My Planet Fitness Review - Pros and Cons

Ulysses McDowell
Mar 7
3 min read

Updated: Mar 27

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1. The Price Is Hard to Beat

One of the biggest positives is the cost. Planet Fitness is one of the most affordable gym memberships available. For people who want access to a gym without paying high boutique fitness prices, it’s a solid option.

For many people—especially retirees or those on a fixed income—this alone makes it worth considering.

2. They Accept Some Insurance Programs

Another thing I appreciate is that some health insurance programs help cover membership costs.

Programs connected to Medicare or wellness plans sometimes include gym access as part of preventative health benefits. That’s a great incentive for people trying to stay active as they age.

3. Clean Restrooms and Locker Rooms

Cleanliness matters in a gym.

At my location, the restrooms and locker rooms are well maintained, which is something you can’t always say about fitness centers. A clean facility makes the entire workout experience more comfortable.

4. Easy Check-In

Checking in is simple.

You can use:

Your membership card
The Planet Fitness mobile app

The process takes just a few seconds and keeps the front desk from becoming a bottleneck.

5. A Good Variety of Equipment

Planet Fitness offers a wide range of machines and workout options.

You’ll typically find:

Cardio machines
Strength training machines
Free weights
Stretching areas

For the average gym member—especially someone focused on general fitness rather than competitive bodybuilding—there’s more than enough equipment to get a solid workout.

6. Extended Hours

Another plus is the schedule.

Many locations stay open 24 hours for several days each week, which helps people who prefer working out early in the morning or late at night.

Flexible hours make it easier to stay consistent with your workouts.

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What I Don’t Like About My Planet Fitness Location

Even though I like the gym overall, there are a few things I would change if I could.

1. No Weight Scales

This one puzzles me. My location does not provide body weight scales. I understand that Planet Fitness promotes a “Judgment Free Zone,” but removing scales seems like taking that idea a little too far.

For many people—especially those trying to lose weight or manage health conditions—tracking body weight is a useful metric.

A scale isn’t about judgment. It’s about information.

2. Paper Towels Instead of Cloth Towels

The gym uses paper towels to wipe down machines instead of reusable cloth towels.

While it works, it does make you wonder about the environmental impact. Using paper towels throughout the day means a lot of waste—and yes, a lot of trees.

Reusable cloth towels might be a more sustainable option.

3. Not Open 24/7 Every Day

While the gym stays open late or overnight several days per week, it isn’t open 24 hours seven days a week at my location.

For people with unpredictable schedules, true 24/7 access would be ideal.

4. It Can Get Crowded

This is probably the biggest drawback. Because the gym is affordable and popular, it can get very crowded during peak hours. Sometimes you have to wait to use certain machines, which can slow down your workout. This isn’t unusual for a budget-friendly gym, but it’s something to be aware of.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I like Planet Fitness.

It’s affordable, clean, easy to access, and offers enough equipment for a solid workout. For most people who simply want to stay healthy, stay active, and maintain their fitness, it’s a practical option.

Is it perfect? No. But if the goal is to keep moving, stay disciplined, and take care of your health, the most important thing is simply showing up and doing the work.

As we used to say in the Marine Corps: