3.7
5.5
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
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.
Planet Fitness is one of the cheapest gym memberships available at only $10/month for a classic membership. 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 offers two types of Planet Fitness memberships: the $10 or Black Card membership. A classic planet fitness membership only allows a member to use one location and doesn’t give access to every perk the gym offers. 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 the planet fitness hydromassage and tanning booth. Black Card Members receive a Planet Fitness t-shirt and get to take part in Planet Fitness' Pizza Mondays and Bagel Tuesdays. Each black card member can also bring a guest to any planet fitness location each time they go.
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 Planet Fitness may be your new fitness solution.
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 membership 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.
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 weight machines and equipment are adequate for the average gym user and are kept clean.
Cardio equipment is abundant which is a major advantage since many gyms do not provide enough. 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 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.
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 the 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.
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.
Planet Fitness is one of the most affordable gyms 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.
Debora Paez Columbia, MO
4 years ago
CJ Pelletier Columbia, MO
4 years ago
Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT
8 years ago
edward reese Hyattsville, MD
7 years ago
ken warrick Chicago, IL
9 years ago
Rebecca D
4 years ago
LeAnn Baytown, TX
5 years ago
Sean Clayton City of Saint Peters, MO
5 years ago
jim Port Jefferson, NY
7 years ago
Shirley
7 years ago
Review Source
Mike Ika West Valley City, UT
6 years ago
Review Source
BeauCarl South Jordan, UT
6 years ago
Donna Williams Phoenix, AZ
7 years ago
Review Source
AJ Wakefield Tucson, AZ
6 years ago
Review Source
Jarrett Ingram Elkridge, MD
6 years ago
Review Source
Jesse Rice Biloxi, MS
6 years ago
Review Source
Dasha Directo Provo, UT
7 years ago
Review Source
Rashida Laumatia Saint George, UT
8 years ago
Shante Reeder Draper, UT
6 years ago
Jadon Barre ,
6 years ago
keith hill
7 years ago
Blake Wilcox Salt Lake City, UT
9 years ago
Review Source
janice pan ,
6 years ago
Review Source
Destini Ferguson
6 years ago
Lena munn Elmira, NY
4 years ago
Review Source
Zabsanti Silverhill, AL
6 years ago
Review Source
Rebecca Harvey Long Beach, MS
6 years ago
Review Source
Valentino Chanel South Jordan, UT
6 years ago
Review Source
Piper Whitsitt Long Beach, MS
6 years ago
Review Source
Jacob American Fork, UT
6 years ago
OwenE. Norcross, GA
6 years ago
Jason Wilkins
7 years ago
Review Source
JR Suguturaga Orem, UT
6 years ago
Review Source
Amanda Montebello, CA
6 years ago
Review Source
Brooke Herbon Kaysville, UT
7 years ago
Jason Pyrah Willard, MO
7 years ago
Linda Johnson
7 years ago
Review Source
Kayle Wilds Eagle Mountain, UT
6 years ago
Review Source
Kayla Heber, UT
6 years ago
Review Source
Donna Long Beach, MS
6 years ago
Review Source
Tori smith Mesa, AZ
6 years ago
Review Source
Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT
6 years ago
Review Source
Amelia Gibson South Jordan, UT
8 years ago
We're on a mission to empower consumers to make the best decisions and connect confidently with companies that deserve their business.
© 2026 BestCompany.com LLC - All rights reserved Privacy Policy | Terms | Do Not Sell My Personal Information