If you like a clean gym that operates a step above slavery come here.
Pros
As a trainer it has the best educational system for a trainer of any skill level, you'll find something new to learn from outside educators they bring in. However these educators are some of the best doctors, scientists and scholars in the New York City area.
Cons
Pay = They pay a floor trainer $8 an hour while Tier 1s start at $23 an hour (mind you they get $95 for this trainer from member) Tier 2 is $34.50 an hour (they take $105 from member) Tier 3 they pay $46 and get $120 for your skills. So in short the take is poor. Use them for their education and leave is what most trainers do. Business Management - They don't care if trainers need more clients, their idea to boost business is bring on board more people(trainers) and reach the income goal of the company not of the trainer. I'd say even in January 50% of Equinox trainers are not where they want to be with income because the gym is over-saturated with Trainers. Management = The managers they had pick all have sh1tty attitudes and mentally haven't developed a maturity level that is greater then a popular 16 year old in high school. Either you have to be a @$$ kisser with them or you have to go and hang out with them to get a "qualified lead." otherwise you better be a darn good salesman (this was how i survived, yes you survive here its rare to thrive here). I also know for a fact that people who have applied for management have been turned down cause they are 'too nice'. This bothers me to the point where I have to mention it. When I learned this fact I realize they only put poor quality people in these management positions, I guess that's why people always complain about the managers on Yelp.com . They probably have to hire them corrupt just so they match upper management's value system or just don't out shine them. I've had to deal with issues with the members myself more then half the time because they have a very hands off attitude with customer service. Upper Management is mostly underqualified to run a gym with their "leaders" having degrees from Film School, Liberal Arts Degrees, former bankers, etc. You have 1 or 2 good people but the rest of them I wouldn't trust to run my business. I believe from this lack of quality leadership steams alot of the other issues this club has. Remember a business is only as good as the people (or goons) you have running it. My honest opinion is with all their flaws it would be easy for a group of people to do what the management at Equinox is doing only better. Management makes enemies with staff and members frequently enough, never see this any where else. It wouldn't surprise me when a legit competitor comes out of no where, comes in and knocks Equinox off the throne as the kings of luxury gyms.