Navigating the fitness world can be intimidating, especially for beginners uncertain where to start. Planet Fitness has positioned itself as a judgment-free haven for fitness newcomers, but is it the best gym for those taking their first steps toward a healthier lifestyle? The gym chain promises an environment that’s approachable, affordable, and accommodating for all. In this article, we will dissect Planet Fitness’ offerings and environment to determine if it genuinely is the beginner’s gym paradise it claims to be.
What Makes A Gym Beginner Friendly?
A beginner-friendly gym creates an environment that is non-intimidating, supportive, and accessible for those just starting their fitness journey. It should have knowledgeable, patient staff ready to guide newcomers through machine usage and proper exercise form.
The gym should also offer a variety of classes suitable for all fitness levels, including beginners, and maintain a range of equipment to cater to different exercise preferences. In addition, clear signage and instructions for equipment usage, along with an inclusive, judgment-free atmosphere are crucial in making beginners feel welcomed and comfortable.
We’re going to look into these four factors of a beginner-friendly gym in detail:
- Variety (equipment, machines, amenities)
- Friendly Staff
- Welcoming Environment
- Price
Variety (equipment, machines, amenities)
Some gyms are specific to a certain group of athletes. For example, a CrossFit gym will focus on functional training and a community gym will have more classes and maybe yoga. But beginners might not yet know what they are interested in or what they are good at, so a beginner-friendly gym should offer a wide range of training styles to try.
Most gyms aren’t going to have classes, rock climbing, Olympic platforms, a track, and more. You’ll probably find something with just a few different choices like cardio equipment, machines, and maybe a swimming pool.
But searching for a less-niche gym will benefit a beginner. If you are just starting out, avoid specialty facilities like powerlifting gyms. Powerlifting is great, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice by narrowing your first gym experience to a specific sport.
Friendly Staff
When you first walk through the door of a new gym, a staff member should greet you. This is just a basic practice that many businesses should implement if they want to obtain a new contract-signing member. First impressions are important and they should understand this.
Since friendly staff members provide vital support, guidance, and motivation, helping newcomers navigate unfamiliar equipment, learn proper techniques, and build effective workout routines. Their approachability and readiness to help can significantly reduce the intimidation factor, making new members feel comfortable and confident, which in turn increases the likelihood of them sticking to their fitness journey.
Welcoming Environment
A friendly staff is a part of the gym’s environment, but you’ll actually be spending most of your time around other gymgoers.
Encouragement from fellow gym members creates a supportive community, fostering motivation and accountability. This positive atmosphere not only enhances the workout experience but also encourages consistency in attendance, promoting progress in fitness goals and overall well-being. It helps individuals feel more comfortable, welcomed, and inspired in their fitness journey.
Price
You can probably find a gym in every price range, from free to absurdly expensive. But a beginner would do better somewhere in the middle.
Too cheap of a gym is going to lower the perceived value of the membership. For example, a free gym is probably going to be supported by taxpayers or membership donations, resulting in worn-out equipment. But on the other hand, too expensive of a gym could prevent someone from beginning their fitness journey.
We also have contracts to consider. This really depends on the individual, since some people want to sign an annual contract to help them commit, while others will avoid contracts altogether, seeking a month-to-month membership.
A beginner-friendly gym will exist in a sweet spot where the commitment of membership isn’t too intimidating, but enough to remind the member that they are paying for the gym and that they should use it.
Is Planet Fitness The Best Gym For Beginners?
So the big question is: Should you sign up at Planet Fitness as a beginner?
Planet Fitness takes a unique marketing approach where they emphasize a judgment-free zone while also barring entry for anyone who fits the stereotype of a typical bodybuilder. But honestly what I found over the years is that most Planet Fitness locations (or all in my case) don’t enforce these beliefs at all.
Cardio
Planet Fitness gyms each have an absurd amount of cardio machines. This is usually a split between treadmills and ellipticals, with a few rowing machines and bikes thrown in. Because there are so many machines, you can often grab one without having to exercise right beside a stranger.
Cardio is great for someone who has just taken their first step into the gym and wants ot take a moment to survey the land without looking like a goof. All of the machines are very beginner-friendly and have big obvious controls on them, so you probably won’t get confused.
Machines
The machines I’m referring to here are the weight machines for building muscle!
Fitness beginners all face the same hurdle when it comes to weight machines: how do you use them without looking like a fool? Well, Planet Fitness machines have a QR code on each of them, which will take you directly to an instructional video for proper use.
This is a nice little feature I’ve actually never seen in another gym, and to be honest, it’s genius. Members can swiftly scan the code, watch the short video to become and instant expert, and start exercising like they know the machine inside-out.
Classes
Planet Fitness also offers a variety of group workout sessions. These are held in private rooms separate from the main gym. There are no windows either, so it’s just you, the instructor, and your classmates. These classes are free with the membership at no additional cost, and you’re free to come and go as you, please.
Environment
While Planet Fitness does claim to be judgment-free and maintain a safe environment for everyone, remember this is just a marketing ploy. In reality, all gyms are full of accepting people who welcome newcomers.
In addition to a welcoming atmosphere, there are also many privacy-first implementations in the gym. The machines have a cover over the weights so the other members can’t see how much you’re lifting, and the changerooms have stalls to change in if you prefer to do so.
Staff
So far, every Planet Fitness I’ve been to has very relaxed staff members. Remember, most of these gyms are hiring minimum-wage employees who don’t take their jobs too seriously.
I’ve heard stories of Planet Fitness staff who patrol the gym and enforce rules, but honestly, I don’t believe them. The staff members are usually really cool and don’t really pay attention to members of the gym while they’re working out.
If you’re worried about controlling staff who might have a bone to pick with you, don’t sweat it.
Price
Earlier I mentioned how a good beginner gym will be priced in a sweet spot. Well, Planet Fitness does this quite well.
The price of a membership will vary depending on which country you’re in, and which membership you sign up for, but it’s generally pretty cheap when compared to most gyms. With the Black Card membership, you get unlimited access to massage chairs, hydro massage beds, tanning beds, and more.
It’s a pretty good deal. But you will have to sign a contract and make a commitment. This is the part that will either seal the deal or scare someone away. Whatever you chose to do, just know that it’s easy to cancel a Planet Fitness membership but it will cost you a few extra bucks and you have to do it in person.
Is Planet Fitness Good For Serious Lifters?
Maybe you’re already an experienced weight lifter and you’re wondering if Planet Fitness will cut it for you. The answer is: probably not.
Planet Fitness does not have bench presses, or squat racks, and has an active no-deadlift rule. In addition to this, they only have so many free weights. In my local location, the dumbbells only go up to 60 lbs, which isn’t much if you’ve been lifting for a year or more.
However, you can still get a decent workout in at Planet Fitness, but it will be machine-focused and probably pretty tame for the average lifter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a beginner, Planet Fitness is a good place to start your fitness journey. The environment is welcoming and relaxed, they offer plenty of perks with their membership, and there’s lots of cardio equipment. However, be aware that after a year or two of serious commitment, it’s highly likely that you’ll out-grow Planet Fitness, so get your butt in there and look forward to your eventual graduation!