Why does Planet Fitness get a bad rap?
Replies
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I see your point, and I regularly participate in those threads. Because I think it's reasonable to call them on their "no judgement" hypocrisy. You're allowed to be bothered by that, but that feeling is yours to deal with, not mine. drinker (I'm affirming that to myself, not being testy)
I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it - you're the one sarcastically responding to my comments. I just said people like to complain about PF probably a bit more than they should and many seem to feel like they're better than other people simply because they workout somewhere other than PF. You can even see some posts along those lines in this very thread. I also seem to recall a bunch of people that don't go to PF (and never have) were in an uproar when PF removed their squat racks. I guess it's just me, but when a business I have no affiliation with does something that doesn't affect me, I suppose I just don't care all that much. Threads have even popped up where people try to spin a simple dress code violation as "PF is fit shaming!" and other nonsense.
At the end of the day, it's a health club that's dirt cheap, open 24/7 and obviously works for a lot (but not all) people. Beyond that, I don't see much to discuss, and certainly not enough to justify all the threads that pop-up weekly on fitness forums. My personal opinion is they have way too many rules and restrictions, and so I'm happy to pay more for gyms that better fit my preferences.
They like to complain because for once the shoe is on the other foot and they're being judged and discriminating against. :P
My husband and I go to PF, we like it, it suits our needs as beginners. I'd also like to add that our PF has 6 benches for lifting, including 2 racks of free weights and 1 rack of barbells. I've not looked at them since I'm content to use the machines but they don't look like they go very high in weight. No one sets off the lunk alarm because someone grunts a few times or lets a weight drop. The alarm is there for those that are making a big scene while lifting because it is weird and intimidating for those not part of the body building scene. I've seen plenty of women wearing tight pants and sports bras, none of them were asked to leave.
They do have pizza night and bagel mornings and that does seem silly to have 'junk' food at a gym, but no one is forcing you to take it. It's a cheap and easy thing to offer customers as a little 'reward' for coming in. I'm a fat chick and I'm way too self concious to be seen eating a slice of pizza that gym. ^_^ So no worries there.
From what I understand, PF's are franchises so there will be slight differences from gym to gym. As so many have said, to each their own and no one should be putting down people going to any type of gym. Whatever gets us in there and moving, it's all good. For me, it's cheap, 24 hours, and close to work.
Sure, because two wrongs make a right! Good principle to live by. So don't complain if some cut woman calls you fat names, you are "giving it back to her" in the reverse direction through Planet Fitness! That'll teach her!0 -
I see your point, and I regularly participate in those threads. Because I think it's reasonable to call them on their "no judgement" hypocrisy. You're allowed to be bothered by that, but that feeling is yours to deal with, not mine. drinker (I'm affirming that to myself, not being testy)
I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it - you're the one sarcastically responding to my comments. I just said people like to complain about PF probably a bit more than they should and many seem to feel like they're better than other people simply because they workout somewhere other than PF. You can even see some posts along those lines in this very thread. I also seem to recall a bunch of people that don't go to PF (and never have) were in an uproar when PF removed their squat racks. I guess it's just me, but when a business I have no affiliation with does something that doesn't affect me, I suppose I just don't care all that much. Threads have even popped up where people try to spin a simple dress code violation as "PF is fit shaming!" and other nonsense.
At the end of the day, it's a health club that's dirt cheap, open 24/7 and obviously works for a lot (but not all) people. Beyond that, I don't see much to discuss, and certainly not enough to justify all the threads that pop-up weekly on fitness forums. My personal opinion is they have way too many rules and restrictions, and so I'm happy to pay more for gyms that better fit my preferences.
They like to complain because for once the shoe is on the other foot and they're being judged and discriminating against. :P
My husband and I go to PF, we like it, it suits our needs as beginners. I'd also like to add that our PF has 6 benches for lifting, including 2 racks of free weights and 1 rack of barbells. I've not looked at them since I'm content to use the machines but they don't look like they go very high in weight. No one sets off the lunk alarm because someone grunts a few times or lets a weight drop. The alarm is there for those that are making a big scene while lifting because it is weird and intimidating for those not part of the body building scene. I've seen plenty of women wearing tight pants and sports bras, none of them were asked to leave.
They do have pizza night and bagel mornings and that does seem silly to have 'junk' food at a gym, but no one is forcing you to take it. It's a cheap and easy thing to offer customers as a little 'reward' for coming in. I'm a fat chick and I'm way too self concious to be seen eating a slice of pizza that gym. ^_^ So no worries there.
From what I understand, PF's are franchises so there will be slight differences from gym to gym. As so many have said, to each their own and no one should be putting down people going to any type of gym. Whatever gets us in there and moving, it's all good. For me, it's cheap, 24 hours, and close to work.
Sure, because two wrongs make a right! Good principle to live by. So don't complain if some cut woman calls you fat names, you are "giving it back to her" in the reverse direction through Planet Fitness! That'll teach her!
That's how it works on the playground!
I was being facetious, of course. I do think it's stupid that they say they don't judge and yet have judgemental practices. And the tootsie roll bowl, et al. But I really don't care about it, we just go and do our thing and mind our own business. I find it odd that people would complain about someone wearing a tank top or dropping a weight. I'm too busy to care about what others are doing.
I just think that when PF gets slammed about not being a 'real' gym then those going there and working their butts off might feel like their efforts are being maligned. The big complaint is that they don't support heavy lifting. They don't have aerobic classes either, so? Just go to a gym that has what you're looking for.0 -
Actually, you should join a gym where anyone is welcome. And what is it with this assumption everyone makes that the super fit are judging you? If you want to know the truth, it's that super fit people are there for their own workouts. They don't even notice you. But, most of them are nice people and would be glad to help you if you needed help. So let go of those insecurities, they are only going to hold you back. And don't join a gym where you feel comfortable and no one is really pushing themselves.Mine's open 24 hours a day and it's $10 a month.
What's to complain about that?
Golly.
I'm a big fat broad and I've never seen so much as a nudge or an eyeroll like I've noticed at other gym memberships I've had that cost 5 times the amount and had no parking. And closed at 9 pm.
I've never heard so much as a mumble or a snicker when I'm working my fat butt on the treadmill. Like to the two guys that felt compelled to marvel loudly at my appearance at the yuppie gym I once belonged to as I minded my own business on the elliptical. And they were fit and trim married *kitten* in their 40s. I was in my 30s then. Try it now fellas. I'm in my 40s and I'll give you a run for your money. Figuratively speaking.
I love Planet Fitness.
I don't care what other people do around me, including lunking and dressing skimpily, as long as they don't bother me. I would never complain about that.
If it's true that Planet Fitness is for fat unfit people, then it's for me and I'm grateful for it
I agree, I suppose I am a "fat unfit person" and I am grateful for PF as well. I am nowhere near the "expert level" of other people... and grateful is the precise word. I wouldn't feel comfortable working out at another gym... not YET anyway. I think it's a great beginner gym for the fat *kitten* like me.0 -
I see your point, and I regularly participate in those threads. Because I think it's reasonable to call them on their "no judgement" hypocrisy. You're allowed to be bothered by that, but that feeling is yours to deal with, not mine. drinker (I'm affirming that to myself, not being testy)
I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it - you're the one sarcastically responding to my comments. I just said people like to complain about PF probably a bit more than they should and many seem to feel like they're better than other people simply because they workout somewhere other than PF. You can even see some posts along those lines in this very thread. I also seem to recall a bunch of people that don't go to PF (and never have) were in an uproar when PF removed their squat racks. I guess it's just me, but when a business I have no affiliation with does something that doesn't affect me, I suppose I just don't care all that much. Threads have even popped up where people try to spin a simple dress code violation as "PF is fit shaming!" and other nonsense.
At the end of the day, it's a health club that's dirt cheap, open 24/7 and obviously works for a lot (but not all) people. Beyond that, I don't see much to discuss, and certainly not enough to justify all the threads that pop-up weekly on fitness forums. My personal opinion is they have way too many rules and restrictions, and so I'm happy to pay more for gyms that better fit my preferences.
They like to complain because for once the shoe is on the other foot and they're being judged and discriminating against. :P
many of the fit people who you're judging - ("the boot's on the other foot" - really?? You assume that they've bullied and marginalised people, and you assumed this based only on what they look like?) - may actually have spent most of their life being bullied and discriminated against. You don't know someone's life story just by looking at them. You don't know what they looked like last year either, or what they looked like the first time they set foot in a gym, or how they felt.
But no, just because someone's fit and strong and don't like the concept of a "lunk" alarm, they must be a "lunk" who's spent their whole life putting others down and don't like the lunk alarm because it's the first time they've been on the receiving end of it.....
Well I guess planet fitness marketing is all about reinforcing all these negative stereotypes and assumptions so I really shouldn't be surprised about this post.
Reality check: "lunks" are human too, and many of them were timid beginners once, many of them have been on the receiving end of bullying in the past, and most of them want timid beginners to not be afraid to work out, and to succeed and become successful and regular gym goers. Most of the backlash against PF marketing is actually because it prevents new, timid people from realising that fact, and instead keeps them trapped in a mentality whereby they believe that there's a justifiable reason for feeling indimidated in regular gyms, rather than this feeling being something normal that nearly everyone goes through and when you get over it, you realise that the "lunks" are mostly nice friendly people who just want you to succeed.0 -
I see your point, and I regularly participate in those threads. Because I think it's reasonable to call them on their "no judgement" hypocrisy. You're allowed to be bothered by that, but that feeling is yours to deal with, not mine. drinker (I'm affirming that to myself, not being testy)
I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it - you're the one sarcastically responding to my comments. I just said people like to complain about PF probably a bit more than they should and many seem to feel like they're better than other people simply because they workout somewhere other than PF. You can even see some posts along those lines in this very thread. I also seem to recall a bunch of people that don't go to PF (and never have) were in an uproar when PF removed their squat racks. I guess it's just me, but when a business I have no affiliation with does something that doesn't affect me, I suppose I just don't care all that much. Threads have even popped up where people try to spin a simple dress code violation as "PF is fit shaming!" and other nonsense.
At the end of the day, it's a health club that's dirt cheap, open 24/7 and obviously works for a lot (but not all) people. Beyond that, I don't see much to discuss, and certainly not enough to justify all the threads that pop-up weekly on fitness forums. My personal opinion is they have way too many rules and restrictions, and so I'm happy to pay more for gyms that better fit my preferences.
They like to complain because for once the shoe is on the other foot and they're being judged and discriminating against. :P
My husband and I go to PF, we like it, it suits our needs as beginners. I'd also like to add that our PF has 6 benches for lifting, including 2 racks of free weights and 1 rack of barbells. I've not looked at them since I'm content to use the machines but they don't look like they go very high in weight. No one sets off the lunk alarm because someone grunts a few times or lets a weight drop. The alarm is there for those that are making a big scene while lifting because it is weird and intimidating for those not part of the body building scene. I've seen plenty of women wearing tight pants and sports bras, none of them were asked to leave.
They do have pizza night and bagel mornings and that does seem silly to have 'junk' food at a gym, but no one is forcing you to take it. It's a cheap and easy thing to offer customers as a little 'reward' for coming in. I'm a fat chick and I'm way too self concious to be seen eating a slice of pizza that gym. ^_^ So no worries there.
From what I understand, PF's are franchises so there will be slight differences from gym to gym. As so many have said, to each their own and no one should be putting down people going to any type of gym. Whatever gets us in there and moving, it's all good. For me, it's cheap, 24 hours, and close to work.
Sure, because two wrongs make a right! Good principle to live by. So don't complain if some cut woman calls you fat names, you are "giving it back to her" in the reverse direction through Planet Fitness! That'll teach her!
That's how it works on the playground!
I was being facetious, of course. I do think it's stupid that they say they don't judge and yet have judgemental practices. And the tootsie roll bowl, et al. But I really don't care about it, we just go and do our thing and mind our own business. I find it odd that people would complain about someone wearing a tank top or dropping a weight. I'm too busy to care about what others are doing.
I just think that when PF gets slammed about not being a 'real' gym then those going there and working their butts off might feel like their efforts are being maligned. The big complaint is that they don't support heavy lifting. They don't have aerobic classes either, so? Just go to a gym that has what you're looking for.
that's not what PF gets slammed for. Plenty of gyms don't have squat racks, many don't even have free weights. But they don't get slammed because they don't make ads about themselves promoting blatant negative stereotypes about people they don't want in their gym. and they don't promote a mentality whereby they make people believe that they should fear the people in other gyms.0 -
I see your point, and I regularly participate in those threads. Because I think it's reasonable to call them on their "no judgement" hypocrisy. You're allowed to be bothered by that, but that feeling is yours to deal with, not mine. drinker (I'm affirming that to myself, not being testy)
I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it - you're the one sarcastically responding to my comments. I just said people like to complain about PF probably a bit more than they should and many seem to feel like they're better than other people simply because they workout somewhere other than PF. You can even see some posts along those lines in this very thread. I also seem to recall a bunch of people that don't go to PF (and never have) were in an uproar when PF removed their squat racks. I guess it's just me, but when a business I have no affiliation with does something that doesn't affect me, I suppose I just don't care all that much. Threads have even popped up where people try to spin a simple dress code violation as "PF is fit shaming!" and other nonsense.
At the end of the day, it's a health club that's dirt cheap, open 24/7 and obviously works for a lot (but not all) people. Beyond that, I don't see much to discuss, and certainly not enough to justify all the threads that pop-up weekly on fitness forums. My personal opinion is they have way too many rules and restrictions, and so I'm happy to pay more for gyms that better fit my preferences.
They like to complain because for once the shoe is on the other foot and they're being judged and discriminating against. :P
My husband and I go to PF, we like it, it suits our needs as beginners. I'd also like to add that our PF has 6 benches for lifting, including 2 racks of free weights and 1 rack of barbells. I've not looked at them since I'm content to use the machines but they don't look like they go very high in weight. No one sets off the lunk alarm because someone grunts a few times or lets a weight drop. The alarm is there for those that are making a big scene while lifting because it is weird and intimidating for those not part of the body building scene. I've seen plenty of women wearing tight pants and sports bras, none of them were asked to leave.
They do have pizza night and bagel mornings and that does seem silly to have 'junk' food at a gym, but no one is forcing you to take it. It's a cheap and easy thing to offer customers as a little 'reward' for coming in. I'm a fat chick and I'm way too self concious to be seen eating a slice of pizza that gym. ^_^ So no worries there.
From what I understand, PF's are franchises so there will be slight differences from gym to gym. As so many have said, to each their own and no one should be putting down people going to any type of gym. Whatever gets us in there and moving, it's all good. For me, it's cheap, 24 hours, and close to work.
Sure, because two wrongs make a right! Good principle to live by. So don't complain if some cut woman calls you fat names, you are "giving it back to her" in the reverse direction through Planet Fitness! That'll teach her!
That's how it works on the playground!
I was being facetious, of course. I do think it's stupid that they say they don't judge and yet have judgemental practices. And the tootsie roll bowl, et al. But I really don't care about it, we just go and do our thing and mind our own business. I find it odd that people would complain about someone wearing a tank top or dropping a weight. I'm too busy to care about what others are doing.
I just think that when PF gets slammed about not being a 'real' gym then those going there and working their butts off might feel like their efforts are being maligned. The big complaint is that they don't support heavy lifting. They don't have aerobic classes either, so? Just go to a gym that has what you're looking for.
meh, when I started running I sought out people who ran long distance, ran with them, and listened to what they had to say. When I learned to lift, I sought out (and still seek out) people who knew and lifted a heck of a lot more than I did. I don't get the idea behind joining a lobster pot of a gym. If you want to succeed at something then you have to be willing to push yourself and step out of your comfort zone. PF, on the other hand, is all about keeping everyone in their comfort zones.0 -
I see your point, and I regularly participate in those threads. Because I think it's reasonable to call them on their "no judgement" hypocrisy. You're allowed to be bothered by that, but that feeling is yours to deal with, not mine. drinker (I'm affirming that to myself, not being testy)
I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it - you're the one sarcastically responding to my comments. I just said people like to complain about PF probably a bit more than they should and many seem to feel like they're better than other people simply because they workout somewhere other than PF. You can even see some posts along those lines in this very thread. I also seem to recall a bunch of people that don't go to PF (and never have) were in an uproar when PF removed their squat racks. I guess it's just me, but when a business I have no affiliation with does something that doesn't affect me, I suppose I just don't care all that much. Threads have even popped up where people try to spin a simple dress code violation as "PF is fit shaming!" and other nonsense.
At the end of the day, it's a health club that's dirt cheap, open 24/7 and obviously works for a lot (but not all) people. Beyond that, I don't see much to discuss, and certainly not enough to justify all the threads that pop-up weekly on fitness forums. My personal opinion is they have way too many rules and restrictions, and so I'm happy to pay more for gyms that better fit my preferences.
They like to complain because for once the shoe is on the other foot and they're being judged and discriminating against. :P
What do you mean, "for once"? Perhaps you should review some of the personal histories of the people who take issue with Planet Fitness.
A big part of the problem we see is that PF is saying "these people aren't you". Our fear is that you'll believe them and allow yourself to stay in the comfort zone of "diet and exercise". The place beyond that is all kinds of awesome.0 -
Down 62 LBs (and still losing), thanks to Planet Fitness ! Love itttt. 0
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I'd hardly call this thread good advertising. They could be much more helpful to their members if they didn't demonize fit people.0
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I'd hardly call this thread good advertising. They could be much more helpful to their members if they didn't demonize fit people.
Maybe you should write them a letter.
With a pen and paper? Surely, you jest.0 -
I've been going to a Planet Fitness since November and while it has more machines than free weights than the World Gym I was previously going to they do actually have two benches and about three squat racks with plate racks and dumbbells.
I started going since my wife choice the gym and I'd not heard anything negative about it. I was taken back by the pizza, candy and bagels but as with any gym, it's up to the individual what you do in the gym. If you want to pay the membership fee and sit on your *kitten* eating pizza and checking facebook then great, if you want to go in and get yourself fit, then awesome. I've seen very unfit people that jump on a treadmill for 5mins, go get a slice of pizza and walk around while their friend works out and I've seem some ripped men and women kill it on the free weights. The thing is, I don't really care what they're doing. I'm there to get back in shape and at the moment, they give me the same resources I'd be using at any other gym but slightly cheaper.
I played football, wrestled and was on the weight lifting team in high school. Before my accident years ago I uses to cycle 35-40 miles a day, 6-7 days a week and hit the gym hard so coming from that background I can see that Planet Fitness is a little light in some areas but they are targeting people that are starting out or are maintaining. I haven't been in the gym for years so that's fine for me until I get closer to my target and want to switch gears and start gaining muscle. Even then, my location does appear to be rare as far as having free weights.0 -
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I don't go there, but personally, I kind of like the idea of a place where people do not throw their weights around, sling chalk, and grunt like they're constipated. (All things I've observed at other gyms.)
Just my thoughts...0 -
I belong there as well, and i really have no complaints because it's real cheap, and close to my house. Yeah, they have their "rules" and whatnot, but i really don't give a s**it because i'm getting a decent workout there, as well as feeling great. My membership there is only temporary until my financial situation gets better, in which im getting back to martial arts training. I used to belong to traditional style gyms with lots of free weights and more equipment, but for now i'm content with what PF has to offer.0
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Nevermind..no reason to join this argument.....0
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Not every business caters to everyone. PF is a business and exists to make money, not to make people "fit". I don't think there is one in my town, but I have seen the ads and find them insulting. Obviously, they don't want my business, but there are gyms that do fit my needs. Seriously though, the want their bad rap. It makes them money and they are free to model their business in a way that is best for their bottom line.
I don't expect every gym I go to to have an olympic lifting platform and bumper plates (although it would be nice).
To those who think that all fit people are judging you, it's mostly you judging you. No one cares what you're doing unless you're using equipment they need.0 -
Ok so for those of us who have no experience with gym or are going under doctors advice. Im fat out of shape my diet sucks and ihate the gym. I go nobody gives me advice. Thank god. Its cheap easy and clean. Eventually i will join a better gym but for now im just riding the bike. Love exercising outside but weather and weird guys prevent it. And i never eat anything they serve. Not becauseciyscjunk but because i try to eat at scheduled times. So i usually eat before gym or in car. Its nice they offer snacks. And if i was hungry id eat it. Its my choice. Every person has to make the right decision for them selves.0
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It's also true that everyone is free to make fun of their business model.It makes them money and they are free to model their business in a way that is best for their bottom line.0 -
It's also true that everyone is free to make fun of their business model.It makes them money and they are free to model their business in a way that is best for their bottom line.
Of course you are. I was really thinking about the OP and the posters that think a gym should cater to everyone.
I doubt if PF executives cares that you are making fun of their business model. For me, it's the only good thing that PF provides.0 -
They didn't "get" a bad rep. They earned one
Intentionally. And they embrace it. Every time a fit person posts something negative about PF, it supports their approach. They want the legions of unfit people who are afraid of being around fit people.
^this
Planet Fitness doesn't have a reputation they haven't deserved...and it isn't at all accidental. It's pure marketing genius.0 -
I just came home from PF about an hour ago.
I did squats and dead lifts.
I make less than $1,000 a month. I pay $10 a month for PF. I literally can't afford to pay anymore than that. Works for me.
I get a little tired of reading these forums about PF because they make it seem like 100% of the people who go there are not committed to becoming healthy. There are a lot of incredibly fit people at my PF, and I consider myself to be extremely serious about fitness. I'm just also living pay check to pay check right now. When I was at Gold's or NYSC, I saw the same amount of people who were doing jack **** as I do at PF.
I think the real problem with Planet Fitness is their judgey "judgement free" zone. I have never experienced it at either of the two locations I've been to. There are quite a few "lunks" at my PF, which I appreciate because they were super helpful when I started lifting. If you're going to criticize PF, do it. Their marketing campaign is a mess. I'm not denying that. Some locations are way too judgmental for being a judgement free zone and their commercials can be offensive... but don't criticize the people who work out there. That's not fair.
Make a note in your calendar for April 2015 to give us an update on squatting and deadlifting in your PF facility then. If PF corporate has their way, your story will be very different by then. (I'd say by October 2014, but I want to give them enough time to implement their vision fully.)
Pro-tip: your barbell's days are numbered.0
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