How to Cancel Equinox Membership in 2026

Updated February 2026 • 7 min read

Equinox charges $200-400+ per month depending on your location and tier. That is $2,400-4,800 per year. If you are ready to cancel, Equinox does not make it easy — they require 45 days advance notice and strongly prefer you do it in person. Here is how to actually get out.

The 45-Day Notice Rule

This is the most important thing to understand: Equinox requires 45 days advance notice before your cancellation takes effect. If you submit your cancellation on March 1, your membership will not end until mid-April — and you will be billed for March and likely part of April. Plan accordingly.

Method 1: Cancel In Person (Most Reliable)

1. Visit your home club (the location listed on your membership)
2. Ask the front desk for a cancellation form
3. Fill out the form completely — name, member ID, requested end date
4. Get a copy of the signed form
5. Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation date and last billing date
6. Take a photo of everything before leaving

Why in-person matters: Equinox staff may try to retain you with offers — a month free, a rate reduction, a membership freeze. If you are firm on canceling, politely decline and insist on processing the cancellation.

Method 2: Cancel by Email

1. Email memberservices@equinox.com
2. Include your full name, member ID, home club location, and phone number
3. State clearly: "I am requesting cancellation of my Equinox membership effective [date + 45 days]."
4. Request written confirmation of receipt and processing
5. Follow up if you do not hear back within 5 business days

Email cancellation works but is less reliable. Some members report needing to follow up multiple times. Always keep your sent email as proof of your cancellation date.

What It Actually Costs to Leave

Here is the math people miss:

• 45-day notice period: You will pay for at least 1.5 more months after requesting cancellation
• Annual commitment: If you are in your first year, check if there is an early termination fee (some contracts have one, typically $200-500)
• Initiation fee: The $300-500 initiation fee is non-refundable
• Last month billing: Equinox bills on the 1st — if your 45 days ends mid-month, you pay the full month

Alternative: Freeze Your Membership

If you are not sure about fully canceling, Equinox offers membership freezes. You pay a reduced rate (typically $50-75/month) to hold your spot. This avoids losing your current rate and paying another initiation fee if you rejoin later. Ask at the front desk about freeze options for your specific membership tier.

Common Retention Tactics

Equinox is known for aggressive retention. Be prepared for:

• "Let me transfer you to our retention team" — adds another call or visit
• Free month or rate reduction offers — can be tempting but usually temporary
• "Your cancellation form was not received" — always get written proof
• Delay tactics — "the manager is not available" or "we need to process this at corporate"

The best approach: be polite but firm. "I appreciate the offer, but I would like to proceed with the cancellation." Repeat as needed.

Equinox vs. Alternatives

At $250+/month, one Equinox membership could pay for:

• A full year of Planet Fitness ($10-25/month)
• A Peloton subscription + the bike payment ($44/month + equipment)
• ClassPass credits for variety ($49-199/month)
• A basic gym + personal trainer 2x/month
• A home gym setup that pays for itself in 6 months

The Bottom Line

Equinox cancellation is deliberately friction-heavy — 45-day notice, in-person preference, retention attempts. But it is completely doable. Go in person, get everything in writing, and budget for 1-2 more months of charges after you request cancellation. The sooner you start, the sooner you stop paying $250+/month.