Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Planet Fitness Gym Membership

Below are the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages of a Planet Fitness gym membership. So you can now make a more informed decision on whether joining this popular gym, or not.

Planet Fitness has taken the fitness world by storm in recent years. The chain has made a name for itself among the elite in the market such as LA Fitness and Lifetime.

However, Planet Fitness is unique in its approach to the fitness industry. For this reason, there is often a divided opinion on this gym.

Here is a shortlist of pros and cons to help you decide whether a Planet Fitness gym membership is a good choice or not.

Advantages Of A Planet Fitness Gym Membership

Here is why I believe you should sign up for a Planet Fitness gym membership:

1. Affordability

One of the most enticing features of Planet Fitness is the gym’s affordability.

Most commercial gyms cost upwards of $30-40 per month plus hefty one-time signup fees. In reality, these expenses have the potential to keep clients away from the gym.

Planet Fitness has been able to generate a lot of buzz in the fitness industry for its ability to offer very low monthly fees.

The Planet Fitness membership cost starts at only $10 per month, sometimes without even a signing fee. Sometimes members are even eligible for special deals and discounts.

These savings add up in the long run, especially when signed up to the gym for years.

2. Variety Of Equipment

For the low, low price of $10 per month, Planet Fitness packs quite a punch when it comes to equipment standards.

Although they don’t have everything, Planet Fitness gyms have a huge variety of machines and free weights.

There are treadmills, ellipticals, and stair masters for those looking for a cardio workout.

In the lifting area, there are standard free weights, barbells, and countless weight machines targeting nearly every muscle in the body.

What Planet Fitness does have, it is done properly.

3. Low Key Atmosphere

Planet Fitness is a fairly welcoming gym that appeals to a large portion of the public. Although there are a few unique rules to this gym, the environment still remains low-key and relaxed.

There is no pressure to exercise a certain way or with a certain intensity. It is not uncommon to see clients of all fitness experiences in the gym at the same time.

This makes Planet Fitness feel like a very open and free space.

4. Global Influence

A global base with an established brand is a massive benefit for planet fitness gym-goers.

Not only is there a large community but the cross-pollination of members and trainers means that new techniques and exercises are shared and the overall fitness knowledge is improved.

High popularity, as shown in this image from this Australian company, leads to improved resources, which means facilities, equipment and locations are all better suited to the consumer.

Planet Fitness Disadvantages

Here is what might make you say “pass” to a Planet Fitness gym membership and search for other gyms around you:

1. No Olympic Equipment

One of the primary disadvantages of Planet Fitness gyms is the lack of certain equipment. In fact, most gyms in the franchise don’t have Olympic benches or squat racks.

In an interview with Men’s Health, the company’s director of public relations McCall Gosselin mentioned that Planet Fitness was not founded for people who work out multiple times a week.

So the company is geared toward those who take working out a little less seriously than bodybuilders.

This means that some equipment that is seen as standard in other gyms simply won’t have a place in a Planet Fitness gym.

For some people, this is a welcoming sight. For others, it breaks the deal.

2. Noise Policy

In many commercial and smaller gyms, it is not uncommon to hear grunts from lifters or the rattling of dumbbells and weight plates.

However, these noises are not particularly welcome at Planet Fitness. Modeled for the average individual, this gym doesn’t take kindly to loud noises from the weights or the lifter.

To be sure, their dumbbells often don’t even exceed 80 pounds, and dropping them onto the floor is forbidden.

3. Lack Of Classes

Unlike most commercial gyms, Planet Fitness doesn’t have a lot of classes to offer its clients.

Those customers who enjoy Pilates, strike, yoga, etc. will have to look elsewhere for their weekly classes.

This is one of the ways in which Planet Fitness is able to offer such low monthly membership fees.

The equipment that the gym does offer is spot on and very high quality. For some customers, however, a lack of classes is enough to opt out of a Planet Fitness membership.

This is perfectly fine as this more affordable gym seems to be geared towards a specific demographic.

While a Planet Fitness gym membership may not be for everyone, there is certainly a target demographic that the company has successfully targeted.

This list of pros and cons mentions just a few of the advantages and disadvantages to help you make a more informed decision.