Pros
Members are very cool and facilities are innovative. Equinox has established a brand identity that is very appealing and attracts celebrities, people of influence. The P/T Dept. has many outstanding personal trainers who, at least in the Dallas clubs, are dedicated to Fitness and personal improvement. Upper level Shop Corporate (NYC) staff are/were mostly down-to-earth, positive and constructive. If you're into Fitness you will love your free membership! The Shop carries a unique mix of fun athletic and casual wear that is fun to sell. Developing retail clients is easy as the same crowd was in the gym all the time. GM was fair (though I can't say he was big on personality). The latest PTM, FM, Group Fitness manager and Pilates manager, from my vantage point, were excellent.
Cons
Shop MOD, Area and Regional management was ethically challenged and consistently struggled to demonstrate management skills. Area manager would resort to slander and libel to fire those she didn't like and also would cover for staff she liked that slept on the job, showed up hours late/under the influence or didn't do their job. Shop became a total "Girl's Club". If you were not a sorority "sis" or "girl" who put your female co-worker's feelings above what was best for business you would most certainly be fired. Denial/Retaliation from Area and Regional Shop mgmt. was common if concerns were raised. Instruction from Area manager often opposed Regional manager. Often Area mgmt.'s decisions were based on emotion/personal motives rather than what was good for business, client retention and sales. The member experience and company mission statement were conflicted by rigid, confusing and punitive Shop policies. Commission was dependent on achieving a Shop goal but lazy associates/managers with poor sales were tolerated. Manic calls, emails and texts were common on days off and most were entirely unnecessary.