Equinox Studio City — Local services in Los Angeles

I almost never write negative reviews. In fact, if you look at my history, I go out of my way to praise companies that deserve recognition because I know how damaging even a few negative reviews can be. But what happened to me at Equinox in Studio City was so humiliating and unprofessional that I can’t stay quiet.

This is the very club where I originally signed up for my all-access membership, through a representative named Cheyenne who has always been kind and respectful. For years, I considered this location my home club. But without warning, management suddenly reclassified the Studio City location as “special access.” They didn’t improve the facility, they didn’t expand the space, they didn’t add parking; they simply made it harder for long-standing members like me to walk through the door.

I have been an Equinox member for 15 years, and yet when I showed up, the woman who claimed to be the manager named Marissa , spoke to me as though I were a stranger off the street. She even pulled me aside and told me she needed to “deal with real members.” Those were her exact words. Imagine the humiliation of being treated that way after giving an organization thousands upon thousands of dollars and years of loyalty.

What she didn’t realize is that I know executive directors at Equinox. I am also the founder of SHRED, the largest gym fitness app in the world. But none of that mattered in the moment—I was spoken down to, dismissed, and refused entry, even after I explained I had just driven 30 minutes to get to the club before a scheduled haircut.

It left me standing there, embarrassed, like my years of commitment to the brand counted for nothing. The irony is that the club itself is basic by Equinox standards. It’s chronically overcrowded, the parking is a mess, and instead of managing membership responsibly, they’ve chosen to jack up prices to push out long-standing members who don’t want to pay more for less.

This wasn’t just bad customer service. It was demeaning. It was the kind of treatment that makes you feel invisible, disposable, and insulted all at once. I will be following up directly with the executive team in New York City, but I felt it important to share my experience publicly as well. Long-time, loyal members deserve better than this kind...

I was a past member of the Encino and Glendale Equinox prior to 2020. Thought I would give them another try. The Studio City location is asking for $325 a month with a cancellation policy nobody can reasonably do without first (a) first moving to a part of the country that you can't reasonably drive to a Equinox location or (b) being sick enough to have a Doctor write a letter. Complete nonsense and over the top disgraceful. And I'm sure their agreement is full of vague and ambiguous legalize no reasonable person can understand or have the patience to read. I think cancelling with these guys is a nightmare. They don't advertise their prices online and then quote you for all gym membership (country-wide) when you're only interested in the local gyms. A quick AI search told me some members are paying around $200 a month which I would consider more reasonable. I believe this location has been open over for about a year. The Glendale and Encino locations have been open for many more years hence the discount???? Give me a break! From my experience, some of the reviews are pretty damn accurate. Common complaints are "small gym", "overcrowding", and "horrible parking". Seems honest because my own experience trying to get to Erewhon market (next door to Studio City Equinox) was a parking nightmare. After parking, I was barely able to squeeze out of my car. One reason I never went back. If you factor the drive to the gym, the one thing you don't want to deal with is horrible parking or rude staff. Taking into consideration my experience over the years and what other gyms have to offer, this place shouldn't cost more than $180-$200 a month. $325 is outrageous and targeting the ill-informed. Hence, the lack of information on their website. There needs to be a balance between what they have to offer and what the competitors are doing. I couldn't fine one reason to justify the high price. Be smart about your...

My first review of this new gym wasn't great, but a year into being open, they've definitely improved. After a few attempts at over-modernizing the bathroom faucets, they have all now been replaced with standard 'normal' ones, that don't have the same issues that plagued the gym in the opening months. Thank you!

Parking has gotten a little better, and the times I've come, I've at least found a spot within 5 minutes now.

But one thing that is hit or miss still, is the messiness of the locker room. Some days you'll go in, and there will be 8 towels on the floor, and the bathroom attendant will be on his phone or talking to someone, and not wanting to clean up. But also, if members can spend this much money to go here, why can't they all just put their towel in the bin themselves?

I'm updating my review with another star. Thank you equinox for improving this location.

Original review:

Definitely not my favorite location, but not bad either. But for a brand new gym, not sure that's the kind of first-impression review you want to hear. It's small, feels like it was built on a budget compared to other locations, and Lord help you if you try to park in the lot when it's busy.. The floors are often needing vacuuming, the bathroom sinks are different from any other Equinox location in the world and can be confusing with it being automatic, but also not automatic. (Not sure if they are ADA compliant?) So sometimes you'll walk into the bathroom and the water will just be running forever with no stop, while California is in a drought. One of the drinking fountains on the small gym floor is usually not cold. Haven't tried the classes yet. Staff is friendly enough. No Earthbar in this location for shakes or acai bowls btw. No pool or jacuzzi. Feels like Equinox really dropped the ball on this location because of budget cuts during covid. If you come to visit, you'll...