Equinox

Like a lot of other gym goers, I was really hesitant to use my «One Free Training Session» for a lot of reasons. After all, isn’t this just a way to get me to spend more money? However I was pleasantly surprised by how wrong I was, thanks to Jay.
After a few months of no real progress in the gym, I found myself curious as to whether or not it would really help me up my game, (I almost never went over to the side of the gym filled with weights and machines, it was a scary place to me). So I gathered my courage and asked to be placed with a trainer. And that’s how I met Jay Cruz, one of the newer trainers at Equinox, but definitely a great addition to the staff.
We met and he talked to me about what my fitness goals were, very nice and helpful, and within minutes we were on the floor doing Functional Exercises, which are workouts designed to help with things like posture, for improvement in daily life. Jay was very sweet and encouraging, helpful in explaining how to improve my form, and showing my exercises I could on my own, which was very refreshing.
After my workout, I felt very inspired, and I’m proud to say I’ve been doing great since! If you’re a member, or thinking about it, I highly recommend working with Jay!

I joined Equinox Palos Verdes 7 years ago because I was working 6 days/​week, with a commute of 3 hours per day, was highly stressed, overweight and suffered from chronic lower back spasms that would immobilize me. When I joined, I signed up for personal training because I feared that I would injure my back further if I just tried working out by myself, plus I needed to make a commitment that I would stick to! I got great results and the trainers I had took into consideration my goals and my lower back issues, and kept me moving and improving.
For the past 3 years I’ve trained with Richie Petruizello, (the best) Tier 3+ trainer. After an MRI showed advanced disc degeneration of my entire spine, Richie got to work helping me build even stronger core muscle strength targeted to support my spine and improve my balance and stability. He knows just what I need when I complain of an ache here or pain there, customizing each training session for greatest impact, and he shows me how to stretch at home to keep my lumbar flexible. The result? I HAVE NOT HAD A BACK SPASM IN OVER 2 YEARS!!! I can dead lift 70 lbs. without any back problems, can balance on one leg with weights, and my posture is greatly improved. Richie is also certified in nutrition, and is very knowledgable and up to date, always helping and encouraging me to stay on a «lean and clean» diet, that he designed for me.
I would recommend Richie to anyone who is serious about wanting and/​or needing relief or improvement with physical fitness and nutrition… I consider Richie to be my partner in health.
PS: my overall health is as good as it gets, and that’s saying something because I turned 70 years old in January!

I’ve been a member of Equinox Palos Verdes since it opened in 2006. I like the club for a variety of reasons: convenient location with ample parking, high standard of cleanliness throughout the gym, well-​maintained equipment, and a wide assortment of classes. However, like most things, it’s the people who make the organization. And my two favorite staff members there are Jesse Macedo, personal training manager, and Aaron Davis, cardio dance fusion instructor.
I met Jesse in 2008 when I asked him to help me adjust a weight machine. Little did I know then that that meeting would be the beginning of a long personal training relationship spanning 8 years (with some breaks when he transferred to Equinox — Westwood). Jesse is the best. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Jesse takes the time to get to know your fitness goals, physical limitations, and personality to customize your training. His knowledge and upbeat, positive attitude make training fun while also generating results. He provides a safe and encouraging environment in which to train. Above all, I’m impressed with his commitment to the job and his strong work ethic. In addition to training, he manages (and motivates) 27 personal trainers for the club!
I started taking the Cardio Dance Fusion class in November 2014 and was hooked! Aaron Davis is an amazing dancer! But most of all, he makes the class FUN. He has an upbeat personality, infectious smile, boundless energy and positivity, and is a genuinely nice person! You leave the class energized and smiling! And your heart and body benefits, too.
So, if you’re looking for a club, be sure to check out Equinox Palos Verdes. It’s the best on the peninsula.

I have been going to Equinox in PV for over 6 years now. It is a clean, friendly gym with lots of great equipment and classes. It is the only gym that I have been successful with, mostly due to my trainer, Jesse Macedo. He is personable and very knowledgeable and really cares about my health and wellness. Great gym on the hill!

This is an amazing club. I have been coming here for many years and the quaility of staff, classes, facility, and people have always been top notch. I would also personally recommend Steven Ross as a personl trainer. He helped me get to my fitness goals and is a fantastic group fitness instructor. Join this place and see Steven Ross when you decide to change your life!

Been training with Rob Decker for a few months now and he is AMAZING! So much fun to be around and got my booty into shape real quick. I used to hate the gym but he has made our workouts something I really look forward to! Would definitely recommend him!

I have had excellent personal trainers that take the time to understand my fitness goals and tailor a series of workouts specific to me. Most important, the results are definitely there. Large, clean workout areas. First rate equipment. Friendly staff. Compared to other gyms I have been at, this is a superb fitness center.

Great gym. Fantastic staff. Wonderful trainers and instructors. Nice spa. Super clean facilities. Personal trainer Jesse Macedo is the best — Knowledgeable and caring. Whether you’re rehabbing an injury or working on fitness goals, he’s the guy you need.

This is the only review you will need to read about this gym. Comprehensive and precise AF.
Equipment: 4 stars
Pretty decent machines. Your usual dumbbell, barbell, kettlebell sets. Lots of space. Clean. Usually not too many people, so none of this 24hr fitness rushhour BS. You’ll get some starers and people dropping weights, but nothing that bad. Other clubs have punching bags and this one just chooses not to get one.
People: 5 stars (minus 1)
There are only 4 people that matter here and 1 to avoid. Roman Diaz gets you signed up. Rob Decker gets you your gains. Lee Paul gets you fitness knowledge. Kenji gets your body ready for more gains. (Seriously, professional baseball players used to go to Kenji for massages, you can’t ask for better hands-​on therapy.)
For the guy to avoid: Mr. ‘Regional-​Sales-​Manager’ Tim. Dude just would not quit it with the selling when I was referring one of my friends to sign up. I told him we wanted to talk to Roman, and he responded with «I’m the RSM and I manage Roman, so anything will go through me anyway». Okay — I’ll give you benefit of the doubt. We go through everything, and my friend gets no t-​shirt, no bag, and no explanation of benefits (guests/​training/​etc.). Once my buddy signed that authorization to pay for his credit card, Mr. RSM handed him the tag to get into the gym and left.
Classes: 3 stars
Go to the Pursuit spin classes if you’re a competitive person. Yoga is awesome with Bonnie but she only teaches Fridays. They used to have a boxing class (with wraps, gloves, and mitts) which is not on the schedule anymore. They put nothing back on that even remotely resembles a martial arts class. Some will tell you «The CUT» is similar — but it’s not — it’s just fancy cardio kickboxing. I’ve asked multiple times about bringing boxing back, but nothing seems to happen.

Joining Equinox was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year so far (next to saying yes to my now fiancé, haha).
This review is coming from someone who has worked out at home, outside, and in other gyms. LA Fitness, hiking on weekends, a little P90X, Insanity, and TRX here and there. I just never committed to a set routine for a long enough period of time to meet any of my fitness goals. I’ve also been a member of other gyms in the past but they don’t have half of what Equinox offers and didn’t motivate me to want to keep going.
Thanks to Equinox and Britt Wanek, my personal trainer (the best!), I’ve definitely made a commitment and am finally seeing the progress that I always knew I was capable of. I’ve seen a significant improvement in my strength and stamina and feeling so much healthier. Also happy to see that I’m shedding off the pounds I gained from one (or two or three) too many beers, boozy weekend brunches w/​girlfriends, bar hopping, and exploring foodie spots over these years. Thanks Britt!
I used to hate cardio (still not a huge fan) but Britt incorporates it into my routine in a way that is both effective and fun. Britt keeps our sessions interesting and challenging. She’s shown me how to utilize the different workout equipment (Viper, bands, Kettle bells, etc.) and helped shape my form doing squats, dead lifts, etc. My fiancé is also working w/​Britt and she has tailored his workouts to fit his own personal fitness goals. She helps motivate us and pushes us to make new goals and meet them. She genuinely cares and texts us to see how we’re doing after more difficult sessions. Look for Britt– she’s full of energy, flexible w/​scheduling, and so knowledgable about anatomy, eating clean, and fitness.
The facilities are spotless. I’ve been there at various times during the day, 5AM on weekdays, mid-​day on weekends, evenings on both weekdays AND weekends, and there is always a staff member cleaning. Seems like someone is there around the clock making sure the shower drains are hair-​free, floors are vacuumed, surfaces wiped down, towels well-​stocked, etc. Kiehl’s is definitely an added bonus. I never have to bring any of my own body products (unlike other gyms), making my gym bag so much lighter. I’ve never had a problem showering and blowdrying my hair, even on busier mornings.
They also offer all types of classes for all ages and types of people. SoulCycle classes? Yoga? Rowing? Best Butt Ever? No really– there’s a class to mold your butt back into shape, haha. I haven’t had a chance to use the pool myself but my fiancé has and he loved it.
There are members of all levels of fitness at Equinox but don’t be intimidated. One of the perks of signing up was 2 free sessions w/​a personal trainer (mine was w/​Britt! Look for her). Take full advantage of the Equi-​Fit, the initial evaluation where you’re able to see your percentage of body fat and get measured. If you don’t plan on purchasing personal training sessions, take advantage of the free ones regardless because the trainers can help you become acquainted w/​the equipment and machines.
Believe me– I’m one of those people that used to say, «Why would anyone pay that much for a gym?» Take a tour w/​Roman Diaz and don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Roman, the Membership Advisor, gave us our personal tour and made the process of signing up smooth and simple. Ask for Roman when you stop by! Shannon was also great. But don’t forget to ask for Britt, personal trainer– she will help you meet your fitness goals! :)

Any doubts I had on my first day about this place being worth the $ 150-​per-​month fee were nullified when a trainer cruised through the cardio area offering us rolled-​up, chilled, eucalyptus-​infused wet towels. Ahhh.

I had a few trials before I actually got my membership and I can honestly say it’s worth it the people that work there are all so nice, all the trainers Steven, Chris, Paul, Lee and Jessie are all great and helpful. It’s such an comfortable place to be. Love this gym!

I used to hate exercise before I joined Equinox PV. I didn’t want to join gym, because I thought it was dirty and full of wired people. At least that’s what my beauty and hair stylist told me about her gym in Torrance (but cheap to join).
I read Unilocal reviews on Equinox, and decided to give a try as a New Year Resolution.
I am so happy I did. Roman Diaz is a great membership advisor. He really understands my needs and very helpful. He made me feel comfortable to make commitment.
The General Manager Shannon, Assistant Manager Beatrice, and all the receptionists are very nice & they make you feel at home.
I enjoy Christopher’s Yoga class, Fabian’s Aqua aerobics, and Lee Paul as my personal trainer.
The best thing about this Equinox is cleanliness in locker & indoor swimming pool with salt water.
Someone is constantly cleaning & vacuuming the locker floor. They have Kiel’s shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash, face cream & body cream.
The only thing missing is zoning of air conditioning. I wish it could be warmer inside the pool area.
I love this Equinox so much that I go there Mondays to Fridays. I already lost 7 pounds & 2 inches.

I wanted to join Equinox for a long time! I heard about it nothing but good. So finally I made a trip to rolling hills location with full intention to join this club. Great classes, eucalyptus chilled towels, helpful stuff. Make the story short I found out that there is $ 10 charge per child In kid’s care club. I have 2., which means it will cost me additional $ 200 monthly (approximately twice a week me going there) on top of $ 152 membership cost. Once again it will cost me $ 352 !!! monthly to bring twice a week my children. By the way this is the first place that does not offer a discount for the care of second child. The manager was nice to offer me 20 session free of day care if I will signed up together with my husband. I think is exceptionally unreasonable but what do I know. people paying

Me and my fiancée just move to the city and were looking for a place to achieve our goals equinox were the best option by far, the immaculate installations, the best equipment and custom program classes are amazing. This is only a fair thing for a 20 year fitness business but it was the welcoming staff that made us sign up here especially Roman Diaz who take care of us and introduce us to personal trainers give us the proper tour and kept taking care of us and made us feel at home and a personal attentions like texting once in a while to see how are we feeling with the gym experience etc.
Personal trainers are very knowledgeable and always keep upgrading their personal service, if you go for a meal plan besides your regular workout Richie Petrozzello is your man.

Unfortunately I no longer go to this gym, but I miss it so much (moved to Orange County for work). Shannon the GM was amazing and extremely friendly. Roman, one of the Membership Advisors, was also super friendly and such a cool dude. I knew a few of the trainers (Rebecca, Titus, Richie, Victor, etc) there and they were always super friendly and make you feel comfortable. Need a spot or some quick tips? They’re always more than happy to help. Front desk was amazing too and they make an effort to remember the names of their members.
Clientele is generally very friendly. Older crowd and definitely not a lot of young professionals, but that’s expected from location and being in Palos Verdes. However, older crowd = never waiting for a squat rack or bench!
All in all, this gym was the best gym I’ve been a member of. I go to the Renaissance Clubsport in Aliso Viejo right now and it’s nice too. However, the staff doesn’t even compare to the quality/​professionalism of this Equinox location.

I am a former member. Years ago, I joined Equinox and thought it would be an amazing gym… I was wrong. The only thing that Equinox has going for it is immaculate work out stations, beautiful locker rooms, and good music… the end.
Unfortunately, the trainers at Equinox walked around the gym, with massive attitudes. They were pushy and overly aggressive about getting people to sign up for personal training. It made me uncomfortable.
It’s as if the staff of Equinox were doing me a favor by letting me work out in this gym. Then I wanted to cancel my membership and this obnoxious general manager actually fought me on this. I filed a credit card dispute to get the month that I didn’t attend refunded, and Equinox fought with tooth & nail with my credit card company.
Then I sent Equinox headquarters a complaint letter, and they never responded, which is extremely unprofessional.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN JOIN THIS PATHETICALLY LOW CLASS WANNABE GYM AGAIN AS LONG AS I LIVE.
I joined Spectrum Athletic Club, which is now called The Bay Club, and I love it, a nice gym, with nice people, and nice staff.
GO TO HELL EQUINOX!!!

I’ve been going to this gym since last summer after I had my 2^nd baby. This is a very clean gym, the front staff are super friendly & welcoming. There is always plenty of parking space available & most importantly they have the best kids club.
My daughter loves going there & she has been going to the kids club ever since she was only a few months old. They are super nice. It’s clean & they have nice toys & activities for the kids. Closer to the holiday season they would make arts & crafts & for Mother’s Day my daughter made me the cutest jewelry box out of recycled material! It’s never too busy in the kids club & I always see 2 sitters watching over the kids.
I go to some of their high intensity athletic training classes. Let me tell you… It’s just AMAZING. I feel like a different person coming out of those classes. I have taken cycling class, metcon 3, tabata, cardio bar, etc. all the teachers are super professional. I love to work out to a beat. They motivate you, correct you & kick your ass at times.
I love going to this gym & highly recommend it to everyone specially moms :)

this is going to be a two part review, the three star review has to do with a split opinion explained below
Pt. 1: Five stars
initial sign up. Dealt with Roman & signing up was a surprisingly pleasant pressure free process. Roman was confident with his job and the tasks that went along with it. He explained the benefits of Equinox compared to other gyms and the tour allowed us to see not only the facility but the amount of happy clients he had within. Roman is in one word, chill. He doesn’t treat perspective clients as if they were at a car dealership and laid everything out quite transparently. Took me a while to decide whether or not to go through with the signup, mainly because of the contract lock-​in. Roman was respectful of both my time and space and checked in without hounding me with pressure. Signed up, and whenever I do see Roman in the halls he maintains his genuine attitude by always saying what’s up followed by a hand shake. overall: Roman, you a classy dude
Part 2. (1 Star) Management needs to respect the privacy and space of customers.
The day I went to sign up I asked for Roman specifically because I wasn’t going to wander from the person I felt comfortable with. GM Shannon came in because Roman was out to lunch. That’s cool, Roman needs to eat too, I understand that. Besides, I didn’t give him any advanced warning I was going to come in. Good lord though Shannon, I had to do a trouble take and look around because I suddenly felt like I was at a crappy used car dealership with all of the cliché sales strategy being throw at me. We have all probably been in sales at one point or another and we all know what it’s like to have your boss riding up your ass so I tried to let it go. Even when I did buy my car a few years back, the process had less sales mumbojumbo than it did at that moment. Have you ever been standing there, listening to a sales pitch, being told that such and such a deal won’t be there tomorrow? At some point you just start feeling like… dude, do you take me for a complete consumer jackass that will believe anything? So the same deal wouldn’t be there the next day, you know what, I’m ok with that, if I miss out on a deal that’s my bad, but don’t go about it with incessant pressure, she just started sounding a little desperate which was sadly off putting. It got to the point where it was agreed that I would just look things over instead of signing right then.
Also, firmly annoying: the calls, emails, snail mail.
I get it, I signed up… haven’t scheduled my «fitness assessment» yet, chill out and let me figure things out for myself. If member interaction protocol were better handled by management they would ease off the personal training up sell via the above listed methods of contact. I already found the trainer I am fairly certain jives with me and he has been nothing but polite and respectful of my space. David Hahn, you get props, you actually talked to me like a friend, not an ATM machine, you remain confident in your abilities to perform as a professional without making people want to run away from you every time they see you. Stephen, you a chill dude as well, personable and struck up a convo that was quite down to earth.
To the dude that called leaving a voicemail on a damn Sunday afternoon, don’t bother me on my days off. I don’t even know you son, how about walking around like David and Stephen do and getting to know clients before hitting them up for a session. No, I am not saying that my time is more important than yours, nor am I really blaming you bud. I’m pretty sure management had their foot far up your ass trying to ride you on your sales numbers.
Before I forget, last but not least, front desk crew, you are awesome, don’t change a thing.
Respectfully yours,
Member who will prob be hit up for money again before the week is over.

Clean gym located in a strip mall. Parking is available in the parking garage that connects to the mall.
I’m not actually a member of this gym, because it is super expensive, but I have been here a couple times because my boyfriend is a member here. It reminds me a lot of the Bay Club back at home in NorCal. I would say Bay Club is a lot nicer… but Equinox is still really nice of course compared to 24 and LA Fitness.
Love the Kiehl’s products in the locker room’s and showers! That grapefruit cleanser is awesome!
Perfect gym if you don’t mind paying 3x the price as you would for 24 or LA Fitness!