Choosing the right gym is a big deal. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Two popular choices you might be considering are Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness. These two gym chains are both well-known, but they have some major differences. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the pros, cons, and differences between the two, so you can figure out which one fits your workout style.
What’s the Deal with Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness is all about making fitness accessible to everyone. They’ve got a reputation for being welcoming and affordable, which makes them a great choice for beginners or people who don’t want to break the bank on a gym membership. Let’s break down the key features.
Key Features of Planet Fitness
- Price: Planet Fitness is super affordable. You can get a membership for as low as $10 a month!
- Judgment-Free Zone: One of their big selling points is the “Judgment-Free Zone.” Basically, it means everyone is welcome, no matter their fitness level.
- Tons of Cardio Machines: If you’re into cardio, you’ll love the rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes they have.
- No Fancy Classes: Don’t expect to find yoga, spin, or CrossFit here. Planet Fitness is pretty basic when it comes to group workouts.
- Lunk Alarm: This is probably their most talked-about feature. If you drop weights or make too much noise, the “lunk alarm” will sound. This rule helps keep things quiet, but it might bother serious weightlifters.
Pros of Planet Fitness
- Super Cheap: Starting at just $10 a month, it’s hard to beat the price.
- Beginner-Friendly: If you’re new to working out, this gym makes it easy to get started.
- Open 24/7: Many Planet Fitness locations are open all day, every day.
- HydroMassage and Tanning (for Black Card Members): If you upgrade to the Black Card membership, you’ll also get perks like HydroMassage chairs and tanning beds.
Cons of Planet Fitness
- No Heavy Lifting: Planet Fitness isn’t the best for serious lifters. If you’re into powerlifting or Olympic lifting, you might be disappointed.
- Limited Group Classes: If group workouts are your thing, you won’t find many options here.
- No Squat Racks: Planet Fitness doesn’t have squat racks, which could be a deal-breaker for some people.
What About 24 Hour Fitness?
24 Hour Fitness is aimed at people who take fitness seriously. They offer more equipment, classes, and a variety of amenities, making them a popular choice for folks who want more than just a treadmill.
Key Features of 24 Hour Fitness
- Lots of Equipment: Whether you’re into cardio, weightlifting, or functional training, 24 Hour Fitness has a wide range of equipment to choose from.
- Group Classes: Unlike Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness offers classes like yoga, Zumba, cycling, and even high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Personal Trainers: You can hire a personal trainer if you need one-on-one guidance.
- Open 24/7: Just like Planet Fitness, most 24 Hour Fitness locations are open around the clock.
- Full Amenities: Many locations have swimming pools, saunas, and basketball courts.
Pros of 24 Hour Fitness
- Variety of Classes: Whether you like dancing, yoga, or strength training, there’s probably a class for you.
- Great for Serious Lifters: If you’re into lifting heavy, you’ll love the squat racks, barbells, and weight plates available.
- Advanced Equipment: They have everything from free weights to machines and functional training areas.
- Pool and Sauna Access: If you like swimming or relaxing after a workout, 24 Hour Fitness often has these amenities.
Cons of 24 Hour Fitness
- More Expensive: Compared to Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness is pricier, with memberships starting around $30-$50 a month.
- Busy at Peak Times: Like many gyms, it can get crowded during peak hours, making it tough to get on the equipment you want.
- Not Beginner-Focused: If you’re brand new to the gym scene, 24 Hour Fitness might feel intimidating with all the advanced options.
Planet Fitness vs 24 Hour Fitness: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Planet Fitness | 24 Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $10/month | Starting at $30-$50/month |
| Gym Hours | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Classes | Limited | Wide Variety |
| Weights | No heavy weights/squat racks | Heavy weights/squat racks |
| Personal Training | No | Yes |
| Beginner-Friendly | Very | Moderate |
| Advanced Lifters | Not Ideal | Perfect |
| Amenities | Basic | Pools, Saunas, Basketball Courts |
| Extra Perks | Black Card Perks (massage/tanning) | Pool, Sauna Access |
Which Gym is Best for You?
Choosing between Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness comes down to what you need in a gym. If you’re just starting out, Planet Fitness might be the best choice for you. It’s cheap, simple, and designed for beginners. But, if you’re looking for more advanced equipment, classes, and amenities like pools and saunas, 24 Hour Fitness is where you’ll probably feel more at home.
Pick Planet Fitness if You…
- Are new to working out.
- Want an affordable gym.
- Don’t care about classes or lifting heavy weights.
- Like perks like HydroMassage and tanning.
Pick 24 Hour Fitness if You…
- Want a full-service gym with tons of equipment.
- Like taking group fitness classes.
- Need access to pools, saunas, and other amenities.
- Are serious about weightlifting or personal training.
FAQs About Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness
1. Can I lift heavy at Planet Fitness?
No, Planet Fitness doesn’t have squat racks or heavy weights. It’s more geared towards beginners.
2. Does 24 Hour Fitness offer personal training?
Yes, 24 Hour Fitness has personal trainers available if you want one-on-one guidance.
3. Which gym is cheaper?
Planet Fitness is cheaper, with memberships starting at $10 a month, while 24 Hour Fitness costs around $30-$50 a month.
4. Does Planet Fitness have group classes?
They have a few, but not many. 24 Hour Fitness offers way more variety when it comes to group classes.
5. Can I use the pool at Planet Fitness?
No, Planet Fitness doesn’t have pools. But many 24 Hour Fitness locations do.
Final Thoughts: Planet Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness?
At the end of the day, the best gym for you depends on your fitness goals. If you’re just starting your fitness journey and want something simple and cheap, Planet Fitness is probably your best bet. But if you’re ready for more advanced training, group classes, and extra perks like a pool, you’ll want to check out 24 Hour Fitness.
Both gyms have their pros and cons, but they cater to different types of people. Hopefully, this breakdown makes your choice a little easier!