Did anyone join Equinox in Bethesda?

[Anonymous]

I was there today and yesterday during the day and it was empty. I guess it depends on what time you're going?

[Anonymous]

I went to classes around 9:15. There were long lines to check in & the locker room was packed.

[Anonymous]

I have taken 4 group exercise classes since it has been open. I love the gym but could do withtout the women clientele who are there: rail thin with flat ironed hair, Lululemon exercise clothing, huge diamond rings and designer handbags. And, they all have the entitlement attitude. I am a size 6 but feel like I am the fattest person in these classes. Anyone else feel the same way?

[Anonymous]

Do they have Zumba there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have taken 4 group exercise classes since it has been open. I love the gym but could do withtout the women clientele who are there: rail thin with flat ironed hair, Lululemon exercise clothing, huge diamond rings and designer handbags. And, they all have the entitlement attitude. I am a size 6 but feel like I am the fattest person in these classes. Anyone else feel the same way?

Totally. I told DH that the other members remind me of Michaele Salahi. I'm hoping that once the newness of the gym wears off, they'll go away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do they have Zumba there?

Yes.

[Anonymous]

I've been every day since it opened and I've seen women of every size and shape. I am not a size 6, either. I typically go early and people seem pretty focused on getting their workouts in and then getting out of there, but I could see how it could become a different scene a bit later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have taken 4 group exercise classes since it has been open. I love the gym but could do withtout the women clientele who are there: rail thin with flat ironed hair, Lululemon exercise clothing, huge diamond rings and designer handbags. And, they all have the entitlement attitude. I am a size 6 but feel like I am the fattest person in these classes. Anyone else feel the same way?

Totally. I told DH that the other members remind me of Michaele Salahi. I'm hoping that once the newness of the gym wears off, they'll go away.

There was a woman standing in the back of a cardio class that looked exactly like Michaele Salahi - I had to do a doubletake. She looked like she came from the hair salon!

[Anonymous]

The crowds are already thinning. I think most of the craze was due to the opening and people wanting to see what it was all about. The club is...in a word....AMAZING!!! Ive never been happier in a fitness club. The people are so nice, and everything they offer is off the charts. Its a must join!!

[Anonymous]

anyone else feel like there are some sockpuppets on this thread?

[Anonymous]

How much does a membership cost per month and is there any initiation fee? What is the availability of childcare?

[Anonymous]

I joined at the charter rate of $105/month and no initiation fee, but it has gone up. When I joined, they said it would be around $130 when it opened, but I don't know if that turned out to be the case. Also not sure about the initiation fee.

The childcare is pretty good. There is a dedicated room with lots of toys and art supplies, a cushioned area for crawlers, three computers and a flat screen. My kids really liked it. A 20 pack (each time for two hours) is $140, which works out to $3.50/hour.

[Anonymous]

So far I have been happy at Equinox. It is a beautiful facility and the people are nice. I am probably the fattest person in the club (size 16 - gasp!) and even though I see the skinny bejeweled ones I don't let it bother me. I can't do all of the stuff they do in the classes but I just do what I can. No one has given me a hard time about it and the instructors have been very helpful. The class schedule isn't exactly what I would prefer, but it's fine. It is worth it just for the eucalyptus towels!y still have to figure out the lockers - i mostly run in and run out.

[Anonymous]

I LOVE this gym - the classes work me the hardest that I have ever worked even with personal training and the club is so posh that I feel like I am treating myself to a day at the spa every time I go. The membership is worth every penny! There are a lot of skinny, flat ironed haired, Lululemon wearing trophy wives that go there, especially for the morning classes - but I find it more amusing than anything else.

[Anonymous]

I'm also in love with this club! It's inspired me to actually want to go to the gym. I've only been to a few of the classes so far, but have been really pleased with them. I had my free personal training session and was impressed with the trainer and am thinking about buying a package of PT sessions. However, the best feature, as far as I'm concerned, is the Kid's Club. The childcare at my last gym was awful. The Kid's Club facilities and caregivers at Equinox are incredible. My kids love going. In the beginning, I saw a lot of the perfectly groomed trophy wives, but it seems more like normal people now. I'd say the average age is older than other gyms I've been to (I'm 35 and seem to be one of the youngest in all the classes).

I was worried about the parking, but the Bethesda garage is always empty when I work out in the mornings, so that hasn't been an issue. The only drawback is the cost, but you get what you pay for and I feel it's worth it. The Kid's Club is $9 for 2 hrs or $7 for 2 if you buy a package, which can add up pretty fast. Again, though, at least I feel like I'm getting what I pay for in knowing that my kids aren't miserable while I'm working out.

As for membership cost, I joined before it opened and got a charter rate of $115/month with no initiation fee. I overheard someone taking a tour the other day and they were quoted $135 (I don't know if there's an initiation fee now or not). If you have an AmEx Platnium and use it for your monthly dues, you get the lowest monthly rate, plus some freebies like extra free PT sessions and a free spa treatment.