Equinox Dartmouth

Fantastic experience: I’m really not sure why Equinox especially THIS LOCATION has so many bad reviews. I feel like many of these people commenting have unrealistic standards of a gym. It’s a small gym in comparison to other equinox locations and they maintain it well. The one downside that I have noted is the fact that this is one of the only Boston locations without a sauna, but from what I can see, they are building outdoor barrel saunas with hopes to be open soon. The equipment is absolutely updated, it’s a prime reason I signed up. I’ve been a member for about 7 months and have a Boston pass. Dartmouth st is my favorite location and home gym. It’s personal and the trainers(especially my trainer) are super nice. I saw a review saying the leg press machine was so close to the mirror you’d be hitting your head and that is ludicrous unless you’re hulk or using the machine completely wrong. Another great amenity is that they give you on free Equifit and a personal training when you sign up to teach you how to properly use the machines, get comfortable working out, and create routines by yourself. If you choose to work with your trainer more, they’re dedicated to getting you on a correct nutrition plan and strength training plan so you can see the results that you desire. During peak times at any gym, you will have to wait for machinery unless it’s a huge gym which this is not, and it shouldn’t be bothersome to be asked how many reps you have left because just like you, people are planning around their workout. The peak times are usually early morning and any weekday around 5-6pm. If those times are problematic, plan around them and you’ll be fine. I am not rich by any means but the price makes sense for the inclusions. You get access to an array of unlimited classes you’d be paying $50 or more a pop outside of this gym, the sauna here is the best one by far(from a ladies room POV), and the showers are freshly renovated with great skincare products. Their facial cleanser is comparible to murad cleanser and the body wash is like nothing I’ve ever experienced(it diminishes the deodorant and peels it off of your skin for a flawless clean). You also get access to any of the studios(boxing, yoga, cycling, group class room) while vacant and if you haven’t already, do it! This location made me fall in love with the gym. Check it out and I’m sure you’d love it too. However, if you are one of those entitled people that feels like you deserve way more than this gym is offering you because of the price, go to planet fitness. I’m sure you’ll feel the price matches your experience.

Positive experience: Well managed, cleaner and better maintained than most clubs. Personal trainers are excellent. If only they would repair elliptical machines not working correctly for the last 12 months. It is still better than other options in the area.

Negative experience: I've been a member since 2016, and unfortunately, while the prices have steadily increased, the overall quality has gone downhill. The gym is now consistently overcrowded, and they close 1–2 hours earlier than they did pre-COVID. As a result, the last hour before closing is packed with people trying to finish their workouts, while the cleaning crew is already moving through the space with vacuums and mops, often getting uncomfortably close to members. I suffer from migraines and loud noise of vacuum cleaner makes me very uncomfortable, I have to walk around to find a quiet spot as far as possible. I understand the staff is just doing their job and likely under pressure to finish cleaning before closing, but the timing and the fact that the gym closes earlier creates a stressful and even hostile environment. I once saw a cleaner mop around a woman actively working out, leaving a 6x2 ft area untouched around her, an interaction that came off as passive-aggressive, signaling her to leave. The equipment is outdated and in poor condition. Nothing has been upgraded since I joined, and now everything squeaks, wobbles, or breaks. Some of the equipment looks like it's from the 20th century, it makes me chuckle. The bikes and treadmills have outdated screens, and some even have ports for devices that no longer exist, like old iPod and MP3 connectors. When something breaks, repairs take weeks, sometimes months. Rearranging the layout every few months hasn’t helped either, it’s somehow become more cramped. For instance, the leg press machine is now placed so close to a mirror that your head actually hits it during use. The outdoor area is neglected, most equipment is rusted and worn down from years of exposure to Boston’s rain and snow. Locker rooms are in bad shape, often dirty, with overflowing trash cans, used towels left everywhere, and old, worn-out towels in the fridge that are yellowing or full of holes. Sinks are frequently dirty with hair, used razors, and general mess throughout the space. The member experience has also declined. It's common to see people walking around barefoot, speaking loudly on their phones, or "sales bros" holding aggressive sales calls in the middle of the gym. Pre-covid, staff used to occasionally step in and ask for more respectful behavior, but now they seem disengaged. At this point, Equinox is no longer a luxury gym, it feels more like they are trying to sell 2008 Mercedes with 250,000 miles on it at a price of a brand-new one. If conditions don’t improve, I’ll be considering other options in the Boston area. For the record, I have a Boston Pass membership, and sadly, this seems to be an issue across all Equinox locations in the city.

Fantastic experience: Equinox truly sets the standard for what a premium fitness experience should be. From the moment you enter, you are greeted by a warm, professional team that immediately makes you feel welcome and at ease. The entire facility is immaculately maintained, with state-of-the-art equipment that is not only modern but also kept in pristine condition. The gym is thoughtfully designed on a single, spacious floor, allowing for effortless transitions between different workout zones. Whether you’re interested in strength training, cardio, or functional exercises, there are dedicated areas for every fitness need. One highlight for me was the ability to stream my favorite news channels on YouTube directly on the treadmill’s large screen — a small but incredibly enjoyable feature that made my cardio sessions fly by. For those who prefer training outdoors, Equinox offers a beautifully arranged rooftop terrace where you can exercise in the fresh air. It appears that an exciting addition — a barrel sauna — is currently in the works, which will no doubt enhance the already outstanding facilities. Group fitness enthusiasts will be delighted with the wide range of classes offered, from cycling to yoga and Pilates. Assistance is readily available through the app or the ever-helpful staff, making it easy to find and book the perfect class for your schedule and goals. The changing rooms are another standout feature, combining functionality with luxury. They are spotlessly clean and thoughtfully equipped with a full range of amenities, including separate face and body cleansers, as well as nourishing face and body creams — a rare and much-appreciated touch that speaks to the attention to detail throughout the gym. Overall, my experience at Equinox has been nothing short of exceptional. It is clear that every aspect, from the facilities to the service, is designed to support and elevate your fitness journey. Thank you to the entire Equinox team for creating such a refined and inspiring environment to work out in!

Negative experience: Decent place but there’s issues that have been issues for ever. I hope the regional director sees this and gets the Gm in trouble like bro how has the men’s steam room door been broken for so long. Thing swings straight open. The steam room it self sucks too lol. The shower heads need to be tightened because I could legit unscrew them if I wanted (WITHOUT tools lmao) . I hope they just take care of the issues this place has and get it together. There’s more stuff too

Negative experience: The price and 12-month commitment makes this club very expensive for the amenities. This Equinox is way too crowded and it's not as clean as I expect of an Equinox. You can find a better option in backbay.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful club. Classes are awesome. Took a yoga and sculpt class which were both great. JT is super friendly and nice. Very knowledgeable about the club. Willing to go above and beyond for the members.

Negative experience: If you are considering coming to this location, please read these reviews and strongly reconsider. I have been a member here since pre-COVID, and the culture and overall cleanliness make this location feel like a low-tier gym. The male room has continued to smell malodorous (as noted by other reviews) with a cadre of regular creeps sleuthing between the sauna and steam room. I attempted to file a complaint about patrons walking around *barefoot* in the weights and stretching area. According to the desk staff, this is permitted in their policy, despite being labeled “gross.” I will not pay >$200 / mo to see people walking around the gym barefoot. What has happened to the quality of this gym? My goodness.

Negative experience: This is maybe not specific to this location, but in general. I am about to visit and was told Equinox doesn’t do day passes, even paid ones. While I understand it’s a pretentious club, and that you want to make sure the members get the best benefits, that’s about the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I would even pay to visit, but because I don’t live near an Equinox, I can’t even check it out? Big loss on the management’s, probably corporate’s part.

Negative experience: It is really hot in this gym

Negative experience: It’s an alright gym but definitely not worth the price tag (which goes up year after year). Facilities seem to be getting more and more packed every year too. The personal trainers are awful - constantly having their clients bang medicine balls all over the gym with no respect for gym etiquette, always in your face with the annoying “how many more sets do you have left?” followed by waiting right next to you while you finish up with the equipment. I will be taking my business to the Lifetime at the Pru as soon as it opens

Negative experience: False advertising and so not worth the money

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Very spacious, has everything needed for a great workout, friendly customer service! Thank you!

Positive experience: I have visited several Equinox locations and intermittently come to this one. The group fitness options here are excellent. The trainers don’t just focus on form adjustments or injury accommodations—they also share interesting insights during casual conversations.

Negative experience: Attempted to Cancel at least 10 different times with 20 different people; and none of their systems seem to be synced up. They kept billing me after I cancelled, demanded private information about my exact relocation address (needed to see copies of utility bills / leases to cancel membership), placed me in collections AFTER they told me they cancelled my membership; this place is an absolute nightmare. Stay away.

Fantastic experience: Traveling for work, I have used Equinox locations all over the country. This is one of the better ones. Clean, well equipped, full of natural light, mid sized outdoor area, and during the morning mid afternoon hours that I have used it not too busy. 3 squat racks, 1 smith, and 2 free weight areas. I got a massage from the therapist Josina that was top-notch and same day availability at the spa was very appreciated.

Negative experience: I made the mistake of not believing the negative reviews before signing up, figuring they were just disgruntled outliers. Wildly overpriced for facilities that are barely higher quality than a YMCA or Planet Fitness. Not worth the money at all.

Negative experience: Extremely dirty and nasty; hair, grime and spit everywhere especially locker room. Terrible ventilation and no air purifiers leave the place stinking like rotten socks soaked in a methhead’s devilish perspiration. Convenient location but many other more sanitary options nearby.

Negative experience: Overcrowded and overpriced. There is nothing luxurious or even enjoyable about coming to this place at normal hours.

Negative experience: Far too gaudy for my taste. Not something I'd recommend to any financially sane person or anyone looking to actually use a gym

Fantastic experience: Very spacious exercise facility with great showers, locker rooms, and spa facilities. One of the nicer Equinox facilities I’ve been to!

Positive experience: Very pricey. Locker rooms are clean but no place to put on make up. 100% of patrons have AirPods or headphones yet the music is blaring and you can’t hear yourself. Not enough squat racks. Trainers take up multiple pieces of equipment at once.

Negative experience: Decent gym, mediocre weight equipment but clearly has well equipped studios. Has all the pretentiousness and exclusionary practices of a country club without the insane prices, blaring terrible music that is typical of “fancy” clubs. The locker rooms and steam/sauna are fantastic though. If you want the vibe of Globogym from the movie Dodgeball without all the great equipment then this is the place for you.

Positive experience: Decent gym, but not great for the price. Best thing about it is the location. There is lots of equipment. Nice lockers and showers. Pretty crowded most of the peak times. Broken equipment stays broken for a long time, and even cheap equipment like mini loop bands are hard to come by (no medium or light resistance bands available). Closes pretty early (9 pm on weekdays, 7 on weekends), so might not work for everyone if you have a demanding job. May not be worth it unless your employer is footing the full bill.

Fantastic experience: Great! My favorite gym in Boston.

Fantastic experience: Tried a yoga class today for the first time after being a member for some months. It was great, Pat helped me understand a few different poses that I didn't even really understand from watching youtube videos. Would recommend. Thanks for the help

Negative experience: It’s not a terrible gym. But I would note the following: - The music is terrible. Usually not an issue but if you forget headphones or they run out of battery, you’re often stuck listening to a random assortment of radio hits. - There are large TVs on multiple of the walls. Do I reaaally need to have a dog show above me when I am lifting? - Equipment: Just three squat racks? No hack squat? Heavy dumbbells only on one side, so if people happen to be doing /anything/ there you can’t use them? Hex bar fits ~3 plates? Not great. - Open space concept is a nice idea but ends up as a minefield- trying to get water around people planking and burpeeing and training in the narrow gaps between areas is ridiculous. - Outdoor space is a great touch. But it’s not covered so you can’t use it in the winter, gets too hot in the summer, and you can’t use it when it’s raining or has recently rained. And you can’t make too much noise. So overall not worth much. - Busy, even at 6am- would not be a complaint if it wasn’t so hyper focused on being “exclusive” and so pricy. - Deadlift platforms have offset mirrors which is unsettling, and OL pads which make deadlifts more difficult. Would be great for Olympic lifting- but neither can you drop weights nor would anyone really be snatching here anyway, so what’s the point? - Too expensive - Their emails are absurdly sexual / suggestive - Scale in bathroom doesn’t work

Fantastic experience: Great staff, nice range of equipment, and clean facilities worth every penny

Negative experience: this location is awful, the equipment and location is totally outdated. feels like a 24 hr fitness, gross.

Negative experience: They won’t let you quit

Negative experience: Nice gym, but the membership associates outright lie about the terms of the membership agreement to get you to sign up on the spot. A previous review also mentioned this. Wish I'd seen it sooner. Please beware and do NOT sign up for anything without asking for a copy of the membership agreement first to fact-check the salespeople. Really shady and disappointed. EDIT: I spoke with management who was apologetic and reconciled the situation. I hope they change these tactics, but I am at least happy that management responded quickly and appropriately.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and great people! Equinox Dartmouth has a great atmosphere with both staff and members willing to help out! If you are looking for a gym then definitely check this place out!

Fantastic experience: Great place to workout!

Negative experience: Nice facilities but terrible culture. Signed up as part of a free 1-month promotion. The salesman sold us on unfulfilled and inaccurate promises. He said we could freeze for free (actually costs $30/mo). Said we could cancel for free at any time (you cannot cancel in the first year unless you move 25 miles away). I even checked the agreement when signing up, and it didn't state it. Said we could get a free 25 min massage (tried to book but they wouldn't let me). Said we could get 15% off but when we requested code, they never sent it. Said we would get three free personal training sessions, but you only get a fitness assessment and a single session. The trainer then tried up-selling and charging me $1,380 for 12 sessions as they keep your card on file. When working out, I repeatedly went to a machine only to have someone on their phone standing in the distance say they are using it. Was kicked off machines three times by trainers that "needed them" for sessions. The salesman that closed me and the trainer would walk by me and not even say hi. When I tried to cancel, the only helpful person was the concierge and I had to show that I was moving with a bank document. The sad part is that the facilities and locker room are very nice. Small sauna and steam room but really enjoyed them. Nice amenities likes kiehls, shaving cream, and razors. Lots of lockers. The fitness and yoga classes were awesome, especially Todd's. Overall they don't treat you like a valued customer and constantly try to get more money from you.

Fantastic experience: Love this place! Have been a member since 2010, live nearby and as a result frequent often. The staff, facility, equipment, cleanliness，classes and overall experience encourages me to get there as often as possible. Saw a few mediocre reviews and was shocked as it was totally opposite my experience. I am often greeted with warmth and professionalism whenever I enter Dartmouth and find it hard to believe some people may have had anything but a great visit. Not sure what is better out there！ Last couple years with Covid making gyms a risk, this place was impeccable and safe with their cleanliness and protocol. Needless to say I am a fan and appreciate all they do to make my visits the Best!

Fantastic experience: Top notch training facility. The most complete health club in the city

Fantastic experience: Best experience!

Positive experience: Very good gym, my only complaint is that it closes early (9pm on weekdays 6pm on weekends) so if you have late nights at the office it may not be the gym for you.

Positive experience: Very good gym, my only complaint is that it closes early (9pm on weekdays 6pm on weekends) so if you have late nights at the office it may not be the gym for you.

Fantastic experience: The BEST gym in the country. I was a member for years until I relocated. I miss this gym so much! Extremely professional, innovative and hard working trainers (these trainers are no joke-they know how to push you to the next level), state of the art equipment-- a far cry from the gym we're currently using. People are there to work out, nothing more and nothing less. It literally makes me sad to be away from Equinox. We miss it! Thank you for your excellence!

Fantastic experience: Equinox in Back Bay is by far the best health club I’ve belonged to. Spacious refined atmosphere with a large, eclectic, array of equipment. Multiple stations means no waiting for weight stations during peak hours. Highly skilled and dedicated instructors for top notch classes and individual training. Clientele has superb gym etiquette. Kind/welcoming desk staff. Pricey but worth it if your fitness level is a priority.

Negative experience: I don’t EVER leave reviews unless good but I felt that this one was necessary to warn others. I joined this gym towards the end of March. They were offering a free month trial for the gym and I thought “why not?”. HUGE mistake. I didn’t do any research. I went to he facility once and didn’t really like the vibe there. Did some research when I got home and saw a lot of issues with people trying to cancel their membership. Immediately after seeing that, I submitted my request on the 4th of April. After unnecessary back and forth with the employee there, they finally submitted my request on the 12th. It is now the 24th, I’ve still only entered the facility once and I was charged for a FULL month’s membership. None of it makes sense! And trying to get a hold of anyone here is literally impossible. Please save yourself the hassle and do not fall for their “free” trial like I did!

Fantastic experience: Cheap Parking

Negative experience: Overall poor experience (other than front desk staff, who were great!) - I had a massage that re-injured my shoulder, after expressing and writing down in the intake form that I had a shoulder injury. The therapist made me feel like she didn't want me there, I had to ask if we were doing any aromatherapy for my "Aromatherapy Massage", I felt her nails throughout it... the list goes on. I should have got off the table but felt uncomfortable to do so. The spa director had great communication at first, and then feel off the radar once I checked in about my reimbursement and possible assistance with doctors appointments. She never sent me the reimbursement she said she was going to and I have had to move to legal counsel to assist. I will only get body work from therapists I know from now on. Sad to say this was my worst spa experience to date.

Negative experience: Always ridiculously crowded. Impossible to even get changed in the locker rooms without getting elbowed. It's abundantly clear they are prioritizing numbers over quality. Been coming here for years but it's just been all downhill lately.

Positive experience: Love the newly renovated gym! However this one requires you to bring your own lock.

Negative experience: I've been a member of Equinox for a year now. It was an awesome gym with fantastic amenities, equipment, and classes - there was something about it that got me out of bed in the morning instead of hitting snooze to sleep in through my allotted gym time. I had to cancel my membership after accepting a job in a new city, and they ended up adding ridiculous fees. When I reached out to the operations manager, Victoria Carroll, she dodged my multiple inquiries despite our past correspondences. As someone who has referred multiple friends to Equinox in the past, she did not at all attempt to make my departure a pleasant experience, and now I would think twice about joining another Equinox branch elsewhere. Though in most circumstances, I found the customer service and community to be very kind and supportive, this treatment was pretty egregious. Still a great gym, but if your living situation may be unstable for a year and you may have to leave town, think twice before having to deal with Victoria.

Negative experience: This might be the only equinox I've ever been in that requires you to bring your own lock. As in they don't have locks for you to borrow. As in I can't work out after work unless I know that. At least have a warning somewhere on the app that tells you that. Am I wrong in thinking that for how much you pay there should at least be locks you can borrow?

Negative experience: Was told my membership was cancelled and "there would be no further charges to my account". Then I see on my credit card that I was charged for another month, so I called for a refund. I was assured that they would refund me. The refund still hasn't come through AND I looked at my credit card bill today to see I was charged for another month.

Fantastic experience: Great place. Way better than the one downtown on Avery street. Clean, great equipment, friendly staff. Pricey, but worth it.

Fantastic experience: Great classes!

Negative experience: They constantly bill you for unexplained charges. Not worth the money and hassle.

Positive experience: Great atmosphere, fun classes, and always motivating. Pricey. ...waiting for one in Cambridge, MA.

Positive experience: High quality gym, very clean, lots of space, new equipment