Planet Fitness

Chowder_17

So, I can already work out on the military base for free, but their hours are limited and it's always crowded. I was thinking of giving Planet Fitness a go, since it's only $10-20 a month, plus I can tan for free.

What can you tell me about the gym? Are they crowded? How are weight/cardio equipment?

Give me the good, bad, and the ugly

live4turns

I'd also like to know about Planet Fitness...I've been a member of NYSC for a long time now but a Planet Fitness just opened up and they are $10/month...that is $50 less than what I pay now.

Chowder_17

BUMP

kag1526

We can't really tell you if they are crowded, it depends on the area, the one I go to isn't but that doesn't mean yours won't be.

Mine has a long row of each treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. Then two of most machines (the usual ones you find at most gyms)

Then it has a few of those multi excercise ones with different types of grips that people do many things with. A few racks that you can do weighted squats or other standing things with bar bells, a huge rack of handweights, a bench for bench presses, and area with mats for floor stuff and some weighted balls and balance balls.

I think that covers most of it.

NanP135

I use Planet Fitness and there is plentyof cardio equipment, but I have been to a few of them and they do vary. I am going to a brand new one and it is clean and well stocked with machines. The only thing I think they need more of are bicycles. As far as crowded I expect it to be crowded until mid february whne the new years people all stop exercising like they do every year. also it depeds on what hours you plan on going mine is open 24 hours.....

Good luck

Nancy

KimmieBrie

My PF is newer.... lots of cardio equip etc. Never used the tanning but the booths are there.


The one I go to is crowded in the evening... very crowded till about 730-8p and it was that way before the new year. It's just a busy gym because it's so inexpensive.

I also go to BSC (probably similar to NYSC) - so for comparison - BSC is cleaner, has more amenities in the shower/locker room (but I don't shower at PF just BSC) BSC has towel service, classes and a sauna, PF does not. Some BSCs have a pool - not sure if your NYSC does but PF doesn't.

thefuzz1290

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a gym. They have pizza and bagel parties for their customers (guess to keep them coming back) and they have that lunk alarm that sounds if you make the slightest noise while exercising. Deadlifts aren't allowed and squats are frowned upon. The PF closest to me has dumb bells that only go up to 50lbs.

If you're going to the gym just to get on a treadmill, buy one with a no interest credit card and pay $10 a month. If you want to get serious and not be afraid of having your workout cut short by being kicked out for "grunting" (or making any other noise for that matter), then go somewhere else.

TheGeezNeez

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a gym. They have pizza and bagel parties for their customers (guess to keep them coming back) and they have that lunk alarm that sounds if you make the slightest noise while exercising. Deadlifts aren't allowed and squats are frowned upon. The PF closest to me has dumb bells that only go up to 50lbs.

If you're going to the gym just to get on a treadmill, buy one with a no interest credit card and pay $10 a month. If you want to get serious and not be afraid of having your workout cut short by being kicked out for "grunting" (or making any other noise for that matter), then go somewhere else.

I agree with you completely. I went to Planet Fitness recently with a friend and was apalled at the bagel & pizza parties, especially since they are a sponser of Biggest Loser. Also, they are supposed to promote a "no judgement" atmosphere, yet as you said before, they have the Lunk Alarm. That is considered judging, correct?

However, if you are looking for a inexpensive gym membership to get started I think they will fill that need. I personally don't like their treadmills. It may seem silly, but the treadmills at my gym have more options, such as an interval button.

ashlielinn

Honestly, I absolutely love it. It definitely depends on the person, though. I don't need any structure or classes or extras. Gives me some cardio machines and weights, and I'm good to go. Mine's been pretty crowded since the new year started (selfishly, I can't wait until people stop caring about their resolutions lol) and they have enough equipment that I've never had to wait for anything.

AmyLRed

pzza and bagel parties? under what premise? how do they even pretend that makes sense?!?!

KimmieBrie

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a gym. They have pizza and bagel parties for their customers (guess to keep them coming back) and they have that lunk alarm that sounds if you make the slightest noise while exercising. Deadlifts aren't allowed and squats are frowned upon. The PF closest to me has dumb bells that only go up to 50lbs.

If you're going to the gym just to get on a treadmill, buy one with a no interest credit card and pay $10 a month. If you want to get serious and not be afraid of having your workout cut short by being kicked out for "grunting" (or making any other noise for that matter), then go somewhere else.

This depends on a person gym needs. The machines there are the same as any other gym. Some people don't need heavier free weights or do dead lifts. Although I know they do Pizza - I have yet to see it. I have also yet to hear a lunk alarm go off. I would never discourage anyone from joining a gym. What PF provides is certainly better than nothing and it's inexpensive and has free training for the newbie.

My house doesn't have room for a treadmill/elliptical/home gym - we also move around due to my husbands job and I'm not lugging all that stuff with us every time. The black card allows us to use any PF when we travel.

I don't understand why people feel the need to discourage a person from going to any gym or putting it down because they don't prefer it. There are a lot of fantastic fit sexy bodies walking around my PF. Whatever works for you.

LuciaLongIsland

NO pizza and bagels at mine, but call and ask first. The gym is spotless. They have your basic machines and weights. No classes. It depends what you are looking for. Bodybuilders would not be happy as it is not a place with extremely hogh end machines, as I don't even know what that is. The people are friendly and no one is looking at you or judging you like I have heard other gyms do. It is so inexpensive and yes does have tanning and a massage chair. No pool. it depends on what you are looking for and your budget.

LuciaLongIsland

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a gym. They have pizza and bagel parties for their customers (guess to keep them coming back) and they have that lunk alarm that sounds if you make the slightest noise while exercising. Deadlifts aren't allowed and squats are frowned upon. The PF closest to me has dumb bells that only go up to 50lbs.

If you're going to the gym just to get on a treadmill, buy one with a no interest credit card and pay $10 a month. If you want to get serious and not be afraid of having your workout cut short by being kicked out for "grunting" (or making any other noise for that matter), then go somewhere else.

This depends on a person gym needs. The machines there are the same as any other gym. Some people don't need heavier free weights or do dead lifts. Although I know they do Pizza - I have yet to see it. I have also yet to hear a lunk alarm go off. I would never discourage anyone from joining a gym. What PF provides is certainly better than nothing and it's inexpensive and has free training for the newbie.

My house doesn't have room for a treadmill/elliptical/home gym - we also move around due to my husbands job and I'm not lugging all that stuff with us every time. The black card allows us to use any PF when we travel.

I don't understand why people feel the need to discourage a person from going to any gym or putting it down because they don't prefer it. There are a lot of fantastic fit sexy bodies walking around my PF. Whatever works for you.

THIS!

LuciaLongIsland

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a gym. They have pizza and bagel parties for their customers (guess to keep them coming back) and they have that lunk alarm that sounds if you make the slightest noise while exercising. Deadlifts aren't allowed and squats are frowned upon. The PF closest to me has dumb bells that only go up to 50lbs.

If you're going to the gym just to get on a treadmill, buy one with a no interest credit card and pay $10 a month. If you want to get serious and not be afraid of having your workout cut short by being kicked out for "grunting" (or making any other noise for that matter), then go somewhere else.

I agree with you completely. I went to Planet Fitness recently with a friend and was apalled at the bagel & pizza parties, especially since they are a sponser of Biggest Loser. Also, they are supposed to promote a "no judgement" atmosphere, yet as you said before, they have the Lunk Alarm. That is considered judging, correct?

However, if you are looking for a inexpensive gym membership to get started I think they will fill that need. I personally don't like their treadmills. It may seem silly, but the treadmills at my gym have more options, such as an interval button.

I have NEVER seen pizza and yes it is a no lunk zone. It is perfect for me and being so negative is not nice.

KEN1013

love planet fitness,,,im a purple lover and yellow colors,,very youthful,,,love the music too,,everything is what is now on the billboard charts...nice big locker rooms/showers,,,,on every first monday they give you pizza,,and the second tuesday bagel and coffee,,i never eat thou:embarassed: ,,,,IT IS A JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE,,,i went to ask did they have a scale just to get a different number then the one at home and he says ah NO we dont judge you so you cant judge yourself,,,and crazy thing is that it was great to hear,,,no hidden fee too:bigsmile: ,,,,now about the tanning,,,sorry i cant help you on that:ohwell: :laugh:

thefuzz1290

I claimed to be nice, but I'm honest. I never discouraged anyone to join, I just stated my opinion that they're a joke. When you're not allowed to deadlift (which you can get kicked out from moving a bench press bar to the floor) and can't squat safely (you risk injury on the Smith Machine), you rule out the two most effective weight training exercises.

This is taken straight from their corporate website:

• On our once-a-month Pizza Night, we give away 120,000 slices. That's more than 1.4 million slices of pizza a year.
• We hand out more than a million Tootsie Rolls every month.

If they were really concerned about their member's health, they wouldn't hand out candy and give away free pizza.

Now they may not use the lunk alarm that much anymore after they got sued by a guy getting kicked out from doing squats on the Smith Machine. But the fact that it exists is an insult gyms everywhere. Working out is about exerting force and pushing your body to its limits, and sometimes people make noises (men and women alike). To be punished for pushing yourself to improve contradicts their "no judgement zone" philosophy.

withervein

We got one in our town recently, and I went to check it out, but I don't care to be somewhere to train when I can't push myself with weights. I would say that I am hardly a "lunk" and I don't give two ****s if you wanna do 100 reps with a 2 pound hand weight, that's you and your thing, but I DO want to be able to rack up some weight on a bar for deadlifts and squats. And if I'm going to go for a PR, yeah, I'm likely gonna make a bit of noise while asserting myself against gravity's cruel laws, setting off that ever-so-nonjudgmental alarm.

caitmarshhh

I LOVE Planet Fitness. I joined at the beginning of last summer and just transferred my membership to one by school so I can continue going. Both gyms have lots of cardio equipment. It's obviously going to be busy around like 4 - 8 (when people get off of work) but still I've never had trouble finding an open machine. They also give you a calendar that show their busiest times so you can try to avoid them.

The whole idea behind Planet Fitness is that it's a "judgement free zone". They don't want big beefy men showing everyone up and making them feel as though they're inadequate, which is why they don't have really heavy weights and also why they have the "lunk alarm". I've never ever heard the alarm go off - I think it's more of a reminder.

The pizza and bagels once a month also goes along with the idea of being "judgement free". It's not that they don't want you to lose weight or be healthy, but they don't want you to feel like you need to be eating nothing but salads. I've never eaten either but I think that's the idea they're going for. Maybe this isn't the best approach but I think it gets the point across.

If you get the $10 a month membership there's no commitment so you can cancel whenever you want. The $20 membership gets you free tanning, massage chairs, you can bring a guest whenever you want, and you can visit other gyms as well.

Another thing I love is the circuit workout area. There's 10 machines that give you a full body workout. It if weren't for this I'd have no idea what machines to use.

Anyways just look at their website for more information. I definitely recommend joining. Unless you're like a bodybuilder or something, they'll absolutely have what you need.

caitmarshhh

I LOVE Planet Fitness. I joined at the beginning of last summer and just transferred my membership to one by school so I can continue going. Both gyms have lots of cardio equipment. It's obviously going to be busy around like 4 - 8 (when people get off of work) but still I've never had trouble finding an open machine. They also give you a calendar that show their busiest times so you can try to avoid them.

The whole idea behind Planet Fitness is that it's a "judgement free zone". They don't want big beefy men showing everyone up and making them feel as though they're inadequate, which is why they don't have really heavy weights and also why they have the "lunk alarm". I've never ever heard the alarm go off - I think it's more of a reminder.

The pizza and bagels once a month also goes along with the idea of being "judgement free". It's not that they don't want you to lose weight or be healthy, but they don't want you to feel like you need to be eating nothing but salads. I've never eaten either but I think that's the idea they're going for. Maybe this isn't the best approach but I think it gets the point across.

If you get the $10 a month membership there's no commitment so you can cancel whenever you want. The $20 membership gets you free tanning, massage chairs, you can bring a guest whenever you want, and you can visit other gyms as well.

Another thing I love is the circuit workout area. There's 10 machines that give you a full body workout. It if weren't for this I'd have no idea what machines to use.

Anyways just look at their website for more information. I definitely recommend joining. Unless you're like a bodybuilder or something, they'll absolutely have what you need.

hjfischer

I just joined last night. I went over to the PF by my office and thought, if they are pushy sales people like 24-Hour Fitness, I am outta here. The guy was nice. He specifically told me that it is a Judgement Free Zone, there are no bodybuilder types there, it is for people that want to work out and move on with their lives. It was clean, small, had new equipment. The ladies locker room was clean, didn't smell sweaty. I pay $19.99 a month (higher rates in SF), but that is the Black membership. I can bring a guest with me every time I go, I get free tanning (YEAH) and reduced prices on drinks. Overall, I am looking forward to going. I have no clue how busy it will be at lunchtime, but I go for the weights not the cardio.

Good luck!

thefuzz1290

But you were just judgmental against "big beefy men," or "lunks" as PF calls them. I can honestly tell, from working out in gyms ranging from Golds and LA Fitness, to World Gym where all the WCW wrestlers and pro/semi-pro bodybuilders worked out, to my current gym which is geared towards body builders and power lifters, the guys in there lifting heavy weights aren't judging you. They're not looking down on you. They just want to workout.

PF has created this paranoia that physically fit people automatically judge non-physically fit people. That's typically not the case (there is always one idiot out there) and your fellow PF members are probably judging you more so, because they may be more insecure with their bodies. Heck, I've done a deadlift workout next to a power lifter who asked to borrow my plates when I was done. Just like bowling, we took turns, and he actually helped me with my form. He didn't judge that I was lifting 200lbs less than him.

slashkiss

Wait ... what is wrong with Pizza and Bagels?!

I go to PF mainly because they are the cheapest gym in town and have locations that are close to my home and work. I am a working mother and convienence is most important when it comes to a gym. They have plenty of machines and weights so I am able to get a good workout in everyday. They are open 24 hours during the week so I can work out when I have the time. Some of the gyms get a bit busy in the evenings from January - March but that dies down once people forget about their resolutions. Even when they are "busy" I can always find an elliptical or treatmill and never seem to have to wait for any of the weight machines. Overall ... for $20 a month I feel like I am getting my money's worth.

As for the pizza, bagels and tootsie rolls ... I think they are trying to show people that they don't have to give up their "favorite foods" just to be healthier. A tootsie roll is less than 25 calories and is a nice sweet treat after working out for 1-2 hours. I ate a frozen pizza for dinner last night because I was absolutely craving one and I didn't manage to go over my goal calories for the day. PF is promoting a healthier lifestyle change for "normal" people and let's be honest for most people pizza, bagels and tootsie rolls are still going to be a part of their life from time to time. I don't see how a once a month pizza party where someone works out and then eats a slice is somehow promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. I guess I just just view it differently that PF is trying to help people realize they can still enjoy all those horrible bad but tasty foods in moderation and in conjunction with a more active lifestyle.

/my 2 cents

japruzze

I've been a "regular" Planet Fitness member for years. I pay the $10 a month. Love it. It has everything I need, is in a good location and the hours work for me. January and February are brutal as all the "resolutionists" are there so it can be pretty crowded. But history has shown that by late Feb, early March they will have given up and gone home. Like any gym, it has its moments. But for the most part, its just regular people (no lunks as they call them) wanting to get healthy and wlling to work at it.

bshedwick

I have NEVER seen pizza and yes it is a no lunk zone. It is perfect for me and being so negative is not nice.

Agreed. I've never seen the Pizza or Bagels at my gym. Maybe it's because I'm not there at the times they have it, but I don't care.

No one ever said that if it's there, you have to eat it. Willpower people. Willpower.

I find that PF has all of the things I need. Treadmills, bikes, dumbells, and a good amount of machines.

If its convenient for you, then its worth it. The best gym membership is the one that you will actually use.

I guess you are not going to be able to become a champion power lifter at PF, but it works for me.

KimmieBrie

But you were just judgmental against "big beefy men," or "lunks" as PF calls them. I can honestly tell, from working out in gyms ranging from Golds and LA Fitness, to World Gym where all the WCW wrestlers and pro/semi-pro bodybuilders worked out, to my current gym which is geared towards body builders and power lifters, the guys in there lifting heavy weights aren't judging you. They're not looking down on you. They just want to workout.

PF has created this paranoia that physically fit people automatically judge non-physically fit people. That's typically not the case (there is always one idiot out there) and your fellow PF members are probably judging you more so, because they may be more insecure with their bodies. Heck, I've done a deadlift workout next to a power lifter who asked to borrow my plates when I was done. Just like bowling, we took turns, and he actually helped me with my form. He didn't judge that I was lifting 200lbs less than him.

Who's being judgemental? I'm just saying - just because it doesn't fit your needs doesn't mean it's a joke. I've also belonged to several gyms in my lifetime due to moving around and price fluctuations and while some excelled in areas where others didn't none were a joke - except the Gold's gym that was supposed to open, never did, but took everyone's money - that was a bad joke. Different strokes for different folks. It may not fit you, but certainly fits others. I don't attend PF VS another gym because I am afraid more fit people will judge me. Those are big assumptions. I go for price and convenience. I have been to other gyms with the heavy lifters - the body builders - and they were awesome and helpful!

I get what you are saying... but it hardly applies to everyone.

I don't care where or how you work out - just work out. Like you, I just want to work out. I don't care about the presence or lack of pizza, bagels, etc. My needs are just different than yours is all. Some people are super fit and never even step foot in a gym. Whatever works.

caitmarshhh

But you were just judgmental against "big beefy men," or "lunks" as PF calls them. I can honestly tell, from working out in gyms ranging from Golds and LA Fitness, to World Gym where all the WCW wrestlers and pro/semi-pro bodybuilders worked out, to my current gym which is geared towards body builders and power lifters, the guys in there lifting heavy weights aren't judging you. They're not looking down on you. They just want to workout.

PF has created this paranoia that physically fit people automatically judge non-physically fit people. That's typically not the case (there is always one idiot out there) and your fellow PF members are probably judging you more so, because they may be more insecure with their bodies. Heck, I've done a deadlift workout next to a power lifter who asked to borrow my plates when I was done. Just like bowling, we took turns, and he actually helped me with my form. He didn't judge that I was lifting 200lbs less than him.

I don't think I was judging them - more so describing. But I think many people would be more intimidated going to a gym geared towards bodybuilders than going to a gym such as Planet Fitness. Their "no judgement zone" emphasis is just a marketing approach. It helps make people feel more accepted and comfortable.

But anyways, I'm not saying Planet is the best gym in the world, it just works for me. Everyone should find someplace where they are given the tools they need to reach their goals and feel comfortable.

Chowder_17

Thanks for the replies everyone! I don't care what type of people go to what gym (expect for people who don't clean up their weights or sit around and do nothing), so the fact that "bodybuilders" can't go or whatever is not a selling point for me. I'm military and need to drop baby weight, so when I work out, I work out hard. I do weight 5X a week and cardio at least 3X. The main things I care about is decent cardio equip, dumbells, cables, and a few benches for my DB.

I can work out for free (as I mentioned earlier) at the base gym, but it's always too crowded when I try to go.

Nopedotjpeg

If your workout doesn't include any of their "banned lifts" (I believe this varies franchise to franchise) then it can work well.

jennabugg0930

I LOVE planet fitness! Yes they do the Pizza and Bagels ONCE a month but who cares? Just don't eat it. The atmosphere is wonderful. The staff are always so nice and friendly. There is a wide range of people that go. It is appealing to Young, Old, Big, Small....It really doesnt matter. It definitely favors Cardio over weight training. But it has tons of Circuit machines. I love the 30min circuit because it's both Cardio AND weights. Each location is different of course but I have been a member for a couple years now and have been to 2 local locations and I've enjoyed both places. When I check in I always get a nice "Have a good workout" from the staff at the counter.

jennabugg0930

Thanks for the replies everyone! I don't care what type of people go to what gym (expect for people who don't clean up their weights or sit around and do nothing), so the fact that "bodybuilders" can't go or whatever is not a selling point for me. I'm military and need to drop baby weight, so when I work out, I work out hard. I do weight 5X a week and cardio at least 3X. The main things I care about is decent cardio equip, dumbells, cables, and a few benches for my DB.

I can work out for free (as I mentioned earlier) at the base gym, but it's always too crowded when I try to go.

How crowded it gets really has to do with the time of day. Only time I've noticed my gym really busy is right after work hours...so 6ish. But there are SO many machines that even at a busy time it doesnt seem that bad.

Gallowmere1984

Planet Fitness is the biggest joke of a gym. They have pizza and bagel parties for their customers (guess to keep them coming back) and they have that lunk alarm that sounds if you make the slightest noise while exercising. Deadlifts aren't allowed and squats are frowned upon. The PF closest to me has dumb bells that only go up to 50lbs.

If you're going to the gym just to get on a treadmill, buy one with a no interest credit card and pay $10 a month. If you want to get serious and not be afraid of having your workout cut short by being kicked out for "grunting" (or making any other noise for that matter), then go somewhere else.

What he said.

I'm sorry, any gym that has "banned lifts" isn't a gym. They didn't even tell me what I could and couldn't do with the barbell in my high school weight room. It's nothing more than trying to nurture the feelings of the untermensch who might be intimidated by someone's lifting progress. There's a reason that their damned dumbells don't get any heavier, and many of them don't even HAVE a squat rack or even a free barbell (all smith machines).