Equinox Gym Opens in Encino March 22

The new branch of national gym and fitness chain Equinox is set to open at 16830 Ventura Blvd. in Encino on March 22, according to a post on laist.com

The general manager for the Encino membership office, Michael Izzo, told Patch in an August story that Equinox is set to make a great addition to the Encino business community.

“I think the Encino community is waiting and looking for [something like us] to come into the area,” Izzo said. “It’s a different experience and people really recognize and want that.”  

Equinox was started about 20 years ago by three siblings who had their own vision of what a club should be.

“They were all athletes in their own right, one was a dancer, one was gymnast in New York City. They were looking for a club that could appeal to them and saw there wasn’t one.... so they came together and started Equinox,” Izzo said.

The reason they chose the name Equinox is because it’s the name of the two times a year where there’s equal day and equal night.

“They wanted that same balance to apply to their club, they believe people should be training their body as well as their mind,” Izzo said. “It’s not just lift weights or do cardio equal mind body yoga, Pilates, massage”

Izzo said that Equinox tries to offer a total body experience to its members.

“It starts from the front desk, when you first walk through the door, our staff makes it a point to know your name,” Izzo said. 
 
From comfort to classes, Izzo said Equinox can offer it all.

“People join our club just for our classes,” Izzo said. “We also provide all the luxuries that you need…for showers we have shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash…. it’s a full experience.”

Although the idea for Equinox began in New York, the club has expanded and there are now locations all over the country, including 14 in Southern California. A downtown location will open March 27.

Izzo said the process of transitioning from the East Coast to the West Coast has been a success.

“It was an easy process for Equinox to branch over to California,” Izzo said. “A lot of times people on the West Coast are more geared towards a healthy lifestyle, they’re more active and enjoy more outdoor things.”

Izzo said that Equinox plans to open more branches in Southern California.

“We still feel like Southern California a completely untapped market,” Izzo said. 

For more on Equinox check out their Facebook page or Twitter feed.