Thoughts On Planet Fitness?

thefuzz1290

Deadlifts are banned lifts for the gym, because its a "lunk" lift. Squats are allowed, but only on the Smith Machine or with dumb bells.

hbrittingham

I love my PF. There are plenty of cardio machines, strength training machines and lots of free weights. It's clean and well maintained. The folks are nice that work there, they greet me by name every time I come in (I am there 7 days a week and have been a member for almost 3 years). Maybe some of the PF are starter gyms and mine isn't a huge body building gym, but the guys working in the free weights areas seem to be happy. And you can't beat $10 per month!

hbrittingham

Deadlifts are banned lifts for the gym, because its a "lunk" lift. Squats are allowed, but only on the Smith Machine or with dumb bells.

Ummm, not at my gym.

You all might want to understand that PF is a franchise. Each one is run differently.

ninerbuff

I'm sorry, but if you physically exert yourself...really push yourself....you're going to let out some sort of noise. Its involuntary, and in many cases is good for you. Telling someone not to make a noise while lifting weights is like telling someone not to moan during sex.

But its not about grunting. Its about how Plant Fitness portrays physically fit people as idiots. Watch any of their commercials and they tout muscular individuals as "lunks" and essentially makes fun of them....which they claim not to be judgemental.

THIS. I bust my *kitten* in the gym and if an "alarm" is sounded off because I grunt, I would think that whoever pushed the button just doesn't have the same desire that I have. Yes, we have different goals, but why would my grunting effect someone (I don't grunt that loud) to the point that they have to announce to others? Put an IPOD on.
Good thing I don't pay for gym (haven't had to for 20 years).



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

MrsCon40

if you want to gain strength, PF is not the place to go. machines won't get you anywhere.

Huffdogg

Too much restriction on real lifting. Forget it.

Butterfly3730

I love Planet Fitness. It is cheap and with the $10 membership - no contract. Plus I like their hours and it is close to home. I didn't need classes at my gym since I also work out from home and love that too. The only reason I did the Black Gold membership for $20 is that I travel alot and wanted the option of going to Planet Fitness in other areas. However, now that I did that, I realize that most places that I go to, I either walk outside or use the gym in the hotel if I'm staying in a hotel. I will probably switch to the $10 one soon. But I like that everywhere that I go that have a Planet Fitness are the same - well-kept, lots of exercise equipment and great staff! No matter what time I go or how busy it is, I'm always able to get to any of the equipment I want. I don't go for strength training though, I lift at home and that works for me. But there are men and women with GREAT bodies that lift there and they seem to be fine with it. They also do dead lifts. They only sound the alarm at the PFs that I go to when folks are dropping weights which is a no-no at most gyms that I've been to. PF is just an alternative that I like to have for now.

daffodilsoup

Any judgment-free zone with a "lunk alarm" is not a "judgment-free zone".

Also, no deadlifts? Might as well go to Curves.

jadedone

I liked it when I went. Never made it to the free weight side though. I found it to be extra friendly.

cindycoley19

I have had a membership now for a year and absolutely love going. All types of people go of all ages, shapes and sizes. You don't feel out of place. It's very user friendly. If you need the pool and exercise classes, you won't find that at Planet Fitness!! It's always very clean and the machines are well maintained. Good luck!

summertime_girl

It does not have what I want.

dleesh1

Give it a try I think you will love it.

TurtleCrush

I started PF March 1st. The start up fee was $10.34 which was the only thing I paid when I joined and the $21.34 (Black card member) I find EXTREMELY reasonable. I get to use the massage chair as much as I want, tan all I want and being able to bring one person in with me EVERY time I go. Its like getting my husband in free. Also if I am out of town I can use a PF black card 10 times a month at any other location. They have all the same machines I have used in The YMCA ($45 a month per single person) and Anytime Fitness($35 a month per single person) and Gold's gym(Starting at $39 per single person). I like them by far the best. When I bring in a guest they don't get hassled like the other ones do. My guests don't get nagged for an hour with membership prices and a private tour. They have a 30 minute circuit training which I LOVE! You have to see for yourself, do a free trial membership for each one to see which one best fits your health and fitness goals.
Good luck, Big hugs,
Rebekah

Rays_Wife

if you want to gain strength, PF is not the place to go. machines won't get you anywhere.

Really, machines are no good? How so? (not meant in a snarky way, just genuinely curious as I am fairly new to strength training). Right now I do a mixture of free weights and machines.

Bookers23

I use planet fitness for the days I am not with my trainer in a home gym. it is great for cardio and the 30 min circuit was a great starting point for my weight loss journey. Somebody hit the nail on the head when they said each location is a franchise and has different equipment. My location has squat racks and plenty of barbells to do whatever you want (not smith machines). I regularly squat and perform deadlifts with no issue. I also travel to other locations as well. I am not a black card member and have never been asked to pay extra or anything of the sort. Perhaps saying less is more. I just say hello and that I am visiting from another gym, they let me right in.

sheels9

I got to agree with a few people on here who said it depends on the one you're looking at. I've gone to a couple different PF's and not all of them have the circuits or arc trainers or personal trainers. While they do have this "lunk alarm" for dropping weights or grunting, I've never heard it go off and a friend that works at one near me said it's not even hooked up If you're into serious weight lifting it's probably not the place for you though. For me, it's all I need.
Bottom line: if you're looking for the basics, it's a great option for a great price. Maybe you know someone with a black card that could let you come try it out and see if it's right for you.

trmecham

I can't imagine going for a personal best on the deadlift and not making noise. On the other hand, it does get old watching guys screaming at each other when they're doing reps of 12.

MrsCon40

if you want to gain strength, PF is not the place to go. machines won't get you anywhere.

Really, machines are no good? How so? (not meant in a snarky way, just genuinely curious as I am fairly new to strength training). Right now I do a mixture of free weights and machines.

machines restrict your range of motion and isolate muscles. if you want real strength gains you need to do compound lifts (squats, deads, etc) that engage a range and balance of muscle groups. you are more likely to get injured with a machine that forces you into its range of motion.

Huffdogg

machines restrict your range of motion and isolate muscles. if you want real strength gains you need to do compound lifts (squats, deads, etc) that engage a range and balance of muscle groups. you are more likely to get injured with a machine that forces you into its range of motion.

^^^ +1

Rays_Wife

machines restrict your range of motion and isolate muscles. if you want real strength gains you need to do compound lifts (squats, deads, etc) that engage a range and balance of muscle groups. you are more likely to get injured with a machine that forces you into its range of motion.

^^^ +1

Thanks for the input I'll keep that in mind It makes me sad though because I thought I was doing something good. I really want to change my body shape and get stronger. Maybe I'll just go completely to free weights.

mslack01

if you want to gain strength, PF is not the place to go. machines won't get you anywhere.

Really, machines are no good? How so? (not meant in a snarky way, just genuinely curious as I am fairly new to strength training). Right now I do a mixture of free weights and machines.

I disagree with the person who said machines won't get you anywhere. The machines have weights on them. You set the weight. My biceps/triceps have gotten a lot of tone to them since I started using the machines. I'm sure other parts of my body would also, but I don't use all of the machines yet.

thefuzz1290

machines restrict your range of motion and isolate muscles. if you want real strength gains you need to do compound lifts (squats, deads, etc) that engage a range and balance of muscle groups. you are more likely to get injured with a machine that forces you into its range of motion.

^^^ +1

Thanks for the input I'll keep that in mind It makes me sad though because I thought I was doing something good. I really want to change my body shape and get stronger. Maybe I'll just go completely to free weights.

Machines aren't useless, especially for a beginner. Free weights are superior, but you are doing something good with machines. The only thing you shouldn't do on a machine is squats on a smith machine, you can really get hurt.

MrDude_1

if you want to gain strength, PF is not the place to go. machines won't get you anywhere.

Really, machines are no good? How so? (not meant in a snarky way, just genuinely curious as I am fairly new to strength training). Right now I do a mixture of free weights and machines.

I disagree with the person who said machines won't get you anywhere. The machines have weights on them. You set the weight. My biceps/triceps have gotten a lot of tone to them since I started using the machines. I'm sure other parts of my body would also, but I don't use all of the machines yet.

you kind of proved exactly his point.
you work ONE muscle with that machine.
if you were to stand still holding a barbell doing the same thing, you would be working not just your bicep, but dozens of helper and stabilizer muscles as well. you would be working your core with balance... overall you would engage more muscles, and lower the risk of strengthing one muscle without working the other muscles in the group.
when you move naturally, you dont just use one muscle at a time. a machine forces you to work just one muscle at a time



in addition to all that... most of the excercises are wastes of time anyway.
you would get better progress doing squats, deadlifts, barbell rows and real benchpresses.. (none of them on a smith machine either)

MrDude_1

machines restrict your range of motion and isolate muscles. if you want real strength gains you need to do compound lifts (squats, deads, etc) that engage a range and balance of muscle groups. you are more likely to get injured with a machine that forces you into its range of motion.

^^^ +1

Thanks for the input I'll keep that in mind It makes me sad though because I thought I was doing something good. I really want to change my body shape and get stronger. Maybe I'll just go completely to free weights.

Machines aren't useless, especially for a beginner. Free weights are superior, but you are doing something good with machines. The only thing you shouldn't do on a machine is squats on a smith machine, you can really get hurt.

true.. esp on the squats... not only is it an unnatural movement.. but it messes with you.
I can squat almost 400lbs on a smith. I cant go anywhere near that with free weights (yet... someday...)

mostly because I dont have to balance it on a smith machine.. I can power up without fear of it tipping... but I can also tweak my back easily because the bar moves straight up, and I arc slightly (everyone does)

_Christine_

I'm just looking to get in shape so I can chase down my 3-kids and not get winded. If at some point I decided I want to join the body building circuit or take down a mutant I'll check out a gym with free weights.

MattGetsMad

***DISCLAIMER*** I did not read the previous posts, so this may be misplaced.

I worked out there for a time, but I could not deal with being told to be quiet. I was told I was too loud 3x in the same workout.

I am not a body-builder nor was I at the time. I was lifting weight that was heavy, but I was not maxing out.

I did not scream or slam weights down, but apparently the fact that I grunted and put the weight down together was too much. That was actually explained to me. Either one of the two would be ok by itself, but together I was in violation.

So, I would not recommend this to anyone who intends to work out hard with free weights. If you just want machines and cardio, then it's a great deal.

jskaggs1971

I have a PF member ship, and as gyms go, it's OK. I use it for the free weights and the treadmill. I tend to grunt a little when I'm lifting heavy things, and it's never been a problem. I think what they're trying to avoid are the guys really shouting it out, and people who drop weights. Is it the best gym for everybody? No.

Hell, it's probably not the best gym for me, even, but it's (a) cheap and (b) located between work and home.

BAMFMeredith

The thing that gets me with Planet Fitness is they preach how they are "judgement free." Unless of course you lift heavy and do rather intense workouts, that's not allowed. I'm sorry, but when I lift, I lift HEAVY so sometimes I make noise...that would get me in trouble at PF. Or dropping a weight...yeah, that gets you in trouble too. For a place that's so "judgement free" they sure are judgmental of weight lifters...


That said, if you don't plan on doing any heavy lifting and are just looking for a basic gym, it's probably a good option. I go to Lifetime Fitness. It's expensive, but I freaking love it.

BAMFMeredith

if you want to gain strength, PF is not the place to go. machines won't get you anywhere.

Really, machines are no good? How so? (not meant in a snarky way, just genuinely curious as I am fairly new to strength training). Right now I do a mixture of free weights and machines.

I disagree with the person who said machines won't get you anywhere. The machines have weights on them. You set the weight. My biceps/triceps have gotten a lot of tone to them since I started using the machines. I'm sure other parts of my body would also, but I don't use all of the machines yet.

you kind of proved exactly his point.
you work ONE muscle with that machine.
if you were to stand still holding a barbell doing the same thing, you would be working not just your bicep, but dozens of helper and stabilizer muscles as well. you would be working your core with balance... overall you would engage more muscles, and lower the risk of strengthing one muscle without working the other muscles in the group.
when you move naturally, you dont just use one muscle at a time. a machine forces you to work just one muscle at a time



in addition to all that... most of the excercises are wastes of time anyway.
you would get better progress doing squats, deadlifts, barbell rows and real benchpresses.. (none of them on a smith machine either)

I agree. Plus think about it--if you're doing nothing but isolation exercises, think how long it takes to complete a full workout where you've worked out each muscle group you need to? If you're doing compound exercises with free weights, working several muscle groups at once, using very heavy weights, you're done in a fraction of the time. I'd rather spend 1 hour lifting heavy and getting my full workout in, rather than taking 2 hours and still not completing everything I need to get done.

Lifting weights isn't just for body builders

thefuzz1290

I hate PF as much as the next serious lifter, but I have come to the realization that if PF wasn't around, those members would be in my gym complaining about how "intimidated" they are.