daisydonna
Full Member
Posts: 265
Sept 5, 2015 11:45:16 GMT
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Post by daisydonna on Feb 16, 2016 11:35:36 GMT
They are opening a Planet Fitness around 10 minutes from me. Anyone a member? Good / bad reviews?
I don't know a lot about them...just that it's inexpensive which is great!! Considering joining.
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JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,828
Location: Indianapolis
Jul 2, 2014 17:12:39 GMT
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Post by JustTricia on Feb 16, 2016 12:08:48 GMT
I am; just joined in November and started going two / three times a week in January. Obviously not a hard core work out person!
I mostly use the treadmill with a few arm machines here and there, so I can't say much about the equipment.
The gym is always very clean, very well put together, staff is friendly but I haven't taken advantage of any training yet. The training classes are limited on size and times available.
I will say ours isn't terribly big, so it does get crowded after work. But, I have never had to wait or skip anything, but again I mostly do the treadmill.
I think it's well worth the price. I started with just the $10 plan and upped to the $20 so I can bring my son with me. That's a nice part, with the Black card you can have an unlimited guest so he could come every day with me (if we went every day).
The renewal fee is inexpensive as well, $29 for the single plan, $39 for the Black card.
For the price, I think it's really good.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Feb 16, 2016 12:23:06 GMT
I go to Planet Fitness as well.
It's a no frills kind of gym. I like it just fine.
There really isn't any personal training as in "one on one" and they don't allow you to bring your own trainer. There is a trainer there who will help you set up a program, but at the time, I didn't find it incredibly helpful. I think I need to go back and get another one set up for myself and see if it helps.
I can usually find a piece of equipment that I want to use that day w/out a crazy wait time and the staff is generally upbeat and cheery at the front desk.
Not too bad for $10/month. I may look into the $20/month and take my kids with me from time to time. We'll see. Right now, it's not worth it to me to upgrade as my kids are all 13 and under.
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Dalai Mama
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Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 16, 2016 12:49:44 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it.
However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 16:18:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2016 14:57:13 GMT
Yeah, exactly what Jo said. It depends on what you are looking for in a gym. If cardio equipment is what you want, go for it. If you are into lifting, find another gym.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 16:18:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2016 15:06:58 GMT
Dh is a member. I was until I fell out of the habit of going regularly and didn't want to keep paying for something I wasn't using.
Ours is clean, plenty of treadmills, bright. It's great for those who want to run or walk and do basic weights. Ours have weights but I believe they have a limit. It's good for a no frills gym, not a dedicated bodybuilder.
I don't see signs making fun of anyone, just a sign reminding members to meet a dress code.
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Feb 16, 2016 15:09:42 GMT
It's great for me. I need a perfect combo of price and convenience, so when they opened up a PF a block from my house, I jumped ship from my fancier gym (for which I had an unbelievable $40/month deal - my friends thought I was nuts to give it up!)
When I was able to work out on my lunch hour or on my way to my weekend jobs, I needed the full-service gym with locations all over the city, towels, bath products, etc. Since I'm now doing it from home, I bring my own towel for working out, and I shower at home.
My location has plenty of cardio machines, but not a wide variety of them: 2 kinds of ellipticals, upright and recumbent bikes, and treadmills. My fancy gym had a bigger variety of cardio machines.
I like the come-one-come-all atmosphere. You see all body types and fitness levels (including gym-rat physiques) - it's very comfortable. At the fancy gym (especially in the silk-stocking neighborhood and the theater district branches), I was self conscious in my less-fit times.
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Post by Baseballmom23 on Feb 16, 2016 15:47:32 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it. However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing. ^^^^ this is why I won't go. I don't like the fact that I can't work out the way I choose. Not too crazy, but I do deadliest & squat. I wish it was different - there is one close by and I like the price
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Post by bigbundt on Feb 16, 2016 16:06:06 GMT
It isn't a model that works for me. People go there to workout and leave, no classes (at least at my location). I also blew off going a lot and justified keeping the membership because it was only $10 a month. There is also an annual fee, something like $100, not a lot over the course of a year but it does almost double the dues.
If you are disciplined and independent enough it can be a great deal. I personally like different classes and help from staff and some sort of camaraderie so my membership to my local Y is a much better value even thought it is more expensive.
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Post by bigbundt on Feb 16, 2016 16:15:12 GMT
Oh and I don't know if children are a factor but Planet Fitness doesn't offer childcare (or at least mine didn't). That is HUGE to getting me to the gym, I don't want my workouts to rely on my husband and his unreliable schedule. My daughter plays, they hold the baby and I get an hour to either take a class or watch Downton Abbey as I walk on the treadmill. It is sometimes the only "me" time I get in a day.
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Dalai Mama
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La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 16, 2016 16:16:26 GMT
Dh is a member. I was until I fell out of the habit of going regularly and didn't want to keep paying for something I wasn't using. Ours is clean, plenty of treadmills, bright. It's great for those who want to run or walk and do basic weights. Ours have weights but I believe they have a limit. It's good for a no frills gym, not a dedicated bodybuilder. I don't see signs making fun of anyone, just a sign reminding members to meet a dress code. The sign that I remember said, 'Have to use your abs to count to six? This ain't your gym.'
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,986
Jun 25, 2014 20:53:57 GMT
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Post by blue tulip on Feb 16, 2016 16:18:16 GMT
I am; just joined in November and started going two / three times a week in January. Obviously not a hard core work out person! I mostly use the treadmill with a few arm machines here and there, so I can't say much about the equipment. The gym is always very clean, very well put together, staff is friendly but I haven't taken advantage of any training yet. The training classes are limited on size and times available. I will say ours isn't terribly big, so it does get crowded after work. But, I have never had to wait or skip anything, but again I mostly do the treadmill. I think it's well worth the price. I started with just the $10 plan and upped to the $20 so I can bring my son with me. That's a nice part, with the Black card you can have an unlimited guest so he could come every day with me (if we went every day). The renewal fee is inexpensive as well, $29 for the single plan, $39 for the Black card. For the price, I think it's really good. how old does a child have to be to be able to work out there? my almost-12 year old would looove some treadmill time.
also, I know what a PP said about they plan for people to fail to be true. I read an interesting article (maybe linked from a pea) that said they way, WAY oversell memberships to their gyms banking on people saying ah, it's just $10 and not coming or cancelling. add in that if you were really successful in your goals and decided you wanted to look more muscular and do heavy lifting, you could be asked to leave for intimidating other members. lose weight and look great and want to wear one of those fabletics 2 pieces? nope, you get kicked out for intimidating. so, you're welcome to join there, but don't look to good and want to show it, or "overimprove" your body or you have to leave.
all that said, you can't argue the price and it does work for some people!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 16:18:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2016 16:58:21 GMT
Dh is a member. I was until I fell out of the habit of going regularly and didn't want to keep paying for something I wasn't using. Ours is clean, plenty of treadmills, bright. It's great for those who want to run or walk and do basic weights. Ours have weights but I believe they have a limit. It's good for a no frills gym, not a dedicated bodybuilder. I don't see signs making fun of anyone, just a sign reminding members to meet a dress code. The sign that I remember said, 'Have to use your abs to count to six? This ain't your gym.' Wow. I've never seen that at mine. That's rude. Mine only has signs up about their dress code and cell phone usage (not that it gets enforced).
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Post by utmr on Feb 16, 2016 17:38:48 GMT
Ours is mostly middle aged out of shape people trying to do better.
I think if you get really into exercising you will "graduate" to a more hard core gym. But if you're chunky and self conscious, and just want to get on the treadmill and do a few machines, it's a nice place. Ours is clean, well lit, and has convenient hours.
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Post by AN on Feb 16, 2016 18:56:41 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it. However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing. I know you're talking more about the atmosphere/attitude of their marketing, but thought you might find this podcast interesting - www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/12/17/371463435/episode-590-the-planet-money-workoutPretty much every gym business model is built on having lots of members that don't come that often. They visit one exception in the podcast and I want to say the fees are over $200 a month. It was pretty interesting no matter which side you're on!
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 16, 2016 19:26:40 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it. However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing. I know you're talking more about the atmosphere/attitude of their marketing, but thought you might find this podcast interesting - www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/12/17/371463435/episode-590-the-planet-money-workoutPretty much every gym business model is built on having lots of members that don't come that often. They visit one exception in the podcast and I want to say the fees are over $200 a month. It was pretty interesting no matter which side you're on! It's not just the marketing, though. I know that my gym dues are kept low because of 'resolutionists' who pay their dues and don't go. But my gym makes an effort to help its patrons meet their goals. They offer a wide variety of classes, there's nutrition counselling available (for a fee), you can hire a fitness trainer either privately or for a group and, even if you choose not to, there's always someone there to show you how to safely use the free weights and machines. PF seems to actively discourage fitness. They've removed some of the most effective training equipment (squat racks, Olympic bars), don't have heavier free weights, and have actually stopped people from doing deadlifts and plank rows. They posted a workout on Facebook back in October with the caption 'You'll be saying cardi-OMG after this workout!' The killer workout? - 12 lunges, 20 windmills, 20 jumping jacks. And you can follow it all up with some free pizza.
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Post by moveablefeast on Feb 16, 2016 19:40:32 GMT
I know you're talking more about the atmosphere/attitude of their marketing, but thought you might find this podcast interesting - www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/12/17/371463435/episode-590-the-planet-money-workoutPretty much every gym business model is built on having lots of members that don't come that often. They visit one exception in the podcast and I want to say the fees are over $200 a month. It was pretty interesting no matter which side you're on! It's not just the marketing, though. I know that my gym dues are kept low because of 'resolutionists' who pay their dues and don't go. But my gym makes an effort to help its patrons meet their goals. They offer a wide variety of classes, there's nutrition counselling available (for a fee), you can hire a fitness trainer either privately or for a group and, even if you choose not to, there's always someone there to show you how to safely use the free weights and machines. PF seems to actively discourage fitness. They've removed some of the most effective training equipment (squat racks, Olympic bars), don't have heavier free weights, and have actually stopped people from doing deadlifts and plank rows. They posted a workout on Facebook back in October with the caption 'You'll be saying cardi-OMG after this workout!' The killer workout? - 12 lunges, 20 windmills, 20 jumping jacks. And you can follow it all up with some free pizza. A closer gym opened up near me so I don't go to PF, but the one here has free weights up to 75lb - I don't need anything heavier than that, do most people? Then again I'm just one of those middle aged chunky out of shape folks so maybe what I need is some pink plastic Dumbbells and a matching sweatsuit. *shrug* I don't like the smith machine but I can do dumbbell sumo or goblet squats, np. I don't really use the squat rack at the gym I go to anyway.
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 16, 2016 19:56:15 GMT
It's not just the marketing, though. I know that my gym dues are kept low because of 'resolutionists' who pay their dues and don't go. But my gym makes an effort to help its patrons meet their goals. They offer a wide variety of classes, there's nutrition counselling available (for a fee), you can hire a fitness trainer either privately or for a group and, even if you choose not to, there's always someone there to show you how to safely use the free weights and machines. PF seems to actively discourage fitness. They've removed some of the most effective training equipment (squat racks, Olympic bars), don't have heavier free weights, and have actually stopped people from doing deadlifts and plank rows. They posted a workout on Facebook back in October with the caption 'You'll be saying cardi-OMG after this workout!' The killer workout? - 12 lunges, 20 windmills, 20 jumping jacks. And you can follow it all up with some free pizza. A closer gym opened up near me so I don't go to PF, but the one here has free weights up to 75lb - I don't need anything heavier than that, do most people? Then again I'm just one of those middle aged chunky out of shape folks so maybe what I need is some pink plastic Dumbbells and a matching sweatsuit. *shrug* I don't like the smith machine but I can do dumbbell sumo or goblet squats, np. I don't really use the squat rack at the gym I go to anyway. 75lb dumbbells or barbells? Most women would be okay with that for upper body; a lot fewer would find that enough for their lower body. I don't think many men would find that enough at all.
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Post by evnimom on Feb 16, 2016 20:28:44 GMT
I like my PF. Lots of different ages and body types. I've seen muscular guys and well shaped women in show-off workout clothes at my PF. My membership worked for me. I've used the trainers there and they were a great help for me with what I wanted.
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luckyexwife
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,067
Jun 25, 2014 21:21:08 GMT
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Post by luckyexwife on Feb 16, 2016 20:35:21 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it. However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing. What is pizza Monday and bagel Tuesday?
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Post by moveablefeast on Feb 16, 2016 20:50:58 GMT
A closer gym opened up near me so I don't go to PF, but the one here has free weights up to 75lb - I don't need anything heavier than that, do most people? Then again I'm just one of those middle aged chunky out of shape folks so maybe what I need is some pink plastic Dumbbells and a matching sweatsuit. *shrug* I don't like the smith machine but I can do dumbbell sumo or goblet squats, np. I don't really use the squat rack at the gym I go to anyway. 75lb dumbbells or barbells? Most women would be okay with that for upper body; a lot fewer would find that enough for their lower body. I don't think many men would find that enough at all. I suppose it may just be the programs that I've used - Body for Life and New Rules of Lifting - I've never needed a dumbbell heavier than 75lb. Most of what I do can be done with dumbbells and body weight. Without a barbell for deadlifts you can do a Romanian deadlift with dumbbells, instead of squats in the rack you can do goblet squats. I spent many years working out in hotel gyms so learned to get a great workout anywhere - but I admittedly am not nearly so advanced as some so it may seem child's play to someone who is fitter than me. Glad there are gyms for all kinds of people.
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Post by SnowWhite on Feb 16, 2016 20:58:27 GMT
I've never needed a dumbbell heavier than 75lb. I don't know about you, but I can't hold a dumbbell that large. I just don't have the grip strength for it. That said, for a number of reasons already mentioned here, I'm no fan of PL. I love the private gym I belong to.
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Post by tracym1 on Feb 16, 2016 21:11:13 GMT
I think it totally depends on what you're looking for. It works for me as a low-key place to do cardio. I don't want classes, and I don't lift. I go to Planet Fitness for my treadmill/elliptical time. I do have to shower there when I go in the morning, and I wish it had better amenities for that, but I can make it work for the price. It's pretty clean and well-maintained, although the one closer to my house is definitely in better shape than the bigger one in a more populated area close to my work. I get my more personalized, (and more expensive) experience from the Pilates studio that I attend. I do pilates 2-3 times a week. I enjoy the other people that go there, and I love the studio owner. And that's where I've seen my biggest results in terms of strength, muscle definition, etc. But Planet Fitness works for me as a low-key place to burn calories. And I can justify doing both because Planet Fitness is so cheap. I have the $20/month membership so I can use multiple locations and I frequently take one of my daughters, so it seems worth it to me. Your experience may be different. I definitely believe in figuring out what works for you and what you can maintain
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 16:18:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2016 21:23:53 GMT
I look at it as the Walmart of fitness gyms. Works for some people, but I avoid it. I do believe that their goal (and yes they have stated it) is to have as many members as they can paying $10 and not using the facilities at all.
$10 is the price that they have found that people will continue to pay and not cancel because "it's only $10 and maybe I'll go next week/month". We have another gym set of gyms that does the same, except they (not PF) have the reputation of not cancelling members. You can't cancel in person, you have to write a letter to an address that they never seem to receive, they freeze your account rather than cancel it and still charge the annual fee, etc. There are horror stories of cancelling...don't know if PF is like that though. But it is another $10 gym chain.
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Post by SwissArmyBeth on Feb 16, 2016 21:36:22 GMT
I joined last month, and have been 10 times so far. It's comfortable to me, and I keep going back, which is a huge plus. I don't need the frills, but if I keep it up and can justify it in the future, I'll reevaluate. I like that it's small and not hard-core.
They'll probably do an introductory special for you, so try it out and see if it's a fit for you.
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 16:18:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2016 21:53:01 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it. However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing. What is pizza Monday and bagel Tuesday? Once a month, they have pizza delivered, usually Little Cesar's. I don't remember which Monday, like the 3rd Monday of every month? If I remember right, the second Tuesday of every month, they have bagels and coffee delivered. Here, it's Panera. There's a limited amount. Here's the thing about those free food nights - they don't make you eat it. I used to grab a bagel on my way out because I rarely ate before I went in so that'd be my breakfast. I've seen some people only getting a coffee. DH never gets a pizza slice when he's there.
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Post by peasapie on Feb 16, 2016 22:46:41 GMT
Ours is mostly middle aged out of shape people trying to do better. I think if you get really into exercising you will "graduate" to a more hard core gym. But if you're chunky and self conscious, and just want to get on the treadmill and do a few machines, it's a nice place. Ours is clean, well lit, and has convenient hours. I agree with this exactly.
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JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,828
Location: Indianapolis
Jul 2, 2014 17:12:39 GMT
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Post by JustTricia on Feb 17, 2016 0:50:26 GMT
First off, thanks to the person who said "if you're chunky and self-conscious". That just makes me want to head to YOUR gym where you're judging people for what you think are chunky and self-conscious. For the record, I am far from chunky. I WAS self-conscious when I first started going, but now I just don't care. I'm there to work out, I couldn't care less what other people think.
I just came from my PF. All shapes and sizes and ages from out of shape to GREAT shape.
The only sign that I see at mine is the Lunk Alarm sign, not a single other sign that isn't encouraging. I find that one funny rather than mean.
The annual fee is $29 or $39 depending on your contract, not $100, at least in my area.
Seriously, the price per month is either $10 or $20. Of COURSE you're not going to get child care or trainers or classes. All of those things require additional workers and probably additional insurance (for the child care at least). If you want those you will have to pay a higher cost.
And don't think your gym isn't over selling and betting on people not using their memberships.
I need to be able to walk up the stairs without getting out of breath. It's not because I'm chunky, it's because my cardiovascular system is out of shape. I could never afford a gym until the PF opened in a convenient area to me. And I'm loving it.
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Post by utmr on Feb 17, 2016 1:17:42 GMT
First off, thanks to the person who said "if you're chunky and self-conscious". That just makes me want to head to YOUR gym where you're judging people for what you think are chunky and self-conscious. For the record, I am far from chunky. I WAS self-conscious when I first started going, but now I just don't care. I'm there to work out, I couldn't care less what other people think. I just came from my PF. All shapes and sizes and ages from out of shape to GREAT shape. The only sign that I see at mine is the Lunk Alarm sign, not a single other sign that isn't encouraging. I find that one funny rather than mean. The annual fee is $29 or $39 depending on your contract, not $100, at least in my area. Seriously, the price per month is either $10 or $20. Of COURSE you're not going to get child care or trainers or classes. All of those things require additional workers and probably additional insurance (for the child care at least). If you want those you will have to pay a higher cost. And don't think your gym isn't over selling and betting on people not using their memberships. I need to be able to walk up the stairs without getting out of breath. It's not because I'm chunky, it's because my cardiovascular system is out of shape. I could never afford a gym until the PF opened in a convenient area to me. And I'm loving it. I was talking about myself, but come on over. I like PF because no one cares what my fat self is doing but me. You'll have to bring your fit trim self over to say hi, because I'll be gasping on the treadmill trying not to have a heart arrack.
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 16:18:31 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2016 1:20:05 GMT
It's cheap, and if it has the equipment you need, go for it. However, it strikes me that their business model is built on the hope that their patrons fail. Their lunk alarm, lack of basic weight equipment, lack of personal training, Pizza Mondays, Bagel Tuesdays, no deadlifting, no squat racks, and stupid signs that make fun of people who actually work their asses off to get into shape, all keep me away. They bill themselves as a judgement-free zone but actively discourage people who stick with their fitness journey. Not my thing.
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