hey all- just looking for thoughts and opinions about PF and the workouts there. also are there trainers on staff who can design a 'program' for you?

my family was going to join the Y this week but turns out it is a LOT more money than we expected. really disappointed because on top of the $85 a month family fee, it's $45 for 6 wks of swimming lessons for each kid, another $35 for me to attend yoga, another $35 for tai chi, etc. you get the picture...MONEY galore. we just can't afford that right now.

so the next option is the PF in town. it's in a mall, so a little bit intimidating with gawkers, but they do a good job of shielding...

also are there classes to do, or group workouts?

***is the place weight-lifting focused or more of just a cardio-focused place??? i already get cardio at the gym at work and specifically need weight/resistance for early-onset osteoporosis.

lastly is it a year contract or monthly or how does that work?

THANKS!

Edited August 18, 201411 yr by mi75

I wasn't a fan personally, but I am sure it depends on the management of the individual franchise. Mine had a lot of 19 year olds standing around in their sports-bras, texting behind the desk. I didn't enjoy waiting for machines or the time-limits placed on them. They didn't have classes when I joined, but again, I'm sure that differs from franchise to franchise. The good side is that they are inexpensive, and they will show you around the machines and set up a program for you.

I think it is the best gym for the money especially for people who have had bariatric surgery. It is focused on cardio, and that is all we really need after surgery. I still have my membership at my "weight lifting" gym but I am not ready to be there yet. Planet Fitness offers a full year for $99 in Dec. so you can't beat it.

I go there every night after work to walk the treadmill or ride the bike for 20-30 minutes. Go through the circuit training area (after it was okay by my surgeon) and out of there in 45 minutes.

Our PF is clean, well lit, they have plenty of machines and the staff are friendly. I guess you can't speak for all of them but this goes for any business if you are getting bad customer service I would report it to the manager first then write a nice email to corporate. The sports bras aren't even allowed at PF. If those girls worked there then they should be fired!

I joined PF over a year ago. It is not a gym so much as a health club atmosphere. True blooded gym rats hate the place, since it caters more to beginners. There is no free weight lifting in the gym. Our local franchise has a strict dress code--sports bras are not allowed. You won't see muscle heads wearing wife beaters either. (sleeveless Tee Shirts...)

A basic membership is ten bucks a month, with a modest sign up fee and a renewal fee each year. I've seen where they've run 99 dollar membership specials for a year's membership. If you know someone who is a black card member they take you with them as a guest for as many times as you want to go with them.

There are tons of cardio machines--treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, etc.

I can only speak for the local PF that I go to... it is kept very clean, the staff is very polite, and the members range from young kids to middle aged folks. When I go in the early morning the place is mostly gray hairs... I've seen regulars who need crutches and wheelchairs. Before and after work hours the place is a bit more crowded and there is a younger crowd.

Trainers are there for group training sessions. If you come in on an off day you might chance have a private lesson if no one else signs up. There are no personal trainers available except for the one or two trainers that run the scheduled classes. Most of the staff will answer questions and give advice. I've meet a few trainers who were friendly and who walked around between classes and who seemed anxious to answer questions or to give advice. For someone looking for a starting point for exercise for cardio and weight loss, PF is a good starting point. If you want a serious body builder experience you and Arnold S. might be disappointed.

I suspect that since these are franchises, the PF experience might be different at other locations. You might ask for a day pass to see if your local PF is to your liking. the black card is good for any PF location, but it costs 19.99 a month compared to the ten dollar basic membership. And they have free pizza and bagels one day each month... rather strange!

I'm a planet fitness hater. If I am going to go to a gym, I want weights, I want all the cardio, classes and a pool. I also hate the yellow purple and gray color scheme and the lunk alarm. I know its supposed to be for beginners and not intimidating but I feel like it is cheating you by not offering free weights. Because you need weights - in fact I completely disagree with the poster above who says you really only need cardio. The best way to be fit and to help tighten up the excess skin is to lift and lift heavy (I'm not saying it is going to work a miracle, but lifting will help).

If you want yoga, fitness classes, and a pool you can join LA Fitness for $30 per month if you are in an LA Fitness state. They don't offer swimming lessons though. When I was a kid, my parents signed us up at the local high school in the summer. Maybe you can do that for the swimming lessons bit?

Having said my hate speech, I will say that the PF in neighborhood is clean, has ample parking and is well kept.

Edited August 19, 201411 yr by Forsythia

I never said you only need cardio. Please don't put words in my mouth. PF has weight lifting, but it is not free style. A beginner can get a good workout at PF. Not everyone can afford 30 dollars a month for muscle gym membership.

thanks everyone for your honest reviews. daughter and i are going to check them out with a tour tonight or tomorrow. it is the cheapest option for us and will probably be what we go with for now.

i simply want to get moving with SOMETHING. having options available for the kids would have been great, but for health reasons, this is all about ME having a workout option so they will have to wait until school sports, etc start.

@@labwalker I was not referring to your post.

Edited August 20, 201411 yr by Forsythia

If finances are tight you might ask the Y if they have financial assistance for your family. I am a fan of the Y because of the familly atmosphere and range of services.

I think if you have never worked out a day in your life, or you're on a TIGHT budget..it's a good option. But if you are athletic, current or former...you have no business in there. It's the kind of place folks go, so they can say "I work out". I'm not trying to be offensive, but it is what it is.

i went in and asked for a DETAILED tour this past weekend. prior to that i had been in just to look around.

they guy that gave me the tour just focused over and over on the treadmills, arc trainers and ellipticals.

there was ONE person in the weight area. i asked him if he could take me in that area and tell me about their weight/strength training programs and he told me that they 'didn't really do much with that stuff'. i told him i was really interested in getting started in lifting and building and the response i got was less than awesome...in fact, what i was told is that the focus there is more about 'fitness' and not so much about muscle. HUH???????

i was SUPER disappointed. i didn't join after all. i STILL am trying to figure out something at home to do and i have found a couple of really good programs from BeachBody so i'll likely go with one of those for now.

Well, I'd never be accused of being an athlete, in this or any former life. LOL. I can burn over 800 calories a day on the treadmill. Before PF the best i could do was long in the local farm fields, but the ticks have taken over due to an exploding deer population. PF isn't for everyone, but so far it fits my needs. Maybe when I become slimmer weights might start to be more appealing. I understand that weights leads to greater long term weight loss.

But, you have to do something to keep active and moving, regardless of what gym or fitness center you join.

Edited September 26, 201411 yr by labwalker