Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness was founded in 1992 by Michael Grondahl, who purchased a financially struggling gym, and implemented a low-cost business model by dramatically reducing prices to compete against better-known brands. The goal was to meet the needs of occasional or first-time health club members, rather than more experienced members.
The Planet Fitness brand has positioned itself as the leader for getting great value from a gym membership. Planet Fitness focuses on the average person who wants to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Planet Fitness is unique in the fact that they discourage body-building and “gymtimidation.” Today, Planet Fitness has over 1000 locations with an estimated 6 million members across the United States. The company’s locations are either corporate- or individually owned and operated.
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The Good
- Planet Fitness Prices and Contracts
- Planet Fitness Black Card
- "Judgement Free Zone"
- Extra Membership Fees
- Equipment
- Personal Training
- Planet Fitness Locations
Planet Fitness Prices and Contracts
Planet Fitness is possibly the cheapest gym membership available at only $10/month. Contracts are month-to-month with no obligation. For example, certain fitness centers in the industry require you to make a three-to-six-month commitment upon signup. When it comes to price, on average, monthly gym memberships cost anywhere from $55/month to as much as $161/month.
Planet Fitness Black Card
Planet Fitness offers two types of Planet Fitness memberships: the $10 or Black Card membership. The $10 membership is the basic package without many perks beyond unlimited access to that particular gym. The Black Card Membership costs $22.99/month. If you are interested in this card membership, you should reach out to a membership representative.
Black Card perks include 20 percent off Reebok products at outlet store locations and 10 percent off at Planet Fitness' online store. You also get unlimited access to other Planet Fitness locations, as well as to their massage chairs and tanning beds. Black Card Members receive a Planet Fitness t-shirt and get to take part in Planet Fitness' Pizza Mondays and Bagel Tuesdays.
"Judgment Free Zone"
Planet Fitness strives to make all fitness members feel welcome, no matter their fitness level. The focal point of Planet Fitness is to eliminate the pressure and stress that comes from "gymtimidation" while participating in fitness training activities. This practice allows for fitness members to work out how and when they want. Going to the gym and feeling like you aren't good enough to be there just doesn't cut it. If you have struggled with that in the past, trying the Planet Fitness service may be your new fitness solution.
Extra Membership Fees
Planet Fitness charges a small $1 enrollment fee for Black Card members and $20–$29 enrollment fee for other members aside from the monthly membership fee. When compared with other gyms in the fitness chain market, Planet fitness stands out. Most gyms charge an enrollment fee or initiation fee of $50 to $100. This makes becoming a member at Planet Fitness very affordable. Customers should be aware that Planet Fitness charges a $39 annual fee that is typically assessed in October. This fee is affordable for people on a budget when contrasted with the majority of fitness companies who charge hidden fees of $75 or more.
Equipment
Generally, there is always enough gym equipment (machines, strength equipment, and weights) for everyone. Planet Fitness has a lot of cardio machines, free weights of up to 80 lbs., curl bars, and other strength training equipment. The machines and equipment are adequate for the average gym user and is kept clean. Cardio machines are abundant which is a major advantage since many gyms do not provide enough of them. Treadmills are available with personal televisions for fitness members' use. Other features that may be of interest to potential customers are tanning beds, a Planet Fitness Gym App, and personal training.
Planet Fitness Locations
Planet Fitness has over 1,500 locations across all 50 states in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. This makes it easy for members who spend their time traveling or for those who move to a different state to find a Planet Fitness club near them.
The Bad
- Limited Classes
- Lunk Alarm
Limited Classes
While Planet Fitness offers some workout classes, they are smaller and much less diverse than some people may be used to. While many other gyms offer yoga, cycling, Zumba, barre, and many other classes, Planet Fitness generally provides classes that focus on specific muscle workouts. The main purpose of the classes is to help new members learn how to use the equipment or design their own individual workout plan. Still, many gym-goers enjoy having the option to pick from various classes and appreciate the social aspect of a group workout. Planet Fitness claims that it appeals to average gym member, but the limited class options suggest it caters more towards those who want to focus on just working out and not to those who want a more socially interactive workout.
Lunk Alarm
Planet Fitness prides itself on the fact that it caters to the average person and provides a "Judgement Free Zone." However, some members may feel that the lunk alarm—an alarm that goes off whenever someone drops their weights, acts aggressively, carries a gallon jug of water, or grunts excessively and too loudly—directly goes against their no-judgment policy. It is possible that members may feel that the lunk alarm unfairly stereotypes those who want to put a little extra effort into their workout.
The Bottom Line
Planet Fitness is the most affordable gym on the market at $10 to $22.99 per month. Their additional fees are minuscule compared to most gyms, making becoming a Planet Fitness member exceptionally affordable — even on a smaller budget.
Planet Fitness may be the most affordable, but this comes with no frills. It lacks the amenities most gyms offer such as pools, tennis courts, childcare, saunas, etc. The company also does not provide a variety of group fitness classes, which is a huge attraction for most gym-goers. If you're looking to work out on your own and don't want to spend a lot of money on a gym membership, Planet Fitness is recommended; however, if you're looking for nutritional coaching and/or fitness classes like Zumba or Yoga, we recommend finding another gym that costs more, since Planet Fitness does not provide these membership benefits.
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User Reviews
Star Rating
381 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Bryan Jensen
Best fitness value around. Facility is nice, clean, and judgement free. Made for people like me.
AJ Wakefield
All the gyms I have been to have been clean and the staff are always polite. The style of gym isn't my favorite, there are a lot of treadmills and ellipticals and not a lot of free weights. Good service! Just not my cup of tea
tayloralexis
Cleanest gym I have ever been to and the staff is always so nice and kind. Love it!
Haley Nemmes
I participated in the planet fitness teen challenge over the summer and it was nice to have access to a gym for so cheap/free!
Amalia AMLU5848
The Planet Fitness gym membership is affordable, but sometimes the gym is not clean and lacks equipment. However, the price makes up for it and it gives no one an excuse to say they cannot afford a gym membership.
Emily Norton
I love planet fitness! Their gyms have plenty of equipment, they’re always clean, and the service is always friendly. They do a great job of applying their “judgment free zone” motto. I think the black card is worth paying extra for just for the massage beds, not to mention the other perks that come with it. Definitely my go to gym.
Trey Farner
Working out at planet fitness was great. This was when I had first started working out and was self conscious. My friend had a black card and was able to bring me in which was great! I really enjoyed the experience.
Luis Diaz
Planet Fitness is an amazing gym Bc they don’t make you feel like you shouldn’t be there if you’re out of shape. They seem to mainly encourage people that are out of shape
Karen Torino
Planet fitness is a pretty decent gym for the memberships they offer. It would be nice to have a few more amenities but I guess that is why their prices are fairly low. Overall, not too bad, and a decent gym to help you focus working on yourself
Clay Magee
I absolutely love the variety of equipment and that it’s is always clean and ready to use.
Alexa Pitre
I love going to planet fitness. Showers are nice, equipment is nice, an overall great experience.
OwenE.
The monthly price is great for its value but the employees are not very supportive.
Nora Holland
I felt so comfortable working out here. I felt like everybody welcome to me and I knew that I choose the right gym to work out at.
lizzy puentes
Planet fitness is a great gym. They have a variety of workout machines and multiple of their popular machines. This is great when the gym is fuller and you don't have to wait as long to use a machine. They have wipes available to whip off the machinery and throughout the day they occasionally clean them too.
myles Ragas
The teen summer challenge was very helpful for my health. I easily signed up and was allowed entry all summer.
Jakob barre
Love how much room they have for aerobic exercises. They also have a plethora of workout machines and trainers available to help.
Jadon Barre
Planet fitness has an abundance of great workout tools at my disposal. But the staff was very nervous and awkward when I had questions. It was a bit inconvenient.
Jacobrobot321
I got a weird rash on my leg after using their equipment. the workout machines are dirty and cheap
Brandon Scott
Planet fitness is a great local gym for beginners and professionals. The staff is always great and helpful, and I never feel judged as I am working out. My friends and I enjoy going to Planet Fitness from time to time.
Anita pea
Planet fitness is a very respectful train g facility and very widespread. Their trainers are awesome and very enthusiastic. Their prices are awesome for the kind of equipment they have there.
cb
I bought a member ship and It's so cheap! I have the black card and love relaxing in the massage chairs after I've been having a rough workout! Equipment is top notch as well!
Janie Dennis
I like Youfit better because of the colors but their prices are so good if you can’t afford LA fitness! Like it very much! Planet Fitness has good prices and many machines to use!
Nancy K
Customer service at the Oklahoma City, Brookwood location is absent. When I wanted to cancel I called and was told I would need to go in person. I was told given a courtesy heads up that I needed to go in by the 2/27 to avoid another annual fee. I went on 3/1 and cancelled and was not given a courtesy heads up that I would be billed another annual fee because I came in three days too late. I was surprised by a debit to my checking on 3/2. I contacted the corporate office who said it was a local matter, I contacted the manager, Brian who said it was a corporate matter. He said they have the legal right to bill me because it is embedded somewhere in the contract. It will not be refunded. I would describe the experience as predatory and would never allow them access to my checking account ever again.
Lizabeth Augustine
Excellent experience. Daughter a member. Immaculate, always a plus in that environment. Knowledgeable staff. Like the colors and marketing of their product and services.
Eny Donnelly
I am working out there for one year and I am very happy, it is very affordable and very clean
perscilla
Planet Fitness is the reason I have been sticking with my new years resolution. The staff has kept me motivated and the gym has nice equipment.
Ashphile Baptiste
I love going to Planet Fitness where it actually is judgement free to be able to work out at my own pace.
Rocio Diaz
Very low and affordable prices with amenities equal to a larger gym. The only drawback is the small size of the facility and no pool or sauna.
Eric Gagnard
very welcoming gym with state of the art equipment and staff. the lunk alarm almost makes me feel the opposite of what it was designed for but i love how there’s always some promotion or incentive so you come back regularly
Jackson Barousse
Planet Fitness is by far the most affordable gym and the staff is very friendly and informative. Many different types of machines so even if the gym is crowded you can still get a full workout.
Annie Chow
Pretty good but quite small and feels like you're always in somebody else's space.
Alex Segura
Beware... never used membership, but still tagged for membership fees.. finally had to in go in person to cancel... still billed for monthly membership...
Zabsanti
Planet fitness is good depending on the day. Some of their staff is motivating and polite while others are complete jerks. The service needs improvement.
hmarashi
Planet fitness will always be the most cost effective option for starting going to the gym.
Jennifer Donnelly
I love planet fitness because I can work out without feeling judged. I also LOVE their massage machine.
Karina Aguilar
i love planet fitness! i never feel uncomfortable walking into that gym. they offer all their ammenities at such an affordable price
Randi Nelson
Planet fitness has so much equipment in all of their locations and is super cheap to buy a monthly membership.
MaryAnn Hagblom
It’s prices are amazing and you pay month to month. So no long term contracts. Feel more comfortable there.
Mike Ika
I was at planet fitness for only a year, but was too intimidated to go very often. The gym itself was nice, the equipment was great, but the people using the facility were very athletic and muscular. I didn’t see many overweight people, like myself, working out there. I felt fat shamed and too intimidated to work out there. That doesn’t make Planet Fitness a horrible gym, I was just too scared due to the lack of body shape variety there.
janice pan
The planet fitness next to me is so small. It literally looks like just a big room with all of the workout machines.. rows and rows of treadmills, elypticals, and stair climbers.
Mark Wells
I love the fact that I can go to the gym anytime of day that I want any time of the week. The judgment free zone really makes me feel good about myself and my weight loss track.
Seth Boudoin
Great machines so I can get a solid workout in. I love the music playing in the background to keep me pumped up and the weights and trainers are all qualified and best material. Memberships aren’t too pricey and really worth the effort.
Brayden Ibert
Planet Fitness is a great workout facility with a plethora of options for machines. It’s a judgement free zone. The customer service is great and the price for a membership is fair.
Jenn0507
Great atmosphere for all body types. Lots of different type of equipment with several of each. No pressure easy going very clean and friendly gym.
Dwhoush
The price of the Planet Fitness membership was cheap. The location I went to was always packed and it was hard to get on the equipment you wanted. The staff was very helpful though1
Mykahla Nelson
Planet fitness is pretty reasonable on price. This makes working out so easy and cheap. The staff and equipment is clean.
Cara Shumway
Very clean facility!! Friendly staff and lots of machines and free weights to choose from!!!
Kayle Wilds
Enjoyed to high energy their but unfortunately there's no gym near us for me to continue going.
JD Dunklee
Going to Planet Fitness is always a pleasure because each one has quality facilities! The equipment is nice and plenty of other workout programs to get into
Reckholdt
They have cheap prices and good equipment. It’s weird they have pizza night but overall a good gym.