Equinox Pasadena - Pasadena, California

J W.

I often visit this location on weekends when the downtown LA Equinox is closed. The Pasadena location is simply closer to my home than other LA Equinox gyms.

While the Pasadena Equinox boasts a spacious interior with high ceilings, the lighting is unfortunately quite poor. The mix of warm and cool tones creates a sickly, sterile white light reminiscent of a laboratory or hospital. This unflattering light makes my skin and physique look worse than they actually are, a stark contrast to the high-contrast gym lighting that typically enhances muscle definition.

The equipment, interior, and exterior all appear old and outdated. This Equinox hardly feels like a luxury fitness club; it looks worn and in dire need of upgrades and maintenance.

Furthermore, I've had frustrating experiences with the parking. I was told that Equinox validation provides two hours of free parking in the lot across the street. Despite parking there twice within the two-hour limit and using my validation, I was charged extra ($7.50 and $4.50, respectively) upon exiting. This was incredibly annoying, as I've never had to pay for parking at other Equinox locations when using validation and leaving on time. I'm unsure what went wrong, but I'm extremely dissatisfied with having to pay for parking when I've adhered to the advertised validation policy.

On a positive note, the staff members seem friendly.

Natalie

The gym is always nice and clean, and the staff are super friendly. I've got this awesome personal trainer, Michael Gilliam. He's really professional and patient, and he's been helping me lose weight and learn muay Thai. Thanks to him, I'm having a great time at the gym!

J T.

The gym has a friendly atmosphere. The staff are very nice and keep the place safe and clean. My trainer, Michael Gilliam, is the best! If you have a chance to learn Muay Thai with Michael, you will learn more than just technique, but also hand-eye coordination and thinking fast on your feet.

Bianca S.

This is the best location of all in the LA area. From the staff to the members, this location is comfortable, and approachable. The maintenance staff is the best, they keep everything so clean and stocked unlike at other locations. The members are friendly and the classes are wonderful. There’s plenty of parking and charging for EV vehicles at the structure across the bridge as well.

Natalia T.

Personal Training with Michael Gilliam was so fun and i learned so much about self defense and had a great time boxing with him! Super nice and funny personality, definitely recommend for PT at equinox.

Corinna L.

It’s amazing what a difference it makes being a member at a clean and well-maintained gym. I actually look forward to going and work out way more because of it. I started training with Michael Gilliam in Muay Thai and I get a REALLY great work out! 10/10 would recommend. He knows his stuff and isn’t salesy at all.

Sera R.

Honestly, this review is not just for equinox, which I do enjoy and appreciate greatly- but for my trainer, Xandra Kirkman. I started working out with her when I was just 2 months post partum. She has taught me so much about strength training, and my body composition has improved remarkably and quicker than expected! I already had a baseline of knowledge as a former athlete, and current Internal Medicine/ Obesity specialist- but my sessions with her are invaluable. I call her “the weight lifting queen”. She also puts in work after hours, studies athletes and their conditioning routines for me, or makes slight changes to my form that make a difference. She is worth more than money can buy and I’m so grateful for each of our sessions- 100 and counting! 💕

Emma M.

I joined this gym with no intention of working with a personal trainer, and now I’m writing this review to rave about one. Anyone looking for a knowledgeable, patient, yet challenging fitness instructor should sign up with Michael Gilliam. He introduces new and effective ways to target specific muscle groups and uses his Muay Thai expertise to offer clients an exciting kickboxing component. After each session, I feel sore enough to know I got a terrific workout, but not so sore that I can’t function. Overall, Michael’s personable demeanor and well developed sense of kinesthetics makes him an excellent fitness coach.
The cherry on top, this gym is super clean and staffed with the friendliest people. Everyone really just minds their own business and works out. It’s great.