I enjoy this Equinox! In regards to how it matches up to other Equinox's (especially the LA locations), it's definitely on the smaller end of the spectrum but still worth the price considering it is the cleanest gym in HOU with the best staff. (My opinion based on the numerous gyms l've been to here) I signed up with Andre. He's awesome and always fun to run into at the gym! I recently started taking his boxing class on Tuesday and it's the BEST class! I definitely recommend. read more

I'm sure a counter response will be given here, but when you see such a large number of negative reviews - are you going to trust the customer or the organization that many are saying is sub sub par? Starts with a senior trainer who cheated me by charging me for a session that I never asked for. This deceit is supported by management who never had the courtesy of calling me back to hear the explicit story because they already did a "thorough "investigation" (with a disingenuous trainer). Honestly, it has nothing to do with the money. It's a couple hundred bucks. In the grand scheme of things, that is really just a roll of quarters. My biggest pet peeve is lying. It pisses me off like no other. At this point, it's just my energy that is getting affected, so I'm done trying to talk to them. read more

The spa service is not good. The charge is also messed up with my credit card, and can never figure out the pricing as it seems very negotiable and I never know how much I had to pay. read more

I joined Equinox last September. It's been a year and I am leaving for some personal reasons but I will give credit where it's deserved. Started out at 198lbs ~28% body fat Now ~155lbs ~12% body fat No Equinox did not make me do it - I did it myself for myself but Equinox helped a lot. (oh so did fixing my diet - eat a lot of veggies less meat) Sean Bohn opened my eyes to yoga and showed me that Yoga is not just for weirdos. He is a super chill guy who I believe in his past life long long time ago in a galaxy far away was a sand surfing jedi Joseph Manuel some how magically convinced me through his Precision Running class that running can be fun and group fitness can be fun too. He's super encouraging optimism is amazing and let's be honest (even as a straight male speaking) he's really good looking. Becky Riddle introduced me to pilates and barre and always made me feel welcome even when sometimes I was the only guy in class. And her classes made me realize how incomplete my body is and actually helped me a lot with strengthening my core so I could fix my squat form. Chad Neal is my favorite cycling teacher. He is the one who really got me into cycling and taught me how to cycle with correct form. He not only helped me burn ~700 calories in 45 mins in his classes but also made sure that I used proper form. I used to just bounce around a lot on a bike but Chad would come by before and even during class to make sure my form was good. Now I don't have sore back or tight treps/ necks after I cycle and I appreciate that a lot. (his Anthem class was that class I wanted to go for my last day at Equinox but I couldn't make it due to work :( ) Anthony May - I discovered his classes near the end of the year but I really like his group classes like definitions, master of one, etc. Also I am going to really really miss his signature quote at the end of all of his work outs "All your trouble just goes away". I may not actually be remembering it word for word but I will always remember the positive energy that gave me. Ashely Horwitz really knew how to put some pepper on my ass to get me going in her classes. All she wants from you is to be at your best in her class. If you have played Pokemon before - yes, she is basically the final and last gym trainer who gives you the final badge. P.S the maintenance crew there is amazing and so are most of people who work there. I especially appreciate the trainers who walk around the gym like a hawk looking for un-racked weights to make sure the gym is organized. read more

Equinox River Oaks - 2018 Sep to 2019 Sep (Voodoo donut was still worth it though) - Gyms Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have basically gone to every single big gym in the Houston area before I finally decided to bite the bullet and just join Equinox. Yes, it's expensive but I never feel uncomfortable working out over here. At a lot of other places you start to feel like that the weight room is the most uncomfortable space if you are not a testosterone secreting, massive muscular juggernaut. Here even with personal trainers around doing sessions with their clients around you, everyone is super helpful and I have never felt like I was being judged. As opposed to my previous gym, none of the equipment is broken and is always being cleaned even though most people are careful and kind enough to wipe it before and after they use it. There is always someone constantly mopping the bathroom floors and there is never a mess of towels or missing toiletries in the men's room. The only thing I do wish that they had at this Equinox was a swimming pool. Like someone mentioned, it is in the "River Oaks District" and not real River Oaks. They just want to attract a certain type of client and I am ok with that. Parking can be a bit of nuisance if you go in the evening hours when the restaurants in the area tend to get busy. But you can avoid that by going at non-peak hours. Even though the garage is right next to the building - after working out you do not want to go inside a non air-conditioned elevator. Now for the GOOD GOOD! If you are a big of Broad City and ever thought of letting your inner Abbie out at the gym - this is the place. All their products are Kiehl's and I feel like that was the main reason I joined LOL. I always leave feeling like a million bucks! Also - their steam room is a real steam room. You feel like you are going to evaporate into the universe after sitting there for a few minutes. read more

Customer service is poor, went to check it out because my Amex card offers me a perk with this specific gym and based on the customer service it's a hard pass. Waste of time read more

I've been a member since their first year. Pluses: Plenty of parking -elevators and open staircases. Perky front desk folks, sometimes it's nice to get their friendly hi and bye Fuel bar in front for smoothies and quick grab meals Great barre classes Great yoga classes Nice products in shower area Nice weights and equipment -they have 4 c2 towers and several water rowers Rare weight for machines Areas to improve: I wish they had more early and late yoga classes and barre classes. The rooms are gorgeous! I would love to see some classes at 0515 so I can go, then return home to walk dogs, and then go to work. I'd like to see more yoga classes that aren't heated too. 7p and 8 p barre and yoga classes would be great - I could let dogs out and then go to gym. I know they have a spa service area, but I would have loved to have pool or jacuzzi devices given the higher price point. Their app for class sign up could improve. You sign up for classes so that's easy. But you have to cancel before 3hours of the class or you are penalized. In my mind, I've already paid for the class with my monthly fee. Plus, when you cancel a class, the people on the waiting list can secure the spot in real time. read more

This place is a joke. I have been a member for such a long time and one day the manager named Sloan said I was in appropriate at the club and cancelled my membership. I asked to give more details. But she refused to. I know I was not. When I first started, this place was amazing. But now, it's not the same club it used to be. There are several negative reviews about this place. read more

I enjoy Equinox River Oaks. I've been going here for the last 2-3 months. In regards to how it matches up to other Equinoxes, its definitely on the smaller and less extravagant end of the spectrum. But I'm a simple guy so that doesn't matter as much. There is always equipment available, everyone is very nice, and the gym is very clean. Realistically the membership is probably worth closer to around $80-$90 a month. But I don't mind the extra amount simply due to the privacy and accessibility that comes with the price barrier. For the most part the trainers seem knowledgable and well versed in how to properly build the body. I would say about half of them are highly professional and come prepared to their sessions, while the other half look like they just rolled out of bed wearing mismatched socks, messy hair, on their phones during sessions etc. Not quite what you would expect out of a $200+ a month gym. But still completely fine given that Personal Training is irrelevant to me. Overall its a very good, clean gym and I would recommend it to others. read more

I did my session with Tyrus. He was able to take me through a great workout that was just perfect. If you're looking for a great trainer, you absolutely need to train with him. This location is an amazing gem of houston, from the people to the energy!! Go equinox, it's a LIFESTYLE read more

The sauna in women locker room takes weeks to be fixed. Come on! If you don't have the sauna for such a long time, why don't give us some discount on the monthly payment or a massage coupon. The manager team is out of reality. read more

Have loved Equinox going on 6 years now between the Houston & Dallas locations. Love the classes, how clean it is & how friendly all of the staff are. DK, specifically, is the best!!! The barre classes are just as intense as pure barre & the main studio classes are amazing to really get in shape quick. Recently, I had a baby & am so sad to learn that the child care here has been closed indefinitely. As a new mom, It's very hard to workout consistently without the childcare option so I may have to sadly leave my beloved Equinox soon. Please bring back the childcare!!! read more

My visit was disappointing. Representatives should understand that their attitudes towards potential customers goes a long way. Because at the end of the day, at a high-end gym, you are selling a relationship. I want to feel exceptionally valued. Yes the locker rooms are clean and stocked with high-end soaps, the weight floor is clean, they supply fresh towels, it's trendy, they have a variety of classes, and the fitness instructors are super fit. However, every luxury gym has clean locker rooms with high-end soaps (or they should), fresh towels, a variety of classes, and fit instructors. There are several gyms in this area that are around the $200-$220 price point. Luxury amenities, class options, and fit instructors are an expectation and not the selling point. I'm a Diamond member at the Life Time Greenway location, and I pay around $215/month, which is slightly more than Equinox. I also enjoy various studios for experiences I can't get in a typical gym. So I easily pay upwards of $275/month for fitness, not including studio class packages. But Equinox is within 1000 ft. of my home, so I wanted to check them out. My sales advisor, Sarah, was not my worst experience, but she came across a bit apathetic. I tried out a Sculpt class that was enjoyable, but a little too fast for me due to injuries. I have a degenerating spine with several bulges in my cervical spine, lumbar spine, and a torn rotator cuff. When I asked her if there are classes that might be more suitable for me, she basically said that all the classes are faster paced and/or HIIT style. That was strange to me. She didn't really seem to have any patience when I asked her about the different classes, and referred me to the sheet descriptions, which are vague. There is a reason I asked these specific questions. I felt dismissed. This was a major turn off for me. It's not attractive to allude that every class is fast-paced, and therefore not suitable for a person like me. As a matter of fact, any high-end gym should anticipate that some people cannot perform every exercise, and should offer that in some classes, clients are able to adjust or modify. Life Time is not perfect, but their representatives and instructors at least understand this. Life Time also has an Olympic size outdoor pool, spa, lounges, a cafe, and more equipment. However, Life Time at Greenway can be too crowded. When I checked out the weight floor at Equinox, all the dumbbells between 10lbs to 20lbs were gone, which was disappointing. Even if I wanted to work out, I would be limited. The location is also somewhat small. Finally, I didn't find out until after I left that you must sign a 12 month contract, which cannot be terminated unless you move or for medical reasons (which I actually have). The overall apathy towards me is why I didn't join. Instead I reactivated my more expensive membership at Lifetime that is less convenient. That's too bad.. read more

I do not recommend Equinox River Oaks. As a company, Equinox tends to let the management of each location dictate and enforce the experience and environment you get. So, you get some clubs in California which are really fun and chill, friendly, have a fun atmosphere, are well kept because the manager is that way. Then you get clubs in NYC where it's all business bc that's the management style. The Houston club has been run pretty poorly. The lead manager, Rebecca, is good, but she is only 1 person and runs the club operations and relationships, not the training or group fitness programs. Please understand that all the issues listed in previous reviews - maintenance, cleanliness, class times, amount of machines, etc... these are decisions made by management. First, let's get this out of the way. Previous complaints mention the amount of machines / lack of pool / etc. These are items that can't be fixed due to the size of space which Equinox leases in "River Oaks Shopping District." Read: Equinox Houston can't expand bigger because they are leasing a small space. Period. But dig deeper and it gets interesting. They opted for their first location in an area which capitalizes on the name of the wealthiest neighborhood in Texas - River Oaks. Note that the club isn't actually IN River Oaks. It's close. It is in a shopping district which uses the name "River Oaks District." (This is not a district, but an outdoor, very upscale shopping mall). Equinox launched here to attract the clientele it wanted, not because it provided a robust club with all the amenities it wanted. Equinox knew full well they could not put a pool in, that they would have limited space, and be at the mercy of the shopping district for things like plumbing repairs (which there have been many). Corporate made that choice. Presumably, they expected to expand, but the so-called "second location" has been dangled like a carrot to members and newcomers alike for over 5 years, and to date no other real estate in Houston has Equinox's name on it, so not sure if that will come. An Equinox Hotel has been hinted at, but again, no concrete plans. Please note, that Equinox's strategy is to make clients members at all area locations. So if a second location DOES come, be ready to have your favorite instructors split between the locations, new amenities like pools, etc at the new spot... essentially, Equinox will do it all it can to make you want to be a member of BOTH locations. Which means more $. This is a strategy which is in the best interest of the company, not the members. Do you see the pattern? Equinox Corporate is a very intelligent, highly profitable group of individuals. The business model is a scheme though. It's not illegal. And it's cool if you love equinox. But the Houstonians I know at Equinox don't seem to understand the scheme. They appear to believe the model is real, that Equinox is there to help them. No. Equinox wants your money. And they put in 'brand-aligned,' social media savvy, high energy people in the local clubs to sell that facade to you. All the other stuff - the machines breaking, the attitude from employees, etc.. this is management influenced, and management enforced. Equinox WILL NOT CHANGE management. It is insider favoritism, which typically means (at this location) that good leaders are not chosen. Instead, it goes to "trendy" or "social media" types who frankly act entitled, as though teaching a group fitness class made them a local celebrity. The group fitness manager is a VERY LOUD Republican who is not afraid to preach far-right tendencies, including inaccurate information and conspiracy theories, on her personal social accounts which she also uses to promote the club, her classes, and her instructors. She also nicknamed herself "mama bear" and calls her instructors "baby bear" - which as a client I find pretty uncomfortable. This all just underscores the lack of any professionalism enforced at this gym. If you want to be a member here, you need to understand how the corporate structure of this club works. If you are ok with that (many are, and that is 100% fine!!) - then this is a good spot for you. read more

Still trying to deal with membership cancellation issues with this gym since March. Its obvious these guys dont want to cancel memberships and want to try to keep charging your card for the monthly membership. Been dealing with the gm LeeAnn on this since March 23rd.. this was the latest email from her regarding this where she rudely and condescendingly says to me, a former regular(went to gym everyday, knew the staff names faces and even many regulars), that Equinox is not made for everyone. I have never had a gm of any place, restaurant or gym be extremely rude and extremely unhelpful.. read more

Equinox River Oaks - Gyms Near Me - Houston, Texas

The weight room is haphazardly thrown together and the weights are akin to those you would find at a low-budget commercial gym. Management and the training staff are also deeply unprofessional when it comes to billing and sign-up. They will say literally anything to make you sign on the dotted line and once they have your signature, they will refuse to honor any promises they made to you and pretend like you're crazy. Finally, once you try to reason with them, they refuse to make any accommodations and smugly act like they outsmarted you. I would recommend anyone considering this club to stay far away, or at least get all promises regarding free trial periods in writing. read more

Been coming here a few months it feels like an apartment gym and way to expensive for what it is . They don't even have some sort of cafe where you can get a smoothie after a workout like most low level gyms . No dry sauna which sucks . I can walk here from my house but really wish I had chose a different gym. read more

The girl at the front desk named Ariana was the rudest person I have ever seen at Equinox. She was so inappropriate and visibly homophobic. I have been a member since 2019, but after this disgusting experience I decided to cancel my membership. I don't want to be in a place where I'm not welcome. I hope this doesn't happen to someone else, because no one deserves it. read more

This gym has the potential to be a great gym, however falls short when it comes to the staff, particularly the personal trainers. While the gym is very small, it is hard to complain about this as you know what you are signing up for when touring it. However, what you don't realize is how cramped and unusable the gym becomes due to the insane amount of personal trainers that are all training clients at the same time. During the busy times, early morning and early evening, there will be up to 15-20 trainers all training clients at the same time in a very confined and limited space. They all try and use multiple pieces of equipment at once, which is horrible gym etiquette. They will set their tablet on a bench press or other popular machine and wander off and use another piece of equipment while the rest of the members are left waiting. If you do sign up, be expected for them to try and bully you out of equipment you are using. They feel extremely entitled to use whatever they want, when they want, and don't care if its being used. You need to just say no and not let them bully you out of what you are doing. The worst offenders are James, Michael and Geronimo. They have no respect for other members and will attempt to take over the machines during their training sessions. What makes it worse, is they do this behavior during their own personal workouts. I understand trainers working out on their personal times, however I find it insane that trainers think its okay for members to pay over $200 a month to wait around while they use 5-10 pieces of equipment at once for their own personal workout. The entitlement is beyond anything the members have. will say some of the trainers are super respectful and helpful. They do not try and monopolize or bully you out of equipment and seem to genuinely care. As a woman who is trying to get into the fitness world, this is helpful. The locker rooms are clean and the staff is nice, and the members are all very respectful and nice, with the exception of the owner's son who exhibits worse behavior than anyone. This place has potential, just falls short. read more

CRABS IN A BUCKET!!!! I love this gym but the personal trainers are so off putting! If I would like a personal trainer, I will inquire about one. The personal trainers literally stand on the wall and look out for new potential clients (as their working out). Please stop doing that because it's very uncomfortable. I've even changed the times that I go to this gym, so I can avoid running into any of the personal trainers. Not only that, a lot of them sit, lounge, and work on their laptop in the common area that most clients go to wind down. So you have no choice but to run into them. Therefore, I have to walk upstairs with my head down and run to the locker room to avoid them. I understand they work on commission, but maybe commissions is way to enforced. My workouts are not even enjoyable because when I look up, I already see a personal trainer looking in my direction. NOT TODAY!! STOP!! It's annoying and uncomfortable. I will not be renewing my gym membership with this gym. It ends in April and I can't wait to leave. read more

They lie about prices and make it seem as if you're getting a deal upfront. Then they charge you extra days later. It's actually quite small, and over crowed like most gyms. It's only mild esthetics to make it seem like an expensive atmosphere however it's full of judgmental weirdo rich people. The trainers can also be creepy. The Locker rooms are not that clean and their steam room stinks. They also REFUSE to let you cancel your membership. Good luck, if you like this gym then you're probably a snob. read more

After years at equinox I finally made the switch. You can look at my precious reviews to know why this equinox deserves only "one" star. If I could give it a 1/2 star I would. None of the previous issues were ever resolved. To the fact that I was yelled at by a staff member for listening to music on my phone in the locker room, while a trainer face-timed a call. Poor gym and poor management! I switched to lifetime and it is so much better! The grass is really greener on the other six Update: I love how equinox yelp says "we hate to hear this blah blah blah"... they don't follow through! read more

While it's a new(ish) club, it's already looking rundown thanks to a maintenance team who doesn't seem to keep up with things. It's a shame to spend this kind of money on a space and then let it go so dirty. The other Texas locations are much better kept, with Dallas Highland Park probably being the best of the bunch. read more

Equinox River Oaks - Gyms Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I love Equinox, been a member for a year now and have no issues. It membership price is a eucalyptus oil are worth it. I love all the classes, it's really what separates equinox from the rest. The classes are studio quality and you get what you paid for. My favorites are the barre and yoga classes but training and spin classes are superb also. The gym offers Khiels product for the members to use and also eucalyptus towels to cool down after a vigorous workout. The trainers are top notch. I did a free session and consultation and they are thorough. I've done other PTs before but none have been as keen to detail has the trainer in equinox. I have enjoyed my experience at equinox thus far. read more

Reminded me of a gym you'd find at an apartment complex :/ too small and outdated equipment. Also, way too expensive for what it is.

Worth the money! Best investment in your health you can make is staying fit...this is my happy place.

The demographic here is very inspiring and up lifting. Great place to be if you're having a bad day. Get a good workout in and if you don't know how to workout I recommend one of their fitness professionals to help you build a foundational program to reach your health and wellness goals. read more

Value for the money isnt there. This particular club not at par with others in the country. Small, limited equipment and classes make workouts take longer than expected. Nice locker rooms, showers, and steam room, however I was there for the weight equipment which was lacking. Adding to the frustration were the individuals sitting on machines and looking at their phones for ten minutes. Expect to pay additional fees when u resign even if you're beyond the "contract period." read more

Wish I never joined. We first had a rude encounter when trying to sign up and that should have been a sign. Then it followed with unauthorized charges, coercion into a training contract we could not afford. I beg of you RUN don't walk away from this gym. Equinox puts profit over people, so even with the best amenities you are better off finding a mediocre gym with amazing customer service. I deeply regret joining this gym. read more

Ok club, I have noted to the management about 4 months ago that they don't have enough accessories per cable machine, also I've been staring at these dead bug corpses every time I use the bench press... 4 months noted that to management, bugs are still there... Glad they listen to their members read more

Equinox River Oaks - Would be nice if they cleaned out the bugs from lights at least once a month - Gyms Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Bottom Line: While in town visiting my alma mater Rice University, I was asked to leave this gym without being given any reason why, and still do not know to this day. While this happened in December, the experience still angers me and I have not been able to think about what happened without it leaving a terrible taste in my mouth. I would not like to put it on race, but it's very hard not to when all things point in that direction. I wrote a review back in December which I was told to take down because the situation would be handled. Unfortunately after months have gone by, there was no conclusion to what happened, and I have a really hard time just letting it go. I wrote the review right after the incident occurred and thought to myself "maybe I do need to let time pass to evaluate." Gym: It is a really beautiful gym. I currently live in Los Angeles and go to the Equinox gym out here from time to time- usually as a guest (I was thinking about joining, but after what happened here it shifted my craving). The parking is in the back- this was a little confusing for me. The facilities are wonderfully clean, and the layout is simple and beautiful. Staff: While the most of the staff were very welcoming, I was not treated well by the managers at this facility. I was attending as a guest (a girlfriend :) ), and proceeded to workout on my own while with an employee of the company. I called him over to see if I was doing something right, and the situation escalated from there. The fitness manager came over angrily, and asked to talk to the employee that I was with (I'm pretty sure she thought we were training which is against company policy). Our presence and practice were clarified with the manager of the gym, and everything seemed to be fine. Next thing you know, we were being kicked out of the gym. I asked why, and I was told that if I didn't leave they were going to call the police. I asked for a explanation again, and was told that I was being unruly and "causing a scene"... we are both black. If I had the incident on tape, I'm pretty sure it would have made the news... It's really scary to think about, as it was my first experience as such. I don't know why I had to leave, I don't know why I was called unruly just because I was asking for an explanation, I don't know what I was doing to "cause a scene" again besides asking for an explanation, and I don't know why I was treated with such hostility for doing so. I really do hope this location issues an apology to the situation, and that they improve in their customer service skills. That being said- I'm happy I'm back in LA... :) read more

This isn't one of the better 'new model' Equinox clubs in their system. I've been here a few times, always when I'm on business in Houston and it's continued to be one of the dirtier locations I've ever been to. The pictures in another review are spot-on: Layered sweat on cardio machines (meaning, it's old and has been there awhile), dust everywhere. The maintenance staff needs a serious overhaul and is clearly not cleaning to SOP protocol. In addition, the dirty towel bins are always overflowing. I rarely, if ever, have seen them clean and empty. The free weight floor is large and always organized. I appreciate that and see the work that the 'Blue Shirts' put into keeping it that way. One of my bigger issues with this club is the unprofessional nature of some of the male trainers. They're speak very loudly to each other, yelling across the gym and seem to think that's acceptable behavior. This isn't a Gold's Gym: It's Equinox. Talking loudly (and using expletives) is something I'd expect at a cross-fit facility... But not when I'm an E-level member at Equinox. Overall, I keep coming here because my options are limited in Houston otherwise. I just always leave disappointed, as this club is nothing like the clubs in Manhattan, Dallas or the West coast. read more

Forgot to review this place last year. I walked in for a tour and was planning to sign up for this place on the spot. was told I needed to schedule an appointment. Bullshit but ok. So I scheduled an appointment for 5:30pm on a weeknight. I walked in and was immediately told by an employee (woman in her late 30s) that she couldn't take me on my tour because I was going to make her late for dinner reservation. I turned right around and haven't looked back since. Highly recommend orange theory over this try-hard joke of a gym read more