Why Does Everyone Seem to Hate Planet Fitness?
Okay, fellow nerds, otakus, and gym-goers, grab your favorite energy drink and sit down because weâre diving deep into the world of Planet Fitness.
Now, if youâve ever wandered into a gym and felt like you were entering a gladiator arenaâmuscles bulging, sweat flying, and the air thick with competitionâyou might be wondering why Planet Fitness has become the butt of countless memes and jokes.
Is it the purple and yellow color scheme?
Is it the pizza parties?
Or is it something more sinister?
Letâs unpack this together!
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The Planet Fitness Philosophy
To understand the overwhelming hatred for Planet Fitness, you first need to grasp their business model.
Planet Fitness was created with the noble goal of fostering a non-competitive culture, which stands in stark contrast to the hardcore vibes of other gyms, where the motto seems to be âGo big or go home!â
On the surface, this sounds like a great idea!
After all, we want everyone to feel welcome at the gym, right?
Butâthereâs always a âbutââas we dig deeper into their methods for achieving this beginner-friendly image, we start to see why some seasoned lifters are throwing their protein shakes in anger.
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The Not-So-Great Reality
Letâs talk about that infamous note attached to the leg press machine that went viral.
It reads: âWe do not cater to bodybuilders or heavyweight lifters. Please help us keep our non-intimidating environment by loading only four weight plates on each side.â
Wow, right?
This isnât just a casual suggestion; itâs a full-on declaration of war against anyone who might dare to lift heavy!
This note is a glaring signal that Planet Fitness is not just about encouraging beginners; itâs actively trying to repel those who consider themselves intermediate or advanced lifters.
And it doesnât stop there!
Planet Fitness gyms famously lack squat racks, deadlifting areas, and traditional bench presses.
Instead, you might find a Smith machine, which is like a glorified version of the bench press but with training wheels.
If youâre lucky, you might even find a machine thatâs meant for dips, which is like trying to use a fork to eat soup.
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The Equipment Situation
Now, if youâre a newbie just starting your fitness journey, the abundance of cardio machines might be a comfort.
But for those of us who want to build muscle and strength, the restrictions can feel like being stuck in a video game with a level cap.
Imagine this:
You want to do a deadlift, but instead, youâre faced with a request to refrain from doing overhead presses, cleans, jerks, andâget thisâsupersets!
Seriously, who knew that working out could come with so many rules?
Adding fuel to the fire, the dumbbells max out at a paltry 75 lbs, with some franchises even having a lowly 60 lbs.
Itâs like trying to defeat the final boss with only a wooden sword.
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The Cardio Wonderland
But wait, thereâs more!
Planet Fitness is flooded with cardio equipment.
You could run a marathon on a treadmill or bike your way to oblivion, but if youâre looking to pump some iron?
Good luck with that!
The excessive emphasis on cardio seems designed to encourage members to stay far away from the weight training area, which is ironic because many people join gyms to, you know, lift weights!
This has led to a perception that Planet Fitness is more of a âdonât-get-biggerâ gym rather than a place to truly gain strength and muscle.
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FAQs About Planet Fitness
Why do people say Planet Fitness is not for serious lifters?
Because of their policies that limit heavy lifting and the absence of traditional weightlifting equipment like squat racks and benches.
Is it true that Planet Fitness has a pizza night?
Yep!
They do have pizza nights, which some find amusing while others see it as counterproductive to fitness goals.
Can beginners still benefit from going to Planet Fitness?
Absolutely!
It can be a welcoming environment for beginners who want to get comfortable in a gym setting.
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Q&A Section
What should I do if I want to lift heavy but have a Planet Fitness membership?
You might want to consider supplementing your workouts with a local gym that has the equipment you need.
Or you could just find a really heavy backpack and do some creative lifting at home!
Do they have group classes?
Yes!
Planet Fitness offers a variety of classes that cater to different fitness levels, which can be a fun way to get your cardio in.
Is the atmosphere really that bad?
It really depends on your experience.
Some people thrive in the non-competitive environment, while others feel frustrated by the limitations.
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In Conclusion
So, is Planet Fitness the gym for you?
If youâre a beginner looking for a non-intimidating space to start your fitness journey, it could be a good fit.
But if youâre serious about lifting heavy and pushing your limits, you might want to search for a gym that caters to more hardcore gym-goers.
At the end of the day, itâs all about what works for you.
Just remember, whether youâre pumping iron or jogging on a treadmill, the most important thing is to stay active and enjoy the process.
Now, go crush those goals, and may your gains be ever in your favor!