Does anyone have a Planet Fitness gym membership?

[mcsangel2]

I'm pretty close to finally just joining a gym because the brutal AZ heat makes a lot of outdoor exercising a no go in the summer (currently going to the mall three times a week to walk), plus I really need to start doing weights and whole body exercises, and it's mostly just not possible in our 1250sf house. I've never belonged to a gym before (except Curves back in about 2005!) and pretty sure I'd go with PF over Esporta. I know a lot of things would vary by location, I just want to know for anyone that goes there, do you use/like the 30 min circuit workout, and have you ever used any of the classes, and which ones?

[wanderingback]

I was many years ago at several locations and I don’t think it’s changed much. Not sure about any circuits but I always went to use the treadmill and free weights/machine for heavy lifting. Their model is pretty good since it’s only $10/month so if you’re not happy it’s not like you’re out a lot of money and can cancel and they bank on people just keeping their membership even if they don’t go often. I was always happy with it for the basics that I needed.

ETA: off all the different planet fitnesses I went to none had classes so can’t comment on that.

[wildrice]

I never used circuits or classes, but I used to be a member and always thought it was a good, basic gym. I never went to a location that was super crowded, it was clean, and well kept. And you can't beat the price! I stopped my membership only because we got a house with room to workout (and bought an elliptical) so I didn't really see myself driving to a gym anymore.

[pumpkincat]

We joined EoS a few months ago and like it for a basic gym ($10/month). We have the lowest tier membership, but the guy who did our signup said we can take advantage of most of the perks of the higher membership except for classes.I think adding those was only another $10 or so per month.

[followyourarrow]

I have a membership, it's too hot in South Louisiana to exercise outside right now and my house is small. I haven't done the circuit and honestly haven't see anyone do it. No classes are offered at the one I go to and the one I went to back in Kansas. I use the treadmill mostly. I'd like to start using the weights, but want to get with one of their trainers to make sure I do so properly.

[mcsangel2]

Oh! I have another question. I can't see myself ever using the showers because it's literally a mile from home. If you aren't showering, do you still take a bag? What is gym etiquette - should I bring a towel? Should I expect to clean a machine (with what?) after I use it, including a treadmill?

[lilypad1126]

The only “classes” at my planet fitness are ones that just basically show you how to use the machines. They weren’t like typical fitness classes most people think of.

Having said that, PF is great for what I want, which is an air conditioned gym to work out in during hot Texas summers! My H does the 30 minute workouts and once he got the hang of the machines, seemed to really like it. The only time I ever found mine to be busy was in the evenings after work (so like 5:00 until about 7pm or so). My H goes at like 9 or 10am and says it’s basically empty.

ETA: I always take my own towel so I can sit/lay on it when I’m on a machine. I always clean the machines after I use them  Mine has paper towels and spray bottles of cleaner scattered throughout for you to use. And I sometimes take a bag, and either lock it in a locker or just carry with me, depending on size. But I never shower there. 

[followyourarrow]

Jul 5, 2024 15:56:10 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Oh! I have another question. I can't see myself ever using the showers because it's literally a mile from home. If you aren't showering, do you still take a bag? What is gym etiquette - should I bring a towel? Should I expect to clean a machine (with what?) after I use it, including a treadmill?

I don't bring a towel, but I'm generally not dripping sweat either.  Sometimes I bring a bag, I have my wallet, keys, headphones, and water bottle in it.  I store the bag in one of the lockers, which is free and easy to use.  Yes, clean each machine after use, they have spray and paper towel stations pretty much everywhere. 

[RoxMonster]

I was a PF members for a few years. It was a clean, basic gym and I liked it for what it was. Mine had no classes. My city also has 3 locations so I felt the location I went to was never that crowded because people were spread out amongst the locations based on which one they wanted to join. I mainly used it for elliptical and weight machines but didn’t do any circuits.

I didn’t bring a towel, just a water bottle and my earbuds/phone to the machines. They had spray bottles and paper towels for cleaning after you were done.

[meanie]

My location doesn't have any classes or trainers, it said they had trainers on the website so that is something you will want to confirm with them. 

I liked the 30 minute circuit to help me get back into it, but now that I am comfortable with all their machines I prefer doing more sets in the main area. 

Our location opened last December and so far the broken machines have been fixed quickly and everything is super clean.

[sadlebred]

PF doesn't have classes. You'll need to go to a "regular" gym or use something like ClassPass if you want them.

[wanderingback]

Jul 5, 2024 15:56:10 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

Oh! I have another question. I can't see myself ever using the showers because it's literally a mile from home. If you aren't showering, do you still take a bag? What is gym etiquette - should I bring a towel? Should I expect to clean a machine (with what?) after I use it, including a treadmill?

I personally always brought a small bag when I went to the gym to hold my stuff in a contained place (wallet, water bottle, etc) and a towel, obviously not necessary. I also used to go after work so it would also have extra things like hair ties, old headphones, etc in case I forgot something.

I always use a towel cause I sweat a lot on the treadmill so I towel off my face and I cover the display so I can’t see how many minutes I’ve been on it.

I always wipe down the equipment (including at the gym in my building now that I go to regularly).

[gummybear]

I belonged to PF for a while and MH and DD1 still belong. It’s a very nice basic gym. Super clean with lots of cardio machines and very affordable. I like to keep a hand towel with me when I work out to wipe my face. Every gym (including PF) I’ve belonged to has provided wet wipes or paper towels and spray to clean machines before and after using it. I don’t like to use my own towel bc other people are gross and don’t wipe down and I’m using it in my face so yuck. I’ve showered at many gyms and most times there’s a little alcove in the shower separate from the actual shower with a hook and a bench. I bring my whole bag in and totally just change it that area (though it can be tight). I bring my own towel and shower shoes, toiletries although many gyms have soap and shampoo in dispensers on the wall (I forget if PF does though they may bc it’s fairly well-known that unhoused people pay membership just to use facilities). TBH showering at the gym is arduous so I try to avoid it if possible.

The reason I left PF is it’s fairly limited if your focus is weights. They don’t have Olympic bars so squats and deadlifts and hip thrusts are difficult (I hate the smith machine) and they sort of actively discourage heavy lifting. Otherwise it’s great.