Equinox The Loop — Local services in Chicago

On a quick business trip to Chicago, I did not want to miss out on a workout. Thus, my good old friend Equinox is there to save the day. This particular location is right in the heart of the financial district, and is great for people to sneak in a workout after work. During my visit, I decided to stop on by around 4-5pm. Surprisingly, there was not a crowd, which is always a definite plus.

This location is pretty small in comparison to the other clubs in Chicago and across the country, but that's understandable considering the location. The first floor is dedicated to the juice/salad bar, front desk, and the little offices for the membership advisors. The second floor is where you'll find your locker rooms, weight/cardio area, and your dance/spinning studios. Right off the bat, I realized that although the workout area is small, the locker rooms are quite spacious. There are plenty of lockers and changing room to accommodate everyone, and there is also a sauna and steam room that some smaller Equinoxs do not have. On the downside, there are only about 8 shower stalls, so I can imagine that during peak hours, people will sometimes have to wait to use the shower.

For the weight room, there is pretty much all you need here that you'd find at any other club. When I was there, I did not have to wait for any machine, so the lack of extra machines was not an issue to me. There are plenty of cardio machines, and of course, they are right next to the amazing eucalyptus towels! On the downside, there aren't a whole lot of free weights, and I couldn't find any kettle balls when I was trying to get my workout in.

All in all, this is a great location if you work in the area, or just looking for a quick workout. I'd definitely check with your work if you can squeeze out a corporate discount with Equinox cause any saving is a good saving. Although this location is small, it isn't super crowded, and has just about 80% of all the things you'd find at a full fledged club. Equinox is Equinox, and in the end, there is nothing that will sway me to another club. I...

Pros: Location is very convenient. The place is super clean, and the staff is always friendly. The machines are pretty modern and I have very rarely had to wait for cardio equipment. There are also plenty of free weights, so there is almost never a wait for those either. The spinning classes are better than average, but not the best I've ever attended. You can sign up for spinning bikes online, which is convenient. The locker room is relatively nice and has amazing hairdryers (Super Solano).

Cons: I absolutely hate their Equinox-branded shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. HATE IT. It's so terrible that I have to bring my own products everyday instead. I also don't care for the classes. They are not very high intensity, and they are usually taught by overly bubbly instructors with bad 80's style aerobics music. The classes also get very crowded. Even if you arrive early to claim some space, you'll probably get pushed over into a tiny corner spot. My last complaint is that the weekend hours are limited. However, that is not all bad because you can use another Equinox when the Loop location is closed.

All in all, Equinox is somewhere between okay and good, but probably isn't worth the $120/mo that I paid (and that was with a...

Oh Equinox, you are closed on Sunday at this location. The space is cramped. There is no pool. Yet you still strive to extract $150/mo out of suckers? And your products are lame. This is like eating at Applebees in the Loop, as far as gyms go, but paying double Applebees prices. Even FFC a few blocks over has a rooftop pool, better hours, farrrrrrr better facility, at less money. You kinda need to do a scan of your competition Equinox and clean this up -- it is a disgrace to your brand, coming from California and Texas where the facilities are actually head above. Here in Chicago, compromise central. East Bank blows you away at same or...