Choosing the right gym depends on what you value most in your fitness experience. Two popular options you may come across are Planet Fitness and 24-Hour Fitness. Both offer a range of equipment and classes but differ in atmosphere, amenities, and membership options to match different workout preferences.
Planet Fitness creates a welcoming, low-pressure space that suits beginners or those who want a relaxed setting. In contrast, 24-Hour Fitness provides a more traditional gym feel with extra features like racquetball courts and virtual training. Knowing the differences can help you find a gym that fits your routine and goals.
Key Takeaways
- Membership costs and contract options vary between the two gyms.
- The gym environment and available equipment differ in style and variety.
- Amenities and extra services influence your overall gym experience.
Key Factors to Think About Before Joining
When choosing a gym like Planet Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness, you want to look at several important things to make sure it fits your needs.
Cost is often the first thing you check. Planet Fitness usually charges less, making it a good option if you want something budget-friendly. 24 Hour Fitness tends to cost more but offers more services.
Location matters because you’ll want a gym that is easy to get to regularly.
Amenities are important too. 24 Hour Fitness usually has more options like pools or courts, while Planet Fitness keeps it simple and focused.
Think about the hours to find one open when you can work out.
Also, the gym’s environment plays a big role. You want a clean, comfortable spot. Beginners with specific fitness goals might prefer different atmospheres depending on what motivates them best.
Overall Impressions
Experience at 24-Hour Fitness
With 24-Hour Fitness, you get a gym that’s open all day and night, giving you access whenever you want. The size and style of the gym will change depending on the location, so some places have more space and equipment than others. The larger clubs are more suited for people who want a wide range of workout options, while smaller clubs offer fewer amenities.
You’ll find a lot of variety here. There are machines for weights and cardio, free weights, and studio rooms for group classes. Some locations even have extras like saunas and personal training options. You can also use their workout app to organize your routines. Free Wi-Fi is usually available, which can be helpful while you train.
On cost, this gym sits in the middle range for memberships. Expect to pay around $30 to $60 monthly, which isn’t the cheapest but offers more features than basic gyms. Peak hours can feel crowded, so if you prefer quieter times, plan your visits accordingly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Always open 24/7 | Sizes and features vary by club |
| Large spaces | Can get crowded during busy times |
| Many amenities | Mid-range monthly cost |
| Group classes offered | Not ideal if you want a simple gym |
What to Expect at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness focuses on keeping your gym cost low, with monthly fees as cheap as $10. This makes it easy to commit to your workouts without worrying about high expenses. You’ll find over 2,000 locations, so there’s likely one near you.
The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, aimed especially at beginners or those who might feel uneasy in a gym. They keep a “No Judgement Zone” policy that encourages respect and comfort for everyone. This means no dropping weights loudly or loud grunting is allowed, creating a calmer environment.
Planet Fitness offers access to most basic equipment like cardio machines, weight machines, and light free weights. However, it’s not designed for heavy weightlifting or bodybuilding since many gyms lack Olympic racks and heavier equipment. Black Card members enjoy extra perks like bringing guests for free and attending free group training sessions five days a week.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable membership | Limited heavy lifting equipment |
| Inclusive, beginner-friendly | Fewer amenities than larger gyms |
| Free guest passes for some | Not suited for advanced lifting goals |
| Free group training sessions | Basic facilities and fewer extras |
Choosing between these gyms depends on your goals and budget. If you want a gym with advanced features and don’t mind paying more, 24-Hour Fitness fits well. If you prefer a simple, affordable place to stay active without pressure, Planet Fitness is a strong choice.
You can explore more details about these gyms in the Planet Fitness vs 24 Hour Fitness: Pros, cons & comparison article.
1. Cost Comparison
Planet Fitness Membership Pricing
Planet Fitness offers very low monthly fees that suit those on a tight budget. Their basic option, called the Classic membership, costs about $10 per month plus taxes. If you want more benefits, the Black Card membership is $22.99 monthly. This plan lets you visit over 2,300 gyms nationwide and bring a guest for free. It also includes access to extras like spa facilities at some locations. Both memberships require an annual fee of $39. The initiation fee for Classic is often discounted to just $1, making it very affordable to start.
24-Hour Fitness Costs Overview
At 24-Hour Fitness, the membership fees vary based on location and length of contract. Monthly payments range from $35 to about $57, depending on whether you choose single club access or broader national or regional plans. You can also save a bit by paying upfront for two years. Most memberships have a $49 yearly fee. Additional charges might apply. They also offer a free 3-day pass so you can test the gym before joining.
Which Gym Has Cheaper Fees?
When comparing monthly and initial expenses, Planet Fitness is generally the more affordable option. Its low fees and minimal startup costs make it a good choice if you want to keep your gym membership budget-friendly. 24-Hour Fitness offers more variety but with higher prices and more fees overall.
| Membership Feature | Planet Fitness | 24-Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $10 (Classic) to $22.99 (Black Card) | $35 to $57 depending on plan |
| Annual Fee | $39 | $49 |
| Initiation Fee | Usually $1 (Classic) | Varies |
| Guest Access | Included with Black Card | Depends on plan |
| Number of Locations Access | Over 2,300 nationwide | National, regional, or single club |
If minimal cost is your main goal, Planet Fitness provides affordable memberships without many hidden fees.
2. Contract Length Comparison
Contract Options at Planet Fitness
At Planet Fitness, you usually find month-to-month contracts for the basic Classic membership. If you want a Black Card membership, you’ll need to commit to an annual contract. This means you have some flexibility with the cheaper plan, but a longer commitment is required for premium access.
Membership Lengths at 24-Hour Fitness
24-Hour Fitness offers more choices for your contract length. You can pick from month-to-month, one-year, or two-year plans. If you only want a short-term option, they also have one-week, one-month, or three-month memberships available. This lets you choose a plan that fits your schedule and needs.
Which Gym Offers More Flexibility?
If contract length and short-term options matter to you, 24-Hour Fitness has more variety. They provide month-to-month, yearly, and flexible short-term memberships, giving you more control over your commitment than Planet Fitness.
3. Atmosphere Comparison
Friendly and Easygoing at Planet Fitness
At Planet Fitness, you’ll find a casual and relaxed vibe. The gym plays loud music and shows popular TV programs to keep things lively. It’s designed to be a judgment-free zone, so you can feel comfortable whether you’re a beginner or just working out to stay fit.
Most people there are not focused on heavy lifting, so the gym has fewer strength training machines and weights. The environment tends to attract those who want a low-pressure space to exercise without feeling intimidated.
One unique feature is the lunk alarm, which may go off if someone seems too intense or loud. While not every location uses it, the idea behind it helps keep the atmosphere calm and non-intimidating for most members.
Focused and Serious at 24-Hour Fitness
At 24-Hour Fitness, the mood is more serious and focused on fitness goals. The music is generally quieter, and the TVs often show sports or news, creating a more reserved feel. This gym caters to a range of fitness levels, from beginners to more dedicated lifters.
You’ll find equipment for heavy lifting, like barbells, lifting platforms, and bumper plates. The gym also offers various classes for cardio, HIIT, and functional training, helping you stay motivated with group workouts if you want.
Here, many people keep to themselves, so it’s a good fit if you prefer training alone without much socializing. The environment supports serious training without the distractions of a party-like setting.
Which Gym Fits Your Style?
| Feature | Planet Fitness | 24-Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, social, judgment-free | Serious, focused, less social |
| Music and TV | Loud music, popular shows | Lower volume, sports, news |
| Equipment for Heavy Lifting | Limited | Extensive |
| Community Feel | Welcoming, casual | Reserved, members keep to themselves |
| Special Notes | Lunk alarm to reduce intimidation | No gimmicks, more open |
Choose Planet Fitness if you prefer a welcoming, non-intimidating place where you can work out casually. Pick 24-Hour Fitness if you want a space geared toward serious training and heavy lifting with a quieter atmosphere.
4. Equipment Comparison
Equipment at Planet Fitness
If your workouts focus mostly on cardio, Planet Fitness has plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes for you. However, when it comes to strength training, the options are limited. You won’t find squat racks, barbells, or deadlift platforms here. Instead, you get access to lighter dumbbells (usually maxing out around 60-80 pounds), EZ curl bars, benches, and some fixed straight bars. This setup works if you want basic weight machines or lighter free weights but may feel restrictive if you want to lift heavier or do complex barbell exercises.
Equipment at 24-Hour Fitness
At 24-Hour Fitness, the variety of equipment is larger and more suited for serious lifters and functional training fans. Alongside a large selection of cardio machines, you’ll have access to barbells, bumper plates, dumbbells, EZ curl bars, and squat racks. Many locations provide a deadlift platform, hack squat machines, leg presses, and cable machines. Additionally, 24-Hour Fitness often includes functional training areas with equipment like battle ropes, medicine balls, slam balls, sleds, tires, TRX bands, and plyo boxes. This setup supports a wide range of workouts from heavy lifting to high-intensity functional training.
Choosing the Best Fit for Your Training
| Aspect | Planet Fitness | 24-Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio Machines | Plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, bikes | Wide range with more variety |
| Free Weights | Dumbbells up to ~80 lbs, EZ curl bars | Full range including heavy barbells |
| Squat & Deadlift | None | Squat racks and deadlift platforms |
| Functional Training | Minimal to none | Includes sleds, ropes, TRX, and more |
| Strength Machines | Basic strength machines | Extensive selection including hack squats |
If your focus is heavier lifting or varied workouts, 24-Hour Fitness offers more options that match your needs. If lighter weights and cardio are your main goals, Planet Fitness can serve you well.
5. Gym Policies and Benefits Compared
Planet Fitness Rules and Membership Perks
Planet Fitness enforces some unique rules to keep its atmosphere friendly and non-intimidating. You won’t be allowed to wear crop tops or very short shorts, and some gyms don’t permit overhead presses. Using chalk or dropping weights is also off-limits.
If you want to bring guests, having a Black Card membership is useful. It lets you bring as many guests as you like each month. For membership plans, the Classic option is flexible— you can cancel any time without a penalty. With the Black Card, cancelling early costs $58 and requires submitting a form in person.
Key points:
- Dress code restrictions (no crop tops, booty shorts)
- No chalk or dropping weights allowed
- Black Card lets you bring unlimited monthly guests
- Classic membership cancels anytime
- Black Card early cancellation fee applies
Rules and Benefits at 24-Hour Fitness
24-Hour Fitness allows more freedom with lifting rules. You can use powdered or liquid chalk, and dropping weights is fine if done on a platform with bumper plates. The dress code is relaxed but you cannot lift barefoot.
Guests are allowed if they are 18 or older. Your first guest visit is free; later visits cost a small fee. Their membership plans require a 12-month commitment, so cancelling early means paying a fee. Plus, you often need to give a 30-day written notice. Cancellation must be done by letter or certified mail.
Key points:
- Chalk use and dropping weights are allowed under conditions
- More relaxed dress code, no barefoot lifting
- Guests must be 18+; first visit free, later visits cost extra
- 12-month contract with cancellation fees
- Written cancellation at least 30 days in advance
Which Gym Fits Your Needs?
If you want more freedom in your workouts, especially with lifting, 24-Hour Fitness fits better. But if you prefer membership flexibility with easier cancellations and unlimited guest passes with a Black Card, Planet Fitness stands out.
| Factor | Planet Fitness | 24-Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Chalk Allowed | No | Yes |
| Drop Weights Allowed | No | Yes, on platform |
| Dress Code | Strict (no crop tops/shorts) | Relaxed (no barefoot) |
| Guest Policy | Unlimited with Black Card | 1st guest free, then fee |
| Cancellation Policy | Classic cancels anytime | 12-month contract required |
| Early Cancellation Fee | $58 for Black Card | Yes, fee applies |
6. Group Classes Comparison
Planet Fitness Options
At Planet Fitness, you won’t find typical group workout classes like Zumba or kickboxing. Instead, they offer small group training called PE@PF. These include beginner sessions to help you learn the equipment, quick full-body circuit workouts, and targeted muscle-toning classes focused on areas like legs or shoulders. The choice is limited, but it can be good for people new to the gym or looking for focused workouts.
24-Hour Fitness Classes
24-Hour Fitness provides a wider variety of group exercise classes. You can join sessions such as HIIT, yoga, Pilates, barre, Zumba, spin, Body Pump, and strength training. Availability depends on the gym location and class schedules; some classes may not run every day. This variety lets you pick workout classes that fit your style or goals, especially if group training motivates you.
Which Gym Fits Your Group Training?
If group fitness is important to you, 24-Hour Fitness offers a larger selection of group classes to choose from. While your local gym might limit class times, 24-Hour Fitness still presents more chances to join different group exercises. Planet Fitness focuses more on small group training but doesn’t have the variety of fitness classes you might find elsewhere.
7. Amenities Comparison
What Planet Fitness Offers
When you join Planet Fitness, you get access to showers and lockers. They also provide some unique extras like red light therapy, tanning booths, and massage chairs. You can grab a smoothie at the smoothie bar too. However, you won’t find basketball or racquetball courts, pools, saunas, or childcare services here. The focus is more on basic comfort and relaxing features you can use before or after your workout.
What 24-Hour Fitness Provides
24-Hour Fitness includes showers and locker rooms, just like Planet Fitness. It also has more sports and wellness options such as basketball courts, racquetball courts, pools, and saunas. Childcare is available if you need it, and many locations have pro shops or juice bars. These extras support a wider range of activities beyond typical gym workouts.
Deciding Which Amenities Fit Your Needs
Both gyms provide a solid set of amenities, but they differ a lot in type. Planet Fitness focuses on relaxation like tanning beds and massage chairs, while 24-Hour Fitness offers sports courts and swimming pools. Your choice depends on whether you prefer to play and train or unwind and recover.
8. Personal Trainer Comparison
Personal Training at Planet Fitness
At Planet Fitness, you can get help from certified trainers, but you won’t receive one-on-one coaching. Trainers are available to answer questions about equipment during free consultations. However, if you want consistent support or someone to track your progress, this gym’s personal training options are limited.
Personal Training at 24-Hour Fitness
24-Hour Fitness offers personal trainers with at least one year of experience and certifications from respected organizations like NASM or ACE. Trainers here focus more on guiding you through workouts and helping you meet your goals. Personal training sessions usually cost between $85 and $97.50 per hour. You can also buy packages that include several sessions, making it more convenient and sometimes cheaper.
| Feature | Planet Fitness | 24-Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| One-on-one coaching | No | Yes |
| Trainer certification | Certified, but not always specialized | Certified by major organizations |
| Session cost | Included in membership as consultations | $85 to $97.50 per hour |
| Packages available | No | Yes |
Which Gym Provides Better Training Support?
If personal training is a priority, 24-Hour Fitness offers more direct and professional coaching. You’ll get more attention from trainers who are qualified and experienced. Planet Fitness offers more basic help without ongoing coaching, but often at no extra charge. Choosing depends on how much personal trainer involvement you want and what you’re willing to spend. For hands-on support, 24-Hour Fitness is the stronger choice.
9. Gym Location Options
Where to Find Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has a large network with more than 2,300 gyms. You can find them across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. If you have a Black Card membership, you can use any Planet Fitness gym in these countries. This makes it easy to stick to your workouts even when you travel or move to a new place.
24-Hour Fitness Locations
24-Hour Fitness has roughly 300 fitness centers. These are mainly spread across 11 U.S. states, mostly on the East and West coasts. Certain memberships let you use any 24-Hour Fitness location nationwide, but some restrict visits to gyms within 50 miles of your main club. They also have partnerships with Goodlife Fitness and Energie Cardio in Canada, so you can use your membership at those gyms too.
Which Gym’s Locations Serve You Best?
| Feature | Planet Fitness | 24-Hour Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Number of locations | 2,300+ across U.S. & nearby countries | About 300 in 11 U.S. states |
| International availability | US, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic | US only, but access to Canadian partners |
| Membership travel flexibility | Black Card gives access to all locations | Some plans allow nationwide visits; others limited to 50 miles |
| Partnerships outside the US | None known | Goodlife Fitness, Energie Cardio in Canada |
If having many gym choices near or far is important to you, Planet Fitness covers more ground. It might be easier to find a gym to visit wherever you go, keeping your routine steady.
10. Operating Hours Compared
Planet Fitness Schedule
Most Planet Fitness gyms let you work out any time because they stay open 24 hours a day. If a location does not operate all day, it usually opens early, around 5 a.m., and closes between 10 and 11 p.m. This makes it easy to find a time that fits your routine.
24-Hour Fitness Hours
Nearly all 24-Hour Fitness clubs open around the clock. A few locations follow local laws that restrict Sunday and late-night hours, so they may close earlier on those days. These places are uncommon, and most let you drop in whenever you want.
Which Gym Offers More Access?
Both gyms largely offer around-the-clock access for members. You’ll likely find a gym open 24/7 near you at either Planet Fitness or 24-Hour Fitness, giving you full flexibility for your workouts.
To Conclude
Who Benefits Most from Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is well suited for those new to working out or not focused on heavy weight training. If you prefer simple cardio, lighter weights, or a cost-friendly membership, this gym meets those needs. It’s also a smart choice if you travel a lot around the US or North America, thanks to its many locations.
You will find a gym environment that values a friendly, non-intimidating space, which many users praise in reviews. Customer service tends to focus on creating a comfortable experience for all fitness levels. Group classes and basic equipment are available, making it easy to maintain a regular routine without added pressure.
Key points for Planet Fitness:
- Best for beginners or casual gym-goers
- Budget-friendly memberships
- Accessible at many locations
- Friendly, low-pressure environment
Who Finds 24-Hour Fitness More Suitable
If you want more specialized equipment, such as heavier weights or Olympic lifting gear, 24-Hour Fitness is a better match. This gym also supports people looking to work with personal trainers or take part in varied activities like basketball and swimming.
The membership plans are more comprehensive, offering plenty of amenities to help you reach specific fitness goals. You can expect a professional atmosphere with a wide range of training options, making it ideal if your focus is on serious strength training or functional fitness. Feedback often mentions positive customer service and well-maintained facilities.
Highlights for 24-Hour Fitness:
- Ideal for weightlifters and athletes
- Offers personal training and sport facilities
- More extensive equipment variety
- Activities beyond traditional gym workouts
Both gyms create safe and welcoming environments, so you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle and workout preferences best. For more in-depth information, see the Planet Fitness vs 24 Hour Fitness comparison.