Planet Fitness

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Planet Fitness is an American chain of fitness centers. Each gym features a wide array of exercise equipment and personal trainers to assist members. It has a policy of being a "Judgment Free Zone" meaning that it caters to the common person or fitness novice. However, it is rather ironic that such a "Judgment Free Zone" enforces very strict rules on the conduct of its members, thus judging what is and what is not proper exercising etiquette. Most recently, the chain came under controversy because of a New York Times articledescribing the public cancellation of one patron's membership (for "grunting") at their Wappingers Falls, NY location, an event which resulted in the club calling the police, and a lawsuit for defamation on the part of the ex-member.

Contents 1 Memberships 2 Rules 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Memberships

Planet Fitness gyms offer a wide variety of cardiovascular machines and selectorized equipment (with weight stacks).

Its extremely low prices range from club to club. The membership fees are on average $15 a month, for a non-commitment membership. They can be found as low as $10, or as high as $19 per month.

They also offer what is called a Black Card membership, which allows a member to use any and all facilities for free; the allowance of one guest per day; half price off on cooler drinks (at home club); and unlimited tanning (at home club).

[edit] Rules

Planet Fitness gyms have become a source of contention amongst serious strength athletes and bodybuilders due to a series of rules prohibiting many practices favored by these heavy lifters, as is demonstrated by the New York Times article cited above. In many people's experience, it is the most serious lifters who are most welcoming of newcomers to exercise training.

These include:

• The banning of large compound, barbell exercises such as deadlifts, bent over rows and squat (exercise)s.
• The restriction of dumbbell weights to a maximum of 80 pounds.
• The banning of magnesium carbonate (chalk) often used for heavy lifts as described above.
• The banning of grunting, swearing and psyching-up-rituals.
  • A Planet Fitness member, Al Argibay, recently had his membership revoked for grunting.
• The banning of excessive noise from bar drops etc. e.g. Olympic lifts.
• The banning of do-rags, hoodies (if wearing the hood), work boots, and jeans.
• An extremely irritating alarm is set off when individuals seem to break said rules, ironically resulting in an even more obnoxious and irritating atmosphere while also thoroughly humiliating the apparent offender.

Many consider the rules, and especially the alarm enforcement, one of the most absurd aspects of this controversial gym that severely limits the freedom of its members.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official Site
• PF in the News
• A site critical of Planet Fitness's controversial rules

• Official Response to Al Argibay