Jump To:
Our Editorial Review
Customer Reviews

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness

Overall Rating

1.7

62 Customer Reviews

Write a Review

Summary

Planet Fitness’ low monthly fees and its focus on helping people feel accepted and comfortable in their gyms make it a popular choice for those who are working out for the first time.

Pros

  • Affordable monthly payments
  • Low-pressure, welcoming atmosphere
  • Free fitness training
  • 30-minute workout circuit simplifies weight training
  • TRX area
  • Massage chairs and hydromassage beds

Cons

  • Cheapest membership requires a 12-month contract
  • No group exercise classes
  • No pools or saunas
  • No child care

Planet Fitness Review: Is It the Right Gym for You?

By J.R. Duren

Updated on: Dec 13, 2019

Planet Fitness is a budget gym offering memberships for as little as $10.

The company’s philosophy focuses on making members feel welcome. “Judgement Free Zone” is the motto of each gym. If working out intimidates you and you want to sign up for a gym where you can be yourself, this focus on judgment-free fitness is very appealing.

Joining a gym is more than just finding the right philosophy, though. Our review will help you decide if Planet Fitness is right for you by analyzing key aspects of its membership.

Membership Tiers, Fees, and Features

Planet Fitness offers the following three membership tiers:

  • Classic: $10/mo with 12-month contract
  • No Commitment: $15/mo with no contract
  • PF Black Card: $22.99/mo with 12-month contract
Classic No Commitment PF Black Card
Annual fee $39 $39 $39
Cancellation fee $58 None $58
Sign-up fee $29 $39 $0

If you want to save money on the sign-up fee, clubs in your area will run promotions. You should be able to capitalize on a $0, $0.25 or $1 promotion around January when sign-ups hit their peak.

Classic and No Commitment Plan Features

The Classic and No-Commitment plans give you access to:

  • One PF club you choose
  • Free weight training sessions
  • Free Wi-Fi at PF clubs

PF Black Card Features

Black Card gets you the three perks of the lower membership along with the use of all PF gyms across the country, discounts on food and drinks at PF gyms and the following complimentary perks:

  • Bring a guest for free every time you go to the gym
  • Free tanning bed access (first come, first served)
  • Free use of massage chairs (first come, first served)
  • Free hydromassage beds (first come, first served)

Black Card members also get 10% off at the Planet Fitness online store and 20% off purchases at Reebok.com. Additional discounts include:

  • 15% off at 1800Flowers.com
  • $80 off at BlueApron.com
  • $10 credit for Audible
  • Up to 60% off hotel bookings through PF’s travel site
  • 12% off at Shoebacca.com

How to Cancel Your Membership

You have to cancel your membership in-person at your local club. If you have a 12-month contract, you’ll pay the cancellation fee. To avoid making your next monthly payment (usually billed on the 17th) or the annual fee (Feb. 1), you have to cancel at least seven days before those dates.

If you don’t live near a Planet Fitness location, you’ll need to send a letter requesting cancellation to the club where you signed up.

PF recommends sending a certified letter via the USPS. A certified letter provides proof that you sent the letter and requires the recipient to sign for the mail.

Amenities

Most Planet Fitness gyms feature the following amenities:

  • Cardio machines: treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stair climbers
  • Free weights: dumbbells, benches, squat racks
  • 30-minute Express Circuit
  • Medicine ball/resistance band area
  • TRX station
  • Locker rooms with showers
  • Free weight training sessions
  • Open 24 hours, in most cases

If you’re new to working out, Planet Fitness’ 30-minute weight circuit is a good fit for you. You’ll work through 10 weight machines and 10 step platforms, switching to each one according to a prominent flashing light in the circuit room.

The workout combines aerobic exercise (step stations) with resistance training (weight machines), two keys to burning fat and building endurance.

Another valuable benefit is that PF’s free weight training is a great way to learn how to lift weights with the right form. Good form helps you avoid injury. You can sign up for a session at the front desk. The sessions are organized by body region: arms, core, legs, etc. Trainers will also lead you through PF’s 30-minute Express Circuit.

Also, your trainer can help you learn how to use the various weight machines in your club.

Finally, Planet Fitness focuses on giving you a non-judgemental, welcoming workout environment. If you’re new to working out, this is a key advantage, as it’s easy to be intimidated and feel defeated in your first few weeks at the gym.

Analysis of Customer Review

Common Compliments:

  • Cheap: Many reviewers said they were amazed at how affordable Planet Fitness was compared to other gyms.

  • Friendly Staff: We saw multiple reviews from customers who enjoyed their interactions with PF staff. The praise covered interactions with managers as well as front desk staff.

  • Clean: There is a lot of praise for how clean PF locations are. However, cleanliness will vary from location to location.

Common Complaints:

  • Hard to Cancel: There are dozens of reviews from consumers noting how difficult it was to cancel a membership and how, in some cases, they were required to send a certified letter to the gym at which they signed up to cancel. We also read complaints about Planet Fitness’s unwillingness to budge on their cancellation fee, regardless of the circumstances of the cancellation (illness, injury, etc.).

  • Poor Customer Service: There are numerous accounts of PF customer service reps being rude and unhelpful. Many of the complaints we read pointed out staff was unhelpful and aloof when the customer tried to cancel their membership.

Takeaways:

First, you can avoid most of the issues customers complain about by signing up for the $15 no-commitment plan. You won’t have to worry about cancellation fees or club staff that slow down the process because they don’t want to lose your membership.

Second, factors like cleanliness and customer service will vary by location. Head to the Planet Fitness club you’ll most likely use. Talk with the staff there and get a feel for their attitude. Read reviews for that specific club.

Finally, if you choose to do a 12-month contract, ask for a copy of the contract before you sign. Read through all the fine print. Make sure you understand how you cancel your membership and when you’d need to cancel to avoid the annual fee charged in February.

Planet Fitness vs. LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness

Planet Fitness LA Fitness 24 Hour Fitness
Cheapest single-gym membership $10 $34.99 $31.99
Cheapest multi-gym membership $22.99 $39.99 $31.99
Sign-up fee Up to $29.00 Up to $99 Up to $29.99
Annual fee $39.99 $49.00 $49.99
Cancellation fee $58.00 None Remaining months on contract
Free classes No Yes Yes
Child care No Yes Yes

Planet Fitness’s low-cost model makes it the most economical choice. However, its amenities aren’t nearly as diverse as LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness.

Many LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness locations have pools, saunas, and basketball courts.

Planet Fitness provides free weight training sessions but does not offer the variety of dance, HIIT and cardio group classes you get with LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness.

The Bottom Line

Planet Fitness is a low-cost option whose facilities are tailored to newcomers or average people who aren’t looking for specialized workouts and just want to get some cardio and weightlifting in.

Who Is Planet Fitness Good For?

So, if you’re the kind of person who hasn’t been to the gym in years, or has never had a gym membership, we think that Planet Fitness will meet your needs.

If you’re a regular gymgoer but you feel intimidated at your current gym, Planet Fitness is an excellent alternative where you’ll feel more comfortable.

Also, if you have a busy work schedule or odd working hours, Planet Fitness’ emphasis on clubs being open 24 hours will give you time to work out. In some cases, though, clubs will not have 24-hour schedules on the weekend.

Who Planet Fitness May Not Be Good For?

If you’re someone who values group exercise and thrives on it, Planet Fitness is not a good fit.

Gyms with free classes usually have dance, HIIT, senior-focused and spin classes. Planet Fitness’ only “class” is its free daily weight training sessions that focus on learning and using weight machines.

Second, you won’t enjoy Planet Fitness if you want a high-end gym experience. PF’s amenities and fees are stripped down. Other gym chains provide a more upscale experience.

Finally, Planet Fitness isn’t good for you if you have kids and need to bring them with you when you workout. PF locations don’t offer childcare in order to keep membership fees low.

FAQ

What Is the Planet Fitness Lunk Alarm?

Planet Fitness activates a light- and sound-powered “lunk” alarm whenever members slam weights down and/or make loud grunting noises. This alarm is part of Planet Fitness’ emphasis on making their gyms non-intimidating and welcoming.

What Is Planet Fitness Hydromassage?

The hydromassage beds that Black Card members have access to are open-top beds that massage your back via pressurized water shooting below the bed’s surface.

Does Planet Fitness Have Showers?

Yes.

Does Planet Fitness Have a Sauna?

No.

Does Planet Fitness Have Pools?

No.

Does Planet Fitness Have Free Weights?

Yes. PF locations have a wide variety of free weights.

Does Planet Fitness Have Classes?

No. The gym has no group fitness classes. However, they do small-group weight training sessions through which trainers show you how to use weight machines effectively.

Is Planet Fitness Open 24 Hours?

Most locations have a 24-hour schedule. In some cases, clubs will do 24 hours during the week and have shorter hours on the weekend.

Does Planet Fitness Have Wi-Fi?

Yes. All members have access to PF’s free Wi-Fi.

Customer Reviews

1.7 Stars out of 62 Reviews
5 Star:12% 4 Star:0% 3 Star:1% 2 Star:14% 1 Star:70%
15% Recommend This Company
Start your review of Planet Fitness:
Sort Reviews By

Posted on Apr 16, 2018

Great customer service

By Joe Rosales, Albuquerque, NM, Verified Reviewer

I am a member of the Planet Fitness on Gibson in Albuquerque. The employees have always been very courteous and keep the gym very clean and well stocked. One of the employees, Genevieve, in particular is very customer friendly and professional. It is a joy to see her smiling face early in the morning.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 2 People Have Voted

Posted on May 5, 2018

Best gym for the money

By Bill King, Kane, Verified Reviewer

I have been working out at gyms for the last 40 years. I have trained under pro wrestlers and am certified as an elite personal trainer with the ISSA. This gym is light years better than any other. Hardcore bodybuilders don't belong here, but they are a tiny fraction of society and not good for business. They intimidate members and hog several machines at the same time. Times have changed, and so has gym etiquette.

Planet Fitness has solved the "LUNK" bully attitude with their rules and restrictions. I have canceled my membership twice and never a problem. The facility has everything to get and stay in great shape. It also offers unlimited club membership, tanning, red light therapy and massage an additional 10 dollars a month. Tanning alone cost $25 a month at any salon. The red light therapy is $30 per session at doctor's offices who offer it. Always clean and never too crowded (except on the smith machines).

The only drawback is no lap pool, but swimming is overrated in calorie burn. Also, I quit the last gym due to having to wait for lap lanes to open. For 90% of the population, this is your best bet for a great workout and great price. The free personal training is the icing on the cake. I would hate other gyms when personal trainers would interrupt your workout to try to tell you a better way and charge you for it.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on May 26, 2018

Nice place

By Ykicia Y., California, Verified Reviewer

Planet Fitness is a nice place to work out. It's always clean, and the staff is nice. There is no waiting, it's never crowded. I would recommend Planet Fitness to everyone that I know; family and friends and even people I don't know. I love coming here to the no judgment zone and I love the total body enhancement.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Sep 16, 2018

Planet Fitness experience with free unlimited trainer Carlos Zarate

By Jewels P., Nevada, Verified Reviewer

As far as gyms go, I've been a member of several in Law Vegas including LVAC and 24 Hour Fitness. I joined Planet Fitness a few months ago and am loving it there. Not only is it affordable for anybody the personal trainer at my location on Sahara and Nellis named Carlos Zarate has been a huge help. He keeps me motivated and has trained with me to reach my goals. At other gyms, I felt as if I was just going through the motions. Here, I am pushing myself, setting goals and reaching them. Carlos has shown me what I need to do to get to where I want to be and anytime I need help he has been there. At other gyms, I've asked for assistance and had to wait, and wait and wait. Carlos Zarate has been very informative and is probably the reason I am sticking with my work out plan! Planet Fitness has all the equipment I need and is a friendly environment. I love it there!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 18, 2019

Tyesha's superb customer service skills

By Saundra T., Seat Pleasant, MD, Verified Reviewer

I want to express my great experience with Tyesha at Planet Fitness located in Seat Pleasant, MD. She assisted me with renewing my membership. I watched the way she interacted with the vendors that were coming in to do work and the members. She was very pleasant and attentive to everyone she interacted with. From what I saw, she also has excellent multitasking skills. She greeted everyone with a smile and those who were leaving the gym, she made sure she told them to enjoy their day. I could tell customer service is her passion. I truly appreciate her assisting me and would be most appreciative if you would please make sure she is acknowledged for her great customer service skills. I wish her the best!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 2 People Have Voted

Posted on Apr 9, 2019

Awesome staff

By Judy F., Cleburne, TX, Verified Reviewer

I joined the Planet Fitness in Cleburne, Texas in May of 2018. I had been bedridden the year prior. The entire staff was so warm and welcoming from the moment I walked in the door. I was shown around the gym and introduced to the personal trainer who was able to start training with me later that week. I was always welcomed when I walked in. I was sorry to be leaving my PF family. They will be sorely missed. Our new place has a fully stocked gym so I won’t be needing PF any longer. Thank you to my PF gurus in Cleburne, Texas. God bless you.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Jul 15, 2019

Get rid of cell phones

By Myron M., New Jersey, Verified Reviewer

Get rid of the cell phones in the gym, too many members just sitting on the equipment and texting or talking, there is no oversite by the management team and it is going to cause fights if other members need to chastise the ones guilty of breaking the rules and tying up the equipment. By the way, I am a member in Camarillo, California and also work out at the facility in Mays Landing, New Jersey where I have a home and I have witnessed this cell phone problem at both facilities.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Jun 18, 2020

Great atmosphere, no jerks

By Solomon J., Salt Lake City, UT, Verified Reviewer

Made up with my gym. Talked it out. Long story short, I was being difficult and I wanted to undo any damage I did. Great customer service. Staff is extremely nice and helpful. Disregard my older one-star review. Convenient location. Not too crowded in the morning, and no gym jerks so far. I like the Planet Fitness crowd a lot more than Gold's Gym or VASA. 24 Hour Fitness is kind of a mix between Gold's and Planet if you want a nice middle ground.

Love it here so far!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Good atmosphere for the most part

Other gym members very respectful

Trainer that I slighted is actually a really cool laid back guy

Both girls at the front desk are very friendly

Greeted on the way in and way out

Great location, right by tracks and bus on way to many employers

More options on equipment

Be the perfect gym if they just added a few more things

Definitely would want a little better equipment

Posted on Aug 9, 2019

Cheap but with problems

By Stephen P., Vero Beach, FL, Verified Reviewer

I joined Planet Fitness at a great 18 months upfront payment rate, but soon found problems. The first is that certain machines and free weights and benches have a waiting line, making them unavailable. The gym needs more of these machine and free weights. The second problem is that the gym is always busy, even during the usual off-hour slots. The final and worst problem is that street people somehow get in to use the restrooms and showers. Who wants to use an unclean toilet or shower?

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Jun 27, 2018

Not satisfied

By Thelma D., Binghamton, NY, Verified Reviewer

I joined Planet Fitness for one year. I called the gym and told the lady I will not continue for another year because I cannot afford it, and she told me I have to come in person. She did not tell me that they will charge me another fee if I didn't come exactly a year, and they did charge my bank another $39 after my deadline.

I am warning people out there that this is a catch and please spread it so this doesn't happen to more people because I will let my Facebook friends know about this. Not fair, it says one year, not two.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 18, 2018

AC very frequently out of order

By Bill M., Moreno Valley, CA, Verified Reviewer

I have not been a gym member for a lot of years, and my body showed it. I was looking for a convenient, judgment-free option near my new home, as I had just moved to Moreno Valley, California. Planet Fitness was quite close, and they have plenty of equipment. The place appeared to be in pretty good working order, and they are open 24 hours a day.

Unfortunately, my local Planet Fitness is not a good place to work out. I have been a member for three months, and the problems are numerous. First and foremost, the AC has gone out at least three times in just three months! And it usually takes a week or more for them to fix it! Meanwhile, even a moderate workout is a total sweat bath, even if I go early in the morning. Lesser problems include dirty locker rooms and poor supervision of the members. Members take their gym bags onto the floor, despite a safety policy against it. Members go into the 30-minute-workout area and fail to move from one station to the next prompt.

Instead, they settle in on a machine and work out on that one machine as they own it, despite signs on the wall clearly forbidding this behavior. The employees say nothing, even when they see what is happening. I am glad I got the no-commitment monthly membership, because I am seriously considering switching to a gym twice as far away and more expensive, to get a better environment.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 5 People Have Voted
Showing 1-11 of 62

Our Promise to You

In order to safeguard you and ensure helpfulness and relevance, our compliance team manually assess every customer review before it goes live.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for fake reviews, and companies cannot control or alter any reviews at any time.