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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Debora Paez Columbia, MO

Planet Fitness is a good gym for the price. It is a good gym specifically for beginners. The facility is always clean, organized, and the equipment is always in order. However, with their rules to try and avoid gym intimidation towards beginners can get a bit out of hand. Starting with the no water gallons allowed in the gym, only water bottles. Additionally, absolutely no grunting or outside personal trainers. I understand in some ways why these rules are in place but sometimes they can be too much. In some instances, if a pair is working out together and one is more knowledgable than the other and seems to be giving tips, staff will intrude to make sure no private personal training is taking place.

4 years ago

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CJ Pelletier Columbia, MO

Planet fitness is not as bad as people say. The gym is not wet, and it's not creepy. It really does make getting into lifting possible for people who may be intimidated from it. However, there are some serious problems that come with the gym for people who want to make serious gains. There are no substantial free weights. This means no essential compound lifts that train stabilizing muscles and add to practical fitness. No dropping weights makes heavy deadlifts essentially impossible. The machines, however, do provide decent auxiliary support and can be exceptionally useful for people with disabilities or the elderly. The staff are okay, and the other services are good as well. Thus, overall, the gym can be useful for beginner lifter and those not looking to seriously train strength but rather augment their life with light training.

4 years ago

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Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

Was a member of this gym a few years ago because I tend to travel a lot and I know they are all over the country. Because of how inexpensive their memberships were, it was very intriguing to buy a pass & become a member. I know their known for catering to the casual gym goer who's not gonna put any pressure on being the strongest or most fit to other gym goers, but I wasn't a member long. Too long of waits for the bench press & other equipment like that. Too many people texting and on their phones. I just didn't enjoy my little time as a member, so I didn't renew after a couple months. Canceling membership was pretty easy.

8 years ago

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edward reese Hyattsville, MD

Outside of cost there should be no reason why anyone would want to go a PF. Equipment is old and outdated and weights are so light that it makes you wonder how much fitness is really going on. Not to mention the pastries in the am which aren't helping anyone get better. Seems there is a culture of lazy and they really arent out to help people with fitness goals.

7 years ago

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ken warrick Chicago, IL

New member to planet fitness, found the desk staff upon my first sign up to be rude and not understanding of my questions. I will complete my year of membership, but will reconsider others at the end of the year. gym does have plenty of equipment, I have never seen a line or wait for machine.. I agree that the cleanliness could be much improved, along with the lighting in the locker rooms, very dark.

9 years ago

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Rebecca D

While touring for a membership plan at planet fitness I was not really impressed by the overall cleanliness of the facility. I felt that the customer service was lacking and it was more of a peer pressure type of situation to join. I recommend that they have someone in customer service that is more versatile with body image recognition.

4 years ago

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LeAnn Baytown, TX

I worked out at Planet Fitness prior for 3 months. Although I liked the idea of cleaning the machines before and after you used them, I felt like I was spending most of my workout time cleaning instead of working out. So, I cancelled my subscription needless to say.

5 years ago

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Sean Clayton City of Saint Peters, MO

It's a typical gym but with a weird culture. Their policies have some strange restrictions on appearance and behavior that seem to ironically shame people for normal gym behaviors. I've been a couple times and I like that they don't force long-term contracts, but I would rather not go there.

5 years ago

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jim Port Jefferson, NY

It is a convenient gym at a reasonable price - until you have to cancel. I was away for 7 months so I wanted to suspend or cancel my membership. Took a many emails to do it. A real pain. Now tha I am back I hesitate to join again because I will be away for 6 months this winter.

7 years ago

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Shirley

Only mediocre. More chit chat than actually paying attn to customers. Act like they are doing you a favor to answer questions. Dont pay attn to people hogging equipment just talking on their cell phones. Many people DO NOT clean equipment aftet using it. No one seems to care. Pros act disinterested in what they are teaching/observing

7 years ago

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Mike Ika West Valley City, UT

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.

6 years ago

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BeauCarl South Jordan, UT

This is a big value gym you cannot beat the monthly memberships and if it’s convenient to where you live this is a great option they even have catchy personal training TV show set up for you to follow along for 60 minutes which is a great motivator. What I find confusing is the bagels and pizza they provide to the members that seems counterproductive to me.

6 years ago

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Donna Williams Phoenix, AZ

I've used Planet Fitness in the past. Pretty nice facility for those people who do not want a competitive fitness environment. Sometimes they are a little over the top in requesting that people don't grunt or groan. Honestly, when you work out for real, you should be grunting and groaning a little bit or your not really working out. A bit unrealistic environment for me, but for those that aren't that serious, it's the place to be.

7 years ago

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AJ Wakefield Tucson, AZ

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

6 years ago

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Jarrett Ingram Elkridge, MD

Planet Fitness was a mixed experience for me. For one, there are no scales anywhere in the gym. This doesn’t make sense to me. Also, I saw signs everywhere banning certain types of tank tops, jugs of water etc. It seems as though it’s a gym that doesn’t really want people to get fit. Even so, the price alone makes it worthwhile.

6 years ago

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Jesse Rice Biloxi, MS

This gym is reasonably priced and usually clean, with good hours, but don't expect the employees to have a clue about anything or a desire to assist. Their billing sounds good but in fact they do it in a way that will refuse to cancel and they will change your rates without notice. I had to change my bank account just to cancel it.

6 years ago

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Dasha Directo Provo, UT

Planet Fitness is probably more of the more less intimidating places to work out since there's a wider variety of people there. There are a lot of people there that have just started a gym membership, so it's less intimidating.

7 years ago

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Rashida Laumatia Saint George, UT

Pretty sure it was just the location I visited. Have heard nothing but great things so I joined at the nearest location. It wasn’t very clean, employees weren’t friendly, and my trainer kept rescheduling. I would hope to find another location and revisit and hope for a better experience.

8 years ago

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Shante Reeder Draper, UT

I really like that this gym is so affordable. However, you get what you pay for. This is a great place to work out if you are intimidated by big gyms. Staff is very friendly.

6 years ago

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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.

6 years ago

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keith hill

It's ok. Dont like the buy out contract. If you want to cancel, even if yo uh get hurt, it cost like 100 bucks. If your not sure you will go DONT GO!!

7 years ago

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Blake Wilcox Salt Lake City, UT

Planet fitness is always clean and has great equipment. They really need more instructors that can teach classes and instructors that are more experienced.

9 years ago

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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.

6 years ago

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Destini Ferguson

The pricing of the membership was defiantly cheaper than others, however the gym was small causing a limited amount of equipment. Also, there were no private spaces i could workout due to the open floor plan.

6 years ago

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Lena munn Elmira, NY

Love the equipment but for being in covid times it's not as clean as I would have thought. It's also more geared toward younger people in my opinion.

4 years ago

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Zabsanti Silverhill, AL

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.

6 years ago

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Rebecca Harvey Long Beach, MS

I think this gym shouldn’t offer like pizza nights and sugary drinks for purchase. The gyms are always so overcrowded too because of their super cheap price.

6 years ago

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Valentino Chanel South Jordan, UT

It serves its purpose for the price. All you really need is the equipment they provide. People are just sometimes annoying in there.

6 years ago

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Piper Whitsitt Long Beach, MS

Traveled all over the US for business. There was always a Planet Fitness nearby send all were clean nice places to workout.

6 years ago

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Jacob American Fork, UT

Planet Fitness is pretty great! I love the color coordinating and super clean fitness machines. It can get crowded, but the workouts are great!

6 years ago

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OwenE. Norcross, GA

The monthly price is great for its value but the employees are not very supportive.

6 years ago

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Jason Wilkins

It's been fine. Gym could be cleaner. At least the one in Plaistow New Hampshire

7 years ago

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JR Suguturaga Orem, UT

The gym price is usually competitive and much cheaper than most but the equipment quality and variety not so much.

6 years ago

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Amanda Montebello, CA

Although Plant Fitness offer lower prices than other gyms I’ve been to, I find that the quality is also lower.

6 years ago

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Brooke Herbon Kaysville, UT

Like planet fitness, good quality equipment and overall customer service. I like all of the reee space

7 years ago

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Jason Pyrah Willard, MO

Planet Fitness was great. The trainers helped me out and there was a lot of equipment for me to use.

7 years ago

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Linda Johnson

It seems counterproductive to have pizza and donuts at the gym

7 years ago

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Kayle Wilds Eagle Mountain, UT

Enjoyed to high energy their but unfortunately there's no gym near us for me to continue going.

6 years ago

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Kayla Heber, UT

Nice environment to work out in. Plenty of options for equipment and good workout 30 minute set up

6 years ago

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Donna Long Beach, MS

Really enjoyed my time at planet fitness. The staff were very helpful and well infomedvery clean

6 years ago

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Tori smith Mesa, AZ

Very cheap prices but don’t offer that much equipment. Not worth it to me. Also too busy there

6 years ago

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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

Typical offering of fitness equipment and services offered at reasonable pricing

6 years ago

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Amelia Gibson South Jordan, UT

I like this company, this company has alot locations.

8 years ago