Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Sam Coleman, Co-founder
FACT CHECKED
Sometimes, you want something more than just a gym. Luxury gym chains are spreading throughout the country, making people realize they don’t have to work out in dingy gyms with rust-covered weights. Just because you’re getting sweaty doesn’t mean you can’t do it in an upscale environment.
Two of the most well-known luxury gyms are Life Time and Equinox. Both offer high-end services, premium facilities, and a range of fitness options, so what sets them apart?
That’s what this article aims to answer. Let’s look at Life Time vs Equinox to help you determine which is the right pick for you.
Overview of Life Time and Equinox
Life Time
Formerly known as Life Time Fitness, Life Time was incorporated in Minnesota in 1990, and the first club opened in Brooklyn Park shortly after. Since then, Life Time has expanded into over 200 locations, with more planned over the next couple of years. In addition to its upscale gyms, Life Time also has several apartment homes and co-working spaces.
Life Time also offers many kid-friendly options, from classes to swimming to child care, making a concerted effort to include kids in a healthy lifestyle.
Related: Life Time Membership Review
Equinox
Founded in New York City in 1991, Equinox is known for its luxurious ambiance, modern facilities, and elite-level fitness services. With 109 clubs worldwide, locations will be concentrated in higher-population areas (sorry, Rockwell City, Iowa; you’re out of luck). Targeting high-end clientele, Equinox aims to provide a premium experience with a strong emphasis on personal training, exclusive classes, and an upscale atmosphere.
Life Time vs Equinox: Membership Options & Pricing
Life Time
Life Time offers multiple membership tiers, including 26 and Under, Signature, and 65 Plus. Prices vary based on location and membership tier and can range from $80 to $250 a month. A 30-day notice is required to cancel your membership.
Equinox
Equinox also takes a tiered approach to its pricing, although pricing is more dependent on how many locations you want to be able to use.
- Single Club: Ranges from $189 - $250
- Regional Clubs: $297
- All Access North America: $315
- Worldwide Access: $405
Each of these is the price per month, with a 12-month commitment required. As per their website, “You may cancel in club with a club manager, via registered or certified mail.” However, this applies after the 12-month commitment unless you can prove that you’ve moved more than 25 miles away or have a medical exception.
Verdict
Life Time Fitness wins on cost, offering more affordable membership options, especially for families and students. Equinox, while offering a luxury experience, tends to have higher membership fees and initiation costs.
Life time vs Equinox: Facilities, Amenities, & Equipment
Life Time
Life Time amenities will vary based on location, but don’t be surprised to find:
- Steam rooms
- Saunas
- Whirlpools
- Spas
- Recovery areas
- LifeCafe
- Lounge area
- Kids play area
- Infant space
- Kids Academy
- Kids gym
- Language arts studio
- Kids movement studio
- Fitness studios
- Spin studios
- Yoga studios
- Barre
- Chiropractic
- Rehab centers
As far as equipment, you’ll find cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, a functional training area, and a resistance training area.
Life Time encourages people to spend time there even without working out.
Equinox
Like Life Time, what’s offered at Equinox is going to be location dependent, but you might see:
- Steam rooms
- Saunas
- On-site spas
- Kiehl’s product-laden locker rooms
- Kids Club
- Pilates studio
- Spin studio
- Yoga Studio
- Saltwater lap pool
- Pickleball court
- Rock climbing wall
- Squash court
- Boxing studio
That’s not all of the available amenities, but it should give you a good idea of what might be waiting for you at your local Equinox.
Equinox offers a full range of free weights, machine weights, and cardio equipment for lifting weights.
Verdict
No clear winner here. Both Life Time Fitness and Equinox are equipped with top-tier machines and free weights from leading fitness suppliers in the U.S. No matter which gym you choose, you'll find high-quality equipment that supports a great workout experience. As for the facilities & atmosphere, Life Time offers a more family friendly space while Equinox has a more luxurious appeal.
Life Time vs Equinox: Classes Offered
Life Time
Classes at Life Time fall into the following categories:
- Strength
- Cardio
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Signature Group Training
- Family
These are just the main groups they fall into, with several different classes in each section. All of these classes are also available on demand, so you can still train with them, even at home.
Equinox
Classes at Equinox include:
- Boxing
- Regeneration
- HIIT
- Barre
- Swim
- Cycling
- Sculpt
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Dance
- Running
Verdict
A slight edge for Equinox here as they are well known for providing creative high quality classes. That said, Life Time also has a large array of classes to join so we wouldn't expect you to be disappointed with either gym.
Life Time vs Equinox: Accessibility & Hours
Life Time
Open hours will depend on the location and range from 4 am to 11:30 pm. Most locations were open 24 hours pre-pandemic, but they haven’t returned to that schedule yet.
Equinox
You can expect Equinox gyms to open around 5 am and close around 10 pm. There is some variation by location, but for the most part, these are the hours they stick with.
Verdict
Life Time is the winner here as they tend to open earlier and close later. This is important if you have scheduling issues with your daily life that make it tough to workout out during peak hours.
Life Time vs Equinox: Atmosphere & Community
Life Time
Life Time focuses heavily on creating a community within its members. The plethora of options to keep kids busy and engaged is a huge plus for anyone trying to balance fitness with the crazy schedules that come with kids.
Life Time has taken the community feeling even further with apartment complexes in four different states. The facilities are kept very tidy, and the equipment is well-maintained. You get the feeling of a high-end gym without the arrogance that can be found elsewhere.
Equinox
Working out at Equinox, you know you’re getting a high-end experience. For the most part, the facilities are immaculate, with towel service, spotless bathrooms, and state-of-the-art equipment.
There are some options for childcare, though not as many as Life Time, and people absolutely rave about the classes. The atmosphere feels almost professional rather than homey. Whether that’s a good thing or not is up to you.
Verdict
Life Time has more of a community feel that's welcoming for everyone. However, if you want a more elite/upscale atmosphere and community then Equinox would be the better choice.
Overall Pros & Cons Of Life Time vs Equinox
Life Time
Pros
- Family-friendly and community-oriented
- Comprehensive facilities and amenities
- Wide range of classes suitable for all fitness levels
Cons
- Can be crowded during peak hours
- May lack the exclusivity some are looking for in a luxury gym
Equinox
Pros
- Upscale, exclusive atmosphere
- High-quality amenities and products
- Boutique-style classes and personalized training options
Cons
- Higher price point
- May not cater to families as much
Check out the video below that gives a pretty good overview training at both life Time and Equinox.
Who Should Choose Which Gym?
Life Time
If you are looking for a more community-oriented, family-friendly gym with extensive facilities, including pools, childcare, and spa services, Life Time is a great fit.
Equinox
If you prioritize luxury, personalized training, and a high-end experience. Equinox is best for people looking for boutique-style classes and lavish amenities in an exclusive environment.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, choosing between Life Time and Equinox will depend on your budget, lifestyle, workout style, and fitness goals. Life Time is a great choice for those who want a family-friendly fitness experience, while Equinox provides an upscale atmosphere focused on luxury and personalized service.
Both gyms are excellent choices and the only real way to figure out which one is better for you is to pay them a visit. Do some research on their websites to see if they offer any free trials or deals. Better yet, if you know someone with a membership, see if they can bring you with a guest pass so you can truly experience the gym without an employee walking you around the whole time.
Best of luck in your gym selection!
More head-to-head gym comparisons:
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author