This is my first time ever joining a gym. 44yo.

Anyhow. What are your thoughts and why planet fitness or ymca? Love to hear what you guys and gals. Think.

Never was a member of Planet Fitness so don't know. I did belong to a local YWCA years ago when I first started trying to actively lose weight. I loved it at first as it had the gym, spin classes, a pool, racquetball court, etc. But after a while I was finding myself standing around more than anything waiting for equipment to become available (too crowded, not enough equipment) and also there were many times the machines were broken. Needless to say after 6 months of that I stopped going. I felt like I was wasting my time more than anything.

I had stayed away from gyms until recently when I joined a "gym", which is really just taking advantage of a rehabilitation center through my insurance. So, I paid like $50 for a month of using their equipment and it also came with 8, one hour long sessions with a personal trainer (each additional month will only be $35 for unlimited use for the month). So she created a program for me both inside and outside the gym using stuff I already have at home. Of course once I get the surgery in a few weeks that will change slightly for a while. but that's ok.

Anyway, not knowing what to do, or what equipment to use for what I wanted to achieve, was another reason I stopped going to the Y. I just had no guidance and walked around aimlessly trying everything but not really accomplishing anything. LOL

So, my suggestion is, no matter where you end up, ask questions and try and maybe at least get a one hour session with a trainer to better guide you on what you could be using to accomplish whatever goals you're trying to achieve. Also try and see if they have enough equipment to accommodate the amount of people who come in. Does the equipment look up to date and in working order, etc. Good luck!

Before the pandemic I was a member at Planet Fitness and I was very happy going there. It was very low key and not like other gyms at all. I do plan on going back once I feel comfortable with where the pandemic is.

I joined Planet Fitness about two months after surgery. They do not offer any significant support except through the app. I have worked out a good deal previously, so I’m ok with the low support. I watch other people work out, research their exercises (weights), and incorporate if they work for me. I love my Planet Fitness. It is huge, and not busy. Worked out at The Y about 20 years ago. I had a trainer there, and I liked it. Have no idea what it looks like post-Covid. Planet Fitness is very low key and I like it.

Figure out what “vibe” suits you, and go with it. You will not go if it makes you feel uncomfortable or it is inconvenient. Best to you with your workouts!

It depends on what you want to do. I think Planet Fitness is mostly machines (but I could be wrong...). YMCA's have other things like pools, classes, and personal training. I've belonged to our local Y for about 20 years.

the Y that an above poster mentioned (broken machines, etc) is a local problem. The Y's in our county are great - I've never experienced anything like that. I certainly wouldn't take broken machines, long lines, etc as indicative of the condition of Y's in general. Just be sure to check out places (even a Planet Fitness) before you join - then you should be able to avoid problems like that.

Edited May 3, 20215 yr by catwoman7

I have been to YMCAs and other gyms like Planet Fitness. I agree that the quality of the Y depends on the local Y; the ones I've been to are fine, and they offer more different things to do, but they are also much more expensive than places like planet fitness. When I went to a gym that was like Planet Fitness, I got a training session for an additional fee one time just to learn how to use the machines (I had done this decades earlier at the Y, but it had been a long time and I wanted a refresher). You could also check out Orange Theory Fitness which has HIIT classes at scheduled times. I thought the workouts were great, but it was too loud for me (I'm very sensitive to sound). Always check out cancellation policies at any gym you join!!

I loved the Y by my old apartment. They also had a family plan so my roommate, her kids and my sister could all visit for a reasonable price. I'm more of a class person than an independent machine person. The planet fitness around me doesn't offer as much classes and can also get really crowded when they offer their promotions. I haven't been to either since covid. I got a peloton instead. Love the classes.

Yes, I did not mean all Y's were like the one I attended. Sorry if it came off that way. That was just my experience at one and why I stopped going which is why I suggested the OP ask certain questions and perhaps look around the place and check it out before considering joining.

I actually did a walk thru of our Y before we joined and everything was great. Which is why we joined. Not sure why the decline seemed to happened shortly after I joined. And I attribute the it being over crowded due to me living in a small town. We had no other gyms locally aside from the Y unless you want to travel 30+ min away and who the heck wants to add an hours drive round trip in addition to your gym time. LOL

I've never been a member of PF or any of the Chain fitness places. I did however join the Y for my first few years. It was fine. I started with zumba, treadmill, bike and then moved to some weights. Then my now x husband said I was "skinny enough", so he canceled the membership and signed up at some local "meathead" gym. Turns out this is where his "Girlfriend" joined too....... I was a fish out of water. I knew nothing abut "working out". I'm a good follower in a class setting. Fast forword.... to a band removal and a divorce. I moved out of state and joined a fitness place.... it was beautiful and had everything you could ask for but i didn't know what to do and would walk on the treadmill and get bored and go home. I didn't know what the hell to do.
Then as luck would have it, i was talking about working out with a co worker and he suggested Crossfit..... Changed my life..... This place is great. I walked into the gym (no mirrors), change my clothes, meet at the computer monitors. The owner would then go over the work out and show us how to do everything. He adjusts the workout for those of us who are "challenged" physically. Example: john over there can lift 100lbs and or run a mile..... I, can not.... So instead i lift 20lbs and row on the rower.
Give Crossfit a chance...

Thanks for all the input. I think its gonna be plant fitness.

I belonged to the y before and the price is much higher than Planet Fitness. I don’t like classes so PF works better for me. I have knowledge how to use machines and did work with a trainer before so I dont need a lot of support. You can usually do a free trial day at any gym. Might be wise to check it out if you have not already joined one.