Planet Fitness
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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. Recently, the chain came under controversy because of a New York Times article describing 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.
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[edit] Memberships
Planet Fitness gyms offer a wide variety of cardiovascular machines and selectorized equipment (with weight stacks). The franchise is geared towards attracting the average person wanting to get in better shape, and not towards bodybuilders or powerlifters.
The basic membership is on average $10 a month, for a non-commitment membership (cancel at any time, no buyout fee). There is also the $19.99 per month Black Card membership (that one is a one-year commitment, a $58 buyout fee may apply if the member cancels before the year commitment is up).
Planet Fitness offers several membership options and prices may vary. These are the prices currently in effect at corporate PF locations: (Manchester NH, Manchester West NH, Dover NH, Portsmouth NH, Concord NH, Rochester NH, Danvers MA, Addison IL, and Naperville IL)
$10 month basic membership with $29 down and $10 Annual Rate Guarantee Fee
$19.99 month Exclusive Black Card membership $0 Start up fee $19.99 Annual Fee
- Unlimited Guest Privileges
- Free reciprocal use of all Planet Fitness locations
- Unlimited Tanning
- 1/2 Price Cooler Drinks
$199 Prepaid for 18 months.
Go to PlanetFitness.com to find out more.
[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. The franchise however does not cater towards bodybuilders or powerlifters and makes that clear in their tours of the facilities.
These rules include:
- The restriction of dumbbell weights to a maximum of 80 pounds
- The banning of chalk, often used for heavy lifts such as deadlifts.
- The banning of grunting, swearing and psyching-up-rituals.
- The banning of excessive noise from bar drops etc. e.g. Olympic lifts.
- An alarm (referred to as the "lunk alarm") is set off when individuals seem to break said rules.
- No cell phone use on the gym floor.
- A minor dress code for proper workout attire.
- Scales were ordered to be removed from locker rooms as Planet Fitness felt that they were not judgement free.
