Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you interested in getting started with Planet Fitness? If so, you’re in the perfect spot! This blog post is designed to help you feel comfortable and confident as you begin your fitness journey.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about it, from what it is to how to get started. We’ll also share some tips for beginners on how to get the most out of your Planet Fitness experience.
So whether you’re a complete beginner or you’re just looking for a refresher, read on for everything you need to know about Planet Fitness for Beginners!

1. Getting Started: The Basics of Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a popular gym chain known for its affordable membership fees, its inclusive atmosphere, and its focus on providing a judgment-free zone for all members. The gym’s unique purple and yellow branding is instantly recognisable, and its upscale atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for people of all fitness levels to start their fitness journey.
Inclusive and Beginner-friendly
Planet Fitness is committed to making fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level, body type or age. The gym’s “judgment-free zone” policy means that members are welcome to exercise at their own pace and in their own way, without feeling self-consciousness or criticism. This makes Planet Fitness a great option for beginners who may be feeling intimidated by the gym environment.
Unique Branding and Ambiance
Planet Fitness’ branding is instantly recognizable with its distinctive purple and yellow colors. The atmosphere of the gym is also charming and welcoming, with bright lights, comfortable seating areas and upbeat music. This makes it a great place to relax after a workout or socialize with other members.
If you’re looking for an affordable, inclusive, and beginner-friendly gym, Planet Fitness is a great option. The gym’s unique branding and ambiance make it a welcoming place to start your fitness journey.

2. Membership Options and Costs
Now that you know a little about what Planet Fitness is and why it’s a great option for beginners, let’s talk about how to get started.
The first thing you need to do is choose a subscription. Planet Fitness offers two different membership options: Standard Membership and Black Card Membership.
Standard membership
Standard membership is the most affordable option and gives you access to all the equipment and classes at your local Planet Fitness gym. You can also bring a guest once a week for free.
Standard membership costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
Black card membership
Black Card membership is a more premium option that gives you even more benefits, including:
- Access to any Planet Fitness gym in the world
- Ability to bring a guest with you for free every time you work out
- Free use of tanning beds and hydromassage chairs
- Early access to new classes and tools
- Flat 20% Off On Personal Training Sessions
- Black Card membership costs $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year.
Economical Pricing
Planet Fitness is committed to making fitness affordable for everyone. So both their subscription options are very affordable.
Standard membership costs only $10 per month, which is less than the cost of a cup of coffee. And Black Card membership only costs $22.99 per month, which is still a great value for all the benefits you get.
Value
Both of Planet Fitness’ membership options offer great value for the price. Standard membership gives you access to all the equipment and classes you need to get a great workout. And the Black Card membership nets you even more benefits, making it a great option for those who are serious about their fitness.
So whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast, Planet Fitness has a membership option that’s right for you.

3. Navigating the Gym
Navigating The Gym
Once you’ve signed up for a membership and received your gym pass, you’re ready to start searching for your local Planet Fitness gym. Here’s a quick overview of the layout:
- Cardio Zone: This is where you’ll find the treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, and other cardio equipment.
- Strength Training Area: This is where you’ll find weight lifting machines, free weights, and benches.
- Free Weight Area: This is where you’ll find dumbbells, barbells, and other free weights.
- Group Exercise Area: This is where you’ll find group fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, and kickboxing.
- Locker Room: This is the place where you can change clothes, shower and keep your belongings.
Finding Your Way Around
Once you’re familiar with the layout of the gym, you can start finding your way around. Here are a few tips:
- Ask for help: If you’re not sure where something is, don’t be afraid to ask a staff member for help. They’re glad to help steer you in the right way.
- Use a map: Planet Fitness gyms usually have maps posted on the walls. These maps can be helpful in finding your way, especially if you’re new to the gym.
- Take a Tour: If you’re really feeling lost, you can always ask a staff member to give you a tour of the gym. This is a great way to learn about all the different facilities and equipment the gym has to offer.
Lunk Alarm
One of the things that makes Planet Fitness unique is its “lunk alarm.” The lunk alarm is a sound-maker used to discourage grunting, weight loss, and other behaviors that are perceived as “intimidating” or “judgmental”.
Lunk Alarm is a controversial topic, but it’s important to remember that Planet Fitness is committed to creating a non-intimidating environment for all of its members. Lunk Alarm is just one way Planet Fitness strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
4. Workout Equipment and Machines
Workout Equipment & Machines
It has a variety of workout equipment available to its members, including:
- Cardio Equipment: Treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, rowing machines and more.
- Strength Training Equipment: Weight machines, free weights, benches, and more.
- Group Fitness Equipment: Yoga mats, resistance bands, and more.
Essential Machines
Some of it’s most essential machines include:
- Treadmill: Treadmill is a great way to get a cardio workout. These can be used for walking, jogging or running at different speeds.
- Elliptical: The elliptical is another great way to get a cardio workout. They’re low-impact, which means they’re easier on your joints.
- Weight Machines: Weight machines are a great way to target specific muscle groups. They are also a good option for beginners, as they can help you learn proper form.
5. The “Judgment-Free Zone” Philosophy
One of the things that makes Planet Fitness unique is its commitment to creating a judgment-free environment. This means that everyone is welcome to work out at Planet Fitness, regardless of their fitness level, body type or age.
It believes that everyone should feel comfortable and confident while working out. That’s why they have a “lunk alarm” that is used to discourage grunting, weight loss, and other behaviors that may be perceived as intimidating or critical.
It also encourages members to focus on their own progress and well-being rather than comparing themselves to others. This is important because it helps create a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
If you’re looking for a gym where you can feel comfortable and confident, Planet Fitness is a great option. The gym’s commitment to creating a judgment-free environment and its focus on personal progress make it a welcoming place for all.
Track Your Progress
It’s important to remember that everyone is at a different stage in their fitness journey. Don’t compare yourself with others and focus on your progress. Celebrate your small victories, and don’t give up on your goals.
Remember, your competition is with no one but yourself. So stay focused on your goals and progress, and you’ll definitely reach your fitness goals in no time!
6. Group Fitness Classes and Personal Training
In addition to their wide variety of workout equipment, Planet Fitness also offers a variety of group fitness classes and personal training.
Group Fitness Classes
Planet Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes for all fitness levels, including:
- Yoga
- Zumba
- Pilates
- Kickboxing
- Body Pump
- Barre
Group fitness classes are a great way to get a workout and meet new people. They are also a good choice for beginners, as they can provide guidance and inspiration.
Individual training
It also offers personal training for members who want one-on-one attention. Personal trainers can help you create a personalized workout plan and track your progress.
Cost
The cost of group fitness classes and personal training varies by location and membership type. Standard members can participate in 10 group fitness classes per month for free. Black Card members can attend an unlimited number of group fitness classes per month.
Personal training costs vary depending on the length of the session and the experience of the instructor.
7. Tips for a Successful Workout Routine
Achieving your fitness goals takes time, effort and consistency by”
- Set realistic goals. What do you hope to accomplish with your workout? Are you aiming to shed some pounds, gain strength, or enhance your cardiovascular well-being? Once you have a clear understanding of your objectives, you can devise a workout plan tailored to meet your personal needs.
- Find activities that you enjoy. If you’re not having fun during your workouts, you might not be as inclined to keep at it. Choose activities that you find challenging but also enjoyable. This can be anything from running to yoga and dancing.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Don’t try to do too much too quickly, or you’re more likely to get injured. Start with a few workouts per week and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get stronger.
- Listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop and rest. Don’t push yourself too hard, or you might injure yourself.
- Enough Sleep. Sleep is essential for recovery. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Take a healthy diet. What you eat has a big impact on your energy level and performance. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Stay motivated. It’s important to stay motivated on your fitness journey. Find a workout buddy, set goals and reward yourself for your progress.
Proper Form and Technique
Proper form and technique are essential to prevent injuries. When you use proper form, you’re less likely to put stress on your joints and muscles. This can help you avoid pain and injuries.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re using the proper form:
- Get instruction from a qualified personal trainer. A personal trainer can help you learn the proper form of various exercises.
- Watch exercise videos online. There are tons of videos available online that can show you the proper form of various exercises.
- Ask a friend or family member to watch you exercise. They can help you find any mistakes in your form.
- Be aware of your body. Be aware of how your body feels while you’re working out.. If you feel any pain, stop and adjust your size.
8. Setting Goals and Tracking Progress
Setting goals and tracking your progress are essential to staying motivated on your fitness journey. Here are some tips to help you set realistic goals and track your progress:
- Set SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For instance, instead of setting a goal to “lose weight,” you can set a goal to “lose 12 pounds in 4 weeks.”
- Track your progress. There are several ways to track your progress, such as keeping a journal, using a fitness tracker, or using the Planet Fitness app. Tracking your progress can help you see how far you’ve come and stay motivated to keep going.
- Celebrate your milestones. When you reach a milestone, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
Planet Fitness App
The Planet Fitness app is a great tool for setting goals and tracking your progress. The app allows you to create custom workouts, track your progress, and connect with other members. The app also has a variety of features that can help you stay motivated, such as:
- Achievement badges: The app gives you badges for reaching certain milestones, such as doing a certain number of workouts or losing a certain amount of weight.
- A Community Forum: The app features a community forum where you can connect with other members and get support.
- A workout tracker: The app tracks your workouts and shows you how you’re progressing.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about getting started at Planet Fitness. We’ve discussed the different membership options, the equipment and classes available, the judgment-free environment, and tips for setting goals and tracking your progress.
If you’re a beginner, I encourage you to embrace Planet Fitness’ supportive and judgment-free environment. It’s a great place to start your fitness journey and get the support you need to be successful.