Thank you Planet Fitness...
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It's reallyTheoldguy1 wrote: »
I certainly don't have an issue with the "no jeans, no sandals" rule. It's the "no bodybuilders" graphic that's kinda mean-spirited. Hence the arrow.
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I understand the criticism that Planet Fitness gets, but it's probably an overreaction by many. If you put in the effort, then you can get a good workout anywhere.
This.
I've been a member of the local Planet Fitness for several years now. My experiences there have always been positive. The location I go to -> the equipment is new, the facility is clean and secure, and I've not had any issues with the staff or other people working out.
I do see on these MFP Community Boards that Planet Fitness gets a certain amount of criticism (right or wrong). But Planet Fitness seems to be doing okay for themselves, and I think they're probably laughing all the way to the bank.
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cwolfman13 wrote: »
No it's called SmartFit. I don't believe they have them in the US but they are a big Latin American chain. They only opened in my country less than a year ago but they have been blowing it out of the water because they are great deal.
It looks and sounds pretty similar to Cruze. I just started up with Cruze yesterday...I haven't been in a big corporate type gym in ages, so it was a bit of a shocker with the crowds.
I've been going to a privately owned studio gym that specializes in personalized training and nutrition for the last 3-4 years. You can't just walk in off the street and be a member. Most people are there for the training, however there are a handful of us the "executive memberships" and access to the gym. Problem is that it's expensive for a studio with what would be considered to be a first class home gym setup...plus the training sessions on top of that. I'm still working with my trainer once per week but decided to test the waters elsewhere for my day to day gym.
Cruze has quite a few amenities that are of interest to me. They have a great weight room, and unlike PF have power racks, squat racks, and dead lifting platforms. They also have a variety of classes, including spin...I love cycling and spin classes are what I used to do at previous gyms during the winter months when it's cold and dark. They also have lap pool, 2 infared saunas, 1 steam sauna, hottub, and massage chairs. It's pretty well spotless and you get all that for $22. Hopefully the crowds will die down in a couple months.
They have another higher up membership level that also includes all of the yoga studio and barre classes as well as group trainer classes...which I haven't yet figured out how they are different from the bootcamp type classes you get with the $22.0 -
timetolosethatweight wrote: »I understand the criticism that Planet Fitness gets, but it's probably an overreaction by many. If you put in the effort, then you can get a good workout anywhere.
This.
I've been a member of the local Planet Fitness for several years now. My experiences there have always been positive. The location I go to -> the equipment is new, the facility is clean and secure, and I've not had any issues with the staff or other people working out.
I do see on these MFP Community Boards that Planet Fitness gets a certain amount of criticism (right or wrong). But Planet Fitness seems to be doing okay for themselves, and I think they're probably laughing all the way to the bank.
I think the biggest criticism stems from the fact that if you can't do squats or deadlifts, etc and they don't even have the equipment to do it...yes, you can use a smith machine to mimic the movement, but it's not the same thing. I don't know how very traditional and fundamental movements to weight training could possibly be considered "lunk" behavior.
I'm by no means a "gym rat"...bodybuilder...powerlifter, or anything like that. I lift primarily for maintaining my health as I age and some asemblance of a reasonable physique at 45. I squat, deadlift, bench press, clean, etc because these are traditional movements that have been at the foundation of weight lifting forever. These are things I learned as a teen when I ran track and wrestled...these movements are some kind of weird intimidating "lunk" behavior. I think that's largely where the criticism lies.2 -
I understand the criticism Planet Fitness gets, but it's probably an overreaction by many. If you put in the effort, then you can get a good workout anywhere.
Most critics would agree that you CAN get a good workout there. Oh, sure, you'll see some who say that you won't make any gains there. I'd say that's hyperbole though, as most serious gym goers understand that you can make progress using just bodyweight exercises, and that you can even do so outdoors.
The issues they have with PF tend to fall into the following categories:- Spreading misinformation, e.g. "bench pressing is just for bodybuilders." (A PF staff member actually told me this when I took a tour once.)
- Prohibiting "intimidating" exercises that are tremendously beneficial. I'm talking about overhead presses, deadlifts, etc. Heck, I know one guy who has to hide his burpees from the PF staff, though not all PF locations would go that far. And I met one person who was scolded for running too fast on the treadmill.
- Ridiculous rules such as not allowing gallon jugs of water.
- Marketing that falsely depicts other gyms and gym instructors as horrible places. This one, for example, would have you believe that spin instructors are out to humiliate anyone who goes more slowly that the rest of the class.
- Demonizing bodybuilders are horrible people and imbeciles.
- Allowing biological men to use the women's locker room based solely on their say-so that they are women
- Wearing clothing that could be perceived as intimidating, including a pro-life shirt
- Offering temptation in the form of fattening foods -- pizza, bagels, candy, and in some locations, donuts and cupcakes. Sure, an occasional treat isn't bad, but most people already treat themselves too much. And none of the treats they offer are of the more nutritious variety such as fruits or vegetables.
There are probably a few more, but hopefully you all get the idea.7 -
I understand the criticism Planet Fitness gets, but it's probably an overreaction by many. If you put in the effort, then you can get a good workout anywhere.
Most critics would agree that you CAN get a good workout there. Oh, sure, you'll see some who say that you won't make any gains there. I'd say that's hyperbole though, as most serious gym goers understand that you can make progress using just bodyweight exercises, and that you can even do so outdoors.
The issues they have with PF tend to fall into the following categories:- Spreading misinformation, e.g. "bench pressing is just for bodybuilders." (A PF staff member actually told me this when I took a tour once.)
- Prohibiting "intimidating" exercises that are tremendously beneficial. I'm talking about overhead presses, deadlifts, etc. Heck, I know one guy who has to hide his burpees from the PF staff, though not all PF locations would go that far. And I met one person who was scolded for running too fast on the treadmill.
- Ridiculous rules such as not allowing gallon jugs of water.
- Marketing that falsely depicts other gyms and gym instructors as horrible places. This one, for example, would have you believe that spin instructors are out to humiliate anyone who goes more slowly that the rest of the class.
- Demonizing bodybuilders are horrible people and imbeciles.
- Allowing biological men to use the women's locker room based solely on their say-so that they are women
- Wearing clothing that could be perceived as intimidating, including a pro-life shirt
- Offering temptation in the form of fattening foods -- pizza, bagels, candy, and in some locations, donuts and cupcakes. Sure, an occasional treat isn't bad, but most people already treat themselves too much. And none of the treats they offer are of the more nutritious variety such as fruits or vegetables.
There are probably a few more, but hopefully you all get the idea.
My son was working as a bartender while in school and would go to a PF for a quick workout when he finished at the bar. He said when he got there at 2AM the attendant was generally asleep and he did anything he wanted.0 -
I understand the criticism that Planet Fitness gets, but it's probably an overreaction by many. If you put in the effort, then you can get a good workout anywhere.
I don't think anyone would argue that you can't get a good workout at PF. I just don't understand how if I use an olympic bar to do bench press or squat or deadlift or clean that somehow makes me a lunk when all of those lifts are traditional lifts and have been a fundamental and foundational aspect of weight lifting for ages. And how are these anymore intimidating than using dumbbells or mimicking those same lifts with a smith machine?
They need to do something about that color scheme too. I had a membership for a short time to do winter cardio as there is a PF about 5 minutes from work...all of the purple and black machines and purple and black walls make it kind of dark and depressing in there IMO. I have never felt as depressed and unmotivated to workout as I ever did walking into PF.2 -
Well - it is "next week" and we do have some new faces and a pretty close to full parking lot (but no parking in the grass needed) at my full-service, premium priced gym; However, PF has so much traffic (at 5:00 PM) the parking lot is gridlock and the traffic spills back 3 or 4 cars onto the road.0
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I feel like PF gets a bad name unfairly sometimes. I am not a member and never have been, but I know many people who are. Being a “cardio bunny” is not a bad thing, some people much prefer cardio and it’s what they like so it’s what they do. Being intimidated about going to a gym as a very really anxiety some people have. I’m not saying that people at the gym are intentionally intimidating, I think a lot us know that’s not true, but it does not make the fear and anxiety that some people have any less real. PF is for people who want or need what they offer, and it is a benefit to that market. It’s not for everyone and that’s ok too. I think it’s unfair to paint a negative picture of it though.
IDK, I think they do a pretty good job painting that picture by themselves...Rather, they feed on people's intimidations and foster them. That's why they deliberately exaggerate what it's like to be in a spin class. By and large, such classes are meant to be welcoming to beginners and out of shape people. It would be most unusual for an instructor to have the class hiss at somebody for failing to keep up.
PF's business model requires making potential clients believe that other gyms are filled with horrible customers and instructors who want to humiliate them. Hence all these ridiculous caricatures.
^^^ because this.7 -
Here's another example. Does anyone seriously think that it's okay for PF to insinuate that bodybuilders are addled morons who can barely tie their own shoes?
Let's be honest here. If they had depicted overweight people this way, the general public -- and especially their target clientele -- would have been up in arms. They consider it acceptable to depict bodybuilders and other athletes this way though, and PF defenders applaud it.
@RGv2 is right. PF does a good job of painting a negative image of itself.
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I guess I have a hard time believing there are bodybuilders and other extremely fit people that are offended by PF's marketing. It's meant to be a joke. I don't love PF and their rules and their marketing, but it's just whatever to me. It's dirt cheap. It's clean. It's a place to get some exercise. I have no idea whether PF is doing well financially so I can't comment on whether their marketing techniques are successful or not ??
Not gonna lie, I just joined planet fitness to get some cardio during the winter because it's across the street from my office. I have weights at home. It's fine. I had to sign my acknowledgement of their rules, like no gallon water jugs, and no grunting etc. I find those rules pretty weird, but honestly IDGAF. And, I also saw plenty of pretty fit looking people there. No there are no barbells and squat racks, but I could still get a good work out there if I wanted to use their weights.2 -
They are doing well, and they are super cheap. I'm kind of glad there isn't one close to my home or office (by close I mean within a short walk, as plenty of other gyms are that close), as I might be tempted, although at this point I don't think I would be (especially since I really love my own gym).
However, whether or not the targets of the "joke" are actually offended, I think their marketing strategy is pretty icky. Not only is it about stereotyping and insulting other people, but it spreads the message to people who might feel a little intimidated by gyms that they in fact SHOULD be, that outside of PF, other gyms are scary places full of mean icky people. It irritates me, but I don't hold it against people who join PF due to the cheap cost and convenience, of course.6 -
They are doing well, and they are super cheap. I'm kind of glad there isn't one close to my home or office (by close I mean within a short walk, as plenty of other gyms are that close), as I might be tempted, although at this point I don't think I would be (especially since I really love my own gym).
However, whether or not the targets of the "joke" are actually offended, I think their marketing strategy is pretty icky. Not only is it about stereotyping and insulting other people, but it spreads the message to people who might feel a little intimidated by gyms that they in fact SHOULD be, that outside of PF, other gyms are scary places full of mean icky people. It irritates me, but I don't hold it against people who join PF due to the cheap cost and convenience, of course.
This is what I was going to say. I'm certainly not offended, but perpetuating a myth that a great many people think is real is just wrong.5 -
I think the main complaint, as stated above as well, is with the inability to do some of the most basic, simple, efficient strength training exercises there. I go to my gym to quickly get through a short efficient routine... And many of these efficient and simple movements (fully weighted squats and deadlifts, for instance) would not be doable or be demonized in a PF. I'm not going to waste my time F*ing around with machines and barbie weights or boring myself on hamster wheels indoors instead of something fun.5
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I'm not even sure where the nearest PF is to be honest (maybe in the far 'burbs somewhere or maybe not in my metropolitan area at all). There's an LA Fitness, Catalyst Fitness, Fitness 19? , and YMCA on the next block over from where I work, with the LA Fitness I belong to being the closest.0
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I miss my old New York Sports Club in CT with a passion.
When I moved to PA, I tried several gyms, but they were skanky by comparison. (I'm talking peeling paint and mold.) I'm at a local PF now for convenience and because--say what you want about them--they do keep the place clean. If I was ever serious about bodybuilding, though, everyone's correct that I'd have to find somewhere else.0 -
I guess I have a hard time believing there are bodybuilders and other extremely fit people that are offended by PF's marketing. It's meant to be a joke.
How do you expect people to respond when they're called lunks? Or when they're depicted as brain-damaged simpletons? Should we expect them to double over in laughter?
Somehow I doubt that we'd expect overweight people to react in that manner.4 -
I guess I have a hard time believing there are bodybuilders and other extremely fit people that are offended by PF's marketing. It's meant to be a joke.
How do you expect people to respond when they're called lunks? Or when they're depicted as brain-damaged simpletons? Should we expect them to double over in laughter?
Somehow I doubt that we'd expect overweight people to react in that manner.
I don't like the marketing I just don't think it's anything to be outraged over. I hear people making fun of "gym bros" and the like all the time, no one ever gets outraged...1 -
That's because it's socially acceptable to say that fit, muscular people are idiots. It's less socially acceptable to say the same thing about out-of-shape people. Why? Because most Americans are out of shape.I guess I have a hard time believing there are bodybuilders and other extremely fit people that are offended by PF's marketing. It's meant to be a joke.
How do you expect people to respond when they're called lunks? Or when they're depicted as brain-damaged simpletons? Should we expect them to double over in laughter?
Somehow I doubt that we'd expect overweight people to react in that manner.
I don't like the marketing I just don't think it's anything to be outraged over. I hear people making fun of "gym bros" and the like all the time, no one ever gets outraged...
And if anyone thinks that bodybuilders and other athletes aren't offended by this stereotype, then they've been living in an echo chamber.
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Anyone that goes to planet fitness because they are scared to go to another gym belongs in a planet fitness.
Also, I’ve seen videos of people getting kicked out by planet fitness workers in a very aggressive manner. I wish some planet fitness chump would come up to me like that; pulling on my shirt, pushing me, and yelling. That fool would catch a beat down. YouTube it if you don’t know what I’m talking about. The one below starts around 2 mins mark...
https://youtu.be/8id8VZ-0fyM 0 -
I guess I have a hard time believing there are bodybuilders and other extremely fit people that are offended by PF's marketing. It's meant to be a joke.
How do you expect people to respond when they're called lunks? Or when they're depicted as brain-damaged simpletons? Should we expect them to double over in laughter?
Somehow I doubt that we'd expect overweight people to react in that manner.
Image if Chills installed a “homo” alarm that sounded whenever someone spoke a little too flamboyantly; trying to cater to folks who are uncomfortable with that lifestyle. The world would lose its mind.2 -
I dunno, $10.20 seems like a pretty good deal for the bragging rights of a Permanent Planet Fitness Ban.5 -
I used to have a bad impression of PF until I moved to an area where there are very few offerings. I did deadlifts today with no issues and we actually have a PF360 area with battle ropes and medicine balls and kettle bells and other functional training equipment. There is a good mix of people at my gym and the staff is awesome. I like that someone is always there. I have the $23 membership and love the hydro massages. There are definitely things I wish I had, but the price can’t be beat.2
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I think the local branches vary a bunch in how much they enforce the rules, but the mere existence of the rules would make me nervous about violating them. I wonder if they are looser in places where there's less competition so you get a broader range of people, not so much their target market.2
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I have to put in a shout out for the YMCA. They are definitely more expensive that PF, but they welcome everybody no matter what size, shape, color, or age. You can also work out at any Y across the country, so if you travel, it's a great deal. I love everything about my YMCA - something for everyone, clean, welcoming, and no spin instructors that rage!3
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I do think it just has to do with that particular gym as to enforcing the “rules” goes. I’ve been a member for going on 4 years and I’ve never seen anyone be hassled about their routine or attire. Couldn’t tell you what the “lunk alarm”(?) sounds like. I guess I’ve just been lucky about things like that. Never had any problem cancelling a membership.2
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allother94 wrote: »Anyone that goes to planet fitness because they are scared to go to another gym belongs in a planet fitness.
Also, I’ve seen videos of people getting kicked out by planet fitness workers in a very aggressive manner. I wish some planet fitness chump would come up to me like that; pulling on my shirt, pushing me, and yelling. That fool would catch a beat down. YouTube it if you don’t know what I’m talking about. The one below starts around 2 mins mark...https://youtu.be/8id8VZ-0fyM
Was the employee overly aggressive? Yes. Was he being a jerk? Also, yes. There was no reason to start shouting once he took his shirt off. But no one would have noticed him otherwise, so he wouldn't have gotten his views.3 -
I think the local branches vary a bunch in how much they enforce the rules, but the mere existence of the rules would make me nervous about violating them.
I've seen other people say the same thing.
I think that's worth considering when people say, "But I never hear the lunk alarm go off at my Planet Fitness!" I feel like asking, "Is it because the staff doesn't use it? Or is it because people tune their workouts down because they're afraid to set it off?"2 -
I used to have a bad impression of PF until I moved to an area where there are very few offerings. I did deadlifts today with no issues and we actually have a PF360 area with battle ropes and medicine balls and kettle bells and other functional training equipment. There is a good mix of people at my gym and the staff is awesome. I like that someone is always there. I have the $23 membership and love the hydro massages. There are definitely things I wish I had, but the price can’t be beat.
How did you do deadlifts? They don't have platforms or bumper plates.0
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