For the NYgal who is into fitness, one thing you’ll never have to worry about is your lack of options for gym memberships. From boutique fitness studios to no-frills franchises, you’ll have no problem finding somewhere to break a sweat.
Deciding on a gym membership typically depends on a couple of factors. Cost is (not surprisingly) a major one, along with accessibility and amenities.
NYgal took a peek into how two goliaths in the gym game – with very different price tags – stack up side by side.
Equinox
Equinox is synonymous with luxury. Want an upscale environment for your workout? Look no further. Even simply visiting their website, one of the first statements you’ll read touts the health club’s affinity for extravagance:
“Unrivaled fitness classes. Unparalleled personal training. Studios that inspire you to perform and luxury amenities that keep you at your peak. It’s more than a fitness club. It’s life.”
Danny, Olivia, and Vito Errico founded the company in 1991 right here in Manhattan. The siblings speculated that most New Yorkers are not likely to travel more than a mile or so for a workout. 27 years later, it seems the Erricos had the right idea. Equinox is opening more clubs than ever!
As glam a reputation as Equinox has made for itself, membership doesn’t come cheap. Be prepared to shell out between $200-$300 depending on if you want access to all locations or just a single one. That’s just your sign up fee, as well – monthly membership costs the same amount every month for continued access to this swanky gym. The typical clientele is typically composed of the wealthy, the beautiful and the fashionable.
It may not come cheap, but membership is packed to the brim with amenities: you’re given access to unlimited classes, personal trainers, pilates sessions, Kiehl’s shower products, eucalyptus towels, and the spa/shop/juice bar. If you’re a luxe lady who wants to feel free to join a class on a whim, without that worry of cancellation fees if something comes up, this isn’t the worst deal.
Considering you might spend anywhere from $20 to $40 on average per a la carte fitness class and $100 to $150 per session with a personal trainer, paying over $200 a month can be a bargain for an NYgal looking to dedicate herself to at least 3-4 days at the gym (and that gorgeous spa!)
New York Sports Club
Upon first impression, the NYSC website seems to appeal to a very different market than Equinox. The overall vibe suggests this gym is more targeted towards the average person instead of the off-duty models and millionaires as at Equinox.
NYSC began in 1973 also here in NYC. It began as a small chain of squash clubs, and transformed in 1995 to 26 fitness clubs with over 56,000 members!
“Today, we’re proud to maintain the largest gym network in the Northeast and remain a destination for members with a range of fitness needs. Not many clubs can say that they’ve thrived through forty years of fitness movements that have come (hello CrossFit!) and gone (bye bye Step Class!).”
Currently, there is a deal to join for $1 and receive the entire month of September free. Membership for a single gym will run you $54.99 a month. Access to every NYSC location costs either $89 per month (with a one-year commitment), or $99 for month-to-month. Not necessarily as wallet-friendly as Planet Fitness, but still significantly less than the Equinox membership cost.
How do the amenities compare? Well, much like Equinox, NYSC boasts personal trainers (at an additional charge per session) and several classes on-site. You won’t find a pool, spa or an organic food and juice spread. Chances are you won’t catch too many celebs either, but you’ll also feel fine rocking a pair of sweats and a baggy tee.
If you’re just looking for the basics with the option to upgrade, NYSC will fulfill your needs.
Consensus?
Much like anything else, it really depends on your personal taste. If you can swing the cost of a luxurious “lifestyle” club with pristine amenities, Equinox isn’t a bad investment. Looking to just hit the treadmill, get in and get out – but with the option to pay extra for certain things? Nothing wrong with hitting up NYSC for significantly less.
Whatever your ideal gym vibes are, remember you’re a bad-ass and can slay all of your workouts. Now let’s go do some reps!
