Planet Fitness 2025: Affordable Gym Guide & Reviews
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?
The Judgement Free Zone in Real Life
Where Are They in 2025?
Planet Fitness Membership Costs in 2025
- 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
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
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:
- Go online or walk in
- Pick Classic or Black Card
- Pay the startup fee and the first month
- 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?
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.







