Equinox Loop will always hold a special place in my heart because it's where my journey with the brand began. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and after graduating from college, my first city apartment was in Wicker Park. In 2007, I was working a couple of blocks away at One North Wacker and joined this club through a corporate discount. Looking back, it was one of the most consequential memberships I've ever purchased. At the time, I was trying to figure out adulthood. Like many young professionals, I was learning how to balance work, health, ambition, and independence. Equinox became part of that education. I started modestly: a few studio cycling classes, 20 minutes on the treadmill, some stretching afterward, and the occasional steam room session. What began as a simple attempt to stay in shape became a lifelong practice, one that ultimately led to thousands of workouts, countless classes, and challenges that would have seemed unimaginable to the person who first walked through those doors. The timing was significant too. I joined as the global financial crisis was unfolding around us. I was young enough to be somewhat insulated from its full impact, but old enough to sense that the world was changing in ways I didn't yet understand. Many people around me were experiencing layoffs, uncertainty, and losses that would reshape their lives. Looking back, I think Equinox became a refuge during that period. While the world outside often felt unsettled, this was a place built around routine, discipline, and self-improvement. That stability was more valuable than I understood at the time. The club itself embodied everything that drew me to Equinox. It was clean, polished, and unmistakably urban. Chicago has always had great fitness options, but Equinox felt different. It was smaller, more design-conscious, and more connected to a broader world beyond Chicago. In a city that can sometimes be skeptical of ideas and brands that arrive from elsewhere, Equinox brought a more cosmopolitan perspective to the fitness scene. I thought that was a positive thing then, and I still do. One of my favorite memories of this club has nothing to do with a workout. I'd finish exercising, spend time in the steam room, and then step outside into a Chicago winter evening. Snow would be falling. Steam would rise from my head into the cold air. The city would feel sharp, quiet, and alive all at once. For a few moments, everything seemed perfectly calibrated. I've experienced that feeling in other cities over the years, and it's still one of my favorite sensations in the world. It's the closest thing I've found to stepping out of a ski lodge and into the mountains. This was never one of Equinox's largest clubs, but that was part of its charm. I still remember the small retail area near the entrance, the salad bar, the old gray "Member" T-shirts, and buying my first pair of Balega socks, a South African running brand I've continued to support over the years. I also appreciated that this location had both a sauna and a steam room, a combination that's uncommon across the Equinox portfolio today. Over the years, I spent time at the original Chicago-area clubs as well, including 900 North Michigan, Lincoln Park, and Highland Park, near where I grew up. Since then, Highland Park has closed, and Equinox has expanded in the city with new locations in Fulton Market and Lincoln Common. Each club reflected a different chapter of the brand's evolution in Chicago. But Loop was my original Equinox. Whether it was the first club Equinox opened in Chicago or not, it was the first one I joined and the one that started my relationship with the brand. As the pace of my life accelerated, that consistency became even more valuable. I moved between cities, changed jobs, traveled constantly, and experienced all the unpredictability that comes with adulthood. Through it all, Equinox remained a reliable point of return. No matter where I was, I knew what awaited me: a clean locker room, a familiar steam room, quality equipment, and a space designed to help people reset. That may sound like a small thing, but it isn't. When your life becomes increasingly mobile and fragmented, familiar places take on greater meaning. Equinox became a kind of home base for me. It was where I went to clear my head, regain my footing, and pull myself back together before moving on to whatever came next. I've now visited more than 20 Equinox locations across the country. Returning here years later felt less like visiting a gym and more like revisiting the starting point of a much longer story. A great gym helps you build strength. The best ones become part of the architecture of your life. For me, Equinox Loop did exactly that. read more

Gym photos look like any other gym. 3.6 stars for a place that should only be 5 stars?? This "premium" and expensive experience doesn't seem so premium. Better off at LA Fitness across the loop for less than half the price read more

Better than my experience with Equinox Dartmouth in Boston. That Equinox has a lot to learn from this Equinox The Loop branch.

Gotta be honest, I spent years and years living in Chicago running by this place imagining it as some epic amenity-packed gym for the wealthy. I left Chicago last year, joined Equinox in New York, and triumphantly returned to Chicago for a work trip, picking a hotel as close to this gym as possible. My take is that this location is a loss-leader used to placate business travelers who have multi-club access. It's a mediocre gym with a nice locker room. Great for blowing off steam after work in a largely uncrowded gym if your employer is subsidizing your wildly expensive gym fees. Mine is. Compared to East Bank Club, which costs $235 per month, the Loop Equinox is laughable, and I question whether the three Chicago Equinox locations combined actually stack up to EBC on any measure except sheer convenience or imagined exclusivity. I think what a lot of people miss, and certainly what I missed as I formed my first impressions of Equinox, is that the machines and basically everything else, except the quality of the locker room, is the exact same as any competent gym in a big city. In fact, you could make a compelling case that the overall variety is worse here compared to the downtown FFC locations. I found that the blueprint for the location I frequent in NYC was nearly identical to this location's--it's an ordinary equipment layout that can make it so that one other person wanting to rotate through the machines can impede your workout. If you are living in Chicago reading Yelp reviews as you assess Equinox ($???) vs EBC ($235) vs FFC ($160 all-access), I would put this gym toward the bottom of the list. It's just crazy how normal it is in reality compared to how people (including me) perceive the branding. read more

Equinox has been my by far my favorite gym. Been a member for over 4 years already in LA and been coming to the downtown/loop location in Chicago for a few times since my business is out here. This particular gym has amazing staff. I had lost my headphone one day and I had immediately called to see if it has been found. Staff was so prompted to locate my headphone and keep it in a safe place for me to pick up the next day. That being said, if you want a CLEAN gym with great service, staff and amenities, this is for you. Pricey but worth it. read more

Adding a star because this location has become my favorite. The staff is super friendly, always saying hi. Perhaps it's because there are fewer members visiting during the pandemic. The locker room is constantly cleaned, which is great. The only wish I had was that there were weekend hours. read more

Equinox The Loop - Spin studio - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Love how clean and organized this gym always is! It also has a hot sauna! Just found out other locations don't necessarily have one.

This 5 star review is for Samantha Wellington my personal trainer. NOT for Equinox. Samantha came up to me in the gym and started chatting casually. She mentioned that she noticed me in the gym really grinding it out and she offered me a couple tips from her observations of me in there. Not gonna lie, they were good. She always came to me following that day and asked how I was doing and what I was focusing on that day. After a few weeks of talking I decided to try her out for a complimentary session. Let me just say that I pride myself in being fit. I was determined that she wouldn't challenge me. I WAS WRONG. Samantha completely customized my workouts to do exactly what I wanted and aligned with my goals. I also have a back injury and she found new innovative ways to build my back strength without making my injury worse. I'm actually better now! This girl is the most incredible person I have ever worked with and it's a shame that she works for Equinox! She would be running our own company! I hated working out at this location and she is the only thing that kept me wanting to come back! She reinvigorated my passion for fitness and I'm seeing amazing results. I'm gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time. WORK WITH HER!!! YOU WON'T REGRET!!!! read more

Things I love about Equinox: super friendly staff, eucalyptus towels, locker room, Kiehl's products in the showers, wide variety of classes, updated machines. Otherwise, the gym is on the smaller side and the price is definitely up there, but it's convenient to work and has great customer service. I also seriously love the locker room as someone who appreciates a good post-workout shower! read more

I first found out about Equinox by attending a Yelp Elite event here. Compared to the workout room in my apartment building, this place is like a majestic palace. The membership is somewhat pricey, but I finally signed up after my company decided to partner with them to get a corporate rate. Given that this is extremely close to my apartment and a potential second home to me, of course I had to sign up. ***Note*** It's BYOL (bring your own lock)! If you forget to bring your lock, you can purchase a lock at the shop here for an astronomical price, give the front desk your driver's license to borrow a lock, or get a zip-tie I suppose. Upon entering, you'll pass by a Freshii's on the right, the workout store, and check-in counter. After going up the stairs, the second floor is where you'll find the workout area. They have a variety of equipment, different studios/classes, and extremely nice locker rooms. I'm talking about Kiehl's product line, sauna room, steam room, nice showers, and eucalyptus towels. I repeat, eucalyptus towels (and in a fridge!). What's nice about the membership is that they include a number of classes almost daily that range in cardio to yoga. They also have a spin class. You can reserve classes online or just walk in. Don't be like me and sign up for an intense Best Butts Ever class after not working out for some time. I could barely move or walk the two days following this class. This is overall a very nice, upscale, clean gym with friendly staff. Would definitely recommend! read more

Ok - Let me preface this "as a skinny-fat guy". I hate working out and always have. Spending $180 a month to run in the treadmill is not my idea of fun... But the gym is so pricey that I feel obligated to go. So it works. The facility is gorgeous and the machine/staff are new/great. I thoroughly enjoy working out at this facility. It is on the nicer side of health clubs so the majority of other members in there are hardos/super-fit people. Hopefully, I will get to that point, may take several months and several hundred dollars later. Only time will tell. I'm docking a star because they occasionally close for events and have really inconvenient hours. read more

This gym is state of the art, super clean -- no sweaty, musty odors anywhere -- steam room, sauna, locker rooms with everything a girl would need to get ready for work, spin studio (again, cleaned after every class, always looks brand new), pilates studio (includes all all the mats, kettlebells, bags, dumbells, etc) used for kickboxing, cardio, pilates, etc. I'm excited to change it up this week and work out here, I have a free week trial membership. Staff is wonderful, no pressure. They don't have to. This is a gym with 110.00/month membership fee, one year contract - members here are serious, you won't find that meat market setting. Most members seem to be professionals that work in the Loop. They don't pack their gyms, I was told that you will always find a treadmill. The price is a little steep for me (minus the star). read more

Customer Service: 5 stars Gym: 3.5 stars Cleanliness: 5 stars This is the kindest Equinox I have ever been too. I'm from LA and NYC, and their gyms tend to run on a "I need to pretend like I'm better than you" attitude. Not this Equinox. This gym has some of the friendliest, and hard working employees I've encountered at an Equinox. The gym and locker rooms are very clean. All the machines, weights, etc., were working and well maintained. However, it is a small gym, with limited equipment. It has everything you need, not a lot of things you may want. Still, I would highly recommend this gym! read more

I was interested in gifting my daughter a membership to Equinox, and reached out for more information. I was contacted by Jessica, who was an absolute ray of light! She was informative, professional, and very responsive. First impressions can absolutely set the tone - she made the process so seamless and pleasant! Equinox is lucky to have Jessica on staff! read more

Amazing team as well as members. It is the most welcoming gym & team, even maintenance. From membership advisors to group fitness instructors, you can tell it's a team effort to help everyone meet their goals and love the journey. read more

Not worth the money! I originally joined Equinox (and made the infamous one-year commitment) when I lived in DC. The DC location was huge and included a pool, basketball court, four squat racks, etc. Also, in DC the Equinox was significantly nicer and less crowded than the other gyms downtown. So the $180 a month made sense if it was something you could afford. But that is NOT the case in Chicago. In Chicago the only location that's convenient to me is in the Loop, and this location is small, cramped, and not open on Sundays (and frankly the other locations aren't that great either). And I walked in this morning to discover that the Loop location is closed for the next three days because they're hosting a fundraiser called "cycle for survival." I get that it's for a good cause, but if I want to contribute to charity I'll donate money or time to charity. But what I want from a gym that costs me $180 a month is to be able to work out. Additionally, the gyms as a whole in downtown Chicago are much nicer than the gyms in DC. In this city, Equinox does not have much of an edge from what I can tell. There are plenty of gyms downtown (including a gym in the building where I work, which costs 1/3 of what Equinox costs) that are non-crowded, have nice shampoo and locker room amenities, etc. It just doesn't make any sense for me to be paying so much. I look forward to the end of my one-year commitment, so I can start going to a gym that costs half as much and is actually open when I need it. Also, why on earth does the Gold Coast location not have dip belts? Basic thing that a real gym should have. read more

I will start by saying that I have been an equinox member for 10 years ( an all access member) and I have decided that enough is enough and quit. I have used the gym in LA, Miami, NYC and all the Chicago locations (except highland park). I have to say that I was sad to come to terms that EQUINOX has a national problem of member to member harassment and employees that hate equinox ( as posted all over their social media) BUT SOMEHOW still work for the chain and bring that Bad vibes only inside the gym. I have been harassed by Men at gym and have felt uncomfortable time and time and again at this gym. The bathroom showers are dirty but the cleaning lady is rude and not around (or just stands around), and blasts the music super loud. Equinox although has very nice facilities has serious issues that they need to address at a national level. read more

I'm a gym rat so this could be too long of a review, but I've used this gym for over two years now and have never had a problem. It is the smallest location in the city, but they utilize the space really well and I have never had a problem getting equipment. My main reason for picking this "brand" gym is the convenient location from work and that they have multiple gyms I get access to in the city for the weekend. I'm not a class guy and I don't really use a trainer, but they have a lot of options available in both. From what I can tell they lean towards high intensity training (less rest between sets & compound exercises) plus functionality and movement. They always have extra trainers walking around, so if you have any questions on an exercise or equipment they are more than happy to help you out. For the price do I wish they all had a basketball court for pickup basketball and a swimming pool, of course (the gold coast has a pool) but do I specifically "need" them, not really. The locker room is clean, towels are replenished regularly, Kiehl's products, sauna, steam room. Staff is professional...I haven't had the membership issues others have had, but I'm pretty certain it is in the contract that you are committed for the year and after the first year you can cancel at anytime. One thing to know about this specific location is that when it get's hot outside, typically the gym is warmer inside also...which I prefer for the most part. I think it is because the gym is apart of an office building and they don't get specific control over the temperature. But I sit in an air conditioned office all day, so the extra heat for a little extra sweat is welcome. read more

Summertimechi is right around the corner, so I've been making a conscious effort to work out and eat healthier. My friend is a member of equinox and invited me to a 3 day trial membership. I love how convenience this location is to my job and even better a Freshi is located in the building so you can even eat healthy once your done working out. I didn't really use any of the machines cause we did the actual classes. The Barre Burn is a great class for beginners. Yesterday i took the half hour fire starter class and I realized how out of shape I am. Lol the instructor did a great job making sure my form was right and providing encouragement. I was told my job provides a discount at the facility, so I plan on trying out a few more gyms and making my decision then. Equinox is definitely one of the pricier gyms, but a great facility. read more

Really wish I could give this place zero stars. Between their severely outdated gym equipment at double the price of FFC, to Katie Hoff forging my signature to try to lock me into a contract with them, illegally, this place should be shut down. Buyer beware the representative there that goes by the name of Katie Anderson or Katie hoff forged my signature in four different places to try to lock me into their annual contract and I have filed a police report as well as with the attorney general for their illegal business practices. Their manager Brooke tried to cover it up and their district manager Colin Yording never bothered to respond back to my complaint of them forging my signature. Please see attached photos for signatures that dont remotely look like any of mine, nor do they look like each other and don't even make out a name, as well as the attached picture of their severely outdated, rusted out, broken handles on their equipment read more

Equinox The Loop - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Loop location is small, cramped and a second class location for the Equinox chain. While convenient for those who live in the Loop the facility is really below standard. Today, the facility was locked at opening time with both staff and clients waiting in 20 degree cold. Staff had no key or idea why managers were not present to open the doors. All this for $2000 a year. There is a low level of gym etiquette among the members. The equipment is often hogged by rude members who use the equipment as a "sofa" to relax and sit for 25 minutes. Other members throw a medicine ball at the ceiling for 20 minutes creating an annoying distraction as this m/f couple is detached from consideration for others. Often they will attach exercise bands to equipment being used by members and interrupt workouts by others. I've brought this bad behavior to management and the Saturday crew reply that they are not empowered to talk to members to correct their conduct. The floor employees never step in to warn members, their sole attention is on their training dollar client read more

If you're looking to sign up here make sure to ask for Robert. He will make you feel comfortable and is not pushy like some people can be. He will make your transition seamless and will continue to check on you to make sure you have everything you need. This gym is the cleanest gym I have ever been too which during Covid times is super important. The staff is extremely friendly. Highly recommend. read more

Equinox @ the LOOP!!!! Long time all access member of Equinox, love visiting as many locations as I can. Yes I am obsessed with Equinox and its fantastic classes. Love this location! Clientele- pretty much a mix of all ages but mostly working professionals. (LOVE THat bloomies is right there) Kids club, spa, yoga studio, main studio, cycle studio, free weights, cardio machines, weight machines, shower & steam rooms, cafe Some of the trainers here are great- good tip- if you see people in light blue shirts- they are actual trainers! they walk around and are there if you have questions, most people don't realize they are actual trainers and are there to help people out! All the typical equinox amenities here- main studio, yoga/barre studio, spin studio, tons of free weights, tons of machines, everything you can imagine. All the machines are new and in excellent condition and are up to date with the latest technology. Love that they are constantly replacing the yoga mats. LOVE LOVE LOVE the group fitness classes. They are so much fun and the energy is always high. Instructors are enthusiastic and challenging. Tip- cardio blitz 530 Wednesdays, or metcon with kristie 630am thursday mornings! This location has also the typical amazing equinox amenities in the locker rooms, towels galore, qtips,cotton balls, shaving creme razors and of course KIEHL's bath & body products - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, creme de corp moisturizers. Love that the club is in pristine condition, there are always staff cleaning constantly. TIP: If you are thinking of joining, best way to get the best rate is to go thru a current member. My advisor who I have known for over 10 years is the best, he is upfront, honest, not pushy and will get you the best deal. Message me if you have any questions! He always throws in extras. make sure you try the gym before you make a huge commitment. read more

I've never been to this gym when someone wasn't cleaning something. It is very tidy. The "Maintain" team almost gets in the way. There is an abundance of cardio machines -- I don't ever anticipate having to wait for one. Yes, it's expensive, but I am at least paying for the location. A corporate membership definitely takes the sting out of the initiation fee, so ask your employer to think about joining. Also, the corporate member initiation fee is the same no matter what level of membership you choose. I decided to get the all Chicago membership, since the Loop location doesn't really keep weekend hours to speak of. I've since heard that the other Chicago locations will honor the Loop membership during times it's closed. Here's another tip: at the 900 N. Michigan location, you can get a parking voucher for $3 for 3 hours. Plenty of time to get in a workout and do a little shopping. read more

Ok, so let's start with the positive: I like how clean everything was. The locker room was nice, fancy, and seemed new. The atmosphere seemed to integrate spa with gym ambiance. Some of the equipment was pretty high tech. They just got new spin bikes and the spin studio looked impressive. Equinox's Loop location has many machines in a very small space and a great selection of weight equipment. It's very convenient for a lunchtime workout or before/after work. The location is pretty close to the train stations making it accesible to many Loop workers. It seemed like a great use of space for the location. However, it seems that for as much as you would pay for an Equinox membership, I would expect a larger facility with more studios and a bigger emphasis on spa services? (just thinking outloud, comparing it to similar "luxury fitness" gyms) Also the cardio equipment seemed pretty crowded, but they do have a lot so you won't be fighting over machines during peak hours. Another big turn-off was the yoga class I took. It was the Vinyasa Flow Class by Alexandra Sheperd. She seemed so detached in her teaching. You can tell she is knowledgable as a teacher, but there really wasn't a flow to the class. I felt our class today lacked direction and seemed like she was just taking us through the motions. As aforementioned, there was no flow and I really didn't feel like my body was prepped for the poses as in other classes I've taken. This made it difficult to relax into the poses. Am I just being picky? Maybe, but here's the best part: she rushed through Savasana (the relaxation part at the end of class), said some insincere/half-a$$ schpeal about peace that even she didn't seem to believe, and then jumped up to hurry out of class, saying, "ok, gotta go, I have my last dress rehearsal." Ok, I understand you have another life outside of this yoga class, but your students need you. People are paying/taking time to take your class and you rush out on them? That's poor etiquette and doesn't reflect well on the gym. I wouldn't have been surprised if another instructor (i.e. dance, pilates, kickboxing, etc.) did this as they aren't in the same context. Alexandra(Alex) attempted to create a peaceful atmosphere in that studio for our yoga practice and then she ruined whatever peace was made by rushing out of there and being distracted throughout class. I rant on about this because I think client service and good group fitness instructors really make or break a gym like this. Otherwise, what you're left with are lots of cardio machines and free-weights/weight machines. I can get those in the small workout room we have in my building at work. If not getting the good group fitness instruction, why pay? Personally, I don't think Equinox is worth it. Downtown Chicago/River North area are filled with other luxury fitness gyms that offer more. read more

The shower situation hasn't improved, and the number of hair dryers is still cause for some stress when you need to get going in the morning (or at noon, my new preferred workout time). However, the group fitness classes (and cheery, helpful instructors) have kept me coming back to Equinox for five+ years. I actually joined the day this location opened, so gold star for me. I now have a little schedule going and organize myself around the four different classes I take each week. Mondays would be completely unbearable without Cardio Dance Club, Tuesdays and Thursdays unthinkable without Julie helping me pump up, and Kettlebell Class is the highlight of my Fridays. I leave these classes wanting to die, but it's a happy, self-satisfied death. Also happy - these four classes, while varied, are only a portion of what is available. I can always switch things up and try something new. On my "non-class" day, I use the plentiful cardio equipment (ellipticals, treadmills, stair steppers) and plug in my headphones to watch the news on one of the large screen TVs up front. Equinox is convenient, sparkling clean, and full of friendly staff. I look forward to my visits. read more

I never thought I'd pay over $100 for a gym membership, however, you really get what you pay for here. This super clean, ultra modern, state-of-the-art gym boasts service and amenities that are undeniably stellar. From full-service locker rooms stocked fully with Kiehl's products and disposable razers to several classes offered at three different times throughout the day. The staff is professional, friendly and best of all, passionate about fitness and their work. They boast a full-service locker room complete with laundry service for the professional on-the-go, steam and sauna, pilates reformer and mat classes, spin, and a bevy of unique classes. The Loop location is within my work building, and if you are a tenant in this space you receive a bit of a break on the monthly membership. The space is conveniently located for me, and I look forward to it becoming my second home. read more

Okay- so let me preface this with the fact that this gym is not aimed at people like me. Even though I work downtown, I'm not the typical power suit kind of gal. I'm the artistic type that found herself in an office gig. An office gig that helps pay for my gym membership. Regardless, I'm there about 4 days a week during the lunch rush. The front desk people know my name (which is slightly embarrassing for me, because clearly I'm there too much...! The classes with Alex, David and Karim are incredibly motivating, challenging and upbeat, the after workout facilities are divine (kiehl's bath products, high end hair dryers, sauna & Steam room), and the people who work out there are fairly low key. (Whew! What a run-on sentence). Downfall? It's a little too sterile for me. I could use a bit of color and pizazz when working out, and a little less CNN and Fox news- but I guess that's to be expected in the business crowd. read more

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 love Equinox! read more

Nice clean gym in a good location to work. Easy to find and good hours given my work schedule.

I love Equinox. If you're a runner the Tri-Tread classes during the lunch are the way to go. Kimberly and Julie are awesome. They offer 2 afternoon treadmill classes on Mon, Tues, Thurs. One is around 11:30 the next is at 12:45 or 1 p.m. On Fri there is a 6:30 a.m and a 11:30 a.m. If you are a runner you have to try these classes. Kimberly is all about tracking your progress and helping you improve if that's what you want. I shaved 16 minutes off of my 1/2 marathon from 2 years ago (that was the last time I ever did a 1/2). I couldn't believe it! In these classes you'll do a mixture of sprints, hills, and tempo runs. Typically Thursdays are hills, Tuesdays are sprints, Mondays are a mix of both, and Fridays are tempo runs. Also, I take Michael's 90 minute spin class Monday after work and his breathless class during lunch on Thursdays. Michael's classes are great. He keeps it entertaining and really pushes you and the music is great. The 90 min. spin is pretty straight forward, hills/sprints and Michael's witty personality. I mean to keep people interested during a 90 min. spin class you better be damn entertaining. Breathless is tough! He gets you to go anaerobic. I stopped doing spin years ago b/c I just stopped liking it. However, Michael has renewed my passion in the exercise. Someone said they hated the Equinox brand of shampoo and conditioner and I agree but they've upgraded to Kiehl's products. I get a lot of compliments on my hair after coming from the gym b/c of those Kiehl's products. At one work event people kept telling me how great my hair looked, it was so straight and shiny. I said Oh, it's b/c of the stuff at the gym. I have yet to get a compliment after using the Head & Shoulders I have at home. Also, as someone has mentioned you can go to the other Equinoxes when the Loop location is closed. I love 900 N. Michigan b/c I can get my swim on. I go on Sunday and have only had to wait for a lane twice over a span of 2 months of starting to swim. The reason for not giving 5 stars is b/c yes, it can get crowded in the locker room and in classes, but I go during lunch and it's the loop so what should I expect. But overall I love this place. As for the $130/mo. price tag...I live a pretty frugal life in most aspects. I live in an apt in a less than fashionable area of the city b/c the rent is so cheap, try to buy everything on sale, love coupons, and try not to spend money on food/drinks during the week. Yeah I'm boring that way. However, I have learned to spend, spend, spend on the things that will make me happy and are important to me. Fitness is important to me but it has always been a struggle for me to enjoy working out. Meaning...I will never have one of those hard bodies but obesity and diabetes runs in my family so I know I have to do something. I credit the great classes, clean gym, and wonderful amenities at Equinox that keep me coming back. This gym is something I splurge on and I feel it is well worth it. read more

This is a review purely based on the facilities itself and not the price... which make it a lot easier to give this a higher rating than others. My girlfriend brought me here with her 1 day pass and it was a fantastic experience. First thing I noticed about this place is how clean it is. Everything here was just so pristine from the dumbbells which looked like they had brand new labels to the floor mats which look like they are given an hourly rubdown. The showers and the bathrooms were in great shape as I saw multiple cleaning people inside during my stay. The gym itself has some of the newest fitness equipment here which was great! First time I ever used a TRX machine, and now I know why most of my favorite MMA fighters use it to supplement their workouts. Additionally there are tons of fitness attendants here who are just waiting to help you out. But some of the best things about the gym are things I just don't find in other gyms. For example they have an easily accessible stash of foam rollers right next to the matts. I didn't even know what one was until my girlfriend told me she uses them to stretch out her muscles. Then came the cold eucalyptus towels which were a huge reward after a long workout. The cold minty feel of the towels on my skin left my drained muscles feeling revitalized. Since this place goes above and beyond, I wouldn't have been surprised to see a gatorade fountain somewhere hehe read more

An Equinox membership is a big monthly splurge for me, but it is worth every penny. It's priceless to feel like there's a little home-away-from home that I can go to on lunch breaks from the office. Every employee is warm, personable and encouraging. I've been to almost every class and I've yet to find a less-than-stellar instructor, though I happen to think the real stand-outs are the Yoga classes. The most crowded the Loop location gets is at noon during the work week, yet even then, I've never had to wait to use any equipment. The real cherry on top of the Equinox experience is the cleanliness of the gym -- floor to ceiling it's completely spotless, chilled eucalyptus towels for the gym floor and warm fluffy towels for the showers, fresh orchids in the women's locker room. The only thing I wish I could change is that having a locker amounts to a 30% hike in monthly fees. For my monthly dues, I'd at least like to store my gym bag there over night. However, for the amenities, atmosphere, and resources, I give Equinox the full 5 stars. read more

Yoga flow for the win! I heart Nicole the yogi Immediate reaction after yoga flow class/Yelp elite event: Great experience, Nicole is an amazing yoga instructor (clear with direction and lovely), and while the gym is not Lifetime scale, the Equinox facility is clean, staff is friendly, and the machines are varied and state of the art which perfect for Chicago downtown loop dwellers to get there flex, stretch, flip and reverse it on. Grabbed our bikes and my wife and I took a Saturday morning bike ride to the equinox in the loop. When we arrived we saw that Freshii was connected to equinox which is great to reinforce the work out with a nice healthy meal. We were greeted and shown around as well as told we could workout before and after our class which was nice. We tried some of the cool equipment and one of them reminded me of the first event in American Gladiators eliminator, (call me Sabre) we got a nice pre work out and there were quite a few people waiting for this Yelp event and yoga class, they also had a spinning class but since rode our bikes we opted for yoga. The class right before was a circuit class where it looked like people really got it in. When we went into the class the teacher told us to grab a yoga mat and 2 blocks, there was plenty of equipment but space was limited given the # of people but I had plenty of room to warrior and downward dog my heart out. Nicole was great at explaining the positions and as it was a yoga flow class we went from 1 move to the next for a full hour. Wow!!!! was it intense yet relaxing, I could tell my flexibility was improving as the class went on (used to be the sit and reach champ in jr high...not to bragging but bragging). Nicole was great because you could be a beginner or very advanced and she was very clear on the moves, how to modify and how to push yourself if you wanted more challenging poses...what was nice was that you just piled the mats to the side after the class and they take care of cleaning them, so I liked that I didn't have to bring my own mat. After the class, we walked around and saw how great the trainers were at giving people many different exercises. All in all it was a outstanding experience, a little small but plenty of machines and equipment and keeping my fingers crossed that my wife or I win a free membership cause we would love to go there again. read more

Equinox The Loop - Equinox made me do it...and there is a Freshii - Gyms Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I'm really kind of torn between 2 and 3 stars. It is an OK place but I have seen better or comparable for alot less. The gym itself is fine - its clean and I have never had an issue getting a cardio machine around 1pm. It's right by work so I can go at lunch. The equipment is decent. I have no major complaints. But there are a lot of little ones that make me want to scream every time they pull that ridiculous monthly payment out of my checking account and think how I could go to just about any other gym in town for less than half the price. The locker rooms are kind of silly, the benches make it hard to get around people and I still can't figure out why they did not put in all full size lockers. The showers are clean but they are kind of falling apart, you can't adjust the pressure on half of them and you can't adjust the position of the shower head on some either. The toiletries are ok if you forget yours once in a while but overall they not so hot, I bring my own. The music is not very good and its LOUD. I have to turn my IPod to full volume and still it's not blocked out. The classes are my biggest gripe. I was led to believe that they had a yoga/pilates studio. They do not!! They have TWO pilates classes per week (that start at 6:30 am or 5:15 pm - both pretty tough) and about 6 or 7 yoga classes. There are no classes whatsoever for beginners. I am really considering an actual yoga studio but gym dues and yoga once a week is looking to set me back $200 a month. If you can afford the outrageous dues then I would say go for it. If you just want to get in and out and don't need to be impressed my all kinds of fancy signs and pretty vases I would recommend looking elsewhere. As for me I'm just biding my time til October when I can cancel my membership and go to Womens World next door. read more

Though Equinox is known for being pricey, if you take the classes and go often, it's worth it. Their classes are the best! When I started working out there, I figured it'd be a cinch since I was used to fitness DVDs. No comparison - Equinox classes kick my tail to this day. The instructors are energetic, the classes are challenging and the workouts are energizing. They keep it fresh and I love it. Plus as most people who have experienced Equinox will say, it is SO clean. That truly was the selling point for me -- a clean locker room and clean equipment will keep me coming back. I've never gone to the gym so regularly as I do now (5x a week), but hey when you are paying a pretty penny, that's all the motivation I need to get my money's worth! read more

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 pay. read more

Okay so I've been a member for nearly 6 months now so I think it's time for me to post the glowing review that I've always give to other people when they ask me about it. I'm obsessed with this gym-- it's definitely a splurge each month, but the dynamic, challenging classes, awesome trainers and clean facilities make it worth it for me. The staff try really hard to learn your name, so they make me feel like a regular, which you know, makes me feel awesome like I'm a regular gym-goer and dedicated workout-er or something.... The Loop location is never really that crowded. I'm always shocked that there is never really a wait for anything, even during lunch or right after work. If they are available, I always try and chat with the floor trainers, who are all super friendly and eager to help you with your workout. I figure that if they aren't busy talking to people, they usually just circle around the gym, passing out towels and turning dumbbells so the numbers face the right direction, so why not meet some of the staff and pick up a few workout tips? If I'm not working out on my own, I take the awesome classes, which kick my butt every time. My favorites are Whipped (this one is a calorie-scorcher... you will sweat), spin with Julie Valenti, and the yoga classes. The classes rotate each quarter, so there is always a chance to try something new. Lastly, the locker rooms are impeccable. The cleaning staff are always picking up, mopping, cleaning mirrors, etc. For a neat freak like me, this is the absolute best part of the gym-- I never feel like I have to worry about picking up a disease if I touch anything. Also, they use Kiehl's products, which I've never used before I joined but have grown to love. A+, definitely check it out! read more

If you can afford a luxury Gym membership and not a large initiation fee, this is the gym for you. I have been a member at a number of the clubs and you get what you pay for! This place was always clean. The steam room was cleaned twice or more a day, the sauna had cedar benches Vs the 2X4 pine benches you get an Xsport and you can put water on the Sauna rocks with the water provided in the actual Sauna. The gym was never so crowded that you had to wait for a machine to open, cant say the same for other gyms I belong to currently or had belonged to in the past. Equinox has it all, but you also pay the price for it, the monthly is twice the amount of Lifetime and 3 times the price of Xsport. I would say if Equinox had additional locations and didn't charge so much for multi location membership, I would most certainly go back. read more

A bit too pricey for an only decent gym. I'm assuming people pay the extra cost for convenience and ambiance. The monthly dues are between 150-165 a month depending on if you want access to all the locations. The staff is very friendly however at times the membership advisers can be a bit pushy with selling you the gym. If you are familiar with the area there is a Women's Workout World next door. Their membership is about 30 dollars a month. They have the SAME equipment! They don't have the latest Cybex, Crosstrainers or Ellipticals which surprised me since the gym is more in the pricey range. The spin room would be the crown jewel of the facilities as they do have the latest spin bikes but all the other cardio equipment is a bit outdated. I took a Latin/Hip Hop Cardio dance class here. The instructor came but had to leave for an emergency which is understandable. His replacement was a good instructor. Very energetic! However the class was only 40 minutes long! I hate when instructors do that since it is nice to have a good 55 minute class. The gym also has fitness advisers on hand to help stretch you out, hand you towels if need be and answer any questions which is nice. The showers are also very LOVELY 10/10 for that! They have Kiehl's products! But of course you can buy that for yourself at home and save 100 dollars a month on a gym membership! Overall, I think if you are willing to pay 150-165 dollars a month for a gym you might as well join the BEST gym in Chicago which is the East Bank Club, hands down! read more