With so many gyms to choose from, it can be tough to figure out which one fits your fitness goals, lifestyle, and budget. If you’ve been Googling “Planet Fitness near me,” you’re probably wondering how it stacks up against other popular gyms like LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and 24 Hour Fitness. This article breaks down the key differences in price, amenities, atmosphere, and overall value to help you decide: Is Planet Fitness the winner for you?
Membership Costs: Budget-Friendly vs Premium Options
✅ Planet Fitness
- Classic membership: $10/month (access to one club)
- Black Card: $24.99/month (access to all clubs + extra perks)
- No annual contract options available
🏋️ Other Gyms (average pricing)
- LA Fitness: ~$35–$50/month
- Anytime Fitness: ~$40–$50/month
- Gold’s Gym: ~$40/month
- 24 Hour Fitness: ~$30–$60/month depending on access level
Winner: Planet Fitness is the clear leader in affordability, especially for casual gym-goers or beginners.
Amenities and Perks
🟣 Planet Fitness
- Tons of cardio and strength machines
- HydroMassage, tanning, massage chairs (Black Card only)
- Free fitness training
- Clean locker rooms
- No pool, sauna, or group fitness classes
💪 Other Gyms
- Group classes (yoga, Zumba, HIIT, etc.)
- Swimming pools and saunas (at select locations)
- Basketball courts
- Childcare (in some clubs)
- Functional training areas and turf zones
Winner: If you want pools, group fitness, or childcare — other gyms may suit you better. But for no-frills workouts and recovery perks, Planet Fitness still offers great value.
Gym Atmosphere: Judgment-Free vs Performance-Focused
🌟 Planet Fitness
- Emphasizes a “Judgment Free Zone®”
- Ideal for beginners, casual exercisers, or those who prefer a relaxed vibe
- The “Lunk Alarm” discourages loud grunting and showy behavior
🔥 Other Gyms
- More welcoming to bodybuilders, powerlifters, and serious athletes
- Usually includes heavier weights, squat racks, and Olympic platforms
- Sometimes more competitive or high-intensity environments
Winner: For a low-pressure atmosphere, Planet Fitness wins. But if you want a performance-based culture and advanced strength training, other gyms take the lead.
Equipment and Space
Planet Fitness
- Tons of cardio machines — you’ll rarely wait for a treadmill or bike
- Basic strength machines and dumbbells (up to 75 lbs)
- No squat racks or barbells for deadlifts/bench press
Other Gyms
- More variety: Free weights, machines, power racks, turf areas, and functional fitness tools
- Better suited for advanced or sport-specific training
Winner: Other gyms win for variety and serious strength training. Planet Fitness is solid for general fitness and cardio.
Cleanliness and Convenience
Planet Fitness
- Highly rated for cleanliness and maintenance
- Staff cleans regularly, and members are encouraged to wipe down equipment
- Many locations are open 24/7
Other Gyms
- Varies greatly by chain and location
- 24/7 access isn’t always standard
- Cleanliness depends heavily on staff and member habits
Winner: Planet Fitness often scores higher for cleanliness and all-hours convenience — but it still depends on your specific location.
Guest Privileges and Travel
Planet Fitness Black Card
- Bring a guest anytime, every time
- Access all Planet Fitness locations nationwide
- Great for travelers
Other Gyms
- May charge extra for guest passes
- Nationwide access usually costs more
Winner: Planet Fitness Black Card offers unbeatable flexibility and guest access.
Final Verdict: Which Gym Is Right for You?
✅ Choose Planet Fitness if:
- You’re new to fitness or getting back into a routine
- You want a budget-friendly option
- You prefer a non-intimidating environment
- Recovery perks like HydroMassage appeal to you
- You like working out during off-hours
💪 Choose Other Gyms if:
- You’re into powerlifting, bodybuilding, or CrossFit-style workouts
- You want classes, pools, basketball, or childcare
- You’re willing to pay more for additional amenities
- You enjoy a more traditional or high-performance gym setting
Final Thoughts
When comparing the Planet Fitness near you vs other gyms, it really comes down to your goals, preferences, and budget. For affordability, comfort, and accessibility, Planet Fitness is tough to beat. But if you’re looking for a more intense or feature-rich experience, other gyms may be worth the higher price.
The best gym is the one you’ll actually go to. Try a tour, take advantage of free passes, and find the place that motivates you to show up and stay consistent.
