Equinox, SoulCycle to require proof of vaccination at facilities

The Equinox Group said Monday that SoulCycle and Equinox members, riders and staff will be required to show one-time proof of vaccination in order to enter the facilities.

The policy will first go into effect in New York City in September, the Equinox Group announced in a press release. 

The company said that in a recent survey of employees and members, 96 percent of members and 89 percent of employees reported being vaccinated.

“We have a responsibility to take bold action and respond to changing circumstances with urgency,” said Equinox Group Executive Chairman Harvey Spevak. “We encourage other leading brands to join us in this effort to best protect our communities.” 

The move comes as COVID-19 cases are spiking nationwide due to the delta variant.

Forty of Equinox’s 100 fitness facilities are in New York, and the majority of SoulCycle studios are in the New York area as well, according to CNBC. 

The news comes as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said Monday that he asked private businesses to only offer admission to patrons who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) stopped short of ordering a mask mandate in the city on Monday but sent a “strong recommendation” to all residents to wear masks in public indoor facilities.