How to Cancel Equinox Membership (2026) — The $300/mo Escape Guide
Updated 2026-02-14 · 6 min read
Equinox memberships cost $200-$370/month depending on location, making it one of the most expensive gym memberships in the country. Canceling is notoriously difficult — they require written notice, have blackout periods, and charge early termination fees. Here's how to actually get out.
⚠️ 45-Day Notice Required: Equinox requires written cancellation notice 45 days before your billing date. Miss the deadline and you pay for another full month. This is their biggest trap.
How to Cancel Equinox
Method 1: In-Person at Your Home Club
Visit your home club's front desk (the location listed on your membership)
Ask for a cancellation form
Fill it out completely — include your membership ID, name, and signature
Get a copy of the signed form and the agent's name
Take a photo of the form with your phone as backup
Method 2: Certified Mail (Strongest Legal Protection)
Send a certified letter with return receipt to your home club:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Equinox [Club Name]
[Club Address]
RE: Membership Cancellation — Member #[YOUR_ID]
I hereby request immediate cancellation of my Equinox
membership effective [date 45+ days from today].
Member Name: [Your Full Name]
Member ID: [Your ID]
Home Club: [Club Name]
Email: [Your Email]
Please confirm cancellation in writing within 5 business days.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Method 3: Email (Least Reliable)
Email memberservices@equinox.com with your cancellation request. Include your member ID, full name, and home club. But follow up — Equinox is known for "not receiving" email cancellations.
Equinox Cancellation Fees & Fine Print
Situation
Fee
Cancel within 12-month commitment
50% of remaining months
Cancel after commitment (month-to-month)
$0 (with 45-day notice)
Miss 45-day notice window
1 extra month charged
Annual fee (Jan/Feb)
$100-$200 (non-refundable if charged)
💰 Annual Fee Timing: Equinox charges an annual "enhancement fee" in January or February. If you're planning to cancel, do it BEFORE the annual fee hits — it's non-refundable.
Exceptions That Waive the Cancellation Fee
Medical condition: Doctor's note for injury/illness that prevents exercise — usually waives ETF
Relocation: Moving 25+ miles from any Equinox location — proof required (lease, utility bill)
Military deployment: Active duty orders freeze or cancel without fee
Financial hardship: Not guaranteed, but some clubs will negotiate if you explain
Freeze Your Membership Instead
If you're unsure about canceling, Equinox allows membership freezes:
Freeze cost: $50-75/month (yes, they still charge)
Duration: 1-3 months typical, up to 6 months for medical
Benefit: Keeps your membership rate locked in (Equinox raises rates often)
Why it's a trap: At $50-75/mo freeze fee, you're paying $600-900/year for nothing
Cheaper Alternatives to Equinox
Lifetime Fitness: $80-175/mo — similar luxury amenities, larger facilities
Barry's Bootcamp: $35-40/class — premium group fitness, no monthly commitment
YMCA: $30-80/mo — pool, classes, childcare. Income-based pricing available
Planet Fitness: $10-25/mo — basic but functional. 100x cheaper.
Peloton + Home gym: $44/mo + one-time equipment cost — no commute, unlimited classes
Equinox isn't your only expensive subscription.
Upload your bank statement and find every recurring charge — you might be surprised.