It’s not you, it’s Gym: Planet Fitness
This week we will be reviewing Planet Fitness, a large gym facility near the River Hills Mall.
Maggie Walstrom is a senior in the Law Enforcement program and is taking ROTC Military Leadership credits as well. Walstrom is also a platoon leader in the Army Reserves.
Maggie has held a membership with Planet Fitness for almost two years. Her fitness goals are to develop the required strength and aesthetic muscles for a bodybuilding/figure show.
Her review follows:
Regarding the parking structures, is there sufficient parking? Is it free or included in the rate of the membership? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the parking structure. One being the worst, five being the best.
Rating: 5 – “Planet Fitness is part of the mini mall on Adams Street. So everyone uses the parking lot there, it’s free and always enough parking space.”
In your opinion, are the membership fees/rates reasonable? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the membership fee prices.
I think the membership rates are reasonable. I’m paying Rating: 5 – “$20 a month, but that’s for being able to use my membership all over the United States. It’s a one-year commitment. I also get unlimited tanning and massage chairs as well as half off drinks/apparel.”
What are your thoughts regarding the gym staff, are they helpful, do they answer your questions-if you’ve had any? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the staff.
Rating: 5 – “Most of the staff know me by name.”
What are your thoughts regarding the equipment availability, let’s say, the machines? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the equipment availability.
Rating: 4 – “Planet Fitness could use a lot more weights, i.e. squat bar/bench press bar and free weights higher than 70 pounds. They have really good machines and cables.”
What are your thoughts regarding the non-machine equipment? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the equipment.
Rating: 4 – “Could use more of it.”
What are your thoughts regarding the locker room, plenty of lockers, showers, etc.? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the locker rooms/showers/bathrooms.
Rating: 5 – “Plenty of lockers and everything is always kept clean.”
Is the cleanliness of the facility satisfactory, above standards, or exceptional? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the locker rooms/showers/bathrooms.
Rating: 5 – “One of the cleanest gyms I’ve been to.”
In your opinion, what is the environment like, are people friendly, or mainly keep to themselves and focus on their workouts? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate gym atmosphere.
Rating: 5 – “The gym environment is good.”
What are your thoughts on the additional amenities, like tanning, massage chairs? Beverages, food, apparel? On a scale of 1 to 5, rate the amenities.
Rating: 5 – “I love the massage chairs and, with my membership, I can bring a guest for free.”
Walstrom’s Evaluation
Gym facility grade: 48/50, 96%, average score: 4.8
Highest scores: (scored 5/5); Parking, Membership Fees, Facility Size, Gym Staff, Locker Rooms, Cleanliness, Gym Atmosphere, Amenities.
Lowest scores (scored 4/5); Equipment Availability, Non-machine Equipment.
Walstrom prefers to work out in the evenings. The facility demographic attracts all ages, genders and fitness levels, as the business model advertises.
Her favorite machines are the cable and ab machines and dumbbells, though she did mention higher ranged weights would be ideal for advanced gym rats.
Walstrom would like to see barbells made available. I would agree with that, and perhaps a regular squat rack.
