I have been a member for a couple of years. I like it well enough, but I honestly don't go like I should and I only use some machines and maybe do 15 minutes on incline on a treadmill or something. I'm terrible at exercise consistency. And I know it's bad, but I do like to tan every now and then.
Mine has a red light therapy and vibration bed, which is quite relaxing actually. I also don't use it as much as you're supposed to for results. But, I like the way my muscles feel after the vibration session. It's supposed to boost collagen or something... Idk if there's anything to it, but I like it.

tlflag1620 wrote: »

I just started going there a couple months ago. I got the cheapie membership, so no tanning beds or red light stuff for me (don't think I'd use those anyway), but the one I go to is clean, there is ample equipment (even during peak times there are cardio machines available, and plenty of weight machines to keep me busy), people generally mind their own business, and there is a wide variety of ages and sizes present. I'm not able to go consistantly (I have four kids and my husband travels a lot for work), but for ten bucks a month, even if I only get to go 5/6 times a month, I feel like I'm getting a decent deal.
I tend to do 20-30 min of moderate cardio, then do the 30 minute circuit training. I feel like it's a pretty efficient use of my time there. I'm trying to lose the last 5-10 lbs, then I plan to work on building some muscle. They do have free weights, but no squat bar (only smith machines I believe) and the weights don't go very high. But I think it's a pretty good gym for a beginner and perfectly adequate for someone who simply wants to be healthier and physically fit. Depending on your goals, you could outgrow it and need a "real" gym (PF seems to be despised by the bodybuilding set, but, hey, not everyone wants to be a bodybuilder in the first place, so don't worry about the negative blogposts you might find).
If they are conveniently located and you are just getting into the swing of things as far as exercise goes, I think they're great. I have no complaints.

I agree, I have some friends that are Gym Rats and they hate Planet Fitness, they feel like they should be able to slam weights and generally be obnoxious in order for it to be a real gym. They are also the types that like to talk about far or lazy people. When you go to PF you will see people of all fitness levels, some who are athletic to very obese. The thing is they are all there to better themselves. When PF says no judgement zone they mean it. I applaud the obese people that are there to better themselves. I've told my friend that they are the reason the fat people feel intimidated when going to a gym to get healthier. Apparently they believe that everyone should be born naturally athletic.

My wife enjoys going to PF and she is by no means a "gym" person. She says the no judgement zone is taken seriously and there are people of all fitness and skill levels in there. I AM a gym person and I think I will like it when I get home and have a chance to check it out. Mainly because people who slam weights around and yell and scream are hugely annoying and obnoxious to me. I've even gone up to guys before and said, "Whoa, sounds like that might have been a little too heavy for you with it slamming down like that. You okay?" My wife says they'll kick someone out at PF if they are slamming weights or yelling and making a bunch of noise.

Uh-oh, I didn't know about the lack of squat racks. That's a core part of my work out. I'm a gym rat but the wife isn't so wouldn't know to mention it to me. I don't really want to smell food while I'm working out either. I think my wife did mention something about it being dumb that they have unhealthy free food once a week. To be more specific about my comment above; it's the intentional "everyone look at me!" slamming of weights that annoys. Not when it just happens as part of a work out. Still have about a month before I come home and can check it out for myself. With no squat rack I'll probably be unhappy though.

Don't know about PF. But commercial gyms in general rank second only to cable companies for consumer complaints. They have a bad rep for trying to collect membership dues even after members have ended their commitment and have gone through the formality of quitting. My husband checked out several gyms around here and all of them wanted us to pay our monthly dues by letting them debit our checking account. Oh wait, here's my mother's maiden name, my Social Security Number, date of birth and the PIN to our investment accounts while I'm at it. Buyer beware.

They do have a free pizza night once a month, and a free bagel morning, also once a month (first Monday of the month and second Tuesday of the month, respectively). Not to hard to skip those days if it would really bother you. Or, you know, just don't eat it - I've never happened to go on one of those days, so I can't say how much the aroma actually permeates the place, but I'm there to work out, not eat, so I can't see it being a big issue. I can understand the lack of squat racks bugging people, especially more serious body builder types. (Though from what I understand some locations do have squat racks, it just depends). All I know is the price can't be beat, there are people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and levels of fitness present so no one stands out like a sore thumb, decreasing the whole self-conscious aspect (very appealing to someone like myself who has never gone to a gym before), and the one near me is convenient and open 24 hours. Only real drawback is no childcare, but for ten bucks I'll deal. I may (or may not, lol) eventually "outgrow" PF, but for me, a regular shmo newbie gym go-er who isn't interested in looking like a female Arnold, it more than suits my needs. Can't speak to issues with trying to end the membership, as I haven't done that, obviously.

Not sure what the issue is with wiping down your own machine after sweating on it- I would think that is simply good gym etiquette anywhere you go, no? And I know I couldn't work out in jeans, but if you're dead set on wearing them, then no, you will want to go elsewhere.

kirkor wrote: »

wishfullthinking79 wrote: »

The planet fitness locations that I have been to in new mexico and florida have squat rack. I haven't been to one that has a minimum of 4. I use them to do squats and deadlifts.

Actual squat racks or Smith machines?

If I smith machine is what I think it is I would guess the ones in new mexico has that one and the ones in florida would be a squat rack. I found that the ones in florida have more free weights. They even have free weight bench presses which I have not found in new mexico.

I guess that is a good clarification.

wishfullthinking79 wrote: »

I guess that is a good clarification.

Ya, Smith machines have those "tracks" where the barbell can only move up and down and is a fixed component of the apparatus.

The Florida locations sound like their a cut above --- sweet!

Our household uses planet fitness. I love the hydro beds. I'm not a cardio fan so I skip that. The machines are easy to use and someone is always willing to help if you don't know how to use it.