Choosing the right gym can be a bit of a headache. You’ve got Planet Fitness on one side, known for its laid-back vibes and affordable prices, and then there’s LA Fitness, offering a more traditional, full-service gym experience. If you’ve been bouncing between these two, trying to figure out which one suits you best, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the details, break down the differences, and by the end of this, you’ll know which gym is your ideal match.
What’s the Deal with Planet Fitness?
First, let’s talk about Planet Fitness. Known for its Judgment Free Zone philosophy, Planet Fitness makes gym newbies feel welcome. It’s designed to be a stress-free space, and if you’re just starting your fitness journey, you won’t feel like you’re surrounded by bodybuilding pros.
Pros of Planet Fitness:
- Affordable Membership: Hands down, Planet Fitness wins on price. With memberships starting as low as $10 per month, it’s one of the most budget-friendly gyms out there. If you’re not looking to spend a ton, this is a major win.
- Judgment-Free Environment: Their whole thing is about being comfortable, no matter your fitness level. No one’s going to give you side-eye for using the treadmill at a slow pace or figuring out how the machines work.
- Free Fitness Training: Yep, you heard that right. Planet Fitness offers free fitness training as part of the membership, so if you’re not sure where to start, there’s help.
- HydroMassage and Tanning (Black Card Membership): If you go for the Black Card membership (about $24.99 a month), you get some cool perks like HydroMassage, tanning, and access to any Planet Fitness location.
Cons of Planet Fitness:
- Limited Equipment: Planet Fitness doesn’t have the full range of equipment you’d find at bigger gyms like LA Fitness. If you’re into serious weightlifting, their weight area might feel a bit lacking.
- No Heavy Lifting Allowed: Here’s where things get tricky for weightlifters—the infamous Lunk Alarm. If you’re lifting heavy weights and drop them (which is kind of normal), you might set off this alarm, drawing some unwanted attention.
- Few Group Classes: Planet Fitness doesn’t offer the extensive group class schedules that some people love. If you’re into spinning or Zumba, you might be out of luck.
What’s the Deal with LA Fitness?
On the flip side, LA Fitness is more of a traditional, all-in-one gym. They’ve got everything you could think of—tons of equipment, pools, basketball courts, and a wide variety of group classes. It’s perfect for people looking for a more well-rounded gym experience.
Pros of LA Fitness:
- Variety of Equipment: If you like options, LA Fitness has it all. Whether you’re into cardio, weightlifting, or machines, you’ll find it here. Plus, they’ve got dumbbells that go up to 120 pounds, which is a big plus for serious lifters.
- Group Classes: One of the biggest draws for LA Fitness is the group classes. Whether you’re into yoga, spinning, boot camps, or dance, you’ll find a class for it. It’s a great way to stay motivated and have fun while working out.
- Swimming Pool and Courts: LA Fitness has swimming pools, saunas, basketball, and racquetball courts. If you like mixing things up, this gym has more than just machines.
- Childcare: For parents who want to squeeze in a workout but don’t have a babysitter, LA Fitness offers childcare services, which is a huge help.
Cons of LA Fitness:
- Pricey Membership: While you get more with LA Fitness, it also costs more. The basic membership starts around $29.99 per month and can go higher depending on your location or if you want access to multiple locations.
- Crowds at Peak Hours: With more equipment and more classes comes more people. During peak hours, it can be hard to get your workout in without waiting around for machines or equipment.
- Additional Fees: LA Fitness has initiation fees, which can sometimes catch people off guard. Plus, if you want certain perks, like access to more than one club, you might have to pay extra.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Planet Fitness vs. LA Fitness
| Feature | Planet Fitness | LA Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starts at $10/month | Starts at $29.99/month |
| Environment | Casual, beginner-friendly | Traditional gym, all fitness levels |
| Equipment Variety | Limited | Extensive |
| Group Classes | Very limited | Wide variety |
| Free Weights | Limited (no heavy weights) | Full range (up to 120 lb dumbbells) |
| Swimming Pool/Sauna | No | Yes |
| Basketball/Racquetball Courts | No | Yes |
| Childcare | No | Yes |
| Extras (Massage/Tanning) | Yes (with Black Card) | No |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate | Busy during peak hours |
Which Gym is Best for You?
So, how do you decide between Planet Fitness and LA Fitness? It all comes down to what you need and what you value in a gym.
Go for Planet Fitness if...
- You’re on a budget: Planet Fitness is way more affordable, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a fortune on a gym membership.
- You’re a beginner: The laid-back atmosphere is perfect if you’re new to working out. No need to feel intimidated!
- You don’t need a ton of equipment: If you’re sticking to basic machines and cardio, Planet Fitness has everything you need.
- You want some extra perks: The Black Card membership gets you some nice extras like HydroMassage and tanning.
Go for LA Fitness if...
- You need variety: If you like switching up your workouts with classes, pools, and courts, LA Fitness is where it’s at.
- You’re into serious lifting: LA Fitness has a much better selection of free weights and strength training equipment.
- You have kids: The fact that LA Fitness offers childcare is a game-changer for busy parents.
- You want more facilities: From swimming pools to basketball courts, LA Fitness gives you more options to get fit.
FAQs: Common Questions About Planet Fitness and LA Fitness
1. Can I cancel my membership easily at both gyms?
Both gyms allow you to cancel your membership, but the process can vary by location. It’s best to check with your local gym to see how they handle cancellations.
2. Does Planet Fitness really not allow heavy lifting?
Planet Fitness does allow lifting, but they don’t have the kind of heavy free weights that you’d find at LA Fitness. Plus, if you drop weights or make a lot of noise, you might set off the Lunk Alarm.
3. Are the group classes included with the LA Fitness membership?
Yes, LA Fitness includes most of its group classes with your membership, which is great if you like working out in a social environment.
4. Can I use my membership at multiple locations?
With the Planet Fitness Black Card, you can use any of their locations. For LA Fitness, you’ll need to pay extra for access to multiple clubs.
5. Which gym is less crowded?
Planet Fitness tends to be less crowded than LA Fitness, especially during peak hours. LA Fitness, with all its classes and amenities, can get pretty busy.
Final Thoughts: Which Gym Wins?
At the end of the day, it’s not really about which gym is better—it’s about which gym is better for you. If you’re on a budget, just getting started, and want a no-pressure environment, Planet Fitness is a solid choice. But if you’re looking for a gym that offers more equipment, classes, and amenities, and you don’t mind spending a bit more, LA Fitness is your go-to.
It’s all about finding the right fit for your lifestyle and fitness goals. Whichever gym you choose, make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable and motivated to work out. After all, the best gym is the one you’ll actually go to!