Planet Fitness Logo
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5.5

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: April 7th, 2022

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 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 Black Card

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.

"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 Planet Fitness 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 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.

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 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 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.

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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 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. 

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.

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The Bottom Line

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.

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Star Rating

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3.7

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460 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

44%

4 grade

23%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

18%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Lisa Rae Vaughan Aliquippa, PA

“ personal journey“ and “alone in a crowd“ ring true, but that pretty much describes where I am in life. I see that in the other people as well. I work out approximately four days per week, one gym only, and the cost is well worth it. $10/month plus $40 annual/registration fee works out to approximately $.85 per visit for all the cardio and weight training equipment you could ever need. Plus there is a “free“ trainer with whom I worked twice, one hour each time. He developed a plan of machines and reps to meet the medical and physical goals I laid out. There are a few negatives as well, specifically other people not cleaning equipment after use, equipment not working correctly, that type of thing. But the convenience and the cost far outweigh the negatives.

4 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Chicago, IL

I love how much equipment that Planet Fitness has. They have such a variety of equipment for strength or cardio or more. The equipment is very clean and it never feels overcrowded. I also think that the membership is super affordable for everything that you get included. I also love how the staff is so willing to help and it feels like there is never any judgment. They are willing to teach you how to use a machine and make sure you have good form. I love that I can learn how to do new things and not feel like I am being judged.

4 years ago

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Caloway Salt Lake City, UT

Good workout gym with a lot of good equipment. However, they do not have any free-weight bars like a bench press but they do have the bars that are connected to the racks. Those aren't my favorite things to use so I wasn't too fond of that but some people might not mind. It is a very positive atmosphere so for those who are just starting to go to the gym or are getting back into it after a while, this is a good place to start and the pricing is good.

5 years ago

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ARFordable Pet Grooming LLC

Very clean large and very helpful trainers my son and my husband joined the only thing I thought was very unfair is that I paid for about two years and then cancelled asked if I could receive just a quarter of it back because husband had both hips replaced my father passed away and i had two surgeries myself and forgot all about the membership. They know and can see we never ever went so kinda thought it was t fair they would t offer me anything back.

7 years ago

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Brittney Butts Gainesville, FL

Love how many locations this gym has, let's me stay in shape even when I'm visiting family a few hours from my city. I wish they would let me bring a friend for free like my last gym would but definitely love the tanning beds and massage chairs! The gyms are always clean and the employees are very friendly. The price is great too!

4 years ago

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Chris Bright Tempe, AZ

I like their sanitation policy, they had a good one in place way before covid. They have great prices on their basic and upgraded memberships. I felt slightly misled that I could sign up for a dollar... I could, however they disclosed lots of additional fees that they charge annually once I got there. Kind of made a great deal turn to an ok deal.

5 years ago

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Nyla C. Edison, NJ

Planet Fitness is another gym I have used back home. I have always been a guest when I go to Planet Fitness, which is something that I think is pretty neat and unique about this gym. However, I took one star away because guests aren't allowed to use all of the resources and services that are offered unless they become a member themselves.

5 years ago

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Lizzy Puentes Tallahassee, FL

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.

6 years ago

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Angela Alexander

I used Planet Fitness for 1 year and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The facilities were clean, the equipment was in good repair, and it was never too crowded, even in January. I only stopped using Planet Fitness because there was a billing issue and I switched to a another gym that was closer to my job.

7 years ago

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Charlene West Monroe, LA

I have been to 3 Planet Fitness in 3 diffrent states. They are all good especially the one in West Monroe. They are very friendly and care about their clients. The personal trainers are outstanding ! I have had no issues with any of these gyms.

7 years ago

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Rikki Martinez

I like this gym and havent had any bad experiences with any of the locations Ive been to. Its a simple gym which is all I need. I dont need a pool, sauna or any of those other amenities so this place is perfect! Thats how they are able to offer such inexpensive membership prices.

9 years ago

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Janessa Herriman, UT

Good gym for the price. Just found it interesting that they offer tootsie rolls on their front desk, a pizza night once a month, and a bagel breakfast once a month. Some people probably love those perks but for someone trying to get in shape those food choices don't seem the best. They were always super friendly though and helpful if you needed it. We just quit because our promotional pricing went away and we could do what we were doing there at our home. Cancelling was pretty easy though and they didn't give us much hassle.

7 years ago

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Liliuokalani.T Mililani Town, HI

Planet Fitness’ basic gym membership is as advertised - unlimited access too all clubs with many open 24hours, offering free basic fitness training (proper technique and machine use) in a clean environment with many machines. For a small fee you can upgrade to a membership that allows you to bring a guest each time. A definite recommend for super clean facilities, friendly staff and easy no fuss sign up and monthly contract memberships.

8 years ago

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Elisabeth Kinghorn Bangkok, 10

I have always had good experiences working out at Planet Fitness. Great quality equipment with a really comfortable and safe environment. I also love the affordability of this gym and have found that to be a big pro!

5 years ago

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John Narvaez Washington, DC

I enjoy the low price of attending Planet Fitness. I gave this gym 4 stars because I would like to see some more updated cardio machines. This is understandable for the price go the gym.

5 years ago

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Alexander Johnson Burbank, CA

I enjoyed planet for the time I had it. Great prices but I hate that annual fee popping up. Had some billing issues with them but overall pretty good. It’s a quiet zone so sometimes hard to find motivation

6 years ago

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Bea New Bern, NC

I love Planet Fitness; However, closing on Thursday and NOT opening today is ridiculous being that the hurricane was not in our area Thursday and it’s been out of here since early afternoon! Open them doors!!

7 years ago

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Jeremy Balls Kaysville, UT

I like the atmosphere at Planet Fitness. People just going to exercise not going there to show off. I did cancel my membership, but if I sign back up it will be with Planet Fitness.

7 years ago

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Antoinette Riverton, UT

I had a good experience with Planet Fitness. The facility was clean and the equipment in good shape. I used their training services and enjoyed it. When we moved, they were good about cancelling my membership

8 years ago

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Hyrum Sandy, UT

Love the low monthly fee with no contract. I understand their efforts to create a certain environment, but I wish they had free weights. The lack makes it difficult to do certain exercises and lifts.

8 years ago

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Karen Torino Tallahassee, FL

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

6 years ago

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Seth Boudoin Baton Rouge, LA

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.

6 years ago

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take7 Sandy, UT

Close by but it didn't have as many of one equipment as I'd like so I had to wait or do other things while waiting. It wasn't packed so that tells you there wasn't many. The workers were nice but didn't seem to know much about equipment. Just tried the trial and only go with someone else who has membership.

6 years ago

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Wendy Liu Bethesda, MD

Awesome gym to go do your workout, very clean, nice place! I’ve been a member of Vic Tanny and Bally and many other gyms over the years, and this is by far the best deal I’ve ever seen! The staff is very pleasant and courteous and helpful!! All the equipment is very well maintained and gets the job done.

6 years ago

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Khori Howard Tallahassee, FL

I prefer Planet Fitness especially if you're a beginner because it doesn't feel like one of those gyms where you HAVE to know what you're doing and feel overwhelmed if you don't. The machines tell you how to work them and what muscles they work, so you don't have to figure it out yourself.

6 years ago

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Shannon B Salt Lake City, UT

I went to Planet Fitness for a few years when it was the closest gym I lived to. If you are content with the basics (treadmill, bikes, ellipticals, free weights etc) this is a great option. There aren't a lot of bells and whistles and sometimes the equipment is broken, but overall its clean and fulfills the needs of a basic gym.

6 years ago

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Brennan Orem, UT

Good middle of the pack gym. I always found the gym to not be that busy and the equipment was decent. The price is great. I just feel like it is a decent gym but there is nothing there to put them over the top. I always thought the staff was very nice and welcoming.

7 years ago

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Ellinor Gray Orem, UT

Great value for the cost (I have the black pass) and because it allows for quest option I can bring different friends with me to the gym for motivation. The facilities are always clean and I never feel like I am going to the tool shed. Wish they offered better class/group work outs and had a pool but It is a great value for the cost.

8 years ago

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Steve Minneapolis, MN

overall good, however the GM at the Columbia Heights refuses to order toe clips, and the club seems to have become a magnet for crime... lockers broken into, cars stolen

7 years ago

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Amalia AMLU5848 Arvada, CO

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.

6 years ago

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Brandon Scott Norcross, GA

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.

6 years ago

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Dwhoush Theodore, AL

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

6 years ago

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David T Draper, UT

Planet Fitness is a good gym. They have a good variety of equipment and trainings, but they are a little more expensive than some other decent gyms. I think their pizza nights, etc. are a little weird, but I look past that.

6 years ago

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Dillbrow Aberdeen, ID

It does what it advertises, a place to workout without the pressure or environment that comes with a gym membership. Only complaint is that there are no free weights, only machines.

6 years ago

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Cam McClellan Magna, UT

An overall clean gym with decent equipment at Planet Fitness. Sometimes the workers can be a bit over the top with rules, but it wasn’t as bad as some of my friends led me to believe.

6 years ago

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Andrea C Moran-Melendez Jacksonville, FL

I loved the program that they offered for students over the summer to help encourage people to get active. I really hope that they continue that program every year or offer an even more discounted rate for students overall.

6 years ago

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Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

10 bucks a month is honestly a wonderful deal, but I don't like how the gym lacks a number of free weights. It's definitely not as busy as other big franchise gyms and very clean.

6 years ago

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Melanie Rio Rancho, NM

I have been a member of Planet Fitness for years. Their machines are pretty decent and the facilities are well maintained and cleaned regularly. It’s nice that I can go when I have time.

6 years ago

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Katherine Whyte Miami, FL

I participated in their Summer Challenge this summer and was able to have access to alot of their facilities and equipment needed to have a great exercise. Very nice and informed staff too!

6 years ago

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Zac Marx Brighton, CO

Planet Fitness is a great gym, when you dont recognize other gym names around. I use planet fitness a lot while traveling. The machines are always in great condition and I never have to wait to work out.

7 years ago

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Becca Tallahassee, FL

Cheap cheap cheap, but you need to be self-motivated and have an idea of how to put together your own workout in order to get the most out of this gym. You can pay extra for trainer-led classes.

7 years ago

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Cristiana Orem, UT

I worked out at Planet Fitness a couple years ago and I really enjoined. I like the idea that they have monitors to help out and classes schedule periodic. Place was always clean and customer service is great.

7 years ago

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Brody B Orem, UT

Planet Fitness is a great place to get a nice quiet workout at an affordable price. I love the laid back atmosphere and it is never that busy. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

7 years ago

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Fernando Delgado Tempe, AZ

I enjoy the stations the have and the massage chair but the only thing I would recommend is not having pizza and bagel nights and including classes. This would add so much for value with classes and babysitting.

7 years ago

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Karen Anderson Lindon, UT

I belong to Planet Fitness. I dont go there very often, but I really like it. I never feel out of place even though I'm not perfectly fit. I love the tanning beds and massage tables after a workout.

8 years ago

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Kristin G Pleasant Grove, UT

I gave 4 stars only because when we joined we had to pay a much higher start up fee than the current gym where we are now. We did enjoy it though while we were members. It was smaller and Ilimed that.

8 years ago

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Laurel Dalton Herriman, UT

Planet Fitness has the perfect location to make working out easy! I love the affordable prices this gym offers to athletes of young and old.

4 years ago

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Karina Aguilar Managua, MN

i love planet fitness! i never feel uncomfortable walking into that gym. they offer all their ammenities at such an affordable price

6 years ago

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Nicole Sohm Herriman, UT

Very small gym and usually not super busy so if you want to workout in a quieter gym with less people go to planet fitness!

6 years ago

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roxanne Millville, UT

Ive loved going to planet fitness, its the less crowded gym without the gym sharks, the atmosphere is clean and friendly

7 years ago