Planet Fitness

hjfischer

I am a fairly new member. I have the $20 membership. It does not have all the classes, pool, sauna that I normally like, but HEY, it is $20 a month and I get to tan and bring a friend every time I go. Bonus! You get what you pay for. If you want a ton of classes, pools, saunas, basketball, etc., then you can pay for it. Me, not so much. I prefer to run outside, so I go there for the weights. Works for me.

joyous504

I'm a member at Planet Fitness in Albuquerque, NM and I love it. My favorite machine, that really burns calories, is The Arc fitness trainer. They also offer a circuit training area which is a lot like Curves. I pay $20 a month and that allows me to workout at any of the gyms, unlimited tanning, red light therapy, and haircuts. This gym has contributed to my continued weight loss.

yoovie

We pitched a fit at our planet fitness for doing pizza night- in the gym. We went off. How on earth are we supposed to work out when we think we are running circles in a pizzeria?????

They compromised and started doing these vegan baked tomato crisps things- but the smell still messes up your workout in the worst way- Im glad pizza night is only a couple hours on one day of the month.

Annnnd that is probably why Mondays I go in the AM

Ajones33

No classes, personal training, saunas, pools, etc.... just basic machines and that is it. They have a very strict "No cell phone" policy and will yell at you if you are on your phone while in the gym.

My gym had free bagel and cream cheese night and free pizza night.... and they have tootsie rolls everywhere!!! I am not a fan of that as I go to the gym to lose weight and be healthy... not to be tempted by smelling greasy pizza the whole time I'm on the treadmill!

My Planet Fitness has classes, personal training and they don't place the pizza anywhere near people exercising, in fact it's in it's own room.

I suggest for people curious to go on a walk through of that particular gym and see if you find any 'problems' people are listing. A good idea for a walk through is to go at a time you will be actually going to the gym so you can see how crowded it is and the people who are there..(not to judge!) to see what machines/weights they are using so you know if there will be room.

chell53

I love it..............the people are friendly, talk to you like a person and not stupid...........as for the Pizza Night it is only the first MONDAY of every MONTH and no Bagels.............that doesn't bother me because I go to use the equipment not to judge people and what they choose to eat or when...........

Classalete

I was a member when PF was just starting out in my area and it was the place to be...Super cheap, had plenty of free weights and the place was clean for the most part. Then the cooperate mandates starting coming in as popularity grew...and the quality of the gym deteriorated. They removed half of the free-weights replacing them with assisted machines that offer no versatility and consistent stain. They put in the 'lunk' alarm and various other modes of propaganda that hold all the segregation and tasteless 'exclusions' that one would have found in Germany during the 40's-50's.And worst of all the place started getting crowded...which brought more foul BO to the gym.

Needless to say I had to call it quits.

Overall PF is a great place for people whom are just interested in the bare essentials of fitness. If you're just trying to get in shape because your doctor or family has been pressuring you to do so...Start at PF. If you're looking for a more serious facility that caters heavily toward muscular development...look elsewhere.

One last gripe..I never fully wrapped my head about their whole 'judgment free' zone...It's aggravatingly contradictory at a minimum. They want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in their own skin in their gym...okay...got it, completely understandable...but why go so far out of your way to put down everyone who's actually worked hard for their physique and wants to perpetuate that success??

The world isn't all cupcakes and rainbows...You're gonna take a lot of shots before you become anybody worth talking about. So grow some thicker skin, put your man pants on, and quit making excuses or blaming variables for your own shortcomings.

That's all I got, thanks for your time.

kriggs1976

I am a member and I love it. It is the only gym that I have gone to, that I want to go back. There is no judgement. And yeah they have pizza night, but I don't have to eat it. I love the unlimited massages, and the fact that I can bring someone with me every day if I want to FOR FREE. And they are not badgered to join or buy something.

I am always greeted with a smile and the workers are quick to answer any questions I might have on how to work a machine. No, there is not a pool or a sauna, but no one really misses them anyway. The one I go to just opened last week and I have not heard anyone complaining about a thing.

I for one could not get 30 days of working out for $20 anywhere else.

southernyankee716

Ah, I would never join a gym that had pizza night! My old gym was right next door to a Mexican restaurant and that was torture enough.

That being said, I'm a member of World Gym. This is the best gym I've ever belonged to. The amenities vary by location and I'm not sure how far you're willing to travel but there is one less than 15 miles from you. I love that they're open 24 hours, they have various classes (something for everyone), a women's only fitness area, tanning and childcare. Their plans are very affordable - mine is $10.00 month with a small yearly maintenance fee. You can join without a contract and they are upfront about everything, unlike some gyms.

Most gyms offer a free 7 day pass. I would suggest you take advantage of this. Get a free pass to multiple gyms you're considering (but one at a time) Go as many times as you can to see which gym best meets you're criteria. Whatever you decide- good luck!


Edited to add the link to World Gym (just in case ): http://www.worldgym.com/index.php?page=localGym&gymId=1174

kateroot

I'm a member, but I don't love it. It's fine for cardio, but the lunk alarm is obnoxious and if you're serious about strength training you really can't get a good workout in with the limited equipment/weights they offer and all of their stupid rules. I pretty much go for cardio and tanning, and do the bulk of my strength training at another gym where I'm also a member.

MoreThanMommie

This thread made me want to join!! There isn't one close to me.

MoreThanMommie

What is the lunk alarm? What does it do?

yoovie

Maybe Im spoiled because the PF here in NYC is 24/7 3 stories (an express/weights floor, a cardio floor and a hard core weights floor out of everyone's way) comes with classes (choose between class of 5 or class of 20) - there is tanning, massage, red light therapy, 12 free weight areas scattered in various areas, everything is techno-advanced and guys and girls are equals.

Nopedotjpeg

Some have squat racks. Some don't. I did some lifting at PF for a little while with nobody bothering me. I would Overhead Press in front of their "No overhead pressing" sign on multiple occasions without anyone fussing. One early morning when I was trying to learn the Power Clean, I had their "personal trainer" come up and tell me that's not allowed and neither were any floor lifts now. I talked to the guy at the front desk about it, and asked why they JUST started to use/enforce these rules, and he told me because the franchise owner came through and made them start enforcing it. I quit later that day.

I'm fine with trying to cater to newbies, and maybe not having some more advanced things like Glute Ham Raise machines or a monolift or even not having a power cage, but to outright ban lifts because they look "intimidating" or they consider them a "bodybuilding or powerlifting exercise" is incredibly stupid.

I also later found out from some research that the Planet Fitness I went to, which had squat racks, bench presses, and barbells, was rather rare, and most of the new ones just have machines and try to act like a smith machine is an adequate replacement to a bench and a squat rack. So yeah, my stance on Planet Fitness: never again.

LorinaLynn

What is the lunk alarm? What does it do?

It's a blinking light and siren that goes off, in theory, if someone drops their weights or shows off excessively.

In over a year of going, I've only heard the alarm go off about four times and never witnessed the offensive.

yoovie

I witnessed the offense once- on the receiving end of it. I was doing seated row and this guy was directly in my line of sight. He started tossing these 25 pound dumbbells from hand to hand, then started tossing them up in the air and catching them. Thne started trying to practice going under and between his legs, he was messing with my counts and trying to get my attention off my workout.

He was barely dressed, making love to the mirror (as opposed to watching proper form- its not watching form when you actually make the kissy faces at your biceps), tossing weights, literally, around the whole area. Then he dropped one eventually and this mom comes RunninG over and pulls the lunk alarm like she'd just been WAITING for him to screw up.

Hahaha

Was worth the extra set

LittleMissNerdy

I think the most important thing that we can all agree on is to do your research before you join a gym. If you want/need classes, make sure the gym offers it. Want a pool? You might end up paying more. Want something simple? Need flexible hours? These are all things you should find out before you sign any contract.

sproeber89

I joined Planet Fitness recently, love it so far. I've never had the lunk alarm go off in the gym and I asked the manager about it on the tour and she said they're the ones most embarassed to put it on so they avoid it all costs. I love that it has what I need, basic machines, basic strength training and some extras like tanning and the massage chairs. The one I belong to is VERY clean, multiple times I've seen the manager deep cleaning the machines and the bathrooms are spotless. It doesn't have that 'gym' smell.

As for the pizza, tootsie rolls, and bagels, so what? It's a good test for those who don't want them and it's a good thing for someone who wants to give themselves a treat. I like that I can take my fiance with anytime with my black card, it eliminates the two memberships when all he'll use is the cardio equipment.

Overall everyone should make their own choices with a gym, everyone has different preferences and needs for a gym. The good thing is there is a gym for EVERYONE.

luvJOJO

the lunk alarm goes off all the time at my gym lol
I never hear exactly what causes it to go off but I can hear the alarm over my music

JamesBurkes

I knew about the lunk alarm and judgemental "no judgement" policy, which is why I'd never go.

But overhead pressing is banned? What, even shoulder presses (as opposed to clean and jerk etc)?

cardiokitten

I love it, but I guess it really all depends on the individual ones you go to. Mine is super crowded after 4pm, the treadmills are pretty much perpetually full

mfisher16508

I was for about a year, worked great, its perfect for weight loss, except I love to swim and play racquetball on occasio for fun, sooooo I rejoined the ymca, plus the ymca has childcare free of charge. Its whatever works for you.

mary

Phanatical

I love Planet Fitness. I have a spinning bike at home so I only go for the machines, but I will jump on the elliptical or treadmill here and there. As a young girl I was a bit intimidated at first but everyone at my location is super sweet and willing to help me learn. I also love that as a Black Card member ($20/mo) I can use the Beauty Angel red light therapy, which in only two sessions has faded almost completely away 99% of the scars I have. I don't need to do things like grunt or make loud noises, and I find the Lunk Alarm pretty hilarious (even though it only goes off like once every six trips), so that stuff never bothers me.

My gym is spotless, and I always see them cleaning. I would say almost all of the patrons are great at wiping the machines after use, but I always wipe pre- and post-workout just to be safe.

Also, in my experience they've always been great about cancellations and such. I had to cancel once when I broke both feet (long story) and everything went perfectly smoothly. Overall I love it as it's perfect for my needs.

LadyKT

Maybe Im spoiled because the PF here in NYC is 24/7 3 stories (an express/weights floor, a cardio floor and a hard core weights floor out of everyone's way) comes with classes (choose between class of 5 or class of 20) - there is tanning, massage, red light therapy, 12 free weight areas scattered in various areas, everything is techno-advanced and guys and girls are equals.

Ooooh....i go to a PF in NJ but i'm a black card member....i also work in NYC so going to the NYC one might not be a problem. Hmmmm.....

*I should add that the one by me (ok it's 15 minutes...but it's the closest) is kinda crummy. Half the weight machines are broken and really the only purpose it serves is cardio. I'm looking for a bit more than cardio....

chevy88grl

Honestly?

I wouldn't go to PF if someone paid me.

For supposedly being a "judgement free zone" their commercials come across as pretty judgmental. Sorry, but just because you are in shape, lift heavy or whatever -- doesn't mean you are an idiot who "picks things up and puts them down". People who are in excellent shape, lift heavy and such are NOT all morons. And to insinuate such is .. well, pretty damn judgmental. And really? A lunk alarm? What the heck? I've been a member of three different gyms (Snap Fitness, a locally owned gym and now Powerhouse Gym) and have heard grunting and such and NEVER have I been intimidated. I was definitely not the "gym type" when I first started and was never put off by someone who was working hard and grunting. That's just plain silly.

And really? A gym who has pizza night and tootsie rolls on the counter? Are you kidding me? Get real.

pbxr

I had a very positive experience with the Planet Fitness in Shelby, NC. I am a member of another gym here in Missouri (there isn't a PF) and had been losing weight for about a year when my family took a trip to see extended family in NC for Christmas. We were to be there for about 2 weeks and I was terrified that with the holiday eating temptations AND the lack of going to the gym that I would start gaining.

There was a billboard for the brand new PF in town very close to my dad's house and they were offering $1 memberships. I went to see them, explained my situation, and asked if I could join for just 2 weeks (would I need to pay additional money, etc.). The manager there was AWESOME. He not only gave me the $1 membership, I got the free t-shirt. After I recommended them to a couple of friends (in the 2 weeks I was there), I got another free t-shirt. I was able to stick to my goals because of that PF and they genuinely seemed more concerned about my fitness goals than making money. I know that all the PF franchises are independently owned, but this one made a great impression on me.

hbrittingham

I've belonged to PF for almost 3 years and I love it. I guess it's how each one is run because there are plenty of free weights at the one I belong to. Pizza is only the first Monday night of the month, bagels are only the first Tuesday morning of the month and there are tootsie rolls at the front counter. Nobody is forcing anyone to eat anything. In the time I've been there, I haven't had any of the food they offer. I am usually leaving as they bring the pizza in. It smells good, but self control is a wonderful thing.

Grunting isn't frowned upon at our gym. I do hear the alarm go off occasionally, but have no clue who has done what because I have my music on. The staff is super nice and they greet me by name when I come and go. The gym is clean, the machines are all in well maintained condition and there are plenty of machines to choose from.

I personally have no use for classes or a pool/sauna, so those aren't things I miss. The gym is 2 miles from my office and 1 1/2 miles from my house, so it really couldn't be more convenient.

Skeemer118

I thought BL advertised 24 Hour Fitness?

thefuzz1290

Ditto on never ever going to work out there. Exertion is part of exercise, and sometimes you let an involuntary grunt. Just imagine if someone sounded an alarm during sex for letting out an involuntary moan, that's the lunk alarm! PF also brags about how many tootsie rolls, pizza, and bagels they give out each month on their corporate website. It sounds like they're putting temptation in front of you to keep you fat, which in turn will keep you coming to the gym. Plus every commercial makes it seem like body builders are idiots, but in fact they are very intelligent with their diet, nutrition, and fitness programs.

LorinaLynn

I love that so many people hate Planet Fitness. If everyone thought it was the greatest gym ever, if it catered to everyone, it would be entirely too crowded.

I like it for what it is. A beginner's gym. Want more? Fine. You'll have to pay more. I'm probably on the verge of "outgrowing" it, but I'm not yet willing to give up the super-low cost of PF for a better gym.

And I highly doubt pizza or bagels once a month is going to "keep" anyone "fat." I have bagels just about every morning for breakfast, and pizza at least once a week. Tootsie rolls are about 23 calories each. Most people I've seen might grab one on the way in and one on the way out. For shame... 46 extra calories. :laugh:

hbrittingham

I love that so many people hate Planet Fitness. If everyone thought it was the greatest gym ever, if it catered to everyone, it would be entirely too crowded.

I like it for what it is. A beginner's gym. Want more? Fine. You'll have to pay more. I'm probably on the verge of "outgrowing" it, but I'm not yet willing to give up the super-low cost of PF for a better gym.

Yes, and most of them that hate it have never been members, they just comment based on what they've heard about it.