Planet fitness

Based on the last discussion it's very location dependent. Some franchises are very casual. Mine is very good.

Others are very strict and rigid.

I personally have loved it since I started going 3 years ago. I was extremely anxious and self-conscious, so when I walked in and the woman who greeted me was actually bigger than me, it gave me relief. I felt at ease. I've never had any issues of judgement at a PF. I've seen all types workout there, from experienced bodybuilders to complete beginners. I've never seen anyone shamed for being fit - in fact, most of the regulars at mine are very fit.

That being said, as I got more into weightlifting and less into cardio, I have pretty much weened off of PF. I have a home gym now which has everything I was lacking at PF. I run outside for cardio most of the time, but still have a membership for bad weather days.

I'd check out your location before you join - what you get at your franchise is going to depend on demand and clientele.
Mine has a pretty big base of members, it's very clean, and well-maintained. Plenty of the standard cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, high-knee trainers, bikes), but there is also a decent free-weight section, lots of weight machines, a "core" area for abs and floor/bodyweight exercise, medicine balls, pull-up bars, a TRX station, etc. All different body-types and fitness levels, including some majorly bulked-up dudes. My location is a decent choice unless you're looking for a serious lifting gym.

Also, my sign-up special involved no initiation fee and it's $10 a month. If nothing else, it's like being on 5-year, no-interest payment plan for buying a treadmill that doesn't fit in my apartment.

It's dependant on your goals. Care to share them?

JoRocka wrote: »

Well- I am not a mind reader- how the sentence is presented is how that read to me. perhaps it was not it's intent- but clarity could be provided.

I'm not a mind reader either, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt before throwing around phrases like "kind of dick." If you needed clarity, why didn't you just ask for it?

OP I would echo what others have said. You can only know if it's for you by checking it out for yourself. Good luck!

My company handled a networking contract for PF, so I had the opportunity to visit every site in my area and got a good look around at each, as well as speaking to managers and all. Each one was different, different atmosphere's and equipment.

That said, since they seem to be standardizing their equipment among sites these days, you may want to find someone you know who goes and visit as a guest? It certainly isn't for everyone, but if they're geared towards your personal goals OP, it might be a good fit. If you're goals are towards powerlifting or body building you may want to look elsewhere.

But for generic informational purposes from a location in Montgomery, AL:

- A lot of purple and yellow (like A LOT)
- A lot of cardio equipment to include: ellipticals, treadmills, a few stairmasters, and a couple of those weird Gazelle-looking machines
- A decent collection of dumbbells for (relatively) lighter workouts - 2.5-80lb dumbbells in 5-pound increments
- Friendly staff sometimes, sometimes reserved staff that doesn't say much. Not unfriendly, just reserved.
- Clean establishment
- Nice, basic shower/changing area
- A lot of machine weights (I think it's Cybex brand at this location), very little free weights
- Snacks at the front desk
- Massage chair that you can pay a few dollars for a few minutes
- Maybe a sauna, I don't remember?
- Vending machine with mostly marked up protein shakes, pre-workout drinks, and the likes
- Large membership and borderline overcrowded at peak hours

That's about all I got. I was never a member there, but the manager gave me a free week when I was in college down the road. It ultimately wasn't for me, but I can see where many people would benefit from what they offer.

I just changed from one Planet Fitness to different one. The new one is WAY more better. It has equipment I have never seen before. As a female I love the fractional dumb bells they have there. I am doing the Stronglifts 5x5 there so I have to do most of it on a Smith Machine.