Anyone go to Planet Fitness
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here is a simple solution if you like PF awesome keep doing you're thing if it works for you. if you're not a fan of the place then don't go. or even better skip the post instead of running you're mouth off about it.0
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Ah, yes. The old "If you don't like their tactics, don't go there" response.
Somehow, I don't think people would defend it so vociferously if they were to declare themselves a "Fatty-Free Zone" and said that that overweight people were the real lunks.0 -
Ah, yes. The old "If you don't like their tactics, don't go there" response.
Somehow, I don't think people would defend it so vociferously if they were to declare themselves a "Fatty-Free Zone" and said that that overweight people were the real lunks.
This niche market....is already filled...0 -
just_Jennie1 wrote: »skip the pizza and just workout Great deal at $10 a month
Indeed.
No one forces you to eat the pizza and bagels.
What people don't understand is that the PF's are independently owned which means that depending on the one you go to there may or may not be an array of equipment. While the one I go to doesn't have a squat rack or olympic bars I was in one in Providence RI that did. And again, with the deadlifts it depends on the PF owners. I see people doing deadlifts in my gym. I've done them as the owner and the manager was walking by and no one kicked me out or told me to stop. Also there are a LOT of really fit, ripped guys that go to my gym. In fact I saw a few when I was there today.
It's not the gym's fault if someone goes there consistently and fails to lose weight or get ripped or whatever their goal is it's the individuals fault. I'm sure there are plenty of people who go to Golds or one of those other expensive gyms and they just keep getting fatter and fatter because they're eating whatever they want and not expending the energy to lose weight. It has nothing to do with a gym and what equipment they do or don' t have. It has everything to do with the individual.
Agreed. I hate when people be so quick to say "oh its not a real gym" or "I don't want to go there because they serve pizza" ......ok you don't have to eat the pizza or bagels! duh!. And just because the PF doesn't fit into what you "prefer" in a gym don't mean you have to go around downing it. I use to go there awhile back and it served it purpose. I never heard the Alarm and no one was one was never asked to leave because they didn't have on a full shirt. But I can't speak for all PF. I rather see a person making an effort to go workout rather then not going because they can't deadlift or because there is pizza. smh. To each its own though. Depending on what level of fitness or the kind of fitness you are trying to achieve.0 -
here is a simple solution if you like PF awesome keep doing you're thing if it works for you. if you're not a fan of the place then don't go. or even better skip the post instead of running you're mouth off about it.
I have nothing more of substance to add to the discussion, but I wanted to say that your avatar photo is just the sweetest thing!
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sheermomentum wrote: »Ah, yes. The old "If you don't like their tactics, don't go there" response.
Somehow, I don't think people would defend it so vociferously if they were to declare themselves a "Fatty-Free Zone" and said that that overweight people were the real lunks.
This niche market....is already filled...
Really? I've never heard of this. Which gym says that fatties are not allowed and that these people are despicable human beings?0 -
I just find it hard to believe that anyone really feels discriminated against by PF's "judgment free zone" slogan. It's just a marketing concept. Whether feelings of gym intimidation are real or perceived (I assume mostly the latter), PF probably just wants to capitalize on those people that think other gyms are overwhelming. Easy money. Most of the people I see there appear to be typical gym-going people who just want easy and cheap access to standard equipment.
I admit I get sucked into these silly arguments as much as people on the other side. But it seems, at least in this thread, the passion lies mostly within the anti-PF contingent.0 -
I've known plenty, including a friend of mine who was kicked out just for doing renegade rows.I just find it hard to believe that anyone really feels discriminated against by PF's "judgment free zone" slogan. It's just a marketing concept.
Then there's this guy: http://milkandcookies.com/link/267592 and this gal: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/20/too-fit-for-planet-fitness_n_5002658.html
Besides, why would this be so hard to believe? If overweight people would be offended by a "fatty-free zone," then why wouldn't phsyically fit people -- or those who aspire to be fit -- be repelled by an environment that ridicules their success or aspirations?0 -
here is a simple solution if you like PF awesome keep doing you're thing if it works for you. if you're not a fan of the place then don't go. or even better skip the post instead of running you're mouth off about it.
I have nothing more of substance to add to the discussion, but I wanted to say that your avatar photo is just the sweetest thing!
Thanks!0 -
I have a PF membership (that I hardly use but so what is 10 bucks lol) and there is plenty to do, though I love my regular gym with it's fancy hot tub and steam room and pool lol. Still, I've always felt like the pizza thing perpetuates the idea that they don't take fitness seriously there at all. It's like they want to market to people who don't really want to get in shape but want to say they have a gym membership.
I go to LA Fitness, no pizza or bagel nights, but there are people who seem to come there just to say they have a gym membership. Then there are those that come to really work out. In all reality, should the gym take fitness serious or should the members take it serious??
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I noticed that your response didn't actually answer anyone's objections.annaskiski wrote: »Jeez man, The whales need saving. Children around the world are starving.
Don't go to the gym. Save your vitriol for something worthwhile.
Pot meet kettle. Can you say irony?
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midwesterner85 wrote: »As far as pizza, it is like everything else at a gym... use it or don't. I have to be honest, though: I have seen a lot of MFP users argue that PF is not a serious gym because they have pizza nights. Some of those same MFP users will also support "bulking dirty" (eating junk food like pop tarts in order to get additional calories during a bulk cycle).
There's a difference between strategically bulking up, as part of a disciplined and demanding regimen, and providing fattening temptations for passers-by, Very few people need to "bulk up," and they generally do so as part of a strict, self-imposed plan. The vast majority of Americans need to reduce their caloric intake rather than increase it.
Besides, PF itself says that they don't cater to bodybuilders, so that rules out the "bulking up" excuse.
Right - I forgot that bodybuilders are the only people who are bulking / growing muscle. (sarcasm)0 -
Fella, the vast majority of people don't need to "bulk" in order to grow muscle. They can typically do so with normal eating habits, provided that they eat a balanced diet. "Bulking" typically refers to consuming MASSIVE amounts of calories -- not something that your average Joe needs to do in order to put on some muscle. People who are out-of-shape most certainly do not need a bulking phase, since just about any lifting they do is likely to improve their muscle mass.
http://www.quora.com/What-is-bulking
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/death-bulk-and-cut-diet
So no, it would be foolish to justify PF's free pizza days on the grounds that they're good for bulking... especially given PF's target clientele.0 -
I have a membership, but I never go lol0
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hbrittingham, the fact that I disagree with you does NOT mean that I ignore your objections, Quite the contrary; as anyone reading this thread can see, I tend to post very detailed, almost point-by-point responses. In fact, in another discussion, you spoke disparagingly about the level of effort that I put into these replies.hbrittingham wrote: »
I noticed that your response didn't actually answer anyone's objections.annaskiski wrote: »Jeez man, The whales need saving. Children around the world are starving.
Don't go to the gym. Save your vitriol for something worthwhile.
Pot meet kettle. Can you say irony?
I most certainly do not respond to my critics with dismissive remarks like "Jeez man, The whales need saving. Children around the world are starving." or "Holy smokes people! Seriously! Get over yourselves...." Rather, I choose to address the points they raise.
You know this full well, hbrittingham. When you accused PF critics of saying that Planet Fitness forces pizza down its clients' throats, I was quick to point out that we said no such thing. When you accused me of saying that I have never stepped foot in a PF location, I pointed out that this was an unfounded assumption on your part -- that many of my criticisms are, in fact, based on my personal experiences there. And so forth, and so on.
Look, you clearly want people to believe that I do nothing but ignore the objections that people like you raise. Anyone who reads this discussion with an honest heart can see that this is completely untrue. You might not agree with my position, but you cannot legitimately accuse me of ignoring what you say.0 -
Fella, the vast majority of people don't need to "bulk" in order to grow muscle. They can typically do so with normal eating habits, provided that they eat a balanced diet. "Bulking" typically refers to consuming MASSIVE amounts of calories -- not something that your average Joe needs to do in order to put on some muscle. People who are out-of-shape most certainly do not need a bulking phase, since just about any lifting they do is likely to improve their muscle mass.
http://www.quora.com/What-is-bulking
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/death-bulk-and-cut-diet
So no, it would be foolish to justify PF's free pizza days on the grounds that they're good for bulking... especially given PF's target clientele.
Not everyone is on a low-carb diet. Carbs are not evil.
Runners carbo-load too
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I was a member, but I got bored and wanted a gym with classes.0
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Fella, the vast majority of people don't need to "bulk" in order to grow muscle. They can typically do so with normal eating habits, provided that they eat a balanced diet. "Bulking" typically refers to consuming MASSIVE amounts of calories -- not something that your average Joe needs to do in order to put on some muscle. People who are out-of-shape most certainly do not need a bulking phase, since just about any lifting they do is likely to improve their muscle mass.
http://www.quora.com/What-is-bulking
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/death-bulk-and-cut-diet
So no, it would be foolish to justify PF's free pizza days on the grounds that they're good for bulking... especially given PF's target clientele.
You completely missed my point. My point is that some of the people who argue in favor of bulking dirty are often the same people who will complain that a gym isn't a serious gym because they offer pizza sometimes. It's contradictory.
Whether those people are right that bulking dirty (or bulking at all) is a worthwhile endeavor is a completely different topic. FWIW I agree with you on that topic, but still irrelevant to my point that the argument is contradictory.
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I just find it hard to believe that anyone really feels discriminated against by PF's "judgment free zone" slogan. It's just a marketing concept. Whether feelings of gym intimidation are real or perceived (I assume mostly the latter), PF probably just wants to capitalize on those people that think other gyms are overwhelming. Easy money. Most of the people I see there appear to be typical gym-going people who just want easy and cheap access to standard equipment.
I admit I get sucked into these silly arguments as much as people on the other side. But it seems, at least in this thread, the passion lies mostly within the anti-PF contingent.
You understand it isn't the slogan, but the absolute hypocrisy behind it and the blatant caricature of the physically fit that they do to perpetuate a stereotype of the fitness industry that helps their bottom line......right?
They put judgment right on the wall of their judgment free zone, they define many fitness enthusiasts who dare carry a large container of water as dumb or dull right on the wall when they call people lunks.
If they were just a purple gym that advertised they catered to the beginner or intermediate, they would catch far less on boards as these and would be just another SNAP, Anytime, 24/7, etc...They created a great business model, kudos to them, they're banking on the bad pub because it's free advertising and they laugh straight to the bank.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »Fella, the vast majority of people don't need to "bulk" in order to grow muscle. They can typically do so with normal eating habits, provided that they eat a balanced diet. "Bulking" typically refers to consuming MASSIVE amounts of calories -- not something that your average Joe needs to do in order to put on some muscle. People who are out-of-shape most certainly do not need a bulking phase, since just about any lifting they do is likely to improve their muscle mass.
http://www.quora.com/What-is-bulking
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/death-bulk-and-cut-diet
So no, it would be foolish to justify PF's free pizza days on the grounds that they're good for bulking... especially given PF's target clientele.
You completely missed my point. My point is that some of the people who argue in favor of bulking dirty are often the same people who will complain that a gym isn't a serious gym because they offer pizza sometimes. It's contradictory.
First, I'm not an advocate of dirty bulking, so your objection doesn't apply to me. But even if it did, there is no contradiction.
PF critics aren't saying that you should NEVER have pizza. There are times when it might be warranted, such as when hardcore muscle gainers go through a bulking phase. For your typical gymgoer though -- and most especially PF's target clientele -- there is absolutely no need for bulking.
Heck, PF doesn't even advertise this as a bulking aid. Rather, it's just "Free pizza! Free pizza!" When you consider that the vast majority of Americans eat too much of this sort of thing, it's most certainly a bad idea.
As for annaskiski's point... I never said that carbs were evil. Rather, I said that pizza is an unnecessary temptation for the vast majority of gymgoers. Carbs can certainly be useful for carb loading, but only a tiny minority of Americans participate in marathons, half-marathons, Spartan races, and other events where carb loading can be useful. Besides, based on their marketing campaign, PF most certainly doesn't promote pizza as a carb loading tool either.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »Fella, the vast majority of people don't need to "bulk" in order to grow muscle. They can typically do so with normal eating habits, provided that they eat a balanced diet. "Bulking" typically refers to consuming MASSIVE amounts of calories -- not something that your average Joe needs to do in order to put on some muscle. People who are out-of-shape most certainly do not need a bulking phase, since just about any lifting they do is likely to improve their muscle mass.
http://www.quora.com/What-is-bulking
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/death-bulk-and-cut-diet
So no, it would be foolish to justify PF's free pizza days on the grounds that they're good for bulking... especially given PF's target clientele.
You completely missed my point. My point is that some of the people who argue in favor of bulking dirty are often the same people who will complain that a gym isn't a serious gym because they offer pizza sometimes. It's contradictory.
First, I'm not an advocate of dirty bulking, so your objection doesn't apply to me. But even if it did, there is no contradiction.
PF critics aren't saying that you should NEVER have pizza. There are times when it might be warranted, such as when hardcore muscle gainers go through a bulking phase. For your typical gymgoer though -- and most especially PF's target clientele -- there is absolutely no need for bulking.
Heck, PF doesn't even advertise this as a bulking aid. Rather, it's just "Free pizza! Free pizza!" When you consider that the vast majority of Americans eat too much of this sort of thing, it's most certainly a bad idea.
As for annaskiski's point... I never said that carbs were evil. Rather, I said that pizza is an unnecessary temptation for the vast majority of gymgoers. Carbs can certainly be useful for carb loading, but only a tiny minority of Americans participate in marathons, half-marathons, Spartan races, and other events where carb loading can be useful. Besides, based on their marketing campaign, PF most certainly doesn't promote pizza as a carb loading tool either.
I never said I was referring to you. In fact, as per MFP forum rules, I've intentionally left off any identification of which user(s) are the subject of my point. You responded to my comment, and I responded back... and so on.0 -
Okay, point taken. I can admit error when it's warranted.
Still, the point remains. The vast majority of gym goers don't need to consume massive numbers of calories in order to grow muscle. Your typical Planet Fitness member certainly does not.
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LeWahnderful wrote: »I have a membership, but I never go lol
The REAL target clientele for Planet Fitness. It's so cheap so people don't mind paying $10 a month even if they never actually go. These are the kinds of people they are really after.0 -
lilaclovebird wrote: »LeWahnderful wrote: »I have a membership, but I never go lol
The REAL target clientele for Planet Fitness. It's so cheap so people don't mind paying $10 a month even if they never actually go. These are the kinds of people they are really after.
That's the target clientele for most chain gyms, Jan and May the gyms are crowded, don't see most of these people any other time. Most will go a year before they cancel because the keep saying I'm going to start tomorrow, I'm going to start next week.
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No. Most gyms understand that a lot of people will sign up and not actually show up. That's entirely different from specifically targeting these kind of people, while actively discouraging the people who do tend to use such facilities on a regular basis.0
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I like it. It's cheaper than my old gym and has more and nicer equipment. They have at least 2 of each circuit machine. They have tons of cardio machines like treadmills, bikes, etc. And they have a nice 30-minute cardio-circuit area with timers.
The "lunk alarm" appears to be automatically triggered by excessive noise. I do feel a little bit like a ShaoLin monk making sure I exercise in silence, but I can deal with that for $10 a month.
If you are going to be dropping weights or otherwise making lots of noise while exercising PF is probably not for you. If you are a "serious" athlete PF is probably not for you.
There's nothing wrong with pizza or bagles if they fit your daily allotment.0 -
As has been said, every PF location is independently owned and operated and so I've seen vast differences among the four I've been in. Some have equipment (yes Olympic bars do exist in some) that others do not and I've yet to see two set up the same. I realize 4 is not a great sample size, but its still higher than the zero to one that many critics have experienced.
I don't understand the severe criticism of pizza. Its 1 hour out of 700+ in a month. The food seems unnecessary, and I don't understand it, but I don't think it alone is a reason to stay away. The more comprehensive gym near me is located directly next to a great local brewery. That is far more tempting than crappy shared public pizza ever will be.
That said, I also don't get the PF judge-free/lunk marketing and can understand the criticism of it. Its seems so very unnecessary and I can see why people can be turned off enough by that to never set food inside. In my experience, and based on conversations I've had with people who go there, they go because its cheap and convenient. Not because they're afraid of judgement, more muscular members or because of the freebies. I've seen many long time members who appear to be very physically fit, with great muscle bulk and definition. More than I could ever hope to achieve, and so I feel that I will likely not exceed the bounds of what is offered.
The bottom line is that anyone considering any fitness center should consider what their needs are, and figure out which place meets it. There's nothing wrong with wanting and needing more than a PF location can offer, and nothing wrong with making progress based on what is offered. I can do everything I wish to do in my local PF, most importantly showing up at 4 am when nothing else is open. There's no squat rack in mine, but I can easily do deadlifts and have never gotten a single look from anyone on it. I can't push past my limits and drop, but I'm okay with that for my goals. To the OP- figure out what your needs and goals are. Figure out a plan. Then find a place that will fulfill them.0 -
I agree with your post pretty much completely, Brightside. Even though I don't tend to believe there are many people actually offended by their marketing (it kind of strikes me as being outraged for the sake of being outraged, but so be it), it's unnecessary considering most people that go there are doing it for the cheap rates and not for the atmosphere. I also assume it varies by location because I've never heard a lunk alarm go off or seen tank tops banned or witnessed anyone confronting anyone working out.
Anyway, I guess my only remaining issue is the people criticizing PF as an inadequate gym or disputing the mindset that doing something is better than doing nothing. In this regard, it really does come down to- if you don't like it or it doesn't fit your needs don't go there, same as any gym. I guess having pizza at a gym is a bit odd but nothing that would deter me from going either.0 -
I belong to PF. I have the $10/month membership.
I really joined because I need low-impact cardio options, a gym that's close, and one that has hours that work with my schedule. For the price of my own elliptical I can join PF for over 5 years and never have to worry with equipment repair or storing equipment in my own home.
Now to be honest, I really like that a lot of the clientele are like me, they just want to improve their general fitness and get some cardio in. I like that it's quiet. I have enough noise between my two sons and working full-time in elementary and middle schools. That's just me. We all have different goals and needs. I can fully appreciate that PF isn't the place for everyone. I'm not even sure when mine has these mysterious bagels or pizza. I'm not really interested in eating at the gym. By the time I leave I smell like sweat and just want to get my hands on a bar of soap.0 -
ScubaSteve1962 wrote: »I have a PF membership (that I hardly use but so what is 10 bucks lol) and there is plenty to do, though I love my regular gym with it's fancy hot tub and steam room and pool lol. Still, I've always felt like the pizza thing perpetuates the idea that they don't take fitness seriously there at all. It's like they want to market to people who don't really want to get in shape but want to say they have a gym membership.
I go to LA Fitness, no pizza or bagel nights, but there are people who seem to come there just to say they have a gym membership. Then there are those that come to really work out. In all reality, should the gym take fitness serious or should the members take it serious??
both I'd say. A "real gym" as I'll call it makes me more motivated to work out hard, but that's just me. To each his own.
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