Choosing between Planet Fitness and LA Fitness depends on what you want from your gym experience. Planet Fitness is best if you want an affordable, no-frills gym with basic equipment and a welcoming atmosphere for beginners. On the other hand, LA Fitness offers a more comprehensive setup with advanced equipment, group classes, and amenities suited for serious fitness enthusiasts.
You should consider your budget and fitness goals when deciding. Planet Fitness memberships start low and focus on simplicity, while LA Fitness charges more but provides a wider variety of services like swimming pools, basketball courts, and personal training. Knowing what fits your lifestyle will help you pick the right gym.
Key Takeways
- Membership costs and options vary significantly between the two gyms.
- Facility offerings and equipment choices affect your workout experience.
- The environment and extra services influence overall convenience and satisfaction.
Membership Options and Pricing
You will find distinct membership structures at Planet Fitness and LA Fitness with differing price points and benefits. Understanding these details can help you decide which gym fits your budget and usage preferences better.
Membership Tiers Overview
Planet Fitness primarily offers two levels: the basic membership and the PF Black Card. The basic plan covers access to your home gym at a low monthly rate, typically around $10, but amenities like guest privileges and access to other locations require the Black Card, which costs about $29.99 per month.
LA Fitness provides more tiered options based on access and amenities. Membership usually includes access to all locations and various facilities such as pools, basketball courts, and classes. The price varies depending on your location but generally starts higher than Planet Fitness, reflecting the wider range of services.
Cost Comparison
Planet Fitness is known for its low-cost entry option, making it attractive if you want the essentials without extras. You can expect to pay about $10 monthly, with the PF Black Card costing near $30.
LA Fitness membership fees tend to be higher, often starting around $30 to $40 per month, sometimes with an initiation fee. The higher cost corresponds to additional amenities like pools, hot tubs, and more classes included at no extra charge.
| Feature | Planet Fitness | LA Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Monthly Rate | ~$10 | ~$30-$40 |
| Premium Monthly Rate | ~$30 (Black Card) | Included in base fee |
| Initiation Fee | Usually none or low | Often charged |
| Amenities Included | Limited, no pools or courts | Pools, courts, classes |
Sign-Up and Cancellation Policies
Planet Fitness generally has a simple sign-up process without long-term contracts for basic plans, though some locations may require a yearly commitment. Cancellation usually requires a 30-day notice in writing.
LA Fitness often requires members to sign a 12-month agreement. Cancellation policies vary by location but commonly demand written notice 30 days before leaving, with potential early termination fees depending on the contract terms.
Make sure to review contract terms closely before committing, as both gyms may have specific regional differences affecting signing up and cancelling. For more detailed community feedback, you can check differences between LA Fitness and Planet Fitness pricing and policies discussed on platforms like Reddit or specialized fitness blogs.
Facilities and Equipment
You can expect notable differences in the types of spaces and gear available at each gym. The layout, amenities, and equipment variety directly impact how you plan your workouts and how comfortable your visits feel.
Gym Layouts and Amenities
LA Fitness offers larger spaces with multiple workout zones. These include free weight areas, dedicated cardio sections, and specialty rooms for classes. You’ll find additional amenities like pools, saunas, basketball and racquetball courts, and hot tubs.
Planet Fitness typically uses smaller layouts focused on cardio machines and resistance training equipment. It usually lacks pools or courts. The gym atmosphere is designed to be simple and non-intimidating, which suits casual gym-goers.
If having variety and additional wellness facilities are priorities, LA Fitness better supports those needs. For a straightforward gym with fewer extras, Planet Fitness fits the bill.
Range of Equipment
When it comes to equipment, LA Fitness provides a wide selection, including Olympic barbells, squat racks, and heavy free weights. You can perform advanced lifts like back squats and deadlifts safely, which is important if you take weight training seriously.
Planet Fitness favors machine-based equipment and light dumbbells. It restricts certain heavy lifting exercises, such as barbell squats, limiting serious strength training options. Cardio machines like treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes are plentiful here.
For diverse and heavier lifting options, LA Fitness is the preferable choice. If your routine revolves around cardio and basic strength machines, Planet Fitness covers those needs sufficiently.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Both gyms maintain regular cleaning schedules, but experiences vary locally. LA Fitness locations tend to emphasize upkeep due to their larger facilities, with locker rooms and pools requiring consistent attention.
Planet Fitness often markets its “judgment-free zone” by prioritizing clean and welcoming spaces with well-maintained machines. However, fewer amenities make cleaning tasks more straightforward.
You should expect clean environments at both, but the scale and type of facilities influence how maintenance is managed and experienced day to day.
LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness : r/lehighvalley – Reddit
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness: Differences, Pros, Cons
Classes and Training Programs
You will find distinct differences between the two gyms when it comes to classes and training programs. One focuses on variety and included offerings, while the other specializes in accessible, basic options with added personal coaching for a fee.
Group Fitness Offerings
LA Fitness offers a wide range of group classes included with your membership. You can participate in yoga, cycling, HIIT, Zumba, and more. The variety is designed to suit different fitness levels and preferences, helping you stay motivated.
Planet Fitness also provides some group classes, but their selection is limited compared to LA Fitness. They focus more on cardio and basic strength classes. Classes may not be included with all membership types and can vary by location.
Personal Training Services
At LA Fitness, personal training is available with certified trainers, offering tailored workout plans and ongoing coaching. You can expect one-on-one or small group sessions, with prices varying depending on the trainer and package chosen.
Planet Fitness offers personal training through paid sessions as well. However, these services are generally more limited, with fewer trainers and less variety in training styles. Training packages tend to be more affordable but less comprehensive.
LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness group fitness classes
Atmosphere and Member Experience
The gym environment affects your motivation and comfort during workouts. Factors like the social vibe and how easy it is to reach or visit a gym play essential roles in your overall experience.
Community and Culture
At Planet Fitness, you’ll find a casual, non-intimidating atmosphere designed for beginners and casual gym users. The “Judgment Free Zone” policy emphasizes a welcoming environment, which means you are less likely to encounter hardcore gym culture, making it easier if you prefer a low-pressure setting.
LA Fitness offers a more traditional gym culture with diverse members, including serious fitness enthusiasts. It tends to have more space for different types of workouts, and you may feel a more intense environment with competitive or goal-driven members.
Accessibility and Locations
Planet Fitness has an extensive network of gyms, particularly concentrated in suburban areas and small towns. This wide presence means you can usually find a location near your home or work, with many open 24/7, offering flexible hours.
LA Fitness locations are fewer and generally found in urban or larger suburban areas. Their hours are more standard, and while memberships often include access to multiple locations, you might have to travel further, depending on where you live. For amenities like pools and courts, your options may be more limited by location.
Planet Fitness atmosphere details from r/lehighvalley.