Planet Fitness
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Actually if anything these threads sway me against the anti-PF rhetoric - its tiresome, and then becomes ridiculous when people start to compare it to genuine matters of discrimination. I understand their business model, and recognise that it likely wouldnt be for me even if I was anywhere near one. I can live with that.
The PF threads are half-full of people who have never intimidated anyone in their lives acting as if the marketing was aimed at attacking them when in reality it wasnt.
So youre saying when you read through product reviews, you like to see lots and lots of comments and jokes from people who have never used said product? Fair enough, but comments from people who have tried it out and then formed an opinion are often more helpful in my experience.
The marketing is ridiculous to me because once I went to a 'real' gym I found the guys PF pretends are super intimidating are often the most willing to share tips, help others, and be all around welcoming to new folks. Maybe that's just the gyms I've been to.
It's like 99% of them, and it's one of the learning experience that PF takes away from people. YOU are just like the LUNKS. You have the same goals. They started where you started. They have real knowledge about what works to provide to you.
I mean, have you read USMCMP's story?0 -
but that hasn't swayed your opinion of planet fitness has it? Or robbed you of your ability to make an informed decision. So really you prove my point (made over several posts, not just the one you quoted). People posting sh** about planet fitness on threads like these aren't going to stop people going to planet fitness if planet fitness is the best option for them......... but it gives useful information to people such as those of us into heavy lifting that planet fitness probably isn't the best option for them... so it's a win-win really.... everyone reads the information, puts it into context (which includes opinions like yours, above, which is that the negative reviews are just "noise") and does what suits them and will help them achieve their goals.
ETA: as an aside though, if a lot of negative feelings towards planet fitness comes from people who've seen their ads but not actually gone to a planet fitness gym......... then the only people to blame for that are planet fitness's very own marketing executives. But that's an aside to my main point, which is that people have enough brains and independence of thought to make their own decisions about whether or not to go to a gym or work out at home, or which gym to go to, and people who don't like planet fitness (whether due to having been there, having seen their ads or because they know it has policies that make heavy lifting nigh on impossible) can post their opinions about it and everyone else has enough cerebral cortex to be able to put those opinions into context.
Actually if anything these threads sway me against the anti-PF rhetoric - its tiresome, and then becomes ridiculous when people start to compare it to genuine matters of discrimination. I understand their business model, and recognise that it likely wouldnt be for me even if I was anywhere near one. I can live with that.
The PF threads are half-full of people who have never intimidated anyone in their lives acting as if the marketing was aimed at attacking them when in reality it wasnt.
So youre saying when you read through product reviews, you like to see lots and lots of comments and jokes from people who have never used said product? Fair enough, but comments from people who have tried it out and then formed an opinion are often more helpful in my experience.
If you aren't slightly intimidated by Neandermagon, let alone JoRocka, you're doing it wrong.
but... but.... this spear is for hunting mammoths, not intimidating people!
And the intellectual prowess? What's that for, hunh?0 -
I wasn't commenting on what kind of reviews I'd want to read........ I was arguing against someone who was saying that people shouldn't say negative things about planet fitness in case it puts beginners off when PF is their best option for fitness... my argument is that they're intelligent people and can make up their own minds, and put both positive and negative reviews in context.
As for people taking their marketing personally, i.e. thinking it's about them when you say it's not...... well that's Planet Fitness's problem. How people react to a company's marketing is purely the problem of that company. If people are put off from their product as a result of their marketing campaign, then the company (or its loyal customers) can't turn around and tell people "no, that's not what our marketing was supposed to make you think, you're supposed to take it like...." - instead they need to go and talk to their advertising department about why so many people are getting the wrong impression about them. So if their ads make me feel like I wouldn't be welcome at their not-a-gym then I won't go to it, and if people ask me my opinion I'll give it. If I got the wrong impression about them from their ads then that's not my responsibility, it's their marketing department's responsilibility. They're a company out to make money, not a charitable cause.
You are essentially saying wade through the mud to get the useful information. Im saying there probably doesnt need to be so much mud every single time, but it is what it is at this stage. People enjoy having things like PF to complain about.0 -
So, if I mention that most major cruise lines no longer offer parasailing because it's too dangerous, this information has no value because I've never been parasailing?
Arent you pretty much in here arguing with someone who wants to do SLs that they should be happy with a pull up bar, a ball and a book instead?0 -
I wasn't commenting on what kind of reviews I'd want to read........ I was arguing against someone who was saying that people shouldn't say negative things about planet fitness in case it puts beginners off when PF is their best option for fitness... my argument is that they're intelligent people and can make up their own minds, and put both positive and negative reviews in context.
As for people taking their marketing personally, i.e. thinking it's about them when you say it's not...... well that's Planet Fitness's problem. How people react to a company's marketing is purely the problem of that company. If people are put off from their product as a result of their marketing campaign, then the company (or its loyal customers) can't turn around and tell people "no, that's not what our marketing was supposed to make you think, you're supposed to take it like...." - instead they need to go and talk to their advertising department about why so many people are getting the wrong impression about them. So if their ads make me feel like I wouldn't be welcome at their not-a-gym then I won't go to it, and if people ask me my opinion I'll give it. If I got the wrong impression about them from their ads then that's not my responsibility, it's their marketing department's responsilibility. They're a company out to make money, not a charitable cause.
You are essentially saying wade through the mud to get the useful information. Im saying there probably doesnt need to be so much mud every single time, but it is what it is at this stage. People enjoy having things like PF to complain about.
No, because the negative reviews are useful for a lot of people too. People may not want to go to a gym that gives out pizzas and tootsie rolls if they're just starting to get used to eating a balanced diet.... people may want to go to a gym for heavy lifting.... people may want to go to a gym that isn't going to sound the lunk alarm if they grunt.... etc etc. People might be interested to know that it's hard to get out of their contract once you're in it and the cancellation fees are quite high.... and people who are not bothered by these things will likely decide to go to planet fitness anyway if that's the best option for them.0 -
Actually if anything these threads sway me against the anti-PF rhetoric - its tiresome, and then becomes ridiculous when people start to compare it to genuine matters of discrimination. I understand their business model, and recognise that it likely wouldnt be for me even if I was anywhere near one. I can live with that.
The PF threads are half-full of people who have never intimidated anyone in their lives acting as if the marketing was aimed at attacking them when in reality it wasnt.
So youre saying when you read through product reviews, you like to see lots and lots of comments and jokes from people who have never used said product? Fair enough, but comments from people who have tried it out and then formed an opinion are often more helpful in my experience.
The marketing is ridiculous to me because once I went to a 'real' gym I found the guys PF pretends are super intimidating are often the most willing to share tips, help others, and be all around welcoming to new folks. Maybe that's just the gyms I've been to.
Agreed, their adverts are definitely silly - but their marketing is memorable (and of course polarizing).
And yes, most gym rats are nice normal people who are all too happy to share the tons of info they have learned.
Though we still see threads on MFP from people who go to gyms and get laughed at and humiliated by people who are "in shape" and threads from those who are intimidated by a hardcore lifting environment.0 -
I dont see how you could read this thread and say "no" . The point remains that the best information has usually come from people who are members or have been members in the past. I did not at any point say there isnt room for negative reviews. But these threads end up filled with jokes, whinging and noise.
No, because the negative reviews are useful for a lot of people too. People may not want to go to a gym that gives out pizzas and tootsie rolls if they're just starting to get used to eating a balanced diet.... people may want to go to a gym for heavy lifting.... people may want to go to a gym that isn't going to sound the lunk alarm if they grunt.... etc etc. People might be interested to know that it's hard to get out of their contract once you're in it and the cancellation fees are quite high.... and people who are not bothered by these things will likely decide to go to planet fitness anyway if that's the best option for them.
Case in point heres a quote from the very first comment on this thread from someone who'd never been to one. Did it really add value to the OP ?
Dont ever expect to dead lift or squat...apparently they dont allow people who do anything else besides run on a treadmill...and I even think running is not allowed, as it may intimidate others.0 -
So, if I mention that most major cruise lines no longer offer parasailing because it's too dangerous, this information has no value because I've never been parasailing?
Arent you pretty much in here arguing with someone who wants to do SLs that they should be happy with a pull up bar, a ball and a book instead?
No. Her argument about Planet Fitness negativity is that it discourages newbies who are just trying to get into fitness because the alternative, a home gym, is cost and space prohibitive.
My suggestion that a reasonable (or even better) alternative for these hypothetical newbies is a progressive body weight program that is inexpensive and takes up very little room.
She comes back with the fact that her goal is a 300 pound deadlift.
I'm not sure how that goal addresses my suggestion of a home gym for newbies. Yeah, CC is a different program than StrongLifts. So what?
You can't do a 300lb deadlift at Planet Fitness - she, herself, changed gyms. And a newbie just getting in to exercise isn't going to have that as a goal.
You can do CC at home or at Planet Fitness or in a park or wherever you find yourself. I was doing uneven squats in my office the other day. I think the hypothetical newbie would be well-served by the CC programming, especially since it's pretty respected as a basic program by the lifters on here.0 -
So, if I mention that most major cruise lines no longer offer parasailing because it's too dangerous, this information has no value because I've never been parasailing?
Arent you pretty much in here arguing with someone who wants to do SLs that they should be happy with a pull up bar, a ball and a book instead?
No. Her argument about Planet Fitness negativity is that it discourages newbies who are just trying to get into fitness because the alternative, a home gym, is cost and space prohibitive.
My suggestion that a reasonable (or even better) alternative for these hypothetical newbies is a progressive body weight program that is inexpensive and takes up very little room.
She comes back with the fact that her goal is a 300 pound deadlift.
I'm not sure how that goal addresses my suggestion of a home gym for newbies. Yeah, CC is a different program than StrongLifts. So what?
You can't do a 300lb deadlift at Planet Fitness - she, herself, changed gyms. And a newbie just getting in to exercise isn't going to have that as a goal.
You can do CC at home or at Planet Fitness or in a park or wherever you find yourself. I was doing uneven squats in my office the other day. I think the hypothetical newbie would be well-served by the CC programming, especially since it's pretty respected as a basic program by the lifters on here.
Yeah....while noone needs a gym, chances are even at a restrictive gym, you'll have more equipment, weights and therefore options.0 -
So, if I mention that most major cruise lines no longer offer parasailing because it's too dangerous, this information has no value because I've never been parasailing?
Arent you pretty much in here arguing with someone who wants to do SLs that they should be happy with a pull up bar, a ball and a book instead?
No. Her argument about Planet Fitness negativity is that it discourages newbies who are just trying to get into fitness because the alternative, a home gym, is cost and space prohibitive.
My suggestion that a reasonable (or even better) alternative for these hypothetical newbies is a progressive body weight program that is inexpensive and takes up very little room.
She comes back with the fact that her goal is a 300 pound deadlift.
I'm not sure how that goal addresses my suggestion of a home gym for newbies. Yeah, CC is a different program than StrongLifts. So what?
You can't do a 300lb deadlift at Planet Fitness - she, herself, changed gyms. And a newbie just getting in to exercise isn't going to have that as a goal.
You can do CC at home or at Planet Fitness or in a park or wherever you find yourself. I was doing uneven squats in my office the other day. I think the hypothetical newbie would be well-served by the CC programming, especially since it's pretty respected as a basic program by the lifters on here.
Yeah....while noone needs a gym, chances are even at a restrictive gym, you'll have more equipment, weights and therefore options.
People have stated that Planet Fitness employees told them that a Smith Machine would teach them good squat form and was just as good for deadlifts. Learning perfect bodyweight squats would put you way ahead in that game.
Either way, throwing your hands up and saying that, "Yeah, Planet Fitness is restrictive, but there is no alternative" can and should be addressed. I did it by showing an actual example of a workable alternative and got a PM that my information was helpful0 -
This thread got me to looking around my new PF that I joined for the summer while the Uni. gym has such craptastic hours.
I have been twice since participating in this thread.
Some observations based solely on the one I visit.
From 7-9am in summer, it's a varied crowd.
Some clearly retired folks, doing cardio and weights
some 20 something males mostly doing weights
some teens who look like high school athletes doing primarily machines
some very, very overweight middle aged folks, doing the 30 minute workout stuff, and cardio (including one very overweight gentleman who clearly had diabetes and was using oxygen)... he was doing the 30 minute circuit and when I noticed him was doing the step-up thing.
I was probably in the oldest 1/3 or perhaps at the median of ages. I was definitely the fittest in my age group, but certainly not overall.
without going into much detail I also came to the conclusion that I probably have more discretionary money than virtually any one I've seen there. That's not a judgement, just an observation.
It's not empty. Quite a few folks there. But not too crowded to work out. And with one exception, (a boy who spent roughly 20 minutes on each machine, on his android phone, periodically moving some body part a small amount very quickly), everyone seemed to be really trying to better themselves physically. It looked like most chain gyms I've visited.
oh, and the "lunk alarm" isn't really *near* the free weights, making it an even sillier marketing schtick.
It's not much of a gym, but folks seemed to be making the most of it.
I also drove by a small family owned gym not too far away that I've never really taken note of. It had a sign outside, which is probably why I really noticed it, saying it had "one location world wide" and was something like $25 a month. If I decide I can't bear to go back to the Uni gym in fall (the smell, the grime, the music), I may check that place out.0 -
You are essentially saying wade through the mud to get the useful information. Im saying there probably doesnt need to be so much mud every single time, but it is what it is at this stage. People enjoy having things like PF to complain about.
That is in no way anyone's fault except the plethora of people who have absolutely no clue how to use a search function or Google.0 -
Golds is only $10 a month and they are awesome.
I pay $25 for Gold's but I have access to both locations in my town. I love Gold's. Unlike the other gym in my town the classes are free and Gold's is cheaper. Everyone is so friendly, employees and attendees. I really feel like it's a no judgement zone. I've been a member for more than four years.0 -
I go to PF, I love it.
Its the biggest gym in our location with lots of different work out options and classes.
And it's cheap.
I didnt read the whole thread so someone may have mentioned this, if you ask they should give you a 7 day no obligations trial.
Best of luck finding the right gym for you :flowerforyou:0 -
update. Planet Fitness by me has just gotten rid of all of the benches / incline benches and preacher curls. Apparently the corporate asshats decided that they really want to go as far as possible at being "judgment free" that they decide to completely isolate and remove anyone honestly looking to build muscle. They're replacing them with smith machines instead. Needless to say, screw planet fitness - I just canceled my membership.
If you're honest about wanting to get in shape and build muscle, save your money and go to a better gym for slightly more money, at least you won't be parading around a piece of crap establishment that doesn't actually care about people getting in shape.
As the website says "We’re not a gym. We’re Planet Fitness."0 -
I love my Planet Fitness. It has great cardio machines and a good selection of free weights. Its always super clean. I guess it depends on what you want the gym for. I just like to lift weights and do a little cardio so its perfect. I don't want to spend a crap ton of money on a gym that offers a bunch of classes that I don't use.0
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I live in Canada...so luckily, planet fitness is not an option. I have heard nothing but bad things about this gym due to its consistent hypocritical views on others and body image. They are the worst for judgement, even though they claim to be "judgement free".
Dont ever expect to dead lift or squat...apparently they dont allow people who do anything else besides run on a treadmill...and I even think running is not allowed, as it may intimidate others.
I do all of the following of that last paragraph and I go to planet fitness.0 -
The one by me has no barbells, power racks or squat racks. Largest dumb bells are 60lbs. I go there for Abs, forearms, or to watch people eat pizza if it is convenient. Otherwise I go to Retro or Golds.0
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The one by me has no barbells, power racks or squat racks. Largest dumb bells are 60lbs. I go there for Abs, forearms, or to watch people eat pizza if it is convenient. Otherwise I go to Retro or Golds.
I've heard one person describe it as a great second gym.0 -
I love my Planet Fitness. It has great cardio machines and a good selection of free weights. Its always super clean. I guess it depends on what you want the gym for. I just like to lift weights and do a little cardio so its perfect. I don't want to spend a crap ton of money on a gym that offers a bunch of classes that I don't use.
Amen!!!0 -
The one by me has no barbells, power racks or squat racks. Largest dumb bells are 60lbs. I go there for Abs, forearms, or to watch people eat pizza if it is convenient. Otherwise I go to Retro or Golds.
I've heard one person describe it as a great second gym.
Since this thread already his zombie status with the post before me I thought I could comment safely.
I use planet fitness exclusively for my lunch time cardio. For $10/a month and I go five days a week for forty minutes, it's perfect. I do all my strength training at a different gym after work.0 -
The one by me has no barbells, power racks or squat racks. Largest dumb bells are 60lbs. I go there for Abs, forearms, or to watch people eat pizza if it is convenient. Otherwise I go to Retro or Golds.
I've heard one person describe it as a great second gym.
Since this thread already his zombie status with the post before me I thought I could comment safely.
I use planet fitness exclusively for my lunch time cardio. For $10/a month and I go five days a week for forty minutes, it's perfect. I do all my strength training at a different gym after work.
Another benefit is that nobody is doing curls in the squat racks.0 -
I hate this place.0
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I've been a member off and on for 8 years (only off because we relocated and didn't have one here until 2012). Joined the one here two months before it even opened.
It depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for amenities, a lot of free weights and less cardio - then no, it's not for you. If you're a hardcore lifter - it's not for you. If you think that one morning where there are free bagels and one night where there's free pizza each month is this oh so horrible thing that's going to ruin people's lives or healthy living - then no, it's not for you. If Tootsie Rolls to you are the devil - definitely look somewhere else.
But if you're someone who's just looking to get healthier and does a decent amount of cardio and uses weight machines? Then hey, it's not so bad! :laugh: And that's where I am right now, until I actually get a personal trainer to freaking call me back at least! LOL0 -
I go to Planet Fitness and like it. The one I go to has squat racks, free weights, and barbells... I don't know what a power rack is so I can't say on that one lol. Anyways, the gym is really clean, and all machines/equipment are in good working order. When things break they are fixed promptly. It is perfect for me to go do my hour and a half of cardio and lifting, and grab a tootsie roll on the way out the door for my son (seriously, tootsie rolls make up for leaving.) All of that being said, I would not recommend it for a heavy lifter. Its great for someone trying to get into shape, not so much for someone already in shape, and trying to make gains (I seriously hope I said that correctly.) It really depends on your area. I would go ask for a walk through, thats what I did. Oh and I dont know if it is all of them, but with the one I attend the $10 membership does call for a $49 start up fee. The $20 membership is a $1 start up fee.0
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Ah yes, the PF thread.... I've now gone back to the Y. Here's whY: Health insurance now includes a discounted or free gym membership. My new insurance had a killer deal where I pay $25 a month and can go to ANY/ALL of 35 gyms in my town, and gyms across The U.S.. So... I'm going to a few different gyms, but mostly the Y. The Y was not worth 50 a month (which is what it had gone up to), but is worth $25. It's pretty good. It could use one more bench, and one more squat rack, but as early as I work out, it's not bad. I am also going to a couple of other gyms near by. Can't beat that.
PF was not on the list with my insurance company (I would have used it for noon cardio from time to time).0 -
I go to PF 4 times a week. Yep $10 a month no catches. I love it.0
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I will never go to a Planet Fitness. Too much drama associated with that place. I don't agree with a lot of the things that they do. I love my gym, Anytime Fitness! Very clean, any equipment I could want, never have to wait to use something because there's never more than 15 people in at once.0
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