Why is Planet Fitness so terrible?

[USAWchamp]

Is it true that the gyms don't have any bench or squat racks and that they try to discourage weightlifters and bodybuilders from joining their gym?

I've been thinking about moving recently and one nice apartment I found online is apparently close to a Planet Fitness. Could anyone give me some insight?

[adamdavidson47]

[ironwill2008]

Is it true that the gyms don't have any bench or squat racks and that they try to discourage weightlifters and bodybuilders from joining their gym?

It varies depending on the franchisee. Some are well-equipped and unrestrictive, while others lack even basic free weight equipment and are hostile to serious trainees.

If you're interested, it would be best to check out any potential gym/fitness center on a one-by-one basis, and in-person. Heresay is pretty much worthless.

[USAWchamp]

Was that seriously an alarm because he was working out too hard or something?

REALLY!?

The guy's reaction was stupid but still....REALLY!?!

[adamdavidson47]

LOL it's the lunk alarm. Youtube it.

Do what Ironwill says, before you pay or sign up for a membership at ANY gym, make sure you have a convo with someone who can tell you the rules. Most gyms have posted rules, that are rarely followed, and nobody really cares as long as you aren't a douche.

[USAWchamp]

I am shocked...a LUNK ALARM!?

That is the stupidest phucking thing I have ever seen. I will be searching for another gym even if it means driving further.

[Malaboo]

The rules are ridiculous and it's more if a social club than a place to lift.

[pazzadean]

Wtf is a lunk alarm?

[matjusm]

Wtf is a lunk alarm?

Just something Planet Fitness uses to make sure nobody who visits one of their gyms gets any stronger or bigger.

[USAWchamp]

Wtf is a lunk alarm?

I just looked it up. Apparently it's some loud, annoying alarm that goes off if you're caught grunting or dropping a weight while working out.

That is the dumbest rule I have EVER heard of existing at a gym. Thought it was a joke at first.

I do olympic lifts and sometimes for my own safety I have to drop weights unless I do a weight which I can never challenge myself with.

[Phil9]

LOL, I recommended Planet Fitness to someone because it was cheap since he couldn't afford my gym [Which is your standard do whatever the fuark you want gym]. I guess I trolled him badly.

[repsandsets]

Despite their "judgement free zone" policy, it seems to me the Lunk Alarm is very judgmental.

The odd grunt is inevitable if you're going to put some effort into your workout.

And how infantile to sound an alarm rather than talking to a member if you have an issue with their behavior.

[KingOfLimbs]

If my gym had a lunk alarm there would be firetrucks outside 24/7.

[4everalone]

judgement free zone LMAOOO

yet they judge bodybuilders and strong people who lift alot of weight & work hard. I've never judged a fat person in gym ever, infact i think it's cool that they are trying to better themselves. I dont see the logic behind this alarm

[China505]

I am shocked...a LUNK ALARM!?

That is the stupidest phucking thing I have ever seen. I will be searching for another gym even if it means driving further.

Yes, there is actually an alarm at pf. I know, I have had it used on me for sweating too much on a treadmill. The pf I went to had a bench and some DBs and a lat pull. Everything else was machines. I basically went there during football games and snowstorms to use the bikes and ellipticals since it was 5 mins from my house and 99 dollars a year. Never lifted there.

[Roidmonster55]

I just looked it up. Apparently it's some loud, annoying alarm that goes off if you're caught grunting or dropping a weight while working out.

That is the dumbest rule I have EVER heard of existing at a gym. Thought it was a joke at first.

I do olympic lifts and sometimes for my own safety I have to drop weights unless I do a weight which I can never challenge myself with.

The lunk alarm is hooked up to a decibel gauge and goes off when a certain volume of grunting/working too hard happens. Dropping/banging weights will also sound it off. Here's my favorite lunk alarm vid EVER...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_QPjFKqUF8

[lactobacillus]

sure there are all these cons but look at the pros - post workout cookies and candy at the front desk because walking on the treadmill @ 1 mi/hr for 30 min is a ****ing killer workout

[repsandsets]

I've never judged a fat person in gym ever, infact i think it's cool that they are trying to better themselves.

Totally agree. When I see someone new at the gym who obviously needs to do more exercise, I'm always really excited for them. It could be their day one of a life changing journey - and I know how hard it is to make those first steps to fitness where embarrassment is high and rewards are (initially) low.

I hope beginners end up going to decent gyms, where instead of lunk alarms, there are staff who really care about helping their members achieve their health and fitness goals.

[AndrewR770]

It's a marketing ploy to attract more "casual" fitness people like soccer moms and such, that's all. I joined PF in March because it was 1 1/4 miles from my house, and I could run there and back, which was a great workout with 60+ minutes of lifting in between. Sure, they don't have everything you need especially if you're using heavy weights, but while I'm not a beginning weightlifter, I was starting out at low weight because I let myself go for a long while. Now when I get back from this deployment, I have to join another gym that has heavier weights to maintain my workout level, but I'll probably maintain my PF membership ($10/month!) simply because it's close and will be fine for cardio-only days or when I just want to use a Smith machine. Besides, there's some NICE eye candy there!

People who wanted to do cardio only who went to a bodybuilding gym might be annoyed that there aren't enough treadmills or ellipticals. It's all about your target audience. However, I will say that it's amusing that once a month they have free pizza at PF. Ah, so much for healthy eating! Hmm, maybe because pizza is so cheap in quantity? Hypocrites.

I just wish they had heavier dumbbells than 60 lbs. It's annoying.

[adamdavidson47]

sure there are all these cons but look at the pros - post workout cookies and candy at the front desk because walking on the treadmill @ 1 mi/hr for 30 min is a ****ing killer workout

lulz

[DrCooper7625]

If you're serious about bodybuilding, you wouldn't set foot in one of those places.... ever.

[JOHN GARGANI]

it is pointless to complain about Planet Fitness: they are what they are....

any sort of half serious bodybuilder would NOT join this gym to use it as his PRIMARY gym...

I notice the OP was banned, for what, I don't know, but he must have been living in a submarine not to know the obvious about PF that all of us know on here....

I have a friend that would go there for Cardio only and then do weightlifting with me at my home gym...

he sweats a ton, and no one ever said anything to him there.....

when people start piling on this franchise, it is silly: again: they ARE what they ARE..sort of like when Popeye says: I YAM what I YAM.....

for 10 bucks a month, to have a quick cardio option like that might be attractive to many lifters..I could see some guys joining that in addition to their own gym, just to have the extra time or wherewithalls to do cardio at various other times and hours....

[beachguy498]

I find it weird that people are afraid of PF for some reason. Every negative post.. I smell the fear.

They are all set up different. I was in one for 2 years, never heard the lunk alarm, never saw anyone talked to. I see people doing squats, deads, you name it. The real lifters come out in the late evenings and they keep to themselves.

For the $$ its a good deal. I've seen some other name brand gyms that were worse. You have to go there and take a look before you lay out your cash.

Rob

[palumboism]

Yet the alarm didnt sound again when he started smashing the place up...