Planet Fitness will always have a place in my heart. It’s where I my first job as a personal trainer. Planet Fitness has gotten a bad rap over the years for different reasons, but the overall concept and purpose of that gym is that everyone has a place. My coaching philosophy has been everyone can accomplish their goals it might just look different than they thought. Planet Fitness isn’t the same as it was when I was a trainer, but things have changed.
Classes
Planet Fitness used to have classes offered throughout the day. The classes were 30 minutes each. My favorite classes were Orientation and Design Your Own Program (DYOP). Orientation is a tour of the gym showing how to use the machines, start the cardio equipment, and explain the classes offered. DYOP is writing their own workout based on their fitness goals. Some classes were specific body parts like Triceps and Back, Chest and Biceps, Legs and Shoulders, Stretch, and Abs. Most PFs (if not all PFs) have 30-minute circuit. It’s 10 machines and 10 cardio stations. The 10 machines are a total body workout, and the cardio stations are to increase the heart rate. It’s 60 seconds of machine (or cardio) followed by 30 seconds of rest.
Memberships
Planet Fitness has two different memberships. The basic membership is $10 per month and allows access to one gym. It does not include access to the relaxation zone. The Black Card Membership is $24.99 per month and gives you access to any PFs, access to the relaxation zone, and bring a guest. There might be a sign-up fee at the time of joining. Some clubs have a 12-month time commitment, but you’ll need to check with your home club. (Home Club is the gym that you sign up at.) There is also a $49 annual fee that is due usually 3 months after you sign up. I worked at 2 different PF franchises and they were different. One is 3 months after you sign up, and the other had it withdrawn on their birthday month. So mine would be every July.
Relaxation Zone
The Relaxation zone is enough reason to get the Black Card membership. What’s in there depends on the club but most have tanning beds, red light therapy, water massage beds/chairs, and massage chairs. Some of the newer PFs have a combination of red light and tanning. I mostly use it for tanning beds and red light therapy.
The App
When I first started at Planet Fitness, the app had just launched. One of my favorite things about the old app is there was a place to upload your pictures. It was kinda like Instagram. You could also sign up for classes through app. Now everything is done through the app. I only use it to check in, but there are so many other features. One of the interesting things on the app is a perks discount. Crocs offer 20% off. Hotels.com has 25% off. The app has tutorials for every single piece of equipment along with what body part is works and fitness level. There are also a variety of different workout videos.
Overview
I recommend Planet Fitness to anyone looking for a gym. Most of the gyms have more than enough cardio and strength equipment. I haven’t had to wait for piece of equipment, but if you use a Smith Machine you might have to wait because there are only 2-4. Plus PF’s are everywhere. If you are solo camping, car camping, or traveling through the US, Planet Fitness is a great place to take a shower. I have witnessed this so many times, and I plan on doing it this summer on a few of my trips. It’s also one of the cleanest gyms ever. They are always wiping things down. Planet Fitness is a good gym at a reasonable price.
If you want to join Planet Fitness, this is my code. If you use it, I get a free month.
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