So there is a new gym in the area called Equinox Fitness and the issue Equinox is facing is the price vs. the inability of the facilities to meet the needs of many of the people in this area. While not a new issue to the company, the gym-going community in the Tysons area, for whatever reason, seems to require the use of amenities that Equinox does not offer (sauna, hot-tub, boxing, tennis, and basketball facilities to name a few). There is also a rather sizable family population that feels unwelcome due to the pricing policies. There is a reason people say that NY is an expensive city and that is because they don't normally pay NY prices, and like it that way. Even if an individual has plenty of money to afford a membership there is still the concept of comparison shopping and any lack of amenities for a (much) higher price is a major turn-off.
Using VIDA Fitness downtown in the Verizon Center as an example is informative. Specific aesthetic choices aside VIDA is as nice as or nicer than the Tysons Equinox. Quality machines, very clean, extra amenities (more than Equinox) and they are charging $85/month. This is a significant problem. At almost $60 more expensive it becomes very difficult to justify joining Equinox, where the initiation fee is $525 and the monthly dues are $137. Don't even ask for a family plan because the monthly dues are "per person" and there is no break in price.
There are several very good reasons that Equinox is one of the premier fitness companies in the US. The clubs are meticulously maintained, decently-run, and aesthetically appealing. There is good quality equipment, excellent classes, and an array of ancillary services for the members. There is no doubt that Equinox is a great fitness club. However, the lengths to which all employees act about the brand has destroyed their ability to address actual concerns of leads, members, and employees in an honest and meaningful way.
Overall the club is great, but calling in and trying to find the price of a membership is really tough. Everyone there beats around the bush and leads you to believe there is a specific kind of membership that would fit you best when in reality there is only one...and it costs $137 a month.
Using VIDA Fitness downtown in the Verizon Center as an example is informative. Specific aesthetic choices aside VIDA is as nice as or nicer than the Tysons Equinox. Quality machines, very clean, extra amenities (more than Equinox) and they are charging $85/month. This is a significant problem. At almost $60 more expensive it becomes very difficult to justify joining Equinox, where the initiation fee is $525 and the monthly dues are $137. Don't even ask for a family plan because the monthly dues are "per person" and there is no break in price.
There are several very good reasons that Equinox is one of the premier fitness companies in the US. The clubs are meticulously maintained, decently-run, and aesthetically appealing. There is good quality equipment, excellent classes, and an array of ancillary services for the members. There is no doubt that Equinox is a great fitness club. However, the lengths to which all employees act about the brand has destroyed their ability to address actual concerns of leads, members, and employees in an honest and meaningful way.
Overall the club is great, but calling in and trying to find the price of a membership is really tough. Everyone there beats around the bush and leads you to believe there is a specific kind of membership that would fit you best when in reality there is only one...and it costs $137 a month.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment