's missing just a few pieces of equipment to complete my muscle group workouts..but oh well, I could be being picky! This location does have a great juice and smoothie bar. Beware you can develop a nasty habit of smoothie addiction! It can get costly at 6 bucks a pop! read more

I really like Equinox. Aside from the extensive range of equipment, gorgeous locker rooms and Kiehl's bath products in the showers, I get a sense that the people there really know what they are doing. I'm currently doing a set of personal training sessions, and they have been awesome. My trainer (who, as a bonus, is studying to become a doctor) really knows what he's talking about, is receptive to my needs, and is flexible on the times that we meet. He answers all my questions, and we even talk about things outside of the workout, like diet. The personal training is pricey, but if you're like me and have never really worked out before, it's a great way to learn about all the stuff at the gym and learn about doing things correctly and what your body needs. One reservation I have (and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars) - I tried the spa (new members get a 25% discount) and I wasn't too thrilled. They charge the same prices as other classy Boston spas, but I wasn't too impressed. My esthetician was pretty good, but I didn't like the facial treatment, and the atmosphere needs work. Lower lighting and a little music would really help. The place is pretty, but it felt very cold and sterile. I wouldn't go there again for spa treatments, and instead save my money for someplace like Bella Sante, since that's their specialty. Equinox is a gym, after all! Overall, it's a great place and I think it's worth the (somewhat steep) cost. read more

I went to this Equinox and one out of state (Florida) and they are all the same. They keep charging you even when you cancel. The parent company are scammers. Stay away from all Equinox and SoulCycle (same parent company) read more

This location is beautiful and clean, and has all of the equipment you need for a serious workout! I don't frequent this location simply because it isn't close to my workplace, but for those who work nearby it's an excellent spot. I especially love the store where EQ always manages to find the cutest workout and casual clothes to display! read more

I am relocating to Boston this week with my law firm and was considering joining the gym. I called today to find out membership quotes and about certain weight equipments if they have them. The girl who answered couldn't have been more rude she will not answer any question about the equipment or membership prices or quotes. And she rudely hung up on me I found this very rude. I have used equinox in London have been very happy but I will not be joining equinox in Boston because of her..... read more

I was a member for about 1.5 years and I'm huge fan of this gym; very well kept and a wide range of class offerings with well qualified instructors. I especially enjoyed doing Pilates, both the included classes and the additional sessions offered in their studio. Their Pilates training and staff are some of the best in the area and are very skilled. If I could join Equinox to only do Pilates, I would. Downsides: It's really very crowded during peak times. I would often go during my lunch hour, which worked out well if I booked my classes on time. Many of the classes get booked the moment they are available to be booked but I generally had no issues getting in the class after being on the waitlist. Best classes are Firestarter and Pilates Fusion. Should you choose to cancel, you can only do it in person with a manager and you have to give 45 days notice to cancel and typically you're in an annual contract. They were very accommodating though, even with some weirdness on my account. I'm sure I'll be a member again one day. read more

I've been going to Equinox for about a month now and all I can say is: this place is the crème de la crème of gyms. Seriously. By comparison it makes Planet Fitness look like a dejected, downgraded Pluto. I imagine "Dwarf Planet Fitness" isn't as catchy, but, whatever. Equinox has tons to offer. Spa? Check. Large selection of engaging classes? Check. Yoga studio? Check. Pilates room? Check. Steam room? Check. Complimentary fitness consultation? Check. Complimentary pilates session? Check. Ridiculous over-sized, air conditioned locker room with digital combination locks, showers with swanky looking and fragrant smelling shampoos and soaps, and a general spotless decor that is better than my apartment? Check. They even give you hair products, disposable razors, and there are blow dryers available to use. It's a little like home, but only not your home and way nicer. And they would probably definitely kick you out if you started living there. But anyway, so my personal favorite amenity? Free cold eucalyptus towels. Kept in a mini-refrigerator. A mini-refrigerator, folks. Yes, they have a refrigerator just for their towels. Yes, I realize this is probably not the most defining factor of choosing a gym, nor does it have anything to do with actually working out, but... It's undeniably amazing! Sigh. Equinox houses two floors full of new machines, weights, and work-out space. Which is great, because you never really have to worry about someone using a machine that you want to use. Another awesome perk is that if there is a holiday schedule in place or it is a Sunday then you're welcome to use one of their other facilities. Be aware though, the clientele is easily in the upper echelon. And I've noticed that basically everyone who goes pretty much already boasts an Adonis physique. It can be a little intimidating. I have no idea what they are doing at the gym... I mean, go home. Eat a hamburger and get some cheese fries. You've already achieved perfection. That's what I plan to do.. some day... never. Sheesh! read more

I really like that my fellow Yelpers have seen fit to give this place half a star less than it's Dartmouth St. counterpart. Completely appropriate in my book, based on the following two, perhaps quirky, variables by which I rate gyms: 1. relative cleanliness of men's locker rooms at the two locations; and 2. personalities and overall courtesy of the personal trainers. With respect to #2, personal trainers at Franklin St. seem to have the attitude that all other members are in their way and best move out of their way, rather than the correct attitude (in my opinion) that it is part of the trainer's job to manage their clients and the spaced they occupy relative to other members. More times than I can count, trainers at Franklin St. have jumped in on equipment I've been using or floor space I've been occupying if I stray more than 5' away for 20 seconds. That never happens at Dartmouth St. Also at Franklin St, the membership staff were less than responsive, to say the least. Bottom line: if you can afford to belong to both and work downtown so that Franklin St is your secondary location for quick workouts around your work schedule, that's about all it's good for. Dartmouth St is far better managed and delivers a better experience, hands down. read more

Clean bathrooms but very crowded at peak times. Way overpriced for a gym even though the facilities are nice. Very tedious and tiresome process to cancel your membership. If you're going to charge what equinox charges, at least let cancelation be quick and painless. Trying to get a callback from this place is nearly impossible. read more