Current Events > Today I learned: everyone hates Planet Fitness

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://youtu.be/5-jIV3R2v5I

TLDW;

Planet fitness hates people pushing their limits and will actually kick out people deemed "too intimidating". This includes being of a large build or wearing doorags/skullcaps. They will kick you out for having too large of a water bottle, gallon bottles are strictly prohibited. There's no free weights.

They claim to be a judgment-free zone but judge anyone attempting to be very serious about lifting. They even go as far as to restrict the amount of weight plates you can put on specific machines.

The lunk alarm is supposed to go off when people are grunting too loud and is sort of a meme because apparently it's not actually used that often but apparently there's reports of somebody dropping a water bottle off their treadmill and getting the lunk alarm sounded.

In addition they have once a month, "Bagel Monday" and "Pizza Tuesday". While their reasoning behind it being "moderation is key" is true, most people already have enough temptations in their life. Having free junk food at your gym is unnecessary, especially for people having trouble saying no when the smell of greasy pizzas wafting through the air while you work out.

dioxxys posted...

The lunk alarm is supposed to go off when people are grunting too loud and is sort of a meme because apparently it's not actually used that often but apparently there's reports of somebody dropping a water bottle off their treadmill and getting the lunk alarm sounded.

The lunk alarm is manually controlled which is why you can find videos of people "setting it off" by dropping pens.

Tyranthraxus posted...

The lunk alarm is manually controlled which is why you can find videos of people "setting it off" by dropping pens.

Oh I know this otherwise it would be set off all the time just by regular working out. But that's why I said it was a meme because a video of somebody dropping a pen and having the alarm go off sounds like an obvious setup

A lot of the stuff in your post isn't true. The pizza/bagel thing is shitty I guess but it never bothered me as I wasn't trying to lose weight. It's probably the best deal you can get in most areas, that's why I went there for a couple of years.

The general public dont hate PF so all that YTer is doing is trying to start shit lol

dioxxys posted...

In addition they have once a month, "Bagel Monday" and "Pizza Tuesday". While their reasoning behind it being "moderation is key" is true, most people already have enough temptations in their life. Having free junk food at your gym is unnecessary, especially for people having trouble saying no when the smell of greasy pizzas wafting through the air while you work out.

Haha what, who cares? I go to the gym regularly and I eat pizza and bagels far more than just once a month. Most people do. If you can't stand the idea of people eating pizza once a month then that's a personal problem.

It's so silly to get outraged over any of this stuff you posted. People can just go to a different gym if they don't like it. Why would anyone devote so much headspace to a gym they don't like when nobody's forcing them to go? Making entire YouTube videos raging about it.

I don't know how it is now, but when I used to go it was easily the best deal for miles and people would bench up to around 500.

This was when it was originally hated and dismissed for lunk alarms and pizza and whatever else. The only time I ever heard a lunk alarm was an accident. Imo it is (or was) definitely a good starting place, and you could get pretty ripped. A great place to stay in shape, or get in better shape.

planet fitness whole pizza in my mouth

--Zero- posted...

The general public dont hate PF so all that YTer is doing is trying to start shit lol

I think it's made up drama as well. The drama is more tgat there's drama than it actually being a problem anyone not looking for attention cares bout.

itachi15243 posted...

I don't know how it is now, but when I used to go it was easily the best deal for miles and people would bench up to around 500.

This was when it was originally hated and dismissed for lunk alarms and pizza and whatever else. The only time I ever heard a lunk alarm was an accident. Imo it is (or was) definitely a good starting place, and you could get pretty ripped. A great place to stay in shape, or get in better shape.

Way back when, it was easily the best deal if you were homeless. Hot showers, tables, food. Just don't come in looking like a junkie.

dioxxys posted...

apparently there's reports of somebody dropping a water bottle off their treadmill

it's a lunk move after all as deemed by planet fitness.
no it's not as some would say.

But pizza...

Most of the complaints about planet fitness are stupid. Just people looking for something to complain about.

Planet fitness is great for people that want to lose weight on a budget. Bodybuilders are not their target demographic. And those are the main guys that complain about planet fitness lol

Y'all are entitled to your opinions but a lot of this are basic gym things. Just not being allowed to workout at a gym because you are too big? Can't wear doorags? "Your water bottle is too big?". Gimme a break that's ridiculous.

Most people that are into fitness and are actually in good shape are actually pretty helpful and non judgemental. So all of the shit that they implement isn't keeping toxic lunks away but instead it's keeping those who are actually knowledgeable and able to support/help those embarking on a new fitness journey away. The gym scene has totally changed. It's a very supportive community and newbies don't even realize how much potential they're cut off from by being segregated off from those that could help them

I pay $10 a month for Planet Fitness and most of your post is not true.

- They don't serve pizza or bagels... ever
- I have never heard the lunk alarm in the entire time I've been there
- Yes there are free weights and the weights go pretty high
- The judgment free zone is true. I take fitness classes there and if I go a while without coming to class due to work or whatever, the trainer won't give me a hard time about it (unlike other gyms where the trainer is like "where you been" or "consistency is key")
- My gym ranges from fitness newbies to "lunks" to Instagram models (who sometimes are filming while at the gym). Everyone is pretty chill and no one really cares what anyone else is doing as long as they're respectful
- the gym is an amazing deal for the price... the price even includes a free personal trainer which I utilize

Planet Fitness is only a meme because of its commercials back in the day. People keep trying to stir up drama for no reason and either exaggerate any lone incidents on individual gyms or fabricate stories entirely.

I was hoping lockdowns would kill PF

dioxxys posted...

Y'all are entitled to your opinions but a lot of this are basic gym things. Just not being allowed to workout at a gym because you are too big? Can't wear doorags? "Your water bottle is too big?". Gimme a break that's ridiculous.

None of these have ever been a thing at my PF gym and I have in fact seen all of these brought in with no problem. In fact, their own website only restricts open-toed shoes and baggy clothing due to safety reasons. Everything else is fine:
https://www.planetfitness.com/about-planet-fitness/customer-service/club-faqs

Nowhere does it prevent any of the things you claimed in your post.

Zanzenburger posted...

- They don't serve pizza or bagels... ever

Mine definitely did. I'm assuming locations vary

They had some stupid ads where they judgemental, and the higher ups at one point kind of doubled down. But it is an okay gym to go to for normal people. Youtube just likes memeing it up. There are even some youtubers just do stupid shit that will get you kicked out of any gym. Just to say look how bad this place is.

As for Pizza. Yeah not the best..but I will NEVER complain about Free Pizza.

I read the too long to watch and didn't watch the video. But right in start of the video. They are taking the world of a literally deleted Youtube account with 1 like. For proof.

There are free weights but I don't think they go above 100 pounds

Zanzenburger posted...

I pay $10 a month for Planet Fitness and most of your post is not true.

- They don't serve pizza or bagels... ever

They absolutely do serve pizza and bagels, but it's once per month and only during a set time. If you're going outside of those hours, then you won't ever see the food. That said though, I never got why people get so upset about it. They bring in boxes of Dominos pizza and 1 slice is 200-250 calories depending on the toppings. Having 2 or 3 slices of that, once per month isn't going to ruin someone's weight loss goals. It's more of a "Hey good job on your progress. Here's a little treat."

- I have never heard the lunk alarm in the entire time I've been there

I haven't either and I had been going for a year before Covid hit. I actually had to look up a video on youtube to hear what it sounds like.

- Yes there are free weights and the weights go pretty high

This is where my "the gym isn't catered to bodybuilders" argument comes in. Yes, there are free weights, but they don't go as high as some guys would like. It's one of the main complaints I see online. But it's $10 a month. They aren't going to be able to cater to everyone at that price point. You want specialized, pay extra for Gold's Gym or something like that.

Planet Fitness is only a meme because of its commercials back in the day. People keep trying to stir up drama for no reason and either exaggerate any lone incidents on individual gyms or fabricate stories entirely.

I agree. Probably because it gets them views and likes.

no all PF are the same. mine has tons of free weights, you can have a gallon jug, etc so idk what tc is on about

TC getting btfo

dioxxys posted...

Y'all are entitled to your opinions but a lot of this are basic gym things. Just not being allowed to workout at a gym because you are too big? Can't wear doorags? "Your water bottle is too big?". Gimme a break that's ridiculous.

They aren't opinions though. The people responding including myself have actually been a member of PF.

Has been a joke gym since they opened no one who seriously wants to work out goes there.

Tc- Today I learned: everyone hates Planet Fitness

Me-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_303bKX9ncI

eggcorn posted...

They aren't opinions though. The people responding including myself have actually been a member of PF.

As someone else said, their location does do X, so locations probably vary. My cousin is/was a member at Planet Fitness and said they didnt allow him to have his large water bottle.

While its definitely a stretch to assume ALL locations have a tryrannical rule and enforce stupid rules, the fact stands that no other gym gets this much complaints.

I dont HATE it because I have no personal involvement with this gym, I just thought it was amusing that they are like this.

dioxxys posted...

While its definitely a stretch to assume ALL locations have a tryrannical rule and enforce stupid rules, the fact stands that no other gym gets this much complaints.

Besides Gold, there is no other gym that is as well known.

I wish they had a pool, otherwise it's an amazing deal

i have been hearing these same things said about planet fitness for a decade or so now. for that same decade every time they are brought up i see a ton of people saying they have never experienced the majority of stuff people bitching about it. i feel like its safe to assume its more memetic than true at this point

dioxxys posted...

As someone else said, their location does do X, so locations probably vary. My cousin is/was a member at Planet Fitness and said they didnt allow him to have his large water bottle.

While its definitely a stretch to assume ALL locations have a tryrannical rule and enforce stupid rules, the fact stands that no other gym gets this much complaints.

I dont HATE it because I have no personal involvement with this gym, I just thought it was amusing that they are like this.

The best thing you can do is just look at their website for a factual answer. Their published rules allow just about anything to be worn (heck, they even explicitly say bras as tops are okay), they have no restrictions on water bottles, they don't mention the lunk alarm anywhere I could find, and nowhere does it mention pizza or free food giveaways.

I'm not saying any of these things don't happen anywhere, but these are not (at least nowadays) official stances of the company.

You know what? 5 years ago, a lanky thin friend of mine was telling me about how he had never gone to the gym in his life because he was worried guys would make fun of him for being weak or not lifting a lot of weights.

I told him that literally no one cares and no one was gonna make fun of him, his unfounded fear was ridiculous. It took 5 years but he finally started going to the gym and is enjoying himself exercising and weight training with low weights just like I said he would.

I think it's places like planet fitness that try to make people afraid that going to a "manly gym" like gold's gym will make everyone stare at them and/or laugh at them and it's not even true. The most interaction of that nature I've ever gotten at the gym was those dudes that like to suggest different positions for exercises you're doing like lat pulldowns or different form. I don't care for it but they're never aggressive, just enthusiastic.

Zanzenburger posted...

The best thing you can do is just look at their website for a factual answer. Their published rules allow just about anything to be worn (heck, they even explicitly say bras as tops are okay), they have no restrictions on water bottles, they don't mention the lunk alarm anywhere I could find, and nowhere does it mention pizza or free food giveaways.

I'm not saying any of these things don't happen anywhere, but these are not (at least nowadays) official stances of the company.

The free food was absolutely endorsed by the company.

Planet Fitness Pizza Monday is a tradition that has been going strong since 1999 the year a club in Concord, NH found themselves without hot water for a few days. Despite the lack of hot showers, members continued to show up to the gym, ready to sweat. As a "thank you," the founders ordered a round of slices for everyone.

The gesture was so well received that it soon became a regular occurrence, and Pizza Monday was born. Soon, Planet Fitness locations all over North America were following suit and offering free pizza on the first Monday night of each month

https://www.planetfitness.com/community/articles/real-story-behind-planet-fitness-pizza-monday

But I checked, and it looks like they stopped doing pizza due to Covid. Here's what an employee said:

We no longer provide Bagel and Pizza days. It was not a safe practice to gather a ton of people in a small gym with food during a time where COVID was rapid spreading. Since weve taken this practice away, weve replaced that reward with the chance to win a year of BCM (Black Card Member) and a monetary prize if you check in with our mobile app consistently

There is no rewards section. When you scan into your club like normal, some clubs have events where signing in gets you entries to win a BCM voucher.

saspa posted...

You know what? 5 years ago, a lanky thin friend of mine was telling me about how he had never gone to the gym in his life because he was worried guys would make fun of him for being weak or not lifting a lot of weights.

I told him that literally no one cares and no one was gonna make fun of him, his unfounded fear was ridiculous. It took 5 years but he finally started going to the gym and is enjoying himself exercising and weight training with low weights just like I said he would.

I think it's places like planet fitness that try to make people afraid that going to a "manly gym" like gold's gym will make everyone stare at them and/or laugh at them and it's not even true. The most interaction of that nature I've ever gotten at the gym was those dudes that like to suggest different positions for exercises you're doing like lat pulldowns or different form. I don't care for it but they're never aggressive, just enthusiastic.

It think it's moreso just marketing. "We're a gym that's beginner friendly". But I agree, I've been a member of Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and LA Fitness and I've never experienced or witnessed anyone being aggressive or rude at the gym. I'm not sure where that reputation comes from.

A lot of that stuff seems designed to make it more accommodating for the average member of the public, people new to working out or people not comfortable with their body.

Seeing ripped people go at it HARD is off putting for many.

Not that I think people's fears are actually things that are likely to happen, as most people at the gym will support you. Doesn't stop people putting themselves off with those thoughts however.

They don't care at the Planet Fitnesses in the hood.

I don't want to gang up on the TC because there is truth to what he said, but almost all of those criticisms are primarily from those hardcore "dude bros". PF has their own culture and their $10 deal is almost unbeatable for having a 24/7 service.

I will say though, for those who go into a gym and see those "lunks" in your gym making those noises when doing free weights or lifts. Almost every single one of those guys are nice. Hell one of them went out of their way to properly show me how to lift a bar correctly to prevent hurting myself. No one really judges at a gym because we all had to start from somewhere.

i thought this would be about how they're a pain in the ass to cancel your membership or about how their business model involves getting free money from people not going to the gym and are too lazy to go up their to cancel their membership.

i had the $25 membership and just dropped it down to the $10 one. even at $25 that's cheaper than any other gym and PF is just a bigger anytime fitness. machine wise they're pretty similar. most chain gyms are probably pretty similar but i haven't been to LA fitness or powerhouse or anything.

they do have free weights. they have the same amount as anytime fitness that i used to go to. never heard the lunk alarm go off and never been there when they did free bagels or pizza so i been wondering if that was still a thing.

ones i been to around here seem to be pretty relax. i've actually seen people carrying around gallon jugs of water and nobody says anything about it. i have seen online about complaints people had about them telling them they can't bring it in so i know it's a thing. but they have a water station there so it's easy enough to bring a 16/24oz bottle and just fill it up when needed.

but yea the sign up and cancel stuff is the same with most other gyms and force you to use your bank account to sign up which is dumb. then know some people that have had issues with closing their account but that just seems to be people too lazy to actually go to the gym or to change their home gym to one by them after they move. when i went to lower mine to the $10 a month plan i just had to sign like 5 forms and it was simple. canceling would be the same thing. just the person might be annoying about it but i'm guessing most don't really care. i doubt they get paid much or get any kind of bonus based on sign ups or anything.

Gym bros who try to pearl clutch over accessible gyms are weird.

As a gym bro, PF is totally fine. It's cheap, extremely accessible and has other cool amenities(tanning, sauna, etc.). If you're looking for a quick workout, or just want to use machines/treadmills, it's a great place.

If you're a more "serious" lifter, or are trying to get a bigger bench or squat or whatever, it's almost definitely not the gym for you. No need to hate PF though.