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Planet Fitness or Planet Failure?

Brandon Hahn February 26, 2013 Training Articles

The commercials are out there and they share a story. A story of people exercising freely and without judgment. They are allowed the privacy of a facility that allows you to exercise without excess noise. You have the ability to join this facility without any knowledge of exercise. That all sounds pretty standard, right?

When I first saw the “lunk alarm” commercials, I thought they were a joke. In my head it did not seem possible that there was literally an alarm. I found out through MANY videos online that there is definitely an alarm. I also found out many other NO NO’s of the gym. These things were ridiculous like; not being able to deadlift, not bringing in a gallon of water, no area for bodyweight exercises, and absolutely no clanging of weights. Seriously?  Smashing weights can be annoying and so can a few dropped dumbbells.  Why not simply ask them to stop?  How is a gallon of water intimidating?  No area for bodyweight exercises?  Some things I get, but the commercials did get one thing right (don’t worry, that is the icing on this cake, explained later).

Upon visiting the website (as I have no desire to step foot into the “facility”), I did see loud and clear a message that said Planet Fitness provides a unique fitness environment in which ANYONE can be comfortable. Wow, that sounds super fantastic, sign me up! However, the place is very far from judgement free and comfortable for ANYONE. Unfortunately, these non-salespeople (they claim they do not have salespeople so they don’t bother anyone) continue on with what they feel people want to hear. They don’t have childcare, personal trainers, or a simple juice bar. Why? Apparently these additional amenities (that you usually pay extra for, if you choose) are not necessary because they drive up costs.

The icing on this cake is that they say they are not a gym. Congratulations! You got ONE thing right. You are not a gym, you are Planet Failure. The facility provides no REAL exercise education other than the standard exercise machine instructions.  There is no guidance as to what would be the best form of training for the individual. So, please, sign-up for a membership, because this facility obviously wants nothing more for or from you than your monthly dues. The good news is that you can grab a Coke on the way out, that way you can be damn sure you need to keep coming back!  Yes, they seriously do have Coke in their coolers.

If you have a Planet Fitness horror story, please tell us about it on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AthleticXtreme these stories never get old!

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About The Author

Brandon has been in the fitness industry for over seven years and has trained over 1,000 clients. He has competed in several bodybuilding competitions and continues to improve his physique with hardwork and dedication. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, Brandon has the knowledge and skills to get you on the fast track to fitness.

  • http://www.facebook.com/The.Danny.Foreman Danny Foreman

    Great read, and sadly it is far too true. However, places like that are EXACTLY why gyms like mine are making money!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Phillip-Schlueter/100000537840663 Phillip Schlueter

    No horror story here but agree completely with your writing! Unfortunately, I guess there are enough people that want this place to keep them in business .

  • http://www.facebook.com/politano Steve Politano

    someone broke my lock and robbed me for all the cash in my wallet ($210 that i had with me to pay my cellphone bill after my workout!) at planet fitness in malden, ma. i spoke to a representative after i discovered the incident. he told me to come back the next day to see a manager. i returned the following afternoon and the manager was nice enough to allow me to cancel my membership without paying the $60 early termination fee. however, i can’t work out at a gym that not only limits you from hydrating at your own risk (haha that gallon rule is awful) breathing correctly, or dropping a weight to avoid injury, but allows shady characters to do as they please instead of working out in a prison yard, where they belong. i’d say it’s a failure.