Bringing Wellness To Walnut: Inside Equinox Rittenhouse’s Vision Of Health & Fitness
The luxury fitness empire’s first Philly location has settled in nicely, embedding itself into the neighborhood fabric at its 1907 Walnut Street location.
Sometimes the wait is absolutely worth it. And if there was ever a doubt, walking into Rittenhouse’s Equinox would prove it.
Because after what felt like anticipation rivaling a Marvel movie release, the luxury fitness empire that helped embody their vision of health and fitness in New York has been settling into its new home, at the base of The Laurel at 1907 Walnut (and next to soon-to-be neighbor Joan Shepp) for the past few months.
The Home of the Eucalyptus-Scented Towels
Walking into the Equinox feels like stepping into an upscale hotel lobby dedicated to fitness. Sleek, polished surfaces catch the light, creating reflections that would make a Succession board room envious. The lighting could double as a photography studio, and the aesthetic is so clean you might actually be tempted to take a mirror selfie.
The space whispers luxury without screaming pretension – think “I work out here” rather than “I survive here.” Every detail has been meticulously curated to create an environment where your workout feels like self-care with a side of endorphins.
Retail Therapy
The lobby shop is a masterclass in curated retail therapy. Despite its compact footprint, it’s a carefully orchestrated collection of premium athleisure. Members also get 15% off their first purchase!
Pro tip: you can visit the shop and Essex Squeeze juice bar without a membership – just prepare to be tempted by smoothies with names that sound like wellness mantras.
The Fitness Floor
When you make your way up to the second floor, the main fitness sanctuary, you’ll notice that the space unfolds deliberately. You follow a path that winds past the expansive studio space and the assisted weight machines…
…and then past rows of state-of-the-art treadmills, each one equipped with personal entertainment systems that transform your morning run into a scenic journey. Then you turn the corner…
…and you’re now among the real showstoppers: the weight machines and strength training areas! The weight selection spans a comprehensive spectrum, ready to challenge everyone from fitness newcomers to seasoned athletes. The weight areas are spacious and strategically positioned on both sides of your continued journey to the changing rooms, ensuring you feel motivated by the time you arrive.
The lighting deserves its own standing ovation – those linear LED strips create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously energizing and calming. It’s the kind of lighting that makes you look good in the mirror, which, let’s be honest, is half the battle when it comes to gym motivation.
The Class Experience
The class schedule at Equinox reads like a greatest hits album of fitness trends. Cycling sessions feel like dance parties. Strength training sessions might actually make you embrace burpees (okay, maybe that’s pushing it). The variety is genuinely impressive
But here’s the kicker – you’ll need to channel your inner Hunger Games tribute when booking. Classes open for reservation exactly 26 hours in advance (not 24, not 25, but precisely 26). Popular sessions fill up with the speed of concert tickets, so set those alarms and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Equinox didn’t just open a gym and hope for the best. We heard they went full recruiting mode, persuading renowned instructors from established local fitness studios around town, like Barry’s Bootcamp, to join their ranks. The likelihood of recognizing your yoga/spin/Pilates or HIIT teacher is remarkably high, because these are the instructors who cultivated devoted followings at their previous spots.
The dedicated Pilates studio deserves its own love letter. One important note: while classes are included in membership, the reformer classes carry additional costs after one complimentary session.
The Lifestyle Factor
Equinox Rittenhouse includes co-working space, because why choose between crushing your deadlines and crushing your deadlifts when you can seamlessly blend both? After a workout, grab a green smoothie from the café on the 1st floor, and effortlessly transition to answering emails with a post-workout glow.
The Third Floor Aquatics & Spa
The 75-foot, three-lane saltwater pool took a while to arrive but, like our first Equinox, it was worth the wait, and is now ready for aquatic adventures, alongside two plunge pools. Walking into the pool area feels like entering an urban oasis. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light during the day, while the sophisticated lighting design creates a resort-like ambiance.
The luxury emerges with the hot and cold plunge pools. The contrast therapy setup includes both hot tubs for post-workout relaxation and cold plunges for those brave souls who believe in the healing power of controlled suffering.
Speaking of controlled suffering, the Spa at Equinox happens to be on the same floor, welcomes non-members, and currently offers cupping and bodywork services. And if you book a spa service, you get access to the entire facility for the day.
The Bottom Line
Let’s talk numbers, because reality calls. Memberships hover around $250 plus an initiation fee, but there are always specials! The membership includes unlimited classes (except Pilates), one complimentary personal training session, and two guest passes per year. After that, you can purchase day passes for friends at the member rate of $45. Non-members can purchase day passes for $75, or book a spa service.
Equinox is a brand that feels both aspirational and accessible. It’s luxury without the attitude, wellness without the pretension, and fitness with a side of glamour that makes you want to become your best self. The combination of world-class facilities, renowned instruction, and that indefinable luxury factor brings something special to Philadelphia’s fitness landscape.
