Planet Fitness

[Reluctant Daddy]

I recently lost 35 lbs and would like to join a gym to tone it all up. Unfortunately, the most convenient gym happens to be a Planet Fitness franchise. I know it's not a gym for serious bodybuilders, but any thoughts on its effectiveness as a legitimate gym to get in shape and take off a few more pounds? I'd be satisfied just toning up at this point.

 

Interested to hear from any current or former members and their experiences.

 

P.S. I have no plans on taking advantage of Free Pizza Night, Free Bagel Morning, or the free Tootsie Rolls at the counter.

[Kevin Slater]

I don't belong and have never even been in one. I hear they are very crowded most of the time. I really like the price, which I believe is either $10 or $20 depending on how many locations you have access to or maybe it's whether you get a towel and/or tanning. At that rate, why not try it and see if it works, or determine what features you'd demand of your next gym. There may be a year commitment, but at $120, I say go for it.

 

I go to New York Sports Club and am not impressed. It's probably better than Planet Fitness, but not ten times better as the price would imply.

 

The most important point is that the best gym is the one you get to. All else pales. If you say PF is most convenient, mazel tov.

 

Kevin Slater

[whipped guy]

I agree with @Kevin Slater. From what you describe as your goals, plus based on what I have heard from others who have PF memberships, not to mention the price, I would be inclined to take the risk.

 

Other gyms might have better eye candy, but from what I hear the PF basic equipment is decent. I belong to two gyms depending on where I am located as part of my Silver Sneakers Program. One is not a large chain but a local establishment and their equipment while not as shiny or impressive looking as that of LA Fitness, which is the other gym that I frequent, it works and I can't imagine that the equipment at PF would be much different. The reason I never joined a PF is due to their locations. Before my Silver Sneakers kicked in I would have joined a PF in a heartbeat if it were not for the fact that their locations where inconvenient.

 

I am also thinking of joining a N Y Sports Club Gym for when I visit NYC as there is one convenient to the hotel that I frequent in Manhattan. If Kevin is not overly impressed with NYSC I can't imagine that joining a PF would be a bad decision and especially given the price of a membership.

 

In any event, good luck!

[jjkrkwood]

http://www.catholicleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Planet-Fitness-Judgment-Free-Zone-Lunk-Alarm.jpg http://www.3qmp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PF-copy.jpg

[+ WmClarke]

the best gym is the one you get to

+1

[seaboy4hire]

Congrats on the weight loss!

 

Hugs,

Greg

[Reluctant Daddy]

The most important point is that the best gym is the one you get to. All else pales.

 

The convenience will guarantee it. I just read so many reviews about people bitching that it "wasn't a real gym", I just wasn't sure about it. Luckily at the time I'd go, very few people there.

 

Congrats on the weight loss!

 

Hugs,

Greg

 

Thanks! It wasn't a New Year's resolution, so I actually accomplished it. 5 more to go and then I'm good!

[Phlmuscle]

Planet Fitness is basically a gym for doing cardio. If you are interested in weight training, this is not the gym for you. They also have rules about making noise while you train. Not the gym for serious weight training. You can do much better at an LA Fitness which is a national chain.

[Reluctant Daddy]

If you are interested in weight training, this is not the gym for you.

 

Really just looking to tone up and get lean. Not looking to build serious muscle, and I'm afraid six pack abs are beyond my reach

[stop]

I recently lost 35 lbs and would like to join a gym to tone it all up. Unfortunately, the most convenient gym happens to be a Planet Fitness franchise. I know it's not a gym for serious bodybuilders, but any thoughts on its effectiveness as a legitimate gym to get in shape and take off a few more pounds? I'd be satisfied just toning up at this point.

 

Interested to hear from any current or former members and their experiences.

 

P.S. I have no plans on taking advantage of Free Pizza Night, Free Bagel Morning, or the free Tootsie Rolls at the counter.

 

I highly recommend it. While I was splitting my time between Chicago and LA I had a 24 hour membership in LA but I wanted to be able to work out in Chicago some place other than the hotel gym which was limited. There are no 24 hour's in the Chicago area. I joined Planet Fitness and I loved it. Its very no frills. Lots of cardio machines, but also pretty much the same equipment I could find at 24 hour as well. I only had a couple of times where it was an issue of it being too crowded but after gong to a national chain I found this to be better. The primary Planet Fitness I went to was mostly made up of housewives and college students. so wasn't too upset about all the college aged guys working out. It is really no frills which I think turns a lot of people off but for somebody that just wants to keep up a work out routine and do some cardio it worked great for me. I would recommend it given what you say your goals are.

 

Ask for a trial month membership and see if its working out for you before you sign up for a full membership. That said the cost is probably 1/100 of LA fitness

[oldhat]

I recently lost 35 lbs and would like to join a gym to tone it all up. Unfortunately, the most convenient gym happens to be a Planet Fitness franchise. I know it's not a gym for serious bodybuilders, but any thoughts on its effectiveness as a legitimate gym to get in shape and take off a few more pounds? I'd be satisfied just toning up at this point.

 

Interested to hear from any current or former members and their experiences.

 

P.S. I have no plans on taking advantage of Free Pizza Night, Free Bagel Morning, or the free Tootsie Rolls at the counter.

 

Congratulations on the weight loss.

 

I have been a member of Planet Fitness for about 3 years now. I find what I pay for my membership is great value for what I find at my local PF. Crowding can be a problem during certain times of the day, but I go really early in the morning so I do not encounter that problem at all.

 

Perhaps the significant point for me is the lack of meatheads at PF. I respect the fact that there are some very dedicated men and women who make great effort to build and maintain muscle. Though it escapes why some of these same people feel the overwhelming need to shout whilst working out. To each their own but I am not very keen on being around those people. With that being said, I'd suggest you should at least visit one location. See what equipment is available and maybe chat with some of the staff.

[jackjackjack]

Hi NYc..... I'm a 24 hour fitness member. You don't need a lot of fancy equipment to get yourself really toned. Go with PF and if you really dedicate yourself to going regularly, you'll meet your goals with great results. My biggest advise to you is start slow, not with heavy weight.... build up slowly. You don't need to try to lift hundreds of pounds, just increase your reps. If you can, let a trainer set a couple routines for you. Also, youtube has tons of great exercises for beginners. And a very big congratulations on your weight lose. Low crab diets are best...

[JayCeeKy]

Most studies indicate that dieting is much, much more important than exercise in losing or maintaining weight. Exercise is certainly good for overall health - regardless of whether you walk/run on a treadmill at home for three miles per day (sometimes I go to the local park for the "scenery" - nothing beats watching the young bucks jogging shirtless) as I do - or whether you belong to a fancy gym. Intermittent Fasting (there are several methods) has also been shown to keep off the weight and might even increase longevity.

[whipped guy]

Really just looking to tone up and get lean. Not looking to build serious muscle, and I'm afraid six pack abs are beyond my reach

NYC... first I neglected to congratulate you on your weight loss. Still don't think that at least something approaching six pack abs is out of reach. I have posted this before, but it is probably one of the best bits of training advice that I ever received and it came from former porn star nick Harmon:

 

If you eat every day you train your abs every day.

 

It took a while to figure out what were the exercises that worked best, but eventually I figured things out. Plus, for most of the exercises you simply need a padded floor so a gym is not even required. Off course I have missed more than a few days, but usually just prior to jumping in the shower I try to get my routine in which is a combo of leg raises, reverse crunches, and the like. As someone mentioned YouTube is a gold mine to get ideas.

 

Again, keep up the good work, make it a lifestyle change that lasts forever, and enjoy in the process. For me it's as much fun as my other hobbies...

[whipped guy]

Most studies indicate that dieting is much, much more important than exercise in losing or maintaining weight. Exercise is certainly good for overall health - regardless of whether you walk/run on a treadmill at home for three miles per day (sometimes I go to the local park for the "scenery" - nothing beats watching the young bucks jogging shirtless) as I do - or whether you belong to a fancy gym. Intermittent Fasting (there are several methods) has also been shown to keep off the weight and might even increase longevity.

Good points. When one starts eating healthily it is no longer a diet, but a life style change. It's amazing how junk food really becomes JUNK FOOD! Add in the exercise and you can get off the charts results and improve your overall health tremendously!

[bigvalboy]

Most studies indicate that dieting is much, much more important than exercise in losing or maintaining weight.

 

Good points. When one starts eating healthily it is no longer a diet, but a life style change. It's amazing how junk food really becomes JUNK FOOD!

 

A big enthusiastic +1...

I think the word diet is counter productive. It should always be a life style change. You just have to start. As @whipped guy has said here many times before, when you go shopping, stay on the perimeter of the store, and stay out of the center isles if at all possible. And bring your wallet and be prepared for a slight increase in your bill. Fresh is not always cheap, or easy, but what is?.... OK don't answer that

[jjkrkwood]

QUOTE="bigvalboy, post: 1084857, member: 8655"]A big enthusiastic +1...

I think the word diet is counter productive. It should always be a life style change. You just have to start. As @whipped guy has said here many times before, when you go shopping, stay on the perimeter of the store, and stay out of the center isles if at all possible. And bring your wallet and be prepared for a slight increase in your bill. Fresh is not always cheap, or easy, but what is?.... OK don't answer that

 

 

 

Sorry, but food is one of life's greatest Pleasures, and the stuff that is good for you, tastes like SHIT !

 

I wish they allowed Haggling in supermarkets and restaurants.

[jjkrkwood]

It's important to have a strong "Core"....

 

http://49.media.tumblr.com/068992f6cb5d16bfa192dc46695854af/tumblr_nvmy9px25x1spe8b4o1_400.gif

[bigvalboy]

It's important to have a strong "Core"....

 

http://49.media.tumblr.com/068992f6cb5d16bfa192dc46695854af/tumblr_nvmy9px25x1spe8b4o1_400.gif[

 

You have the best memes...

[bigvalboy]

Sorry, but food is one of life's greatest Pleasures, and the stuff that is good for you, tastes like SHIT !

 

Now why on earth would you say that?...

 

 

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xyo-ovfsL._SY300_.jpg

[whipped guy]

A big enthusiastic +1...

I think the word diet is counter productive. It should always be a life style change. You just have to start. As @whipped guy has said here many times before, when you go shopping, stay on the perimeter of the store, and stay out of the center isles if at all possible. And bring your wallet and be prepared for a slight increase in your bill. Fresh is not always cheap, or easy, but what is?.... OK don't answer that

Another big enthusiastic +1 ! (Of course there are times when one looks for cheap and easy, but as instructed I won't answer any further...)

Sorry, but food is one of life's greatest Pleasures, and the stuff that is good for you, tastes like SHIT !

First, I am quite impressed that jjk knows what shit tastes like. I never really ever thought about going there! Second, when one gets used to the taste of good healthy food the other stuff suddenly will not taste appetizing at all. I guess one could say that it would taste like shit, but I would be using the word strictly metaphorically and definitely not in the literal or having been there and knowing sense.......

[+ ursalex]

Congratulations on your weight loss. I lost 90 pounds two years ago and have kept it off, so I hope I can make a couple of suggestions. First, diet and exercise go together, so don't neglect either. The gym is probably less important than the type of workout. I strongly recommend a full fitness evaluation with a professionally certified trainer, and I suggest that s/he start you out slowly with lighter exercises where you can build up stamina and endurance. And either pay the trainer to help you work out, or find an exercise buddy who will give you constant encouragement. I started at the YMCA because the trainer was the son of a friend, and he took me from light cardio to light weight machines to more heavy duty weight training. It is not nearby but I still work out with him weekly because he has brought me so far. For daily workouts my local LA Fitness serves the purpose; it is huge and has tons of weights, equipment, and plenty of group classes which I love. It's also filthy and not well managed, but my health insurance reimburses the cost of membership so it's worth the price. Consider starting at PF and moving on as your needs change. And keep up the good work; your good health is your life.

[jjkrkwood]

Another big enthusiastic +1 ! (Of course there are times when one looks for cheap and easy, but as instructed I won't answer any further...)

 

First, I am quite impressed that jjk knows what shit tastes like. I never really ever thought about going there! Second, when one gets used to the taste of good healthy food the other stuff suddenly will not taste appetizing at all. I guess one could say that it would taste like shit, but I would be using the word strictly metaphorically and definitely not in the literal or having been there and knowing sense.......

 

Adam Smith taught me.

[AdamSmith]

Adam Smith taught me.

http://www.vintagepaperads.com/assets/images/EI0561.jpg

 

[Frequentflier]

http://www.vintagepaperads.com/assets/images/EI0561.jpg

 

 

Thanks a lot. I'm at work, just saw this photo and really want some Vodka now.