Planet Fitness?
emmylootwo
Posts: 172 Member
Do you like it? Is it really a judgement free zone? I'm thinking about joining, but am nervous. I've never been a part of a gym before. I've done as much research as I can on it, and it's certainly the cheapest option around my town even with the $40 annual fee. Thoughts?
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Replies
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Aw just go for it. And the the black card so you can take advantage of the hydromassage. Totally worth the little bit extra per month!3
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I love it. Very judgement free.1
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Get black card for massages.1
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Go for a visit if you have not already. Does the staff seem polite and responsive? Does it have the equipment that you want? Is it clean? Is it a good fit for your needs? Did you like the atmosphere? If it works for you, go for it. Every gym is different, even within a franchise, so another person's experience at another location isn't going to tell you anything.6
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If it's month-to-month, I say go for it. You can always cancel if you don't like it. Be wary of getting locked into a long-term contract if you are new to gyms. Also check the website for deals if you haven't already. There are many different types of people at commercial gyms who are all trying to achieve their respective goals. Once you get in there and develop a structured routine, the more at ease you will feel.
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As long as you're quiet when you lift. Make any noise, and they'll blast an alarm, bringing the attention of anyone on the premises on you. I forget what they call it, but the concept has always annoyed me. I know it's aimed at getting the super-irritating guys who make excessive noise to settle down, but, sheesh, anyone could accidentally drop their weights. No need to publicly humiliate them for an accident.9
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It's not the best gym I've been to, but for how affordable it is compared to other gyms in my area I like it a lot. It has everything I need. A significant portion of the gym is cardio. A big complaint people have (besides the lunk alarm) has to do with them not having heavier weights, but if you're not going specifically for that, it's a good place to start.3
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I've never had a problem at any gym, planet fitness or others. If it has everything you want, and is cheapest, it's great. I use my school's gym as it's free for me (well, sorta, tuition had gym fees incorporated).0
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I loved it there. I had the black card so I could work out at any of their locations (I had a lengthy commute to work, so I often used the gym over there while I waited out rush-hour traffic). I could also bring a guest with me, for an unlimited amount of times. I only stopped going once I met my husband and he put me on his YMCA plan. Membership was easy to terminate - no hassle at all.
Go for it!
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As long as you're quiet when you lift. Make any noise, and they'll blast an alarm, bringing the attention of anyone on the premises on you. I forget what they call it, but the concept has always annoyed me. I know it's aimed at getting the super-irritating guys who make excessive noise to settle down, but, sheesh, anyone could accidentally drop their weights. No need to publicly humiliate them for an accident.
OMG I didn't know that! That's insane. How embarrassing. I just googled it and it's totally real. It's called the "Lunk Alarm". Sometimes it's hard not to make a noise.2 -
It's "judgment free" as long as you're not in good physical condition. They judge, mock and stereotype those kind of people and they don't seem to be particularly welcome in their (not a) gym.
As their advertising slogan goes - "We're not a gym - we're Planet Fitness"
About 99.9% of any gyms you could go to are "judgment free" - so PF certainly isn't unique in that regard, as their ad campaigns would have you believe.
With that said, PF is a very reasonably priced gym and will suit the needs of the vast majority of people.14 -
Years ago when I wanted to get fit I went to a regular gym, more free weights, more of a traditional gym. When I returned to the area, and needed to lose weight I went back there. I had good memories and was happy to support a locally owned place. I couldn't get back into it. People wouldn't wipe off the equipment, some people where there to talk, etc. The owners were nice, but seemed to let everything slide. It was *VERY* expensive as well.
Planet fitness was cheap, and no commitments, so I tried it and liked it. Never had to fight over equipment, people were nice, (most) people wipe the equipment off after using it. All ages, all weight categories. It was a lot less expensive. I enjoy it and I am glad I joined. I have the white card (cheaper) membership.
Join, try it out. Don't go crazy and take it easy. Don't try to over due it. Bring headsets, you can watch TV while using the stationary bikes, the treadmills or the elliptical. If you don't know how to use something, ask they will be able to help you.
Follow gym etiquette:
Wipe off the equipment after using it.
PERSONAL SPACE. (this is a pet peeve of mine) If there are empty machines (treadmills, bikes, elliptical) you don't have to get on the machine next to someone. They might want some space.
Don't use the circuit area for normal workouts, people in the circuit area want to follow the circuit and don't want to go around you.
One thing that cracks me up is that "no judgement", if you are a "lug" they judge the hell out of you by ringing an alarm. I have never heard the alarm but I find it funny saying they are not judgmental unless you lug.
YES JOIN!
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I've gone to my local one for about a month. I do have the black card membership. I like it, comparatively, to some of the small gyms I've been to. The atmosphere is welcoming, it's clean!, and there is plenty of equipment. I don't like that they have bagels on Tuesdays, pizza on Fridays, and tootsie rolls every day. For someone who struggles with binge/ over eating it's distracting. But other than that I'm really enjoying it.
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As long as you're quiet when you lift. Make any noise, and they'll blast an alarm, bringing the attention of anyone on the premises on you. I forget what they call it, but the concept has always annoyed me. I know it's aimed at getting the super-irritating guys who make excessive noise to settle down, but, sheesh, anyone could accidentally drop their weights. No need to publicly humiliate them for an accident.
Is this something you have actually experienced in person at a Planet Fitness to which you belong or are you just going on internet reports about the Lunk Alarm?4 -
emmylootwo wrote: »Do you like it? Is it really a judgement free zone? I'm thinking about joining, but am nervous. I've never been a part of a gym before. I've done as much research as I can on it, and it's certainly the cheapest option around my town even with the $40 annual fee. Thoughts?
I think the most important thing for people new to any gym is to sign up for a few sessions with a personal trainer. This will help you feel more comfortable in the facility, and with your form and a routine.
Planet Fitness is not an option for my coworker, who uses 120# plus dumbbells, but is a fine option for you.0 -
I would say go for it i have been going there for over a year love it1
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emmylootwo wrote: »Do you like it? Is it really a judgement free zone? I'm thinking about joining, but am nervous. I've never been a part of a gym before. I've done as much research as I can on it, and it's certainly the cheapest option around my town even with the $40 annual fee. Thoughts?
I belonged to one years ago just to do winter cardio and a little resistance training when I was first starting out. It doesn't fit my needs as a weight lifting gym, but it's fine for cardio and if you primarily want to use machines and/or dumbbells. It is extremely limited in the barbell department and they don't allow certain lifts to be performed.
It was fine when I was starting out an mainly doing cardio and a little resistance training...but I outgrew it pretty fast. It's fine for a beginner gym if you don't really care much about lifting free weights and doing traditional strength movement like squats and deadlifts.
FWIW, I've been in and out of gyms for the better part of 25 years and have never had an issue...I find most gyms to be judgement free...people are there to work.6 -
Our Planet Fitness was nice enough and was probably fine for me getting started, but it was VERY busy. My stepson goes there and he said it's almost always that busy, except in late evenings. It made me feel claustrophobic. The gym where I ended up getting my membership is a local one, but very large, with a wide variety of classes and equipment. It's super diverse too, as they are a Silver Sneakers facility. We've got people big time into lifting and elderly that pretty much just walk the track and everything in between. Even now that I do a lot of my stuff in the free weights section, I never feel any judgment.
PF is likely perfectly fine for you. Use their day pass and try it out. But don't be scared of other gyms either. Many are also judgment-free places where you can do quite well.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »As long as you're quiet when you lift. Make any noise, and they'll blast an alarm, bringing the attention of anyone on the premises on you. I forget what they call it, but the concept has always annoyed me. I know it's aimed at getting the super-irritating guys who make excessive noise to settle down, but, sheesh, anyone could accidentally drop their weights. No need to publicly humiliate them for an accident.
Is this something you have actually experienced in person at a Planet Fitness to which you belong or are you just going on internet reports about the Lunk Alarm?
The Planet Fitness I belonged to did have their lunk alarm on, but no one really cared. Typically it went off if someone dropped weights. Can’t say I’ve ever seen it over grunting.
OP, if you’re just looking for your run of the mill gym, PF will suit your needs. One thing I do commend them on is their cleanliness and how quickly they fix broken machines. However, if you plan on doing lifts like deadlifts or squats, I suggest looking elsewhere because most only have a Smith machine.
The free weights are also very limited, but again, this only matters if that is the direction you want to go.
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I like the judgement free zone. My problem is the place it's self. Can't grunt, drop weights, bench press, ect. I also have a problem with the whole set up nutritionally. I know they are there to make $$, but free bagels and pizza? a juice bar? these companies know many people get ravenous after a workout, especially steady state cardio.4
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For the most part, I believe that you get what you pay for. You don't want to pay a lot, don't expect much in terms of service or personal attention. If you happen to get it, great, but don't expect it to be part of the package.
As far as non-judgement... I love my club and I feel it's non-judgement. Clubs that have a full fitness staff, customer service staff, membership department, housekeeping and cleaning/operations are more likely to provide an environment that is welcoming and that feels tailored to you. This is just from my own observation, not offering a blanket statement here. Places like PF are cheap and they really don't care if you join, show up, stay or quit. You're just a number and there are thousands more who will join. A little more expensive club is going to work to keep you as a member because the influx of new members isn't nearly as high.
I pay about 800 a month (including 2 training sessions per week) and it's worth every cent for the atmosphere, the staff, the environment, amenities, equipment and caliber of training. It depends what more important to you.3 -
For the most part, I believe that you get what you pay for. You don't want to pay a lot, don't expect much in terms of service or personal attention. If you happen to get it, great, but don't expect it to be part of the package.
As far as non-judgement... I love my club and I feel it's non-judgement. Clubs that have a full fitness staff, customer service staff, membership department, housekeeping and cleaning/operations are more likely to provide an environment that is welcoming and that feels tailored to you. This is just from my own observation, not offering a blanket statement here. Places like PF are cheap and they really don't care if you join, show up, stay or quit. You're just a number and there are thousands more who will join. A little more expensive club is going to work to keep you as a member because the influx of new members isn't nearly as high.
I pay about 800 a month (including 2 training sessions per week) and it's worth every cent for the atmosphere, the staff, the environment, amenities, equipment and caliber of training. It depends what more important to you.
For $800/mo....sure they’re going to kiss your butt to make you stay. But I don’t think people have to be paying ridiculous amounts of money either. $800 is absurd.
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As long as you're quiet when you lift. Make any noise, and they'll blast an alarm, bringing the attention of anyone on the premises on you. I forget what they call it, but the concept has always annoyed me. I know it's aimed at getting the super-irritating guys who make excessive noise to settle down, but, sheesh, anyone could accidentally drop their weights. No need to publicly humiliate them for an accident.
The lunk alarm.0 -
When I lived in Florida I went to one I loved it! The machines they have are very easy to use. I do agree that it’s judgment free, there were all kinds of people all shapes and sizes and no one bothers you. If I had one where I live now I would definitely be going!0
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For the most part, I believe that you get what you pay for. You don't want to pay a lot, don't expect much in terms of service or personal attention. If you happen to get it, great, but don't expect it to be part of the package.
As far as non-judgement... I love my club and I feel it's non-judgement. Clubs that have a full fitness staff, customer service staff, membership department, housekeeping and cleaning/operations are more likely to provide an environment that is welcoming and that feels tailored to you. This is just from my own observation, not offering a blanket statement here. Places like PF are cheap and they really don't care if you join, show up, stay or quit. You're just a number and there are thousands more who will join. A little more expensive club is going to work to keep you as a member because the influx of new members isn't nearly as high.
I pay about 800 a month (including 2 training sessions per week) and it's worth every cent for the atmosphere, the staff, the environment, amenities, equipment and caliber of training. It depends what more important to you.
For $800/mo....sure they’re going to kiss your butt to make you stay. But I don’t think people have to be paying ridiculous amounts of money either. $800 is absurd.
Check your local ymcas. The membership costs are affordable, and scholarships are available to low income people/households.
The ymcas have so many options from water activities ( pool/hot tub jacuzzi /steam room/dry sauna), to excercise and sports activities.1 -
For the most part, I believe that you get what you pay for. You don't want to pay a lot, don't expect much in terms of service or personal attention. If you happen to get it, great, but don't expect it to be part of the package.
As far as non-judgement... I love my club and I feel it's non-judgement. Clubs that have a full fitness staff, customer service staff, membership department, housekeeping and cleaning/operations are more likely to provide an environment that is welcoming and that feels tailored to you. This is just from my own observation, not offering a blanket statement here. Places like PF are cheap and they really don't care if you join, show up, stay or quit. You're just a number and there are thousands more who will join. A little more expensive club is going to work to keep you as a member because the influx of new members isn't nearly as high.
I pay about 800 a month (including 2 training sessions per week) and it's worth every cent for the atmosphere, the staff, the environment, amenities, equipment and caliber of training. It depends what more important to you.
For $800/mo....sure they’re going to kiss your butt to make you stay. But I don’t think people have to be paying ridiculous amounts of money either. $800 is absurd.
That 800 bucks a month is a lot of money. Yikes.1 -
For the most part, I believe that you get what you pay for. You don't want to pay a lot, don't expect much in terms of service or personal attention. If you happen to get it, great, but don't expect it to be part of the package.
As far as non-judgement... I love my club and I feel it's non-judgement. Clubs that have a full fitness staff, customer service staff, membership department, housekeeping and cleaning/operations are more likely to provide an environment that is welcoming and that feels tailored to you. This is just from my own observation, not offering a blanket statement here. Places like PF are cheap and they really don't care if you join, show up, stay or quit. You're just a number and there are thousands more who will join. A little more expensive club is going to work to keep you as a member because the influx of new members isn't nearly as high.
I pay about 800 a month (including 2 training sessions per week) and it's worth every cent for the atmosphere, the staff, the environment, amenities, equipment and caliber of training. It depends what more important to you.
Jeez, and I thought $50 a month for the YMCA with an indoor and outdoor saline-cleaned pool, and elevated track in addition to all the other usual amenities was a lot. And the staff called me by name and kept the place very clean and weights racked.3 -
Generally speaking, I really enjoy Planet Fitness. The two in Winston-Salem, NC are great. I go to the one on Reynolda. I went first to the one on Peters Creek Parkway but moved home gyms to the Reynolda. I also had the black card. It very much suited my needs. Then I started doing the Power lifting stuff and needed a "real gym" (with "real gym" translating to "a gym with a squat rack and a dead lift area and a bench"). I stopped going to Planet Fitness. But, a couple months ago when I decided to stop Power Lifting (for the time being) I joined Planet Fitness. Reynolda location - normal membership.
Now, is it really "judgement - free"? Honestly, as long as you fit their definition, no. But......
I have trained several ladies and a couple of guys. One of the ladies was a very attractive, very fit 20-something who showed up in very "fitness-ish" attire. Yes - gymshark leggings and sports bra. Well, that did not go over too well with the 50-something ladies sitting on the stationary bikes, reading their iPads or talking on their iPhones. They complained to the staff there. The staff had to talk to me about "my guest". Really?
For most people (and I am included in that) Planet Fitness is a really great place. Lots of great people and a good vibe. And the ladies do not really need to worry too much about, how should I put it?, unwanted attention from the male members! That is handled pretty quickly.
If there is a Planet Fitness in your area that is conventiently located for you then I would really suggest giving them a try. The price is - all things being equal - right. The staff is generally really nice. They have a lot of equipment....both in the way or machines and cardio. And they have the nice sections.....30-minute circuit area, abs area, THX area, etc etc etc.
And, there is nothing wrong with Smith Machines. I mean, much better than nothing at all. The one thing - and I am not quite there yet - is that the dumbbells go up to 75lbs. May or may not be something to consider.5 -
For the most part, I believe that you get what you pay for. You don't want to pay a lot, don't expect much in terms of service or personal attention. If you happen to get it, great, but don't expect it to be part of the package.
As far as non-judgement... I love my club and I feel it's non-judgement. Clubs that have a full fitness staff, customer service staff, membership department, housekeeping and cleaning/operations are more likely to provide an environment that is welcoming and that feels tailored to you. This is just from my own observation, not offering a blanket statement here. Places like PF are cheap and they really don't care if you join, show up, stay or quit. You're just a number and there are thousands more who will join. A little more expensive club is going to work to keep you as a member because the influx of new members isn't nearly as high.
I pay about 800 a month (including 2 training sessions per week) and it's worth every cent for the atmosphere, the staff, the environment, amenities, equipment and caliber of training. It depends what more important to you.
Darn, seems high. If you don't mind me asking what area is this and what is membership vs personal training?0 -
I love love fitness classes so that is a deal-breaker for me. I know PF doesn't have them and I really hate cardio machines. If you mostly want to do cardio and aren't interested in classes then PF is a good option as I don't think you can beat the price.0
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