Equinox

I go to various New York and Florida locations but Coral Gables is my go to when I’m down south. The establishment is very clean with a friendly and helpful staff. I have tried a variety of classes but my favorite is spinning with Cassidy. She is the best spinning instructor I have EVER had. Take one of her classes if you’re ever at this location — I couldn’t recommend her enough!

Good gym! I’ve seen better like FIT in San Diego, but for he most part can’t complain too much. The problem with Equinox is the bench s are too close to each other and not enough benches or other type of equipments. I guess they want to maximize usuage and take advantage of the trainers nice strategy, I have to respect that.

There’s a strong presence of personal trainers and they are expensive. Equinox gave me several free sessions when I signed up.
I have found the trainers to be very professional and quite creative. I have worked with both Caroline and ValMar.
In recommend them both. Certainly an added bonus at Equinox, that I have recently come to appreciate.

Over all great!!!
The staff is extremely friendly, and over all very clean. The only problem is — cell phone reception. It’s impossible to get reception on this place.

The only place to work out! Classes are grade A and amenities are great! Especially the eucalyptus soak cold towels. The child care workers are sweet. The front desk is satisfiable. The personal training is a little disorganized, my only compliant. Other than that, it’s worth the money! Wonderful NEW manager that introduced herself right away when I expressed I had yet to meet the manager after a year of being a member!

I have waited several months to write this review as many gyms appear great at first but sooner or later the cracks begin to show and most of the time gyms are not as great as they seemed when you first joined. I am happy to say that this is not the case with Equinox. I have been a member for 9 months (coming 3 to 4 times a week) and I am very happy with this gym. I have read old reviews and feel that they are now outdated and inaccurate. I almost did not join because of them but I think this place has had a major overhaul as I have not experienced any of the issues described in old reviews.
One of the most important things to me when looking for a gym is cleanliness. The maintenance/​cleaning staff here is great. They are constantly cleaning the gym and machines and replenishing the towels. Locker room is always spotless and it is clean enough that I actually feel comfortable using their steam room and showers.
Another critical thing for me is access to gym machines and equipment. Nothing worse than going to a gym where there is always someone using the machine you need. I think this gym has a near perfect gym member to machine ratio as I rarely ever have to wait for a machine and if so I do one other machine and come back and the machine is available.
I have tried many classes and for the most part they are pretty good. I find evening pilates to be too much of the same thing each class without much of a challenge/​variation once you have gone for a few months. Classes should progress and get more challenging with time. I wish they had different instructors for the same classes and times on alternating days so if you don’t really like one you could try another instructor.
The one place where this gym could really improve is with their spinning classes. I have done spinning for years and I don’t spin at this gym because none of the instructors are good spinning instructors. They need instructors who specialize in spinning. My least favorite was Raul. He doesn’t even ride his bike during the class and classes were not challenging and very boring. Was not a fan of Jeanette either as she screams during the entire class and makes strange grunting noises. Javier was the only good spinning instructor and due to schedule conflicts he no longer teaches evening classes.
Parking is free and while there are trainers working w/​clients as others have said, I find them all to be friendly and professional and for the most part stay out of the way of members working out alone. As a lady you can often feel like you’re fresh meat in a gym but it is not like that at Equinox. Members are serious about working out, keep to themselves, and are good about reracking machines. The gym is constantly sending members surveys and trying to improve and I think that is great. I must also mention front desk staff as they are all friendly and always very welcoming and helpful!
Overall, I am very happy with this gym and feel the membership fees are well worth it as I don’t have to deal with the crowds found at cheaper gyms.

I was a member for many years and finally decided to quit. For almost $ 160/​month (and yes, parking is now free) I really would expect more but…
1. The gym is now seriously crowded most afternoons
2. Adding to the crowded problem, in an effort to push $ 100+ personal training lessons, machines and free weights have been pushed back more and more in order to open space for the trainers. As a result, everything feels bunched together
3. The new manager Bryan is incapable of being of service and, as a result tons of guys hog machines –using 2 and 3 at the same time and being amazingly rude when you try to use one; or people hog a machine for some purpose which has nothing to do with a machine (e.g., doing back pushups in one of the two bench presses so you can’t bench press or instructors hog stuff, like the weight bars. But management is incapable of doing anything
4. The locker rooms are also really crowded and cleanliness has been reduced considerably

I really loved working out at Equinox when I first joined. It’s a great facility with excellent amenities. That being said, they are ALL about pushing you to spend money with expensive trainers — the entire gym is filled with trainers who approach you to try and get your business.
I did find a trainer that I liked and when he left they pushed me to use someone else that I did not care for at all. I tried several different trainers and I can say that they do not not listen to the needs of the customers.
There has been a lot of changeover in management at this location because of poor customer service. Unless you have tons of money to spend, I would say opt for another facility.

Returned to this location after a few years and in order to join as I work across the street from Merrick Park. Made appointment in order to join and get the tour, as it had been a few years since I’ve last been. Place remains immaculate, staff is very courteous, and I can see the worth of dropping $ 150/​month in this place if you are a fan of specialized classes, if however, your sole routine for working out involves weights (free weights /​machines) and the elliptical or a treadmill, then $ 150 is much too high a price to pay. Workout area is small, most of the stuff is bunched up together. Call me crazy, but I happen to like space between myself and others. Although, I have yet to visit this place at peak times, based on its set up, I can imagine peak hours must be nightmarish. In terms of weights and cardio equipment, there is absolutely nothing within the confines of this gym that is superior to what they have over at L.A. Fitness or 24. Some of you may be insulted by this comparison and honestly, I really don’t care. If you are serious about working out and your work out routine consists exclusively of weights and cardio machines, you can certainly get fit in those places for a lot less than what you would pay for here. Like I said, if you are into specialized classes, it may be worth dropping $ 150/​month. If your workout exclusively consists of weights and cardio equipment you may want to look for a cheaper alternative.

Great gym with every amenity you can think of. The staff is super friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand throughout your workout.
Machines are always maintained and kept clean and locker rooms and pool area are state of the art

I have never had a problem with the staff here, that being said the clients here are the rudest I have ever encountered. I reserved a bike for one of the spinning class; when I got to class the bike could only be used with cleats. I called over the spin instructor and he guided me to another bike with straps. There was a water bottle on this bike and a towel on the adjacent empty bike. It was at least 5 min pass the start of the class, so I moved the water bottle to the adjacent bike and begun adjusting the bike. Suddenly I was aggressively tapped on the shoulder by a women on the bike to my left. She went on to tell me that the bike I was getting on was taken. I didn’t feel like arguing with someone before working out so I went to the other empty bike to my right. She then told me this bike was also being used. I was furious by this point and didn’t feel like working out. Lucky the instructor was near by. I told him the two empty chair where apparently being used already. He directed me to a bike in the back corner. I could finally take the class in peace (sort of). I noticed a women walked in at around 15 minutes pass the start of class and sat down on the bike I was originally told to use. The same women that told me the bike was taken, smiled at her and took her bottle” off the bike. Clearly these girls where friends and one of them was saving a chair for her «very late friend». Correct me if I am wrong, I thought it was policy to be on time to class or you forfeit your spot in class. To top it all off the second bike this women was saving remained empty!!! I couldn’t enjoy the remainder of class after this experience. I don’t think I’ll ever try one of equinoxes spinning class.
I’ve also had work out equipment (kettle balls etc.) taken from me while resting in between sets. Equinox needs to educate their clients on proper gym etiquette.
Yoga class is great the people are friendly and will even move their mats around to make room for you. I guess the people who attend yoga tend to be a lot more considerate in general.

The one star is for the excellent front desk, group fitness staff and cleaning staff. The management at this club is completely unprepared to properly serve members or deal with their concerns and/​or requests. They are very effective when it comes to motivating their personal training staff which practically fill the entire gym themselves— overloaded with trainers would be an understatement. This particular location does not have the space to support the amount of personal trainers working out themselves and in groups in addition to handling clients.
I’ve attempted to speak with the club manager at least three time and have been unsuccessful and their corporate office in NYC is chronically unreachable. For $ 200 a month I expect much more.

How do I love Equinox Coral Gables? Let me count the ways…
First, is the way going to gym makes me feel, and will probably make you feel, too. I just don’t feel like myself if I can’t get to the gym. I am addicted, but this seems like a great addiction to have. If I can just make it to the gym (even when I am not really feeling it, or am super busy or tired…) I ALWAYS leave feeling amazing, like I can do anything, handle anything, be my best self. That is priceless.
Second, they have an amazing class schedule, beginning in the wee hours of the morning until 7:30 at night. I specifically chose Equinox CG because there was a dance class everyday, and they are amazing and fun and a great cardio workout. I really enjoy Miguel’s Mitana, Skyler’s Fit Funk, and the Zumba classes taught by Anya, Mauricio, and Angel. If dance isn’t your thing, there’s spinning and kickboxing and so many others… And to take your fitness to the next level, take the high intensity interval classes using weights. My favorites are anything taught by Sonrisa (she kicks a$$ like no one else!), Tabata with Magda, Stacked with Gabriel, and Stacked with Jil (she is so funny!)!
Third, the staff at Equinox CG are awesome. I know Miami is not always the friendliest place, but once I step through the door of the club, I feel welcome, and like people care about me. The front desk people (Mariana, Steven, Gene, Alex, Samantha, Bianca, Andrea, Erin to name a few!) are super friendly and nice! And the sales people I have the pleasure of knowing, Juan (a total cutie!) and Kristy (adorable!), are so lovely and warm!
Fourth, the Equinox CG is a beautiful and clean space. The machines and equipment are top notch. There is towel service (little ones for when you work out and big ones if you shower), which makes life so much easier. And then there are the cooled eucalyptus towels you can help yourself to after getting your sweat on. Aaaah. And the locker room is outfitted with Kiehl’s products (lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash), blow driers, razors, cotton balls, mouthwash, cotton swabs, a steam room… I mean, it is pretty darn cool.
Lastly, are all the miscellaneous bits that are great:
1. FREE Parking
2. There are all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels in this gym. It is not a gym full of posers, which is nice.
3. Biometric scanner (fingerprint scanner) to sign in so you don’t even need to carry a membership card.
4. Really good trainers (if you have the dough for a PT).
5. A juice bar that makes fresh smoothies and food.
I joined a year ago and my only regret? That I didn’t join sooner!

As a Fitness Professional, I highly recommend Equinox Coral Gables as the best gym in South Florida! Its staff of instructors and top notch… Its clean and well equipped. There’s a ton of classes for just about everyone! Look no more!

So you might have to pay an arm and a leg to workout here, but in exchange you’ll also have some good looking arms and legs to flaunt. I looked high and low to find a gym to suit me around the Coral Gables area — my search led me to LA Fitness, back to the UM Wellness Center, a couple CrossFit gyms and an unsettling Gold’s Gym which I prefer to forget. I tried as hard as I could to avoid Equinox, knowing that I’d probably get roped in and after that, nothing would compare. Well after seeing what else was out there, I had no choice and lo and behold, I couldn’t say no.
I don’t mind paying a lot for this gym because I know that I’ll go multiple times a week. They have a great schedule of classes at all hours of the day, making it easy to wake up for bootcamp at 6am or unwind after work with yoga at 6:30pm. They have plenty of machines so you never have to worry about waiting for anything during peak times. When it comes to the extras — the shop, smoothie bar, spa and personal training — it can all run a bit expensive so I stay away. But they even have Kiehls products in the showers so I can’t complain too much.
Everything is always clean, including the locker room and equipment. There’s plenty of towels and even cooling eucalyptus towels to help unwind. All the trainers are nice and the staff makes an effort to greet you by name.
So yeah, it was hard to bite the bullet at first and truly commit, but six months in I can say I don’t regret it one bit.

For starters, the club is immaculate. Everything is not only clean and wiped down, but all weights and equipment are organized and never left laying around for you to pick up and put back.
The locker room is also cleaned around-​the-​clock. It’s very sanitary and you have all the amenities that you need: steam room, shampoo, conditioner and body wash by Kiehl’s, body lotion, hair dryer, mouth wash, razors/​shaving cream, eucalyptus towels, etc.
All the equipment and machines are in great condition and you hardly ever have to wait. Whether or not you have a personal trainer, the people in light blue shirts are always willing to spot you or help you with your form.
I do have two minor gripes about Equinox, however. 1) Their in-​house food and smoothie stand is not up to par with other Equinox locations that I’ve been to in Aventura, South Beach and LA. Check out my Enerjuicer review for details. And 2) validation is not covered by Equinox. For $ 1, you’ll get 3 hours validated but for the cost of membership, validation should be covered 100% like it is in South Beach. Not to mention, when I have lunch at Nordstrom Bistro, they validate at no charge. It’s not about the money; it’s about convenience.

If Equinox was a car it would be a fully-​loaded Mercedes Benz, making all LA Fitnesses in Miami equivalent to Honda Civics. It is a luxury gym catering towards those in the Gables, offering a wide array of fitness classes, equipped with a sauna, pool, and yoga studio. Really fancy! So when I was offered a free three day trial, I honestly could not turn it down.
It was my second free trial with Equinox (because they had a special for those who previously had memberships), so when I arrived, I was greeted at their front desk, given my free trial card, and had to wait for their membership representative. She was sweet, but a little bit pushy, but you can expect that from all gym membership personnel. She gave me a mini tour and told me that the whole floor was renovated, but I was not sure what she meant by that because it honestly seemed like the way I saw it last time. I enjoyed my free workout during that visit, scheduled an appointment for a spinning class the next day, and sat down in the sauna. It was very relaxing in there, and the shower I took after my workout was very refreshing. I heard Kiehl’s products are very good, and the shower was fully stocked with them.
The day after, I went to my spinning class. The membership representative reserved a bike for me in the middle of the classroom which I appreciated. However, the class could have been better. I found the bike to be awkward to ride. It may have been because I had not gone spinning for months, but I am sure I had setup the bike perfectly according to my height. Nonetheless, it was a good workout, and I enjoyed another visit to the sauna.
Overall, I enjoyed my free trial with Equinox. The spinning class was all right, and I enjoyed the five-​star amenities. However, during my third day, I received a text from the membership representative. This is both a pro and con. A pro because texts are easier to respond to than phone calls, but a con because it may make a gym seem like they are a bit pushy. They receive four stars. Good gym, but they have a few kinks to fix. But it would have to be a good gym for the over $ 100 price tag, $ 1 garage parking validation (for 3 hours), plus registration free you have to pay each month. I would like a gym membership here, but I do not think I am ready to sign another contract to burn another hole in my wallet. The only way you can get out of your contract with them is if you are moving.

I completely agree with Leslie S review! You took the words out of my mouth Leslie! I don’t have kids (yet) so the kids club prices really don’t affect me (nor would I ever leave my kids in anyone’s hands other than family)…so they have my 5 starts. I do agree that personal training is waaay overpriced, regardless of your budget the prices are just irrational but hey, I have my own personal trainer… shhhh
I was a little disturbed by a review where someone wrote that the trainers don’t help you unless you have personal training?! That’s bs… I’ve had some of the nicest people help me out with advice and showing me how to use certain machines. Not to mention, they were extremely concerned with making sure you operate the machines safely. Also, if for whatever reason you’re in the treadmill and don’t have a towel on you… those trainers that hater badmouthed… will bring a towel to you. Who complains about juice bar prices? Having been a member at a few other clubs in the past I know first hand that juice bars are always slightly higher than a jamba juice. Lol but in no way are they «expensive». Just squashing the rumors and bad talk guys.
If everything that Leslie and I have said isn’t enough to sway you away from other gyms read this: yesterday (8÷4÷12) I forgot my iPhone at the treadmill, then I used the stairmaster, did a few arm work outs, showered, got dressed and there was the front desk attendant and a really sweet personal trainer with my phone!!! (she had actually giving me pointers earlier that day) That iPhone would have been sold in the black market by the time I was out of the shower… had I been in la fitness, Ballys, or 24 hr fitness… It’s an amazing gym and I’m proud to be a member!

Were you in the market for a high end luxury car, like an Aston Martin or Lamborghini? Well lucky you, you’ve read my review in time!
Buy a Lexus! Why? You get complimentary valet parking at Merrick Park for when you come to Equinox to workout! Sure you may be sacrificing 250+hp, ventilated disk brakes and much much more, but think of all that Valet parking you’ll get for free… at the hottest malls in South Florida.
Sorry back to Equinox! It’s a beautiful gym and everyone has plenty of personal space at all times. One thing I love is that the dumbbell weight rack is ALWAYS perfectly set. Its not they have staff rearranging it every minute, it’s the caliber of clientele you have when you run a gym this nice.
If you’ve got a few extra bucks to spare and like to workout, Equinox is worth it. They get 5 stars because I do have a Lexus so I never need to worry about parking. However, if you have to park in one of the garages and walk through the mall, i could imagine this mite knock a star off.
See you there! But don’t say hi to me, I’m in the ZONE when I’m working out! j/​k. not really… well… if you have a Lexus you can give me a high five and we can talk about valet drop-​off times (quickest I’ve seen is 4.2 sec).

After a brief stint at Equinox, I am no longer a member, this is not, however, a reflection upon this gym; hence the four stars. It is more a lifestyle choice and my keeping with my commitment of never ever taking for granted this wonderful South Florida weather. I simply cannot bring myself to working out indoors when we have about 364 and half sunny days in Miami.
Now back to Equinox, it has everything that is required for a Gym to motivate me, and keep me engaged: Convenience and ubiquity. They truly have a commitment to every new training technique that is out there and chances are, they will have the equipment to match. Their personal training is top notch and the upscale atmosphere certainly makes you feel like you are getting your money’s worth.
The last piece of the puzzle to achieve results is … yourself … So equinox or not, just do it !