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%

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Value

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Quality

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Service

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Renee Union City, CA

Ridiculous Rules! The Planet Fitness Gyms is Empty! The one in Richmond California has long standing lines! The wait is 45 minutes to 1hr, only 46 including staff can be inside, that’s insane. It’s like a Ghost Town while standing in line looking in from the outside. No lines at 24hr Fitness or other Gyms in the area. $10 you get what you pay for that’s is for sure. Also the Cleanliness is not up to part, other gyms give you, your own cleaning spray bottle. The spray bottles are deluded with water. When I say the gym is empty! It’s empty and it’s big enough for 100 ppl! The Grocery stores are open and have 100 plus. Go elsewhere!

6 years ago

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Joseph Vessel Biloxi, MS

Not even mad... Just Very Disappointed! So, I've been a member at planet fitness for two years now. In 2018, I changed banks and immediately gave planet fitness my new banking information. For 2 months they attempted to retrieve the monthly fee through my old account and each time they tried it incurred a $10 late fee. I addressed this with the Baton Rouge, La, Plank Road location several times; my now former home gym. I thought the matter was cleared up. So today, my 3rd time this week going to Siegen lane location in Baton Rouge, I was denied access after paying these people $24.24 for what seemed like forever... not even the special $10 or $19 price like most people have... I was told I have to pay the balance that was not my fault.... I was handled as if I'd stolen a membership card and tried to workout for free. The guy at the front desk refused to even listen. AND!! I've been working out there throughout 2019, and this is the 1st I hear of any balance. Planet fitness will never get the money because it was a negligence on their end. This is my 2nd bad experience with Planet Fit. If it was my fault, I would've paid the money in 2018.... Two years will not make a difference.... I'll have to pay a little more for Snap or Anytime fitness... After being treated like I was this morning.... Definitely Worth the cost.... And planet fitness isn't a bad gym..... Their billing department apparently sucks! Take care y'all!

6 years ago

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Dwyane Sacramento, CA

Not enough light weight dun-bells. People are hoarding the few light weight dun bells that are there and un willing to share. Two girls working out together that had 5 sets of dun-bells at their work bench. I ask if I could use one set of dun bells to do a quick set and was told "we are using them". I watched for a while and saw they weren't using them and told them I just wanted to do a quick set and would give them back. One of the girls ask me " why are you talking to me" I replied I never-mind am sorry. She replied "you are still talking to me why are you talking to me". They laughed as i walked away. I ask a guy who had several sets and he said no espanol I am considering other fitness institutions.

7 years ago

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Mike Stewart Indianapolis, IN

A lot of times there are machines (usually cardio) out of service that need repaired, that sit for weeks or months without being fixed. Makes it hard to get your workout in when all the stair mills are taken because half of them aren’t working. Also, if you want to tan they will only schedule tanning 30-45 minutes out, so you have to stop your workout to tan or schedule to tan, which obviously isn’t convenient. Seems they are catering to the people who only tan, more than those who work out. Staff is friendly.

4 years ago

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JESSE GENAO Lynn, MA

Just for those who do not know and pay for the planet fitness black card there's a trick they have! They advertise you can go to any club and work out if you pay the extra $10 dollars, but what they don't tell you is you can only go up to 10 times in a month to the gym unless you pay an additional $5 dollars per visit. Stupid in my opinion. If you are trying to get fit do the math and you can probably go to a better-quality gym cheaper

5 years ago

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Jim Las Cruces, NM

Planet Fitness claims to be a judgment free zone, but, because of their “independently owned “ franchises, they “judge” against senior snow birds that have their membership paid by their insurance company. Corporate should really have more control over how their name/brand is used and presented to the public. The only reason for 2 stars is the equipment at the store at my home location is clean and friendly.

7 years ago

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Woody Wilson Clearwater, FL

I like Planet fitness and what they stand for, what I don't like is they advertise "unlimited guest privileges" with a black card membership. What that really means is a guest can come with you anytime you go, but they don't have full access to everything the card holder does, only the weights & machines. It's my opinion that unlimited means unlimited.

7 years ago

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Joe Razmusen Kansas City, MO

After 3 years as a member with 36 televisions running today they removed fox news channel. So I was thinking they call this a "judgement free zone" not sure about that. Just an obsevation. Is this a business built on deceiving the members?

7 years ago

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Hunter Kasprzyk Gilbert, AZ

Planet fitness is not welcoming to certain groups of people which is extremely unfair. Their mission is to provide a casual pressure free environment but this causes them to ban anyone who could possible jeopardize this goal.

8 years ago

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Shani Clyburn

The employees are mean and don't want to help. I am not familiar with done of the equipment and upon along for help I was either greeted with heavy sighs or some would roll their eyes as if I was a bother.

7 years ago

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Steve Sandhoefner Osseo, MN

Planet Fitness in Crystal MN is dirty. Customer service is rude. Asked to refill paper towels and ignored. Mens room did not appear to cleaned in days.

4 years ago

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Lindsey Newman American Fork, UT

I used planet fitness for a week. And I really was not a fan. The customer service was fine, but nothing special.. and I didn’t feel the energy there that I do in other gyms. It was pretty static.

6 years ago

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Autumn Kallunki Provo, UT

I don't like Planet Fitness because I don't like public gyms like this! Like Vasa, the environment isn't inviting and I don't enjoy it. I've never paid for a membership, only done a free trial.

7 years ago

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Olivia Cheff Gilbert, AZ

If you want a low key gym to go to, this is the place for you. But, be sure you never want to cancel because that will be nearly impossible without completely cancelling your bank account and opening up a new one.

8 years ago

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sally Bend, OR

When machines break down, it takes wayyy too long to fix. They also have said from opening day, they will have bike parking. Still waiting.

5 years ago

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William D McElveen

Extremely nitpicky with their patrons. God forbid you actually exercise to lose weight at Planet Fitness.

7 years ago

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Evan Rasmussen Sandy, UT

best 10 dollar deal out there. and I give it 2 stars cause the give free pizza and bagels on certain days. not cool.

8 years ago

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Jake Comstock Sandy, UT

Wasn’t super pleased with this gym. They have a lack of equipment and seem very strict. I always dreaded going into this gym.

6 years ago

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Ezequiel Gaithersburg, MD

I wasn't very happy with this gym. In addition, canceling the service was kind of a pain and took more effort thant it should have.

6 years ago

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Amy Boren American Fork, UT

My old gym sold out to this company. I didn't like the changes they were going to make to the fees and such so I cancelled my membership.

7 years ago

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Jami Howell Farmington, UT

Their equipment is not nearly as good as the other places I've been. Their prices are not good enough for what they offer.

7 years ago

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Nathan Layton, UT

They have some really different rules here compared to a normal gym. I would rather spend my money somewhere and get a better experience.

8 years ago

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Jacobrobot321 Baton Rouge, LA

I got a weird rash on my leg after using their equipment. the workout machines are dirty and cheap

6 years ago

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Terry

good very helpful and nice people have been paying and not been there over 5months

7 years ago

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Beth J Smyrna, TN

Rules about bringing minor guest unclear or not easy to find in theit website.

6 years ago

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Richard West

Silly rules that demote fitness and promote poor health.

7 years ago

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Perez Norwalk, CA

Over charge money be careful people with this company

7 years ago