Cancel Equinox Membership: Step-by-step Guide 2025

Equinox is more than just a gym; it’s a premium fitness center known for luxury amenities, personal training, and cutting-edge wellness experiences. With membership costs reaching up to $500 a month and initiation fees nearing $300, the decision to cancel Equinox membership often comes down to re-evaluating your fitness goals and finances.

Equinox members may consider cancellation when relocating, managing tighter budgets, or moving away from services like group classes, cardio training, and strength workouts. Even with its reputation for supporting a healthy lifestyle, not every phase of life calls for a luxury health club commitment, making it necessary to cancel Equinox membership at times.

Equinox charges up to $100 for early cancellations within the first six months, with a reduced $50 fee after that. Under specific circumstances—such as medical issues or relocation—you may be eligible to cancel Equinox membership without penalty. Cancellation terms also depend on membership tier and may require a 30-day notice.

How to Cancel Equinox Membership

You can cancel your Equinox membership in a few ways. Each method has different steps, but all work if you follow them carefully.

Cancel Equinox Membership Through App or Website

Equinox members can cancel online using the Equinox app or member portal. You need to log into your account with your username and password. Once logged in, go to your account settings or billing section. You’ll find the cancellation form or request page there.

You must fill out the form and submit your request. Make sure you get a confirmation email or receipt. Without that, your gym membership might not be canceled fully. If you don’t see the cancel option, contact support through the app chat or speak to your front desk associate at the training center.

Cancel Equinox Membership In Person

You can cancel your membership by visiting your home health club. Go to the front desk and ask to speak with the manager. The manager will give you a cancellation form.

Fill out the form and hand it back to them. Ask for a copy of your form as proof. The 30-day cancellation period starts the day you submit the form. Visiting in person is often the fastest way to cancel, especially if you’ve been attending group training sessions, exercise classes, or working with a fitness instructor.

Cancel Equinox Membership Through Email or Phone

You can also cancel by calling or emailing Equinox. Send your email to Cancellations@Equinox.com. Use your full name, member ID, and explain that you want to cancel. Make your subject line clear, like “Membership Cancellation Request.”

If you call customer service, make sure you ask for written confirmation. Save all your emails, and if possible, ask for a cancellation receipt. This will help if you’re billed by mistake later on, especially if you’ve recently booked a personal fitness training session or used free fitness programs.

Equinox Membership Cancellation Policy

Before you begin the cancellation process, it’s important to understand the official Equinox cancellation policy. This ensures you know what fees apply, what documentation you may need, and how to avoid surprises related to your fitness program or health and wellness routine.

Required Notice Period

Equinox Membership Cancellation Policy requires a 30-day notice for most members. That means you must wait 30 days after submitting your request. During this time, you still pay your usual monthly fee per month, including access to aerobic spaces, free weights, or interval training if included in your class schedule.

Early Cancellation Fees

You may pay an early cancellation fee if you’re still in your first year. The fee is usually $100 if you cancel within the first six months. The fee drops to $50 after six months, but before your term ends. Equinox may also charge you if you received a discount or waived initiation fee, especially if you’ve been enrolled in small group or group exercise classes.

Membership Type Rules

Monthly and annual plans have slightly different terms. Monthly members can cancel at any time with a 30-day notice. Annual members usually commit to a 12-month term and may pay more to leave early. Read your contract to check your own rules, particularly if you signed up for fitness training or couple exercise sessions.

How to Avoid Cancellation Fees (Step by Step Guide)

Below is a detailed guide to help you minimize or fully avoid penalties when canceling your Equinox membership.

1. Freeze Your Membership Instead

If you’re not ready to cancel permanently, freezing your Equinox membership is a smart alternative. Members can request a temporary pause for reasons like travel, injury, or medical leave. This option is particularly useful if you plan to return later but don’t want to keep paying during your break.

Freezes typically last 1 to 3 months, depending on your location and membership type. There may be a small monthly freeze fee, but it’s much lower than full membership dues or cancellation penalties. Be sure to submit your freeze request in advance and confirm it with your home recreation center. This is ideal for those focusing on physical fitness or recovery through stretching and sports medicine programs.

2. Use a Valid Exception

Equinox allows cancellation without fees in special circumstances, such as a major health issue or moving more than 25 miles away from any club. If you fall into one of these categories, you must provide official documentation like a doctor’s note or proof of new residence.

Once verified, these exceptions let you exit your contract early without penalty. It’s important to contact your health club directly, explain your situation, and follow up with the necessary paperwork to qualify for the fee waiver, especially if you’ve enrolled in personal trainers or group personal training programs.

3. Transfer Your Membership to Someone Else

If cancellation seems too costly, consider transferring your membership. Some Equinox clubs allow active members to transfer their contracts to another person, making it easier to exit without early termination fees.

The new member will need to meet Equinox’s membership approval criteria and may be required to pay a transfer fee. This route is great if you know someone who wants to get fit, enjoys workouts, or wants to improve their fitness level through training programs.

4. Time Your Cancellation Strategically

One of the simplest ways to avoid cancellation fees is by aligning your cancellation with the end of your contract. Equinox typically requires a 12-month minimum commitment, so canceling before that term ends may lead to fees.

Check your contract start date and plan your cancellation at least 30 days before your renewal cycle. This ensures your membership ends on time and avoids automatic billing for the next month or term, even if you recently joined exercise programs, training sessions, or fitness class events.

5. Check for Promotions or Grace Periods

Equinox occasionally runs promotions that reduce or eliminate cancellation fees. These can be tied to new member offers, holiday campaigns, or special club events. If you’re looking to cancel, it’s worth asking if any active promotions apply.

Some locations also offer a brief grace period after signup, during which you can cancel without fees. Contact Equinox customer support or speak to your personal training advisor to explore any potential savings before finalizing your cancellation.

Troubleshooting Cancellation Issues

If you’re unable to cancel your Equinox membership online, start by switching to a different device or internet browser. Sometimes, technical issues are caused by outdated browser versions, so clearing your cache or cookies might help. Another simple fix is to uninstall and reinstall the Equinox mobile app, as software glitches can often interfere with proper functionality.

If these steps don’t work and you’re still unable to cancel, contact Equinox’s corporate customer service directly. Send a formal cancellation request via email and include all relevant details like your full name, member ID, and club location. Keep copies of every email or message you send and receive. If your local club isn’t responding, try visiting another Equinox location or calling their national helpline to escalate the matter.

Always protect yourself by documenting every part of the cancellation process. Save confirmation numbers, screenshots of your requests, or any signed paperwork. These records will be essential if you need to dispute unexpected charges or prove that you followed proper cancellation procedures.

Alternatives to Cancelling

Cancelling your Equinox membership isn’t the only route if you’re looking to cut costs or take a short break. There are flexible options that help you stay part of the Equinox community without committing to full monthly dues.

Freeze Your Membership Temporarily

If you’re facing temporary challenges like travel, injury, or major life transitions, freezing your membership can be a smart move. This allows you to pause your account without losing your membership entirely, and you’ll usually pay a small monthly fee instead of the full rate. 

During this time, your membership stays active on hold, which means you won’t need to re-enroll or pay initiation fees when you return. Great for those who don’t want to miss out on training programs, high-intensity workouts, or muscular development goals.

Downgrade Your Plan

Sometimes, a high-tier plan might feel like too much. Speak with your home club to see if you can switch to a more affordable membership tier. Lower plans may limit access to certain fitness centers, fitness classes, or personal trainers, but you’ll still retain core benefits like weight room access and physical activity spaces. 

This can significantly reduce your monthly cost while maintaining a consistent exercise program.

Switch to a Different Club

If your current location no longer works for your commute or lifestyle, consider moving your membership to another Equinox club. Some clubs have lower rates or offer facilities better suited to your preferences and schedule. Transferring to a different location could solve your problem without the need to cancel completely. 

This is a smart option for members who enjoy training centers, art fitness, or YMCA-style environments.

FAQs

How to Cancel Equinox Membership on the App?

You can’t fully cancel your Equinox membership through the app. Instead, use the app to contact your home club or Member Services and request cancellation instructions. Most cancellations must be done in writing or in person, particularly for those enrolled in fitness programs or assessment-based personal training sessions.