Planet Fitness: Pros and Cons

[stingo]

I found out that a Planet Fitness is opening locally, and was wondering if anyone's used them before. If so, your opinion, pro or con, would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Phaedrus49er]

I went to one. Once. Walked out when I saw they didn't have a squat rack and the guy behind the counter said that they didn't allow powerlifting-type of stuff there. They also had an anti-grunting policy and perhaps something about excessive sweating. I kid you not. Just my experience.

[Leigh P.]

They have mini Toostie Rolls at the front desk and Smith Machines only.

Now if those Toostie Rolls were those big log ones that take a tooth with them on a bite, well I might be inclined to join. However, they are cheap bastards with their "mini free bite size roll" so I wont be joining their gym anytime soon.

[Mahler]

Originally Posted by Leigh P.

They have mini Toostie Rolls at the front desk and Smith Machines only.

Now if those Toostie Rolls were those big log ones that take a tooth with them on a bite, well I might be inclined to join. However, they are cheap bastards with their "mini free bite size roll" so I wont be joining their gym anytime soon.

[L'ilJ]

Mmmm....tootsie rolls.

[Barrett]

Totally agree with Phaedrus49er said. They have this idea also that you can not use over 250 lbs. Also, you are not allowed to "grunt" when you are lifting. If you do they tell you to stop and set off this alarm like thing. In my opinion it would be much better to lift anywhere else other then Planet Fitness. I had a weekly trial and couldn't stand it. An one other thing, they do not allow you to deadlift as well. So stingo I know you are or were doing NROL and that is a staple of the workout.

So in my opinion the only way that I would use this gym is if there was NO other gym in the area. But I would strongly discourage you from joining Planet Fitness.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by Barrett

Also, you are not allowed to "grunt" when you are lifting. If you do they tell you to stop and set off this alarm like thing.

That's the "Lunk Alarm." Mind you, this is put out by a panty waste little biotch that that can't help but be intimidated by people who are willing to put forth true effort.

[PowerManDL]

I've been meaning to line up a few douche-bag gyms like this for some Gym Terrorism.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by PowerManDL

I've been meaning to line up a few douche-bag gyms like this for some Gym Terrorism.

See how many you can get banned from in a 24 hour period.

[EricLikesLifting]

They are really really cheap and open many hours (maybe 24 I can't remember), but the no grunt, no squat racks, and not even allowed to do powerlifting type exercises doesn't even make this an option for me.

[Mon]

Isnt Planet Fitness the gym that kicked someone out for grunting?

[Littlemermaidklb]

Hey, just want to put my two cents in here since I go to Planet fitness near me (It's the cheapest and I'm a grad student.. so it works for me!)

Yes, there's a lunk alarm but I have never once seen it used

I know the franchises are all a little different, but mine does have a squat rack and I've deadlifted numerous times without a problem

They have all the equipment I've needed for NROL4W. They do not have those aerobic steps because they do not do classes, but for things I need a step for they have a 30minute circuit area set up with step-like things in there, so I use those. Yes there in an abundance of Smith machines, but since there is also a squat rack and many of the silly boys in there flock to the Smith machines anyway I haven't had much trouble getting to use it.

All in all it's not a terrible gym. They have plenty of plates and I've never heard any rules about "no powerlifting". The grunt thing is not really enforced either. People make a little noise when they lift and I guess they understand that to some extent. I also haven't seen anyone making excessive noise though.

Just my two cents :-)

[Phaedrus49er]

Originally Posted by Leigh P.

They have mini Toostie Rolls at the front desk and Smith Machines only.

Now if those Toostie Rolls were those big log ones that take a tooth with them on a bite, well I might be inclined to join. However, they are cheap bastards with their "mini free bite size roll" so I wont be joining their gym anytime soon.

Awesome

Of course, last week, my gym hosted a pizza-and-wings promotion... nice to see my dues going for something worthwhile (I obnoxiously stopped, gawked, looked at the staff behind the table, said "really?" and left )

[rachael24]

Originally Posted by Phaedrus49er

Awesome

Of course, last week, my gym hosted a pizza-and-wings promotion... nice to see my dues going for something worthwhile (I obnoxiously stopped, gawked, looked at the staff behind the table, said "really?" and left )

HAHAHA thats ridiculous.

[ToniL]

Personally I appreciate the no grunting policy. There are several folks in my gym who squeal and moan like it's Friday night sex :-0 I read somewhere (here?) that grunting is a verbal whine.

However I would be very unhappy with no squat rack and no powerlifters to ogle.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by ToniL

Personally I appreciate the no grunting policy. There are several folks in my gym who squeal and moan like it's Friday night sex :-0 I read somewhere (here?) that grunting is a verbal whine.

Weeeeellll...There's the Ki grunt and then there is the "look at me, I'm lifting weights" attention getter grunt.

[Mon]

sometimes people can't help it but grunt during their last 1-2 reps. It helps you finish them. Have you seen pitchers in baseball or softball especially grunt? I have seen some softball pitchers on tv and in person grunt to try and get as much speed out of their pitch that they possibly can.

[stingo]

Tennis players come to mind - though some have been penalized for overly loud grunting.