Planet Fitness--Good gym or Bad gym

rebelate

I've had a membership twice there. It's a good price, and I think it's good enough. It's filled with basic equipment. They have some classes - arms, legs, back, etc. Nothing else. It gave me a good idea of what I should be doing, and the people who work there have always been helpful. I'm sure every location is different. It really just depends on what you want from a gym. I'm a fat girl, and I've had memberships at bigger gyms with more equipment, but I always felt really uncomfortable. It was always awkward when everyone else seemed to be in great shape, and knew what they were doing and I was just chugging along on the treadmill.

Lisah8969

I joined my PF about 2 1/2 years ago. I go about 4 times a week. All the equipment is relatively new and works well. The circuit training area is nice for a quick 30 minute workout. I have just started lifting and so far, they have everything I need to do the workout that I planned. I've never had a problem waiting for equipment as there is really enough. The staff is very nice and helpful. I also use the free personal trainer once a week and he has been great, too.

I have only ever been there once when they were having pizza night. I am not sure why people always bring that up on these forums. Who cares if they are giving away free food? If you don't want it, don't eat it! I sure wasn't interested in it and actually, I noticed that the gym filled up with senior citizens that night who weren't working out, but were waiting for the free food (sorry if that offends someone, but that was exactly what happened!).

And best of all is that it is only $10 a month. No, there aren't classes, but I can take a Zumba class with the adult education classes at the high school nearby for a semester or the parks and rec department and still pay less than joining a big gym .

rebelate

Yeah but it is only 10 dollars a month.

Grumpy cat tickers!

kellyannarmstrong

I joined about 5 months ago and LOVE IT. Like everybody else said, go and see for yourself and it's what YOU WANT. I am a beginner, so I don't need all the frills. I upgraded to the black card which is $20 but it was worth it to me. I was going to join with my husband, so with both of us it would have been $20 anyhow. This way for the same price we can both go, I can tan and use infrared light, and when my daughter is home from college she can go with me, or I can grab anybody off the street to go too. You can't beat it for the price.
Many people join gyms,go for a few months, then nothing. They are left with a huge bill and contract. If you are a fitness nut, maybe a more expensive gym suites your needs, but I can't see paying $50 a month or more for one person. The $10 is month to month no cancellation fees, and even the $20 a month has a year contract. I belonged to a "womans only circuit training place" years ago when they were popular and was paying $30 a month to walk in place and use 10 machines for 30 minutes, and they closed down.
Mine is very clean and the so called personal trainers probably have NO degree or formal training, but hey, if they safely know how to use the machines and show beginners, it's good enough for me. All staff have been polite and helpful all the time.
As for pizza and bagels, it's once a month. It's there around dinner time which is nice, but hey, if you're dieting don't eat it or work out more. They don't make you eat it!!
If you have any questions message me.

kellyannarmstrong

If you enjoy cheap membership, machines, pizza, bagels, candy, low weights, and insecure people, Planet Fitness is amazing.

I can't believe how rude people can be. Insecure people? Another posted about a bay bar in rehab? This post is supposed to be for support and encouragement. If you are TOOO good for that, maybe you should find a different group to belong to

kellyannarmstrong

I forgot to post that too. You can join your community center and still be cheaper than a "real" gym membership as some say. My center offers zumba, yoga, has a pool, etc. so if I want something more challenging, I can do that. Or.... I can watch on demand videos for free or utube videos and do it in my living room! :-)

MikeInAZ

Any gym that provides candy at the front desk, has pizza parties, and supplies bagels, does not have fitness and your best interest at heart.

Amen. Although, it's a good deal for the money. My PF is brand new, so it's still on really good shape.

dogetta

I go tthere but I wish they had a no text on your phone rule as at least 75% of the people hold up machines doing that and not doing any exercising. I would rather have the grunting!

newdaydawning79

I LOVE PF. I went to one in Syracuse, NY, when I lived there and didn't join one here in Lansing until they put one here. Signed up the day I knew they were coming (2 months before they actually opened). For what *I* am using it for it is perfect. If you're super hardcore? Probably not for you. I love the fact that I am not judged openly when I walk in the door. For a morbidly obese person who is busting her *kitten*? That's what I need.

ETA: There are so many hateful judgmental people in this thread. Makes me sad.

lachesissss

I use it all the time. It's my primary gym. You have to be driven and self directed if you want to see results because no one is going to force you to work out while you're there, and you have to be willing to push yourself. But if you can do that I don't see why it wouldn't work for you, as it's inexpensive, open all the time, and has a variety of cardio and weight equipment. If free weights are your thing, you may feel limited by the offerings, but if not, go forth exercise well.

emtjmac

I think that just getting into a gym would be a good start if you don't want to do a home workout.

newdaydawning79

For $10 a month, it's a great place to start.

As for a previous poster's comment about lack of 'serious' weights; for those of us just starting out, what they have is plenty efficient enough. If I ever get to the point that I need heavier than they offer, then I should probably invest in a set for home or perhaps consider switching gyms. No point in spending more money until you know where you stand and if you'll even stick with it.

My only problem is the lack of a 'step' in the weight room and the lack of balance balls anywhere in the building. I need these two items for my NROLFW routine. But I make due.

That sucks. Ours has a ton of balance balls. I don't know about the step...the balance balls are in a rack on the wall so they're easy to spot. I'm not rave enough for weights yet so I haven't wandered over there.

RadioactivePirate

I think it's a good gym as long as your needs are minimal. You need a place away from home to work out with plenty of cardio equipment, basic weight equipment, and nice people? It's perfect. You need classes or super serious weights or a pool or child care? Not so good.

As far as the pizza and bagels go, I actually think the message of "it's okay to have a treat once in a while" demonstrates a healthy relationship with food. And as others have pointed out, nobody's making you eat the stuff.

I've been going there a while now and my only real complaint is my home gym doesn't have a squat rack. And the lunk alarm is annoying. But it's super clean and I've never had to wait for a cardio machine and the people who work there are friendly and there is free training. And it's cheap.

kuger4119

Going to Planet Fitness is like going to a gay bar where they're holding group therapy.

You are an idiot. BTW, based on your avatar.....it's no wonder that you don't like the place, because you are certainly not welcome there.

I've been going to Planet Fitness since September. It's great for people with modest lifting goals that don't need classes or court sports. The PF I go to has dumbbells up to 75 lbs, which is plenty for the vast majority of people. They have smith machines for people who don't want to use the other equipment (although I'm personally not a fan of them). They don't target people who are big and wearing tank tops unless they act like the DB that I quoted above. The machines are generally equipped with lower amounts of weight but in general, it's enough for normal people. Anyone strong enough to do the whole stack at PF probably needs to consider a different gym.

The free pizza is a cool feature because it's one night a month where I talk to people at the gym. I don't believe in interjecting myself into someone's workout routine, but generally, people enjoy chatting over a slice of pie. BTW, one or two slices of pizza in a month doesn't hurt anyone. Of course, the reality is that less than half the people that show up on that one free pizza night per month actually eat pizza.

They actually have trainers who will explain how to use any of the equipment if you are brave enough to ask. So, if you are looking at a place with decent cardio equipment, modest weightlifting equipment and a "no judgement" atmosphere, Planet Fitness is a good place to look. If you aspire to leg press 500 lbs........wrong place.

alisonsurf

Mine is super clean, close to home and not busy when I go. But I really wish they had more than one set of smaller weights in what we call the 'girl' lifting area. I work out with a friend and alternating is a pain. Also some people take a pair and keep them for 30 minutes while they do their whole routine. I appreciate that it keeps their flow going but it is inconvenient for the rest of us that might need do do a set at that weight. I have never heard the lunk alarm sound.

bdamaster60

I find their adds that alienate bodybuilders and powerlifters funny as hell! other then that it's run by idiots.

kuger4119

Mine is super clean, close to home and not busy when I go. But I really wish they had more than one set of smaller weights in what we call the 'girl' lifting area. I work out with a friend and alternating is a pain. Also some people take a pair and keep them for 30 minutes while they do their whole routine. I appreciate that it keeps their flow going but it is inconvenient for the rest of us that might need do do a set at that weight. I have never heard the lunk alarm sound.

That's interesting. The one I go to has at least two of everything, including two pairs of each weight for dumbbells and two of each different type of machine.

On the lunk alarm comment above.....the downside to the new year is an influx of knuckleheads who haven't figured out that dropping weights is frowned upon. Lunk alarm goes off at least once every time I've been there since Jan. 1 (and no...it wasn't me!)

Loftearmen

Going to Planet Fitness is like going to a gay bar where they're holding group therapy.

You are an idiot. BTW, based on your avatar.....it's no wonder that you don't like the place, because you are certainly not welcome there.

I've been going to Planet Fitness since September. It's great for people with modest lifting goals that don't need classes or court sports. The PF I go to has dumbbells up to 75 lbs, which is plenty for the vast majority of people. They have smith machines for people who don't want to use the other equipment (although I'm personally not a fan of them). They don't target people who are big and wearing tank tops unless they act like the DB that I quoted above. The machines are generally equipped with lower amounts of weight but in general, it's enough for normal people. Anyone strong enough to do the whole stack at PF probably needs to consider a different gym.

The free pizza is a cool feature because it's one night a month where I talk to people at the gym. I don't believe in interjecting myself into someone's workout routine, but generally, people enjoy chatting over a slice of pie. BTW, one or two slices of pizza in a month doesn't hurt anyone. Of course, the reality is that less than half the people that show up on that one free pizza night per month actually eat pizza.

They actually have trainers who will explain how to use any of the equipment if you are brave enough to ask. So, if you are looking at a place with decent cardio equipment, modest weightlifting equipment and a "no judgement" atmosphere, Planet Fitness is a good place to look. If you aspire to leg press 500 lbs........wrong place.

I know I am not welcome there and I am happy about it. I think it's funny that y'all call it a judgement free zone but you immediately judge anyone who actually trains hard lol. BTW, 500lbs on a leg press isn't very much. Most men could do that after training for only 2 or 3 months...

newdaydawning79

I find their adds that alienate bodybuilders and powerlifters funny as hell! other then that it's run by idiots.

They're not all run by the same person, so just because YOURS is an idiot not all our. Ours is run by a personal trainer and he's amazing.

It isn't a place for those hardcore people, as many have said.. And I'm okay with that.

kuger4119

I'm not saying 500 lbs is a lot.....it's simply more than the equipment at Planet Fitness provides. I'm not surprised that you didn't understand that. The only judgement passed is on knuckleheads like you.

bdamaster60

Going to Planet Fitness is like going to a gay bar where they're holding group therapy.

You are an idiot. BTW, based on your avatar.....it's no wonder that you don't like the place, because you are certainly not welcome there.

I've been going to Planet Fitness since September. It's great for people with modest lifting goals that don't need classes or court sports. The PF I go to has dumbbells up to 75 lbs, which is plenty for the vast majority of people. They have smith machines for people who don't want to use the other equipment (although I'm personally not a fan of them). They don't target people who are big and wearing tank tops unless they act like the DB that I quoted above. The machines are generally equipped with lower amounts of weight but in general, it's enough for normal people. Anyone strong enough to do the whole stack at PF probably needs to consider a different gym.

The free pizza is a cool feature because it's one night a month where I talk to people at the gym. I don't believe in interjecting myself into someone's workout routine, but generally, people enjoy chatting over a slice of pie. BTW, one or two slices of pizza in a month doesn't hurt anyone. Of course, the reality is that less than half the people that show up on that one free pizza night per month actually eat pizza.

They actually have trainers who will explain how to use any of the equipment if you are brave enough to ask. So, if you are looking at a place with decent cardio equipment, modest weightlifting equipment and a "no judgement" atmosphere, Planet Fitness is a good place to look. If you aspire to leg press 500 lbs........wrong place.

so from what I gather from your comment, anyone who wants to look mediocre, doesn't want to get stronger, doesn't want to be judged (because they think they are so important, all the attention is on them), then planet fitness is for them.

garciabnm

from what im reading. planet fitness is perfect..it keeps away all the people that hate on it..if you dont like it , dont go. I for one love it because it keeps the lunk heads away. Anyways, any gym that gets you off your butt and work out, is a good gym to me!

Loftearmen

I'm not saying 500 lbs is a lot.....it's simply more than the equipment at Planet Fitness provides. I'm not surprised that you didn't understand that. The only judgement passed is on knuckleheads like you.

The real knuckleheads are the people who go to a gym and train like a bunch of nancies and get less-than-optimal results. I spend the same amount of time in the gym as most of the members at PF and get twice the physical adaptation and this makes me a lunk head? This actually shows that I manage my training and my time more efficiently and have more knowledge and motivation than your average commercial gym goer. You are apparently experiencing some causation confusion.

albinogorilla

I go there, i like it, not sure why people think a "gym" has anything to do with your physique..........its what you do there that matters.........you can build a great body anywhere if you understand how it works........


if you just want to make alot of noise and pretend to be a tough guy, its not for you though

CristinaL1983

For the price, it's great. There are a couple things that I'm not a big fan of. 1) Nothing to dead-lift which sucks 2) no plyoboxes or kettle bells 3) Very limited selection of free weights (pretty much all machines) except there isn't a squat machine which is pretty much the only one I like to use in the first place (I feel self conscious using a squat rack). Having said that, the membership cost means that I suck it up and find creative ways of getting what I want done, done. There is always plenty of equipment free (at mine) and there is a hydro-massage bed that has literally been the only reason I went and worked out at least one time. Plus (I upgraded to the "black card") I can take a friend with me every time I go (for free) which is cool. Also it is the only 24 hour gym near me and I tend to work out late at night (my schedule is weird). I guess the answer is that it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a cheap (but slightly stripped down) gym that you can go get some cardio and weights (and you don't mind using machines for weights) done at, it's great. If you want something much nicer or more advanced, you might want to look elsewhere (the cost will likely be higher as well.)

lilpoindexter

A two year membership to 24 hour fitness is about $300 when purchased from Costco. That's like $12.50 a month. They have a bunch of free zumba classes and a bunch of other stuff women like. They also have a decent selection of free weights when you realize how much better they are than the machines...and you can throw the dumbbells on the ground when you're done.

BuckeyeBabe10

The one I used to belong to...I absolutely hated it. Didn't like the equipment...there were "max speed" limits on the arc trainers (so, if you wanted to push yourself to a certain exertion, it would all of a sudden triple your resistance and tell you you're at max speed and to slow down. I'm sure it's to keep the equipment from wearing out too quickly or being abused by crazy people who don't use any resistance with their intensity). But, for someone like me who really loves going to a gym and doing different routines, I felt like my Planet Fitness was so bland, boring and limited, thus it made me really unmotivated to be there because I didn't enjoy being there.

I will say the judgement free zone thing rings true - there seemed to be people of all shapes and sizes there and all going about their routines without people watching or judging anyone else. I'll echo what others have said - check out a couple different local gyms and take a tour/free week trial to see what "feels" right to you. At the end of the day, you got to feel comfortable and feel good being there to stay motivated and push through your workout. You could also check to see if your work (if you work full-time) offers any kind of fitness benefits (like paying for part of your monthly gym membership or if they have a deal with a local gym for its employees). Good luck!

kuger4119

so from what I gather from your comment, anyone who wants to look mediocre, doesn't want to get stronger, doesn't want to be judged (because they think they are so important, all the attention is on them), then planet fitness is for them.

Again, a perfect example of the kind of knucklehead that doesn't belong at a place like planet fitness.

There are some guys that go there that are pretty damned stacked. Even though there is a sign as you walk through the front door that says no tank tops, I'm getting ready to head there with one on right now and they never say anything. I've increased the amount that I curl by 30 lbs since I started there, my lat pulls by 40 lbs, my row by 20 lbs, and my leg press by 100 lbs. Now, the overall numbers aren't that impressive but then again, I'm not in a weight lifting competition with anyone but myself. I'm getting stronger over time using the place. There is a group of three guys that started there about a month after I did that I see just about every time I'm there regardless of the day of week (meaning I go 3-4 days a week and they go 6-7 days). They aren't getting "huge" but they are definitely getting bigger and stronger with better definition.

If you are some insecure DB loading up on creatine, HGH and other supplements thinking that huge muscles make you a better person and that you judge anyone who doesn't share your desire to have pancake tits and batwings like Arnold when they are 65 years old.........Planet Fitness isn't the place for you. If you want to grunt, throw your weights around and chug from your gallon of water, head your *kitten* over to Gold's Gym or whatever place it is that values that atmosphere. There's nothing wrong with wanting to lift large amounts of weight and I was in awe of the dude that I saw at the YMCA last year who could lat pull 250 lbs with each arm. I respect the people who can do that without making "gay bar" type comments. I don't respect anyone who thinks that their value in life is based on how much weight that they can lift because the reality is that nature is a cruel b!tch and those people will learn in short order that their value is going to be ripped from them by old age, and that's a truly sad thing.

Gallowmere1984

so from what I gather from your comment, anyone who wants to look mediocre, doesn't want to get stronger, doesn't want to be judged (because they think they are so important, all the attention is on them), then planet fitness is for them.

Again, a perfect example of the kind of knucklehead that doesn't belong at a place like planet fitness.

There are some guys that go there that are pretty damned stacked. Even though there is a sign as you walk through the front door that says no tank tops, I'm getting ready to head there with one on right now and they never say anything. I've increased the amount that I curl by 30 lbs since I started there, my lat pulls by 40 lbs, my row by 20 lbs, and my leg press by 100 lbs. Now, the overall numbers aren't that impressive but then again, I'm not in a weight lifting competition with anyone but myself. I'm getting stronger over time using the place. There is a group of three guys that started there about a month after I did that I see just about every time I'm there regardless of the day of week (meaning I go 3-4 days a week and they go 6-7 days). They aren't getting "huge" but they are definitely getting bigger and stronger with better definition.

If you are some insecure DB loading up on creatine, HGH and other supplements thinking that huge muscles make you a better person and that you judge anyone who doesn't share your desire to have pancake tits and batwings like Arnold when they are 65 years old.........Planet Fitness isn't the place for you. If you want to grunt, throw your weights around and chug from your gallon of water, head your *kitten* over to Gold's Gym or whatever place it is that values that atmosphere. There's nothing wrong with wanting to lift large amounts of weight and I was in awe of the dude that I saw at the YMCA last year who could lat pull 250 lbs with each arm. I respect the people who can do that without making "gay bar" type comments. I don't respect anyone who thinks that their value in life is based on how much weight that they can lift because the reality is that nature is a cruel b!tch and those people will learn in short order that their value is going to be ripped from them by old age, and that's a truly sad thing.

Looks like someone missed the point.

We're not saying you can't get results there. We're saying it's not optimal, because anyone who aspires to pick up anything that isn't a joke weight will be out of this gym's league within six months. They are good for a few things: people who love cardio with a little strength training, people who can't lift heavy due to medical issues, and dolts who are perfectly fine lifting a weight 20 times and calling the pump they get from it gains.

Loftearmen

so from what I gather from your comment, anyone who wants to look mediocre, doesn't want to get stronger, doesn't want to be judged (because they think they are so important, all the attention is on them), then planet fitness is for them.

Again, a perfect example of the kind of knucklehead that doesn't belong at a place like planet fitness.

There are some guys that go there that are pretty damned stacked. Even though there is a sign as you walk through the front door that says no tank tops, I'm getting ready to head there with one on right now and they never say anything. I've increased the amount that I curl by 30 lbs since I started there, my lat pulls by 40 lbs, my row by 20 lbs, and my leg press by 100 lbs. Now, the overall numbers aren't that impressive but then again, I'm not in a weight lifting competition with anyone but myself. I'm getting stronger over time using the place. There is a group of three guys that started there about a month after I did that I see just about every time I'm there regardless of the day of week (meaning I go 3-4 days a week and they go 6-7 days). They aren't getting "huge" but they are definitely getting bigger and stronger with better definition.

If you are some insecure DB loading up on creatine, HGH and other supplements thinking that huge muscles make you a better person and that you judge anyone who doesn't share your desire to have pancake tits and batwings like Arnold when they are 65 years old.........Planet Fitness isn't the place for you. If you want to grunt, throw your weights around and chug from your gallon of water, head your *kitten* over to Gold's Gym or whatever place it is that values that atmosphere. There's nothing wrong with wanting to lift large amounts of weight and I was in awe of the dude that I saw at the YMCA last year who could lat pull 250 lbs with each arm. I respect the people who can do that without making "gay bar" type comments. I don't respect anyone who thinks that their value in life is based on how much weight that they can lift because the reality is that nature is a cruel b!tch and those people will learn in short order that their value is going to be ripped from them by old age, and that's a truly sad thing.

We all understand that different people have different goals but it really sounds like you are just insecure and don't like to see people who are more dedicated than you. Also, HGH is not a supplement, it's a class III controlled substance and lifting heavy doesn't give you pancake tits, it gives you pecs. That's the kind of broscience I would expect to hear from a PF advocate.