I joined Planet Fitness about six months ago and I love it! My previous gym was a great distance from my home and wasn’t up to my cleanliness standards. When Planet Fitness opened up ten minutes from my house I had to give them a try.
Before I joined I did some web searching on Planet Fitness and was surprised by the negativity regarding the gym and some of its policies. I disregarded a lot of the comments because I’ve learned most negative internet comments need to be taken with a grain of salt. It wasn’t until recently when I read a blog post from my previous personal trainer “Planet Fitness Is Keeping You Fat!” that I felt I had to toss out my own opinion of Planet Fitness.
Free Bagels and Pizza… WTF! Okay- I will agree that its stupid for a gym to serve free bagels or pizza (one day a week). Oh yeah and the Tootsie Rolls at the counter; lets not forget about them. Yes- really stupid for a gym to offer junk food and candy but the very simple solution is DONT EAT IT! The staff are not standing at the doors shoving a slice into your mouth when you walk in. I had no idea the jar of Tootsie Rolls was on the counter until I read about them online. Planet Fitness isn’t keeping you fat by offering junk food- you are keeping you fat if you put it in your mouth!
Planet Fitness only offers cardio equipment! Not true. Yes there is a LOT of cardio equipment but there are also strength machines and yes… free weights! Planet Fitness machines and free weights go up to 325lbs. So just because they only offer max weights of 325lbs they don’t qualify as a gym? Seriously? For someone like myself who is trying to improve their heath, live a healthier lifestyle while dropping some weight 325lbs is totally fine. I’m not trying to be Arnold Schwarzenegger or Lou Ferrigno.
Sound the Lurk Alarm!!! No muscle shirts, no gallon water jugs, no screaming or grunting, no slamming the weights. Seriously; whats the problem with any of these rules?
Planet Fitness is very clean and well maintained. If you are a normal person looking to improve your fitness and live a healthier lifestyle you really can’t beat Planet Fitness. I honestly don’t think there is a cheaper gym membership out there that could compete. I agree that Planet Fitness is a ‘judgement free zone’. The clientele is very diverse. From fat to thin, in shape and out of shape there are all kinds. I don’t see a problem with anyone trying to improve themselves.
If you are looking to join a gym and there is a Planet Fitness near you stop in and get the tour. If its not for you then find a gym that suits your needs.
Don’t worry Amy – You’re still my favorite trainer! 🙂