Planet Fitness???

ktfitzgerald
ktfitzgerald Posts: 369 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys. I need an opinion. This winter I’m really struggling with staying active. I do great in the summer with biking, kayaking, backpacking and sometimes running. I just want to get back to my summer fitness level and stay there all year.

There’s a new Planet Fitness opening up close to my office. And the price is right. But I’m a gym newbie. What do you think? Should I try it out?

Replies

  • shunggie
    shunggie Posts: 1,036 Member
    I love Planet Fitness, I love the circuit area, the weights, they have enough treadmills and elliptical available that you can always find an open machine (at my location anyway). It just seems more relaxed than other gyms. The only thing I wish they had were classes, I'd like to try Zumba and I miss water aerobics. But the YMCA was $60 a month and PF is $10 a month. The math didn't work for staying at the Y for me.
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    If all you want is cardio machines I'm sure you'll be fine. Other than that, the chain is a joke.
  • bagge72
    bagge72 Posts: 1,377 Member
    Depends on what you want to use it for, and what type of Planet Fitness they are opening. There is one by my work that is all cardio and no free weights at all, but the one near my home has lots of free weights, but just no squat rack or cage. If you are just looking to lift some weights, and do some cardio it is great, if you want to get serious about lifting I would join another gym.
  • ashzacher
    ashzacher Posts: 114 Member
    I currently go there now. I have mixed feelings.. Here's my thoughts..

    PROS
    - Lots of cardio and elliptical machines
    - Lots of weight machines
    - Always open 24/7
    - TV's line the cardio machines so you can watch ESPN, News, etc.
    - Nice dummbell section
    - Smith machines (I think?!) and machines for pulldowns (sorry, don't know what they are called, haha)
    - Can't beat the price!!
    - Convenient location for me

    CONS
    - Gets busy just like any other gym
    - No pool, indoor track, basketball courts, yoga classes, spinning classes, Zumba.
    - Gymgoers may not be as serious as at other gyms (This is not a problem for me, but others have said it is a con for them).
    - No squat racks/cages
    - Dumbbells and other machines (pull downs, etc) are often busy.

    I do have gymtimidation. I can't lie. I'm a runner usually, but when I get my 10 lb dumbbells and I'm next to muscular guys doing their thing.. Dang I get so nervous haha! I feel like people are watching me!!

    Edit: I usually run, elliptical, and do weight machines/dumbbells. Nothing fancy so this works for me!! I think it depends what you are looking for.
  • TGSgirl2017
    TGSgirl2017 Posts: 32 Member
    I love PF :)
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    If all you want is cardio machines I'm sure you'll be fine. Other than that, the chain is a joke.

    it's a place to start and get you hooked- it's a gate way drug.

    it's also an excellent SECOND gym (most of them are open 24/7).

    I would personally never use it as a main gym. it's lame- and judgmental- I am horribly offended and insulted by their business model and tend to not support companies I do not agree with from a moral standpoint.

    But- again- it's a place to start- and it's convenient and gets you going to do something- I would do it for you- for now.

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