Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness 2025: Affordable Gym Guide & Reviews

ByNina Taylor
Imagine a gym where you don’t feel judged, equipment isn’t intimidating, and membership won’t drain your wallet. That’s exactly what Planet Fitness promises in 2025. With prices starting at just $15 a month, nearly 20 million members worldwide enjoy a “Judgement Free Zone” that’s beginner-friendly, clean, and surprisingly well-equipped. Whether you’re new to fitness, returning after a break, or just want a simple place to move your body, Planet Fitness makes working out stress-free—and even a little fun.

Key Takeaways

  • Planet Fitness is still one of the cheapest gyms around, now with better strength equipment in 2025.
  • It’s perfect if you’re just starting out or hate gym intimidation, but not great for heavy lifters.
  • You can avoid the biggest headaches (cancellation nightmares, surprise fees) with a few simple moves.

What Is Planet Fitness?

Walking into a gym for the first time in years. Your stomach is in knots because you think everyone will stare. That’s exactly why Planet Fitness started the whole “Judgement Free Zone” idea back in 1992. They wanted a place where normal people—busy parents, college kids, or anyone who feels out of place in hardcore gyms—could work out without feeling judged. Today, they have 2,795 locations and almost 20 million members. That’s bigger than the population of some countries! Most clubs are bright purple and yellow, the music isn’t blasting death metal, and nobody grunts super loud (there’s actually a “lunk alarm” for that).

The Judgement Free Zone in Real Life

One Reddit user said she was 60 pounds overweight and terrified to step on a treadmill. The staff gave her a free tour, showed her the easiest machines, and she’s been going three times a week for a year. Stories like that pop up constantly. That’s the magic for beginners.

Where Are They in 2025?

Still mostly in the U.S., but they’re opening more in Mexico, Spain, and New Zealand. If you travel, the Black Card lets you use any location worldwide—no extra charge.

Planet Fitness Membership Costs in 2025

Here’s the part everyone Googles first.
  • Classic membership: $15 a month (up from $10 in 2024)
  • Black Card membership: $24.99 a month (heading to $29.99 for new members after 2026)
  • Annual fee: $49 every year (billed around your signup date + 2 months)
  • Startup fee: usually $10–$49, sometimes $1 promos

The Classic plan gets you into your home club only. The Black Card adds guest privileges, massage chairs, tanning, and you can go to any Planet Fitness on Earth. Compared to Anytime Fitness ($35–$60 a month) or LA Fitness ($30–$50), Planet Fitness is still the budget winner if you just want basic cardio and machines.

Free for Teens Every Summer

Their High School Summer Pass is completely free for 14–19-year-olds from May to August. Over 4 million teens used it last year—a great way to try it before paying.

Equipment and Classes at Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is famous for tons of cardio machines and “no gymtimidation.” That also means some limits. Typical equipment you’ll find:

  • 30–50 cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, stair climbers)
  • Cable machines and Smith machines
  • Dumbbells up to 75 lbs
  • Lots of fixed-weight strength machines

Big news for 2025: many locations are adding hack-squat machines, better leg presses, and plate-loaded equipment because members kept asking for more strength options.What you still won’t find:

  • Squat racks
  • Olympic benches
  • Deadlift platforms

If you’re into powerlifting, look somewhere else. But if you want to get stronger without feeling lost, the new upgrades help a lot.

Classes and the PF App

Every club offers free PE@PF classes—small-group training with a trainer. Think 20-minute circuits or stretch sessions. Check the app for the schedule.The app also has hundreds of on-demand workouts and a Crowd Meter so you know if the gym is packed (super handy at 5–7 p.m.).

Planet Fitness Pros and Cons (Real Member Talk)

Pros people rave about:

  • Crazy low price
  • Clean bathrooms and friendly staff (most locations)
  • Perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to move more
  • Black Card perks feel fancy for $25

Cons that show up in almost every review:

  • Peak hours are crowded
  • Machines break and sometimes stay broken for weeks
  • Cancellation can be a pain (more on that soon)
  • No real free weights

One Yelp reviewer said, “I love it for cardio after work, but if I want to squat heavy, I go to my friend’s garage gym on weekends.” That’s a common combo.

How to Join Planet Fitness

Super easy:

  1. Go online or walk in
  2. Pick Classic or Black Card
  3. Pay the startup fee and the first month
  4. Done—most people are working out the same day

They almost always have a “$1 down” or “first month free” deal running.

How to Cancel Planet Fitness Without Losing Your Mind (2025 Tips)

This is the #1 complaint. Here’s exactly what works right now:

  • You must give 30 days’ notice.
  • The only ways they accept: certified letter to your home club OR cancel in person (some clubs now let you do it at the front desk).
  • Take a photo of the signed form or get the tracking number from the post office.
  • If they keep charging, file a quick complaint with your bank and the BBB—most people get refunded fast.

One member mailed the letter, got charged another month anyway, disputed it with their credit card, and got the money back in three days. Document everything.

Planet Fitness vs. Other Gyms

Quick side-by-side so you can decide:

  • Planet Fitness ($15–$25): cheapest, beginner-friendly, limited equipment
  • Anytime Fitness ($35–$60): 24/7, real squat racks, smaller locations
  • Crunch Fitness ($10–$30): similar price but more classes and heavier weights
  • Local powerlifting gym ($50–$100): all the barbells you want, but an intimidating vibe

Most people pick Planet Fitness when they just want to show up, do 30–45 minutes, and leave without drama.

Is Planet Fitness Worth It in 2025?

If you’re new to gyms, coming back after a long break, or simply want the cheapest way to stay active—yes, it’s worth it. Nearly 20 million people think so. If you already bench 225 and deadlift 400, you’ll outgrow it fast. The new strength equipment in 2025 makes it better than ever for casual lifters who still want to build muscle without spending $60 a month. 

Conclusion

Planet Fitness isn’t for powerlifters, but it’s perfect for anyone looking to stay active without the stress, crowds, or high costs of traditional gyms. With upgraded strength machines in 2025, easy-to-use cardio equipment, free teen passes in summer, and perks like the Black Card membership, it’s one of the most affordable and beginner-friendly gyms out there. Grab your sneakers, check the Crowd Meter on the app, and experience the Judgement Free Zone yourself—your fitness journey starts at just $15 a month.

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