Planet Fitness??

Hubby and I are members at our local rec center. Their fitness room is quite small, only about 6 each of treadmills and elliptical. We've been seeing the advertisements for Planet Fitness. Being a big, out of shape girl, I normally hate the gym. I've been a member at Gold's twice and went maybe a handful of times because of the muscle heads and the Barbie girls. But the PF commercials make it seem like it would be ok to go there. Plus it's only $10/month with unlimited training. Sounds good, right? We are going to go check it out after work but is anyone a member or would anyone recommend this gym??
«1

Replies

  • curejenn
    curejenn Posts: 70 Member
    I used to be a member there!! My husband and I both were. It really depends on what you want to do there. They have a great circuit training program that is 30 minutes and seriously kicks butt. My husband is a weight lifter though and those types are no-no's there. So, when he moved to another gym, so did I just because it didnt make sense for us to be driving to two different places when we were both going to work out. Our planet fitness had a really hand with the lunk alarm which I found SO annoying. I guess because I just expect to hear weights clanking around at a gym, when that alarm would go off it would disrupt my whole flow and I found it hard to get back in the zone. That said, my parents have been members for five years or so and they love it. They mainly walk on the treadmill and sometimes do the circuit training. I was NOT impressed with the trainers at ours so I would get some qualifications first before I followed any advice they gave you. Lots of them just had an "interest" in fitness and nutrition and were not trained or schooled or anything. Again, this is only my experience from the one I went to! And it was several years ago.
  • I am not a fan of PF, I am a club girl I like fitness classes ,events and challenges. Right now my gym is doing the biggest loser and I am doing that and it keeps me motivated.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    Thanks that helps!! I am mainly interested in the cardio and the circuit right now.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    Yeah, I'm not into the "clubs" or classes at this point. Maybe later after I get healthy and into shape. Thanks!!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Hubby and I are members at our local rec center. Their fitness room is quite small, only about 6 each of treadmills and elliptical. We've been seeing the advertisements for Planet Fitness. Being a big, out of shape girl, I normally hate the gym. I've been a member at Gold's twice and went maybe a handful of times because of the muscle heads and the Barbie girls. But the PF commercials make it seem like it would be ok to go there. Plus it's only $10/month with unlimited training. Sounds good, right? We are going to go check it out after work but is anyone a member or would anyone recommend this gym??

    I'm not sure exactly what the problem with "them" was but there will be fit people at Planet Fitness as well.
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member
    By all means, join PF. No one should ever consider joining a gym like Gold's that actually has fit, healthy people using it.
  • blondie_182_182
    blondie_182_182 Posts: 54 Member
    I switched to Planet Fitness a few months ago from a much smaller gym that was becoming overcrowded. I love it so far. I never have a difficult time finding a machine and I never feel uncomfortable in the free weight area. The main thing I love about it is that it's open 24 hours. I have a ridiculous work schedule and prefer to work out first thing in the morning. I can get there at 4:00 am and have the place to myself. There are other 24 hour gyms in town but they charge twice to three times what PF charges.
  • yonky50
    yonky50 Posts: 29 Member
    My husband and i joined Planet Fitness 4 months ago before i joined mfp. Started 15 minutes, 2 days. a week and now up to 60 minutes 5 days a week on treadmill and ellipiticals. People don't bother others working out but do seem friendly. The employees are always willing to answer questions and keep the gym and bathrooms/showers spotless. Husband went Saturday and did 30 min circuit for the first time and loved it and said he would make more of an effort to get there. Always plenty of room on machines and everyone wipes them down after use. every shape and size here and no uncomfortable moments. I'm not interested in using the weight machines at gym so trainer gave me a card of weight bearing exercises i can do without machines tailored for my fitness level and arthritis joint problems. This gym suits me fine.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    The problem with "them" and the ones I'm referring to are the ones who look down on the people who aren't as fit as them yet. I have no problem with fit people, but I don't want to be made to feel like I'm less of a person because I'm not. That's what I was referring too.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    Wow, don't think you quite understood what I meant there jimmie65. But thanks for your input.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    Thanks to everyone for your POSITIVE responses....they are much appreciated. :smile:
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member
    Wow, don't think you quite understood what I meant there jimmie65. But thanks for your input.

    No, I understood exactly what you meant. You've prejudged the people at Gold's to be meatheads and barbie dolls.
  • Wow, don't think you quite understood what I meant there jimmie65. But thanks for your input.

    No, I understood exactly what you meant. You've prejudged the people at Gold's to be meatheads and barbie dolls.

    Not how I took it. Sounded to me that Golds gym just didn't work for her! I loved Golds and hated PF. To each their own and I hope she finds one that she likes!
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    The problem with "them" and the ones I'm referring to are the ones who look down on the people who aren't as fit as them yet. I have no problem with fit people, but I don't want to be made to feel like I'm less of a person because I'm not. That's what I was referring too.

    I was a member at a Gold's Gym for approx 5 years, and a "muscle head" (I guess). How were you "looked down upon"? I believe "this" will happen everywhere, if you believe it actually happens.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    Wow, don't think you quite understood what I meant there jimmie65. But thanks for your input.

    No, I understood exactly what you meant. You've prejudged the people at Gold's to be meatheads and barbie dolls.

    Not how I took it. Sounded to me that Golds gym just didn't work for her! I loved Golds and hated PF. To each their own and I hope she finds one that she likes!

    Thank you, that's exactly what I meant.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    The problem with "them" and the ones I'm referring to are the ones who look down on the people who aren't as fit as them yet. I have no problem with fit people, but I don't want to be made to feel like I'm less of a person because I'm not. That's what I was referring too.

    I was a member at a Gold's Gym for approx 5 years, and a "muscle head" (I guess). How were you "looked down upon"? I believe "this" will happen everywhere, if you believe it actually happens.

    I don't believe "this" happens everywhere. I don't have a problem with bodybuilders. I guess I shouldn't have called out a certain type of gym goer...for that I apologize. The point of my post is that I did not feel comfortable at Golds because of the people who went there and the people who worked there. I was made to feel like because I wasn't in shape that I shouldn't be there.
    At this point I am looking for a gym where I will feel comfortable going to get fit and healthy and my question was is PF this place?

    Again, thank you everyone for the Positive comments.
  • mjrkearney
    mjrkearney Posts: 408 Member
    I don't think I could ever do Planet Fitness. Among other things, even as 5' female I would set off the "Lunk Alarm" several times a week. No heavy breathing or loud noises? At the fitness center I use now they have two tractor tires for people to work on and as loud as they are, i just kind of absorb it into my routine.
  • jrompola
    jrompola Posts: 153 Member
    There will be healthy people at any gym. Most of the time nobody looks down upon you. Most of the time these "muscle heads" would love to help you. They take care of their bodies and would love to share their knowledge. I guarantee no "muscle head" has ever said anything to you about being at the gym. People need to get over their own insecurities and just work out. Everyone is there for the same reason and one day you can aspire to be in shape and hopefully once you are you can pay it forward. Those "muscle heads" were probably once skinny or overweight at some point.
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    There will be healthy people at any gym. Most of the time nobody looks down upon you. Most of the time these "muscle heads" would love to help you. They take care of their bodies and would love to share their knowledge. I guarantee no "muscle head" has ever said anything to you about being at the gym. People need to get over their own insecurities and just work out. Everyone is there for the same reason and one day you can aspire to be in shape and hopefully once you are you can pay it forward. Those "muscle heads" were probably once skinny or overweight at some point.

    I'm happy that you've never had to experience what I have experienced. :smile:
  • amyshield
    amyshield Posts: 34 Member
    I don't think I could ever do Planet Fitness. Among other things, even as 5' female I would set off the "Lunk Alarm" several times a week. No heavy breathing or loud noises? At the fitness center I use now they have two tractor tires for people to work on and as loud as they are, i just kind of absorb it into my routine.

    I get that...I've lifted weights in my more fit past and I too make noises...so I do understand that. I am just thinking of PF for short term until I can get back to where I can build again. I don't have a problem with the noises LOL
  • MG_Fit
    MG_Fit Posts: 1,143 Member
    I love PF! For one it's super close to me and it's 24 hours so I can hit the gym before going to work. There are tons of machines and the people are really nice (at least at the one I go to).
  • hulkweazel
    hulkweazel Posts: 36 Member
    The problem with "them" and the ones I'm referring to are the ones who look down on the people who aren't as fit as them yet. I have no problem with fit people, but I don't want to be made to feel like I'm less of a person because I'm not. That's what I was referring too.
    Yes, let's judge all bodybuilders as close-minded because they are different than you. Yes, this is exactly what PF does. PF is extremely hypocritical - they claim to be "judgment free" except they judge all bodybuilders.

    I'd stay far, far away from the hypocrisy that is PF.
  • ckmama
    ckmama Posts: 1,668 Member
    My friend goes and he has been part of many smaller and bigger gyms here. He said the number of of cardio machines there and weight machines was amazing. And for $10 a month, which is way less than I pay to go wourkout with meathead and barbie dolls (who are both actually pretty nice) is a steal.

    I totally understand where you are coming from with that comment, but I try to push past my comfort zone. The world is a cruel place healthy people or no healthy people

    And let me add at that price if one was close I would join just because of the price. I've also seen heavy lifters at night at PF.
  • ShanR77
    ShanR77 Posts: 287 Member
    My husband and i are member's of PF. I love it. I did stop going for a little while but that's because of illness then an injury. But i started back up yesterday and i love how comfortable i feel. I never feel like anyone is staring at me. I go in and am able to work out comfortably and then get on with my day.

    I wish you luck in whatever gym you do decide to choose. Just remember not all PF's are the same because of location. I rarely hear out "Lunk" alarm go off. But i've heard some are worse then others. Still....Good luck :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • LauraW1219
    LauraW1219 Posts: 71 Member
    Go look at the Planet Fitness you want to go to. I found one that in the times I went there everyone was nice. Sure some of the older people would use the circuit training section instead of the same machines on the floor, but you find the time it's best to go to the gym. I like the staff, the place is clean, and the people are very nice. For 10 bucks I can do everything I want there then come home and use the xbox for all my 30DS or zumba classes. I would recommend it. I have no complaints and I've been going for two months now.
  • EvetteM41
    EvetteM41 Posts: 76 Member
    I dont know where you live. But I know SO many people who go there. I want to sign up there myself next week. :)
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    I have no problem with ours. I would pay $20 alone monthly for their tanning/red light beds. But I also get a gym membership and go 4 days a week and have sports 2 days a week that I participate in.

    Probabbly have 50 tradmills/bikes/ellipticals and arc trainers, dozens of machines, a loaded free weight area, a loaded stratch room with mats, dumbells, medicine and yoga balls and 5 smith machines. Suprisingly, for how big it is, it is always packed. I can always fine a treadmill but occasionally have to wait on machines.

    We have plenty of 'meatheads' and I have never heard the lunk alarm. Each location is different, mine is awesome.
  • I am currently a member at PF and I love it. I previously had memberships at Gold's and another fitness club that I didn't use quite as much because of distance and over crowding. However, what I've found helped the most in my comfort working out among the super fit is MY confidence makes the difference. Lots of people that are super fit now started out not-so-fit and will share their stories and tips and even help with machines and exercise routines. Its easy to have an US vs. THEM attitude but remember why you're there in the first place and stay focused!
  • jrompola
    jrompola Posts: 153 Member
    Well I wouldn't say you experienced that due to a type of person at the gym. You experienced what you experienced due to douche bags and they are everywhere. Just go workout and don't worry about others. Just worry about what you are doing and your goals. There's lots of distractions out there, but remember why you want to get in shape
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I don't think I could ever do Planet Fitness. Among other things, even as 5' female I would set off the "Lunk Alarm" several times a week. No heavy breathing or loud noises? At the fitness center I use now they have two tractor tires for people to work on and as loud as they are, i just kind of absorb it into my routine.

    I'm a bit taller than you(5'4"), but this is where I'm at. I work out at home, and my husband happened to be home when I worked out today because we had the day off, and he yelled down to make sure I was ok when I, uh, loudly exerted air on a last rep of bench! I also grunt when I deadlift, and I love to deadlift, which is banned. I'm not sure, personally, I coud work out at a place that banned such a fundamental move or trust trainers who thought this was ok. I also think its weird that they bring in cupcakes and bagels and pizza. Their overall marketing makes it think to me that they don't care if you get healthy or fit. I also thought the OP using the language "meatheads" and "Barbie girls" was rude and judgmental. Maybe becuase my husband would be considered a meathead, and I can tell you for a fact that as long as you're not doing curls on the squat rack or talking on your phone next to him, he doesn't give a crap bat why you're at the gym or how fit you are. /rant. Sorry to derail.

    Back to topic, if they have the equipment you need and their "philosophy" doesn't bother you (claiming to be judgement free while openly judging), then by all means, go. If it works for you, that's what matters. I'd rather you went to PF, my personal feelings aside, than not do anything or go somewhere you're uncomfortable. You also can't really beat the price.