Equinox East 85th Street — Local services in New York

I've been going to this gym for 6 years now (since early 2011) and I think it's a great gym and superior to others in the area. Never been to other luxury gyms that are more in line with Equinox so can't say how it compares to them but compared to ones like NYSC and etc., those don't compare. Compared to the other average gyms, it's definitely way nicer, not anywhere as packed and has great amenities.

In terms of other negative comments I see here, in terms of those that say it's packed, A) It's much better than other gyms and B) if you go during peak times (Mon-Fri ~630AM-930AM; 5PM-8PM; Sat-Sun 9AM-mid/late afternoon) it will be relatively packed but so is any other gym. I generally plan around peak times and when I do, there will be times where there's only a handful of people on each floor.

To that other woman's comment about equipment constantly being broken leading to injury and etc., that's completely ridiculous. In the 6 years I've been going there, I've never experienced issues even close to this. There have been a few times where I've seen treadmills or stepmasters, and etc. out of order, but Equinox puts signs up on the machines so people don't use them.

The only reason I give 4 and not 5 stars is in comparison to some other Equinox clubs like the one the one on 75th (or so) and 2nd Ave. which is even nicer and has some more amenities. Otherwise it's great.

UPDATED COMMENT: 2 or 3 weeks ago I used a shower after a workout and the drain wasn't draining at a standard rate so there was a little layer of water backed up. Forgot to mention it to anyone, but remembered the next day when I was at the gym. After my workout, I emailed the maintenance person and then hopped in the steam shower for 10-15 minutes. When I got out of the steam shower, there were already maintenance people checking out the shower and trying to fix it (if there was still issue). Talk about great...

This is quite a nice Equinox location in the Upper East Side. Compared with all the other gyms in the vicinity, Equinox is by far the best. The particular location is located right on 85th Street and 3rd Ave. Hidden within the residential area, you're pretty much going to the gym if you live in the area. Nonetheless, it is new, and is a top notch facility.

If you want to compare apples to apples, and Equinox to Equinox, this UES club is better than half the ones in Midtown. First of all, it is spacious. Stretched out over 4 floors, there is plenty of room for you to work out. The 1st Floor isn't really much. There is a couch there, and it's sole purpose is to check you into the gym. Once you walk up to the 2nd floor, you'll find the Shop, juice bar, another check-in area, membership services, and of course the locker rooms and spa. As far as the locker rooms are concerned, they're pretty big. There are 9 shower stalls, a steam room, and more lockers that I can even count. Like all Equinox locations, Kiehl's products are there for you to use.

For working out, you'll be spending your time on the 3rd and 4th floors. The 3rd floor is where the yoga and spinning studios are. There's also a nice little TRX section next to the stretching area, which is always a big plus. For both floors, you'll find that the cardio machines are in the middle of the floor, while the weights and machines are kind of scattered around the cardio machines. Although there isn't a plethora of machines, there are enough to go around to the point where you never really have to wait to use something. Lastly, you'll find the dance/cardio room on the 4th floor.

This Equinox location is incredible. It's clean, not too crowded, and beats out all the other gyms in the area. Sure it might be a little more expensive than David Barton and all the other spots, but you get what...

I have been of member of east 85th street for many years. The pluses- It is very clean, the staff is super nice, the clientele is nice (mostly)and entering the club feels like entering into a friendly community. The classes are top notch. I have had Zumba with a professional dancer, Pilates with a ballerina, and strength training with experienced body builders. The instructors and the trainers are so friendly and helpful. The last smoothie I had was absolutely delicious. I’ve benefited from a number of complimentary Pilates and training sessions. I’ve made good friends. I found an amazing trainer that changed my life! They have a lot of equipment for every need, and I always have a good workout when I go. They started doing sonic meditation that is so relaxing and they are often switching up the classes to meet clients’ needs.

A few negatives: It is very expensive relatively to other gyms for what you get. It is true that the elevator is always breaking down, the hot water is sometimes out, and the steam room is not always hot. The spa is also overpriced and underwhelming- a few people stood out but mostly the service is mediocre. The gym seems to have problems regulating the temperature. Often times it can be so cold that instead of being hot, your body breaks out in a cold sweat. Very uncomfortable. Also as of late unless you sign up the day before you are locked out of most of the classes- so you need to plan ahead or be out of luck.

All in all I would recommend this location. It is one of the oldest locations and they have done a lot to update it. What they lack in some of the inconveniences listed above, they make up for with a truly amazing staff, a quality clientele, a plethora of equipment and classes, and a clean, pleasant...