Any Planet Fitness Members?

[BTDretire]

I just joined, (facepunch) and so far I'm happy, the $10 a month is actually
$14 a month by the time you pay taxes and their yearly fee.
  I'm looking for an app that works with their Life Fitness equipment.
There are apps that work with the cardio equitpmen, but,
I want an app that will scan the QR code of any Life Fitness weight machine, then display your preprogramed weight, reps, and sets. Then click to say I did a rep. Now scan your second QR code (different weight machine), view your preprogramed weight, reps, and sets and again click to say I did a rep.This would allow you to make an exercise plan and then increase weight, reps, and sets as your strength increases.
  Anyone know of an app that gets close to this?

[anotherAlias]

Have you looked at Life Fitness's app?  I was just looking at that to track my elliptical/treadmill workouts when I noticed their website mentioned strength training tracking too.  I remembered this thread and thought I'd pop back and mention it.

[Ottawa]

I'm interested in joining these guys post-retirement.  Currently I'm with GoodLife (Canada) which is something like $800 off the rack, although I pay $428 through a work discount.  I know that this is still a lot of money, but I can walk to it and work out at lunch. 

Like the OP says, Planet fitness is something like $14 per month ($168 annually).  I don't have the indoor space to have a gym - so this is the next best thing for lifting heavy shit. 

It seems like a reasonable option.  Although, reading the website the $10 doesn't seem to allow you to use any location other than your 'home' gym.  This sounds annoying.  Especially since it would be convenient to have a gym to visit that has branches across North America.  But, the $21 price tag for this 'privilege' doesn't seem at all worthwhile. 

Are there any 'hacks' to get around this?

[jinga nation]

I'm not here to trash Planet Fitness, but if you're looking to lift weights (free weights, barbells, squat racks) then PF isn't the place to go. They've removed their free weights at most locations. This is a corporate move.
When a new location opened walking distance to my house, I checked it out. Yup, no free weights, only resistance machines and cardio equipment.
But I'm happy my fellow forum members are exercising at PF. Please don't be quitters by March. Please work out just like you invest. Play the long game. The dividends for your good health will come in your later years. Think about it as your retirement distributions.

[anotherAlias]

I'm not here to trash Planet Fitness, but if you're looking to lift weights (free weights, barbells, squat racks) then PF isn't the place to go. They've removed their free weights at most locations. This is a corporate move.
When a new location opened walking distance to my house, I checked it out. Yup, no free weights, only resistance machines and cardio equipment.
But I'm happy my fellow forum members are exercising at PF. Please don't be quitters by March. Please work out just like you invest. Play the long game. The dividends for your good health will come in your later years. Think about it as your retirement distributions.

That's interesting, mine has free weights and it's a fairly new facility.  I wonder if mine decided to keep them since they are pretty popular.

[BTDretire]

I'm interested in joining these guys post-retirement.  Currently I'm with GoodLife (Canada) which is something like $800 off the rack, although I pay $428 through a work discount.  I know that this is still a lot of money, but I can walk to it and work out at lunch. 

Like the OP says, Planet fitness is something like $14 per month ($168 annually).  I don't have the indoor space to have a gym - so this is the next best thing for lifting heavy shit. 

It seems like a reasonable option.  Although, reading the website the $10 doesn't seem to allow you to use any location other than your 'home' gym.  This sounds annoying.  Especially since it would be convenient to have a gym to visit that has branches across North America.  But, the $21 price tag for this 'privilege' doesn't seem at all worthwhile. 

Are there any 'hacks' to get around this?

  Stand around the doorway, when a member approaches ask them if they have the Black membership, (the $20 program, if they are, say I'm a white card member from a different club, will you take me in as a guest?

[coppertop]

I switched from PF to a locally-owned gym.  Yes, it was cheaper - $10 a month vs. $29.  But I find PF's facility to be dark and dreary and depressing.  Everything is black.  The women's locker room has really skinny lockers, and my gym bag didn't fit in there well.  It's dark and dungeon-like in there as well.  I am not one who just loves to exercise, so having a bright and cheery place to go helps motivate me to get there.  PF made me feel as if I were exercising in a warehouse.  Plus my new gym has classes.  PF has none.   

[BTDretire]

I'm not here to trash Planet Fitness, but if you're looking to lift weights (free weights, barbells, squat racks) then PF isn't the place to go. They've removed their free weights at most locations. This is a corporate move.
When a new location opened walking distance to my house, I checked it out. Yup, no free weights, only resistance machines and cardio equipment.
But I'm happy my fellow forum members are exercising at PF. Please don't be quitters by March. Please work out just like you invest. Play the long game. The dividends for your good health will come in your later years. Think about it as your retirement distributions.

That's interesting, mine has free weights and it's a fairly new facility.  I wonder if mine decided to keep them since they are pretty popular.

Same here, I think my club is just over a month old and they have plenty of weights, benches and equipment for squats with weights.
  While searching PF, I saw a sight that was very negative on PF, the guy hated machines, he was a body builder, only wanted weights. PF is a no grunting zone, he wanted to grunt! To each their own.
not someone looking for the health benefits of exercise.

[GuitarStv]

PF is a no grunting zone, he wanted to grunt! To each their own.
not someone looking for the health benefits of exercise.

God forbid that you spend enough effort while working out at a gym that you grunt.  :P

[Raenia]

I stopped going to PF after falling off a treadmill and having the employees just watch silently as my then-BF helped me limped past the desk and out the door, with blood pouring down my legs.  Not so much as an offer of a first aid kit.

As for the actual question, when we went we just used a google spreadsheet to keep track of weights/reps week to week.

[jinga nation]

PF is a no grunting zone, he wanted to grunt! To each their own.
not someone looking for the health benefits of exercise.

God forbid that you spend enough effort while working out at a gym that you grunt.  :P

When I go max effort +1 on weights, I grunt a small short one. Lots of folks at my Y do too.
Like a Karate Kiai, it is part of my workout spirit. (I'm a karateka too, Shodan.)
http://www.karatebyjesse.com/kiai-scream-meaning-purpose-why/

Because, as the Great Arnold said Pumping is like coming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nZ1v96-veM

[brute]

I tried to join a planet fitness once. They told me I wasn't welcome there, that I looked like someone who would judge other members and make them uncomfortable. Thanks asshokes. I just wanted a place nearby that I could do cardio at for cheap and not get stabbed on the sidewalk, not body shaming from your employees.

[B L I S S]

I tried to join a planet fitness once. They told me I wasn't welcome there, that I looked like someone who would judge other members and make them uncomfortable. Thanks asshokes. I just wanted a place nearby that I could do cardio at for cheap and not get stabbed on the sidewalk, not body shaming from your employees.

and yet they are a "judgement free zone"

LOL. Just one of many times where the discounted price is not worth the lost amenities.

[Accidental Fire]

Glad to hear you're focusing on fitness. I would kindly suggest as MMM does that you need not spend any money on a gym membership at all and you can get in top shape with just a few simple things at home and your own bodyweight. It's all about putting in the effort. 

Good luck on your experience!

[BTDretire]

Glad to hear you're focusing on fitness. I would kindly suggest as MMM does that you need not spend any money on a gym membership at all and you can get in top shape with just a few simple things at home and your own bodyweight. It's all about putting in the effort. 

Good luck on your experience!

 Thanks for your kind words, I'm well aware of the MMM ethos, and have read every post in the MMM blog, even the Dec, 2016 one on "Staying fit with no gym in site".
 However at this point in my life, I have a stache that will produce more money than I need, and feel I can spend it or not spend it as I wish.
  Yes, it's the effort, I'm still getting used to working out, I joined 13 days ago and have had 9 workouts. I usually run 15 minutes on a elliptical then do two sets of 12 reps on 19 different machines. I'm still trying to optimize the weight I use. I need to up the weight on some machines, others I can't finish 12 reps on the second set, so I figure that's about right. I also have a back issue I'm trying hard not to make worse, and hopefully make better.
 I'm probably to the point I can push it some more, I don't have much muscle soreness, but I often take a hot bath after working out and I think that helps prevent sore muscles the next day.
 I already notice my pants aren't as tight. I'll do my second weight check tomorrow. I hope to put on some muscle weight, so maybe I should do a waist measurement instead.

[Accidental Fire]

Glad to hear you're focusing on fitness. I would kindly suggest as MMM does that you need not spend any money on a gym membership at all and you can get in top shape with just a few simple things at home and your own bodyweight. It's all about putting in the effort. 

Good luck on your experience!

 Thanks for your kind words, I'm well aware of the MMM ethos, and have read every post in the MMM blog, even the Dec, 2016 one on "Staying fit with no gym in site".
 However at this point in my life, I have a stache that will produce more money than I need, and feel I can spend it or not spend it as I wish.
  Yes, it's the effort, I'm still getting used to working out, I joined 13 days ago and have had 9 workouts. I usually run 15 minutes on a elliptical then do two sets of 12 reps on 19 different machines. I'm still trying to optimize the weight I use. I need to up the weight on some machines, others I can't finish 12 reps on the second set, so I figure that's about right. I also have a back issue I'm trying hard not to make worse, and hopefully make better.
 I'm probably to the point I can push it some more, I don't have much muscle soreness, but I often take a hot bath after working out and I think that helps prevent sore muscles the next day.
 I already notice my pants aren't as tight. I'll do my second weight check tomorrow. I hope to put on some muscle weight, so maybe I should do a waist measurement instead.

Awesome BTDretire!!  Sounds like you're well on your way to fitness and better fitting pants :)  Fitness is a core part of my life and I love seeing others make progress and buck the trend that our country has been sliding down into.  Keep it up and good luck!

[BTDretire]

Glad to hear you're focusing on fitness. I would kindly suggest as MMM does that you need not spend any money on a gym membership at all and you can get in top shape with just a few simple things at home and your own bodyweight. It's all about putting in the effort. 

Good luck on your experience!

 Thanks for your kind words, I'm well aware of the MMM ethos, and have read every post in the MMM blog, even the Dec, 2016 one on "Staying fit with no gym in site".
 However at this point in my life, I have a stache that will produce more money than I need, and feel I can spend it or not spend it as I wish.
  Yes, it's the effort, I'm still getting used to working out, I joined 13 days ago and have had 9 workouts. I usually run 15 minutes on a elliptical then do two sets of 12 reps on 19 different machines. I'm still trying to optimize the weight I use. I need to up the weight on some machines, others I can't finish 12 reps on the second set, so I figure that's about right. I also have a back issue I'm trying hard not to make worse, and hopefully make better.
 I'm probably to the point I can push it some more, I don't have much muscle soreness, but I often take a hot bath after working out and I think that helps prevent sore muscles the next day.
 I already notice my pants aren't as tight. I'll do my second weight check tomorrow. I hope to put on some muscle weight, so maybe I should do a waist measurement instead.

Awesome BTDretire!!  Sounds like you're well on your way to fitness and better fitting pants :)  Fitness is a core part of my life and I love seeing others make progress and buck the trend that our country has been sliding down into.  Keep it up and good luck!

 Ya, it's dificult to know where your at in fitness. My dad had his first heart attck at 43 , so I've been aware and made my doc aware also. I have made it to 61 without any problems, my weight has never been much of a problem, I could probably loose 8 to 10 lbs to trim up my stomach, but thin my face gets thin. There is a wide disparity in peoples health in their 60s, I'm doing better than a lot of people my age, but there are some that have the physical fitness of 40 year olds. Hopefully I'm on my way.
  Do you know any good sites for healthy eating for muscle building? Not sure how easy it will be for me at 61.
 

[Accidental Fire]

Glad to hear you're focusing on fitness. I would kindly suggest as MMM does that you need not spend any money on a gym membership at all and you can get in top shape with just a few simple things at home and your own bodyweight. It's all about putting in the effort. 

Good luck on your experience!

 Thanks for your kind words, I'm well aware of the MMM ethos, and have read every post in the MMM blog, even the Dec, 2016 one on "Staying fit with no gym in site".
 However at this point in my life, I have a stache that will produce more money than I need, and feel I can spend it or not spend it as I wish.
  Yes, it's the effort, I'm still getting used to working out, I joined 13 days ago and have had 9 workouts. I usually run 15 minutes on a elliptical then do two sets of 12 reps on 19 different machines. I'm still trying to optimize the weight I use. I need to up the weight on some machines, others I can't finish 12 reps on the second set, so I figure that's about right. I also have a back issue I'm trying hard not to make worse, and hopefully make better.
 I'm probably to the point I can push it some more, I don't have much muscle soreness, but I often take a hot bath after working out and I think that helps prevent sore muscles the next day.
 I already notice my pants aren't as tight. I'll do my second weight check tomorrow. I hope to put on some muscle weight, so maybe I should do a waist measurement instead.

Awesome BTDretire!!  Sounds like you're well on your way to fitness and better fitting pants :)  Fitness is a core part of my life and I love seeing others make progress and buck the trend that our country has been sliding down into.  Keep it up and good luck!

 Ya, it's dificult to know where your at in fitness. My dad had his first heart attck at 43 , so I've been aware and made my doc aware also. I have made it to 61 without any problems, my weight has never been much of a problem, I could probably loose 8 to 10 lbs to trim up my stomach, but thin my face gets thin. There is a wide disparity in peoples health in their 60s, I'm doing better than a lot of people my age, but there are some that have the physical fitness of 40 year olds. Hopefully I'm on my way.
  Do you know any good sites for healthy eating for muscle building? Not sure how easy it will be for me at 61.

Sounds like you're doing WAY better than most 61 yr olds. It's hard, our jobs and lifestyles and pretty much everything 'sold' to us is designed to make life more sedentary and easier, with more screen time (as I type this in front of a screen :/

As far as sites etc for diet and exercise, none in particular. I follow this simple diet guideline, eat foods with a few ingredients as possible and make those ingredients natural. I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian, but I limit my meat intake to maybe once a week.  And hugely important - limit added sugars!  If you have Netflix check out the documentaries called "Fed Up" and "Forks over Knives".  Now I LOVE sugar like anyone else, but I ride my bike 100+ miles a week including racing and I run another 10-15. In other words, my metabolism is very high and I can afford a piece of chocolate (or two) every day. But most Americans eat SO much added sugar that it's killing them.

For exercise, as you can see I'm an endurance athlete, I gravitate towards cardio and dstance activities and I have mostly slow-twitch muscles.  However, when I turned 40 I found that P90x was and incredible way to workout and stay in shape with minimal equipment.  The guy (Tony Horton) is a total ham and you'll eventually have to turn the volume off, but the workouts are straightforward, simple, and effective. I'm 46 now and feel better than ever!