When it comes to choosing a gym, there’s a lot to think about. Two popular options out there are Workout Anytime and Planet Fitness. Both have their pros and cons, but which one’s the right fit for you? Whether you're after a no-frills workout or you're just getting started on your fitness journey, let’s dive into the differences to help you decide.
What Are Workout Anytime and Planet Fitness?
Let’s start with a quick breakdown:
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Workout Anytime is a 24/7 gym that focuses on providing affordable, no-nonsense access to gym equipment. They aim to cater to people who want to fit in a workout whenever they can, regardless of their schedule.
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Planet Fitness is known for its budget-friendly membership options, beginner-friendly environment, and their famous "Judgment Free Zone." They want to create a welcoming space for everyone, especially those new to the gym.
Price Comparison: Which is Easier on Your Wallet?
One of the first things we think about when joining a gym is the cost. Here's how these two gyms compare:
| Gym | Basic Membership Price (Monthly) | Premium Membership Price | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workout Anytime | $15-$25 | Around $30-$40 (varies by location) | No (month-to-month options) |
| Planet Fitness | $10 | $24.99 for the Black Card | No (month-to-month available) |
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Workout Anytime can cost a little more, especially if you go for a premium membership. However, this price might be worth it for the 24/7 access, especially if you have an unpredictable schedule.
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Planet Fitness is cheaper, especially for their basic membership. But remember, basic members don’t get access to all the perks (more on that later).
Hours of Operation: Can You Fit in a Workout Anytime?
It’s all in the name—Workout Anytime lets you hit the gym whenever you want, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is perfect if you like late-night workouts or if your schedule is all over the place.
Planet Fitness, on the other hand, isn’t always open 24/7, depending on the location. Some are open 24 hours on weekdays, but close early on weekends. If you're a weekend warrior, this might be a dealbreaker.
Gym Equipment: Who’s Got More to Offer?
Both gyms provide the basics, but there are some key differences:
- Workout Anytime offers a wider variety of free weights. If you're into lifting, this is a plus.
- Planet Fitness has more cardio equipment, and they tend to shy away from heavy free weights. Their heaviest dumbbells often cap at 75 pounds.
If you're into bodybuilding or want to get serious with weights, Workout Anytime might be more your speed. But if you prefer cardio machines like treadmills, ellipticals, or bikes, Planet Fitness has you covered.
Extra Amenities: What Do You Get Besides the Basics?
Here's where the gyms really start to show their differences.
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Workout Anytime: With a premium membership, you can get access to Hydromassage, tanning, and personal training services.
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Planet Fitness: Their Black Card membership ($24.99/month) gives you access to massage chairs, Hydromassage beds, tanning, and you can even use any Planet Fitness location in the country. This can be a huge benefit if you travel a lot.
Atmosphere: Which Gym Makes You Feel Comfortable?
This is a big one! The vibe of a gym can really impact your experience:
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Workout Anytime has a more no-nonsense, serious workout atmosphere. It’s quieter and often attracts people who are more focused on their fitness goals.
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Planet Fitness goes out of its way to be welcoming, especially for beginners. Their Judgment Free Zone policy means they want everyone, regardless of fitness level, to feel comfortable. There’s also a "Lunk Alarm" that goes off if someone drops weights or grunts too loudly (yes, it’s a thing!).
If you're new to the gym, Planet Fitness might feel less intimidating. But if you’re after a hardcore workout environment, Workout Anytime could be more your style.
Classes and Personal Training: How Do They Stack Up?
Not all gyms offer classes, and the ones that do vary in quality and availability.
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Workout Anytime offers virtual classes and personal training, but there are fewer in-person group fitness options.
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Planet Fitness doesn’t have group classes like Zumba or spinning, but they offer something called "PE@PF" (Planet Fitness’s version of personal training). These are small group sessions where trainers help you with workouts, but they’re not one-on-one sessions.
If you’re looking for real personal training, Workout Anytime is the way to go. But if you just need a little guidance now and then, Planet Fitness’s PE@PF could work for you.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: Who Does It Better?
Both gyms have a reputation for keeping things clean, but there are some differences:
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Workout Anytime gyms are often smaller, which can mean more personalized attention to cleanliness.
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Planet Fitness is known for their "clean and spacious" gyms. They have staff dedicated to cleaning throughout the day, and with the larger size of most Planet Fitness locations, there’s often more space to spread out.
Pros and Cons of Workout Anytime
Pros:
- Open 24/7, every day of the week.
- Offers a better variety of free weights and equipment.
- Smaller gym size can mean more personal attention.
- No contract required.
Cons:
- More expensive than Planet Fitness.
- Fewer amenities, especially compared to Planet Fitness’s Black Card membership.
- Less beginner-friendly atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of Planet Fitness
Pros:
- Very affordable, especially for basic membership.
- Welcoming environment for beginners.
- Black Card membership offers great perks like nationwide access and Hydromassage.
- Judgment Free Zone keeps the vibe chill.
Cons:
- Not always open 24/7.
- Limited free weights and no heavy lifting equipment.
- The atmosphere may not be motivating for serious lifters.
Which Gym is Right for You?
Now that we’ve covered the differences, here’s the bottom line:
- Choose Workout Anytime if:
- You need a gym that’s open 24/7.
- You’re serious about lifting weights.
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You want a quieter, more focused environment.
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Choose Planet Fitness if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You’re just getting started with fitness and want a welcoming atmosphere.
- You like having access to fun extras like massage chairs and nationwide locations with the Black Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions people have when choosing between these two gyms:
1. Does Workout Anytime offer classes like Zumba or spinning?
Not typically. They offer virtual fitness classes but don't have the same in-person class variety that larger gyms might have.
2. Can I bring a guest to either gym?
- At Workout Anytime, it depends on your location and membership.
- At Planet Fitness, Black Card members can bring a guest anytime.
3. Which gym is better for weight loss?
Both gyms offer what you need to lose weight, like cardio machines and personal training. It’s really about what motivates you more. If you need a community feel, go with Planet Fitness. If you prefer flexibility and equipment variety, Workout Anytime could be better.
Final Thoughts: Which Gym Fits Your Life?
Choosing between Workout Anytime and Planet Fitness really comes down to what matters most to you. If budget and a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere are top priorities, Planet Fitness is a great pick. But if you're looking for 24/7 access and serious weightlifting equipment, Workout Anytime might be the better option.
It’s always a good idea to check out a few locations in person and maybe even grab a day pass before you commit. Each gym has its unique vibe, and sometimes you just have to feel it out for yourself.