planet fitness or golds gym

pecogirl65

Thinking of joining a gym. Trying to decide between PF / Gold's.

PF has a good price and is open 24 hrs. I work crazy shifts, so that is attractive to me. With the low price, I can probably afford to add my son and we can work out together. I like all the machines they have and they also have the 30 minute workout (I used to belong to curves).

Gold's on the other hand, has classes all times of the day. I enjoy exercise classes that will push me (as opposed to working out on my own). They are open til 10pm during the week and 7pm during the weekend. Not sure on their price for me and my family to include.

Any thoughts? What should I ask when I go visit?

(From the Harrisburg, PA area)

whierd

Are there any other options?

DavPul

honestly, there is no way we can answer this for you. we may be familiar with both franchises, but the actual gyms vary so much that nothing we say will have any validity. both gyms will likely give a you a free 3-7 day trial. here's my handy guide for deciding on your local gym

figure out what time of day you'll be working out.
visit the gym during that time
check for general cleanliness, especially locker rooms/showers, if you'll be changing there
check to see if it's too crowded for your taste.
if you're going to take classes, find out the sign up policy. sometimes you can do it online, sometimes you have to get there 45 mins early to get a spot.
check to see if it's convenient to get to from your work or home or wherever you'll be coming from. parking matters
flip a coin
sign up and start working out.

Dauntlessness

I have been at planet fitness for around 2.75 years now and I worked out at home a few months before that. There are up sides and down sides to the facility I go to.

Good ones:
:drinker: They are cheap
:flowerforyou: They are a judgment free zone
:happy: They are open more hours
:glasses: They have the 30 minute work out
I know the managers and staff on a personal level. They seem to be really nice people and have invited me to hang out off hours.
:bigsmile: If you get the black card you get free tanning, a free friend pass every day and half off drinks
:yawn: You get free "trainers". The thing is they are just normal people that take a class and they don't have a lot of experience BUT they do teach you ho to use the machines. They also help you establish a routine. Its great for a beginner.

Bad ones:
:sick: There are limited machines. I am getting really bored with them. I wish they had the ropes, a pool, the ladder machine and a few other things I see on the biggest loser...haha
:huh: You have a lot of beginners joining PF and because of that they don't know proper gym etiquette. Like don't talk in front of the water fountain, put away your weights, wipe down your machines, don't stand there and wait for someone to get off a machine...etc etc. Just simple considerate things....
:noway: These seem like positive aspects but they are really not. They have free pizza night, free bagel day and tootsie rolls all the time. It sucks when you are trying to work out and all your smelling is food you shouldn't eat.
I don't know about other gyms but there is no towel service and the staff is lazy. They are often late in getting paper towels in the machines and don't do that great of a job cleaning. I have seen the same tootsie wrapper on the floor for 3 days in a row before. Granted, it was hiding under a machine but they were not being thorough.
:indifferent: My gym has had an issue with wifi. If your going to advertise free wifi, spend the money for better speeds so more than 2 people can get one at one time...sigh

I have thought about going to golds gym a lot lately, mostly because they have a pool where i live but the price and lunks scare me...I am getting bored with the same machines at PF but is Golds really worth the extra money and possible judgement?

IMO if you first starting out, Planet Fitness is the way to go. Once you get bored consider other alternatives.

meeper123

Would never use planet fittness like ever plus i like those smaller less mainstream gyms better far cheaper and often better

KristiRTT

I am a member of planet fitness, only because its $10 a month! Sure I would live to take some classes, but around here to join a gym like that is $50+ a month!! It's not worth the few times a month I would take advantage of it! I have a few at home DVDs for class like workouts, and I run a lot outdoors, so it works for me. And I know different franchises are not created equal, but my pf is always clean and the staff is very nice!

StaceySaysRelax

I don't know if this is true for all planet fitnesses, but the one near me does not offer group classes whereas Golds offers tons of classes. For that reason, I prefer Golds.

carrietehbear

honestly, there is no way we can answer this for you. we may be familiar with both franchises, but the actual gyms vary so much that nothing we say will have any validity. both gyms will likely give a you a free 3-7 day trial. here's my handy guide for deciding on your local gym

figure out what time of day you'll be working out.
visit the gym during that time
check for general cleanliness, especially locker rooms/showers, if you'll be changing there
check to see if it's too crowded for your taste.
if you're going to take classes, find out the sign up policy. sometimes you can do it online, sometimes you have to get there 45 mins early to get a spot.
check to see if it's convenient to get to from your work or home or wherever you'll be coming from. parking matters
flip a coin
sign up and start working out.

This! I personally know I wouldn't like PF because I rarely use machines and I like a lot of free weights. (Plus, I don't want to go to a gym that has pizza parties once a month.)

EDollah

Be sure to check Yelp reviews for your specific locations. These gyms can provide a totally different experience across franchisees. For example, the Golds near me has gotten horrible reviews based on people's experiences trying to cancel their membership. This is the sort of thing you wouldn't get from just visiting the gym.

Sycoholic

To Dauntless, I think PF has you programmed to think you'll have to deal with lunks and judgment if you go to a different gym, such as Gold's. I've been with several different gyms throughout the years and have never felt judged nor have I judged anyone else. Now, something they're doing may seem funny, and you just can't help but wonder to yourself what it is they're doing, but I'm not judging them. Most people I see are working out with an ipod anyway, so if there's some dude grunting while doing something are you really bothered by that? I would see if the gym has a trial period and go use the gym instead of PF at the times you would normally go. Who knows, maybe you'll like it better.

And I don't know how a place can justify callilng itself "Planet Fitness" when they serve pizza, bagels, and tootsie rolls to their members.

DavPul

I have thought about going to golds gym a lot lately, mostly because they have a pool where i live but the price and lunks scare me...I am getting bored with the same machines at PF but is Golds really worth the extra money and possible judgement?

The judgement: It's all in your head

Joreanasaurous

I have thought about going to golds gym a lot lately, mostly because they have a pool where i live but the price and lunks scare me...I am getting bored with the same machines at PF but is Golds really worth the extra money and possible judgement?

The judgement: It's all in your head

This. I'm sure there is the occational jerk who is going to be judgey, but those are everywhere. Overall people are too busy working to care what someone else is doing. The most I've ever been judged is a smile and a high five after a particularly brutal workout.

Go to whatever one you think you will go to. Get a pass to both and see what ou like and don't like. How clean they are, how busy when you would be going, friendly staff... Whatever is important to you.

PikaKnight

To Dauntless, I think PF has you programmed to think you'll have to deal with lunks and judgment if you go to a different gym, such as Gold's. I've been with several different gyms throughout the years and have never felt judged nor have I judged anyone else. Now, something they're doing may seem funny, and you just can't help but wonder to yourself what it is they're doing, but I'm not judging them. Most people I see are working out with an ipod anyway, so if there's some dude grunting while doing something are you really bothered by that? I would see if the gym has a trial period and go use the gym instead of PF at the times you would normally go. Who knows, maybe you'll like it better.

And I don't know how a place can justify callilng itself "Planet Fitness" when they serve pizza, bagels, and tootsie rolls to their members.

I have to wonder...if they are truly judgment free than why have a 'lunk" alarm? Sounds pretty judgey to me. I've heard stories of people getting turned away because they "look" too musclular/fit....that IS being judgmental.

also, it depends on your goals too. Many stories on MFP and all around complain about PF's weight training restrictions (though I've heard a couple people say their PF isn't as strict).

garciabnm

I've been a pf member for about a year. It all comes down to what ou want from a gym. If you want the classes, then id say no to pf. If you want good cardio workouts and light weight training, then i'd say yes. As far as pizza parties and bagels and all that, just dont eat it. Its not like they force it down your mouth, or serve it to you as you're bench pressing. Maybe you know someone that has the black card with pf and cab take you along as a guest for a few days just to see if you like it or not.Either way, the most important thing is just finding a place you are comfortable with.

DavPul

if PF would serve me pizza while I'm benching I would sign up RIGHT NOW.

STAHP the pizza shaming!!!

dailytammy

your son can go with you free everyday. I take my son with me everyday its one guess per day

PikaKnight

if PF would serve me pizza while I'm benching I would sign up RIGHT NOW.

STAHP the pizza shaming!!!

That would be so awesome. How about ice cream during leg presses? Full service right here.

suv_hater

Gold's is going to cost significantly more. They will probably have an initiation, setup, activation, or enrollment fee. I looked up Harrisburg Gold's and their hours are different from what you stated (5-12:30AM M-Th). Looks like they have almost 10 classes a day during the week. Several months down the line you will probably find yourself bored at PF and wish you could take classes. I'd suggest taking advantage of the 1-day pass at Gold's to see if you like the atmosphere. On the other hand, PF is month to month and you could try them for a month or three for a drop in the bucket. Don't settle for less when it comes to fitness though. You want to have as many tools at your disposal to carry out your goals. If it's classes you prefer then go to Gold's and don't look back.

billsica

For the sake of argument, can someone define a lunk?
I've been lifting for a few months, but I give it my all and make a little noise when I lift. I don't look jacked, but I'm guessing I'd be thrown out of pf

lostgrl85

Your best bet is to try both and see which one you prefer. I'm a member of Gold's gym and I love mine, but I went out of town once and used the Gold's there and it didn't even compare to the gym I use every day. I never did classes before joining, but now that's all I do. Their classes are great, and there are so many that there isn't a huge issue with getting bored. I can't comment on PF though because I've never been to one.

bowbeforethoraxis

We don't have a Planet Fitness here, so I've never looked into it before, but I am a member of Gold's gym. I only pay $24 a month (and I signed up last week, so it isn't because I got a membership years ago and the price stayed the same), but there was the initial fee and I'm on a year contract. The initial fee varies a lot due to specials. Right now at mine (not sure if it's a national special) you could pay for an entire year at once, and it was around 400 including the application fee and everything. I love Gold's because of the classes (they charge extra for hot yoga, but all other classes are included in the membership), the pool (other gyms in my area either don't have pools, or charge an extra $10-20/month to use the pool), and how clean everything is. I've been super afraid of judgement, but haven't ever felt like I was being judged, even in the classes where I really struggle, the classes are offered all the time (ours averages about 15 classes per day), and the instructors are always nice, helpful, and great about showing modifications without ever making you feel singled out or anything.

One main reason I looked at Gold's was because a couple of my friends are members, and making plans to meet up there and work out or take a class together has been a huge motivation for me. I'm also way more likely to actually go to a class than I am to go to work out on my own. Also, the Gold's gym here is less than 2 miles away from my house. I read somewhere that if your gym is less than 2 miles away from your house you're 50% more likely to go. I have no idea if that's true or not, but it does make it easier for me to wake up for a 5:15 class, then come home and sleep for 45 more minutes before I have to get ready for work.

cmfaris8

I travel between cities so PF works for me. I've been to locations in Boston, NYC, and Chicago and all of them have more than enough equipment to accommodate the after work crowd (the time I usually go). Not sure if you live in a city, but sites like Groupon, Lifebooker, and Living Social are great resources to find discounted classes in your area. They usually have boot camp style classes that will kick your butt for less than Gold's monthly price which would be a nice edition to the $10 month-to-month PF price. Plus its a great way to meet people who will motivate you in your area.

MsEndomorph

My advice is always to pick the gym you'll actually go to.

I joined a gym that had an extensive exercise class list, a pool, and a great program for my kids. No contract. It was more expensive and further away than the gym across the street, but I wanted the "perks."

I went to that gym MAYBE once a month for 2 years. It was too easy to make excuses. Never used that pool, rarely took a class, kids spent very little time in that program.

I bit the bullet in May and went to the Golds Gym across the street. No pool, not many class choices, and I did have to sign a contract, but I'm there almost every single day. I was a little intimidated at first (the clientele is a bit different than my old community gym) but now I love it. And it's cheaper ($30/month vs the $75 I was paying) . And they have more equipment on the free weight/cable side of things.
So money isn't everything

whierd

honestly, there is no way we can answer this for you. we may be familiar with both franchises, but the actual gyms vary so much that nothing we say will have any validity. both gyms will likely give a you a free 3-7 day trial. here's my handy guide for deciding on your local gym

figure out what time of day you'll be working out.
visit the gym during that time
check for general cleanliness, especially locker rooms/showers, if you'll be changing there
check to see if it's too crowded for your taste.
if you're going to take classes, find out the sign up policy. sometimes you can do it online, sometimes you have to get there 45 mins early to get a spot.
check to see if it's convenient to get to from your work or home or wherever you'll be coming from. parking matters
flip a coin
sign up and start working out.

I would also add to make sure they have the amenities and type of fitness equipment you want. I am getting ready to switch gyms because of this reason. The new one is adding in a crossfit area, which I am interested in doing at some point.

justicer68

I recently joined PF and cancelled my membership at my current gym mainly for the fact I only have to travel 5 minutes vs. 20-25 minutes getting there. Also by the time I finished weight training there was rarely any cardio equipment free. It looks like there are only a couple of things that this one doesn't have compared to my old gym and i am saving money. It was a good move for me I am hoping. The max dumbbell weight they have is 60# and if i lift more than that in each hand i will be amazed. They dont have bench presses presses or a squat rack but they do have 5-6 smith machines..not my preference but it'll work in a pinch. And as for the pizza and junk. I just wont eat it and luckily im not a huge fan of any of them. Dont agree with them offering it though.

PikaKnight

honestly, there is no way we can answer this for you. we may be familiar with both franchises, but the actual gyms vary so much that nothing we say will have any validity. both gyms will likely give a you a free 3-7 day trial. here's my handy guide for deciding on your local gym

figure out what time of day you'll be working out.
visit the gym during that time
check for general cleanliness, especially locker rooms/showers, if you'll be changing there
check to see if it's too crowded for your taste.
if you're going to take classes, find out the sign up policy. sometimes you can do it online, sometimes you have to get there 45 mins early to get a spot.
check to see if it's convenient to get to from your work or home or wherever you'll be coming from. parking matters
flip a coin
sign up and start working out.

I would also add to make sure they have the amenities and type of fitness equipment you want. I am getting ready to switch gyms because of this reason. The new one is adding in a crossfit area, which I am interested in doing at some point.

I found a box in my area but it's $120-$145/month depending on if you choose a 1 year or month to month deal.

DavPul

I think whierd means that his normal gym is adding a large functional fitness area, not that it's turning into a crossfit box.

JumpingDog

Planet Fitness, for me, was full of broken/ worn out machines, and people who have no gym etiquette. The staff seem friendly and the place is clean enough but not sparkling. I had a problem with my membership in that I did a month to month plan for over a year, when I cancelled, they charged me a $30 maintenance fee for the next year. They claimed that had I cancelled some two days earlier, I would not have had to pay that fee. They refused to reduce my bill or refund me and I ended up paying $30 just to quit. For what it's worth, I have never heard the "lunk alarm".

Gold's Gym has a lot more to offer in services and their machinery seems in better condition. However, the staff were very rude to me. I was toured around the gym but then "sized up" and walked around in circles by a cocky male who told me that the gym across the street (Planet Fitness) was a better choice for "people like me" and that I couldn't afford Gold's Gym. I'm not normally easy to offend and the other staff members even looked appalled but no one said anything. The people using Gold's Gym looked like rippling slabs of muscle but pretty much ignored me. I thought the atmosphere was serious but great but my experience with the staff was intolerable.

I go to my university's gym now that I don't pay extra for. During the summer though, I'm just out of luck.

AlongCame_Molly

I don't know much about Planet Fitness. but I do go to Gold's. I've never had any complaints with them. The daycare is always clean and my son enjoys going there. I go in the mornings so I've never had to wait for any equipment, and i really like the classes they offer. But like a previous poster said, each gym is going to vary by location, so the helpfulness of my input is dubious, as is anyone else's who hasn't been to the actual gym locations you're thinking of.

DefyGravity810

I traded my old gym for PF because I couldn't afford the other anymore. I don't love it simply because I miss classes but you can't beat the price and for the money I saved I bought good DVD sets like Jillian Michaels and Zumba Exhilerate for when I need something different. My gym was brand new and literally just opened when I joined it. It's always very clean with plenty of equipment and the trainer is actually a trainer. I love the 30 minute express workout though I admit not everyone follows the rules and some people come in and use those weight machines and that's it and mess it up for everyone when it's clear there are people following the circuit. I like the arc trainers too they're fun (I like machines where I can go fast along with my fast music) and easier on knees than ellipticals. They have a lot of TVs and you can plug your ipod in to your machine or listen to the TV which is really nice for a cheap gym. They also have showers and a big clean locker room. I haven't explored the weights much because I haven't had the chance to do the one hour class where the trainer shows you every single machine, but I probably will at some point. They definitely have a lot and they have things like matts and free weights too. I agree the pizza and bagels are stupid but I just don't go when they have those. If I forget and did by mistake I don't think it'd be too bad to have one slice or work on my self-control and avoid it entirely. I also sort of disagree that it's a no-judgment zone because I'm pretty sure a lunk alarm counts as judging. But I do see people there of all shapes and sizes and all fitness levels and I do feel comfortable in that respect. All this being said, once I can afford a place with classes I intend to switch back because I really miss those. So I'd say if you're more of a beginner and want access to equipment at an affordable price go with PF. If you really like the group/ social environment of a class and price isn't as important go with something else. Though, PF doesn't have a contract so you could change your mind.

whierd

I think whierd means that his normal gym is adding a large functional fitness area, not that it's turning into a crossfit box.

Yeah, the new gym that I am looking at is currently remodeling and adding what they are calling a "crossfit area". No additional charge to use it.