Elite gyms specifically like Equinox charge $300/month. Yes they are nicer gyms with more/better amenities such as a spa (massage), juice bar, etc. IMO it's mostly a status thing.

I feel like almost everyone that uses Equinox gets it free from their job. Which is precisely why the prices are so high. I got free Equinox with one of my previous jobs, but honestly, the gym wasn't that great. Maybe the luxury of the locations vary, though.

I got a visitor pass for Equinox and honestly the gym itself was underwhelming. It was similar to good life here in Canada, the differentiator was the locker room, which indeed was luxurious. But I'm never paying $225/month for that gym.

You go to an expensive gym so it's not as busy as the cheap gym. Even then that is not guaranteed. Sad reality of life in a dense city.

Cheap gyms exist in the US and I bet $300 gyms exist in Germany and you're just nowhere near their demographic.