I have lost 25 pounds during the past year, but I have another 50 or so to go! Aside from cutting down on and changing what I eat, I have been walking a lot but I think it’s time to up my game.
Planet Fitness is opening a few blocks from my home. I know nothing about machines, Pilates, weight training or any kind of fitness regimen developed since I was in college many, many years ago. I think I am relatively fit and flexible for my age and weight and don’t need old-lady water aerobics or sit-down exercise class, but at age 67 and 50 pounds overweight, I am not ready to take a class at the Y with 20- and 30-somethings!
Any experience with Planet Fitness? For $10/month, it sounds almost too good to be true!
I think it would be fine for you. I have many friends who have had good experiences with it. I will say that many move on to other clubs with more highly trained staff and more class offerings. I’m sure they have some trainers there would could teach you about the machines. Form is VERY important when it comes to using weight machines- both to prevent injury and to get maximum benefit.
I joined Planet Fitness and was a member there for over a year. As I understand it, each location may offer different amenities and resources - our location was a franchise. PF had a trainer that I never used but led free to member sessions at certain times of day which seemed popular - there weren’t any classes, per se. After a year or so, I needed more challenging options and a trainer with my specific interests in mind, so I switched to a new gym.
Maybe just ask about how long your have to contract for. That way, as MOWC said, if you feel ready to move on to something different in a year, you aren’t tied for years to that contract!
BTW, I take a spin class where pretty regularly I am probably 20 years older than everyone else - that means I ROCK!!! Get the glass half full.
Thanks for the encouragement! The empty nest has been good for me, I must admit. My daughter (by adoption) is 48 years younger than me and I would really, really love to meet at least one grandchild, without pushing my kid to get me one! I’ve been thinking about longevity a lot now!
I know I’m on the right track because I walk much faster than any of my friends, almost all of whom are younger than me! But I need a place that doesn’t cost too much where I can learn what I need to learn about all this new-fangled stuff. I will definitely check out Planet Fitness soon, before the grand opening specials expire.
The only complaints I’ve heard from people who go to Planet Fitness are those who are upset that their branch DOESN’T enforce the “no skimpy clothing” rule and those with branches that DO. You simply can’t please everyone. They DO offer help with using the equipment and members have access to free classes.
But, as someone in your exact position minus a few years, I wonder if other options might interest you? We have a really robust community center system here, with lots of free or nearly free programs for seniors. They’re not “old lady” at all! I like the ability to choose senior Zumba or adult hip hop (anyone watching would die laughing at me, but I love it) or swimming, and there are many more. Gyms never appealed to me even when I was slimmer. And sadly, I have some super fit acquaintances who think it’s ok to mock the “fat old lady” in the classes, so I’m not going to give them ammunition.
Congrats on your weight loss-it’s tough to have to lose that much, isn’t it? I am counting down along with you. Good luck!
I know several older women who use a Y, so don’t assume it’s all 20somethings. (Many of the 20somethings are going to yoga and pilates studios or doing Cross Fit.)
Most fitness centers will give you a tour and explain their services. If you want to use machines or free weights, you really need a trainer to show you how first. So find out how much the first trainer session is (some places offer the first one free). If you really know nothing, then you’ll need a trainer. (You can find lots of videos on YouTube with exercises, but if you are truly a neophyte, getting more personal attention might be good to start.)
I would look up Planet Fitness on Yelp or search on Google for reviews. Typically you get what you pay for, and $10/month is ridiculously low (I pay $50; in some major metro areas the monthly fee is significantly more). I would think about what you want – do you want cardio machines (treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines), weight machines, yoga/pilates/etc. classes? Does PF offer all of those?
sseamom, no community center here in Brooklyn, NYC. There’s a pretty good Y just as close to me, but Planet Fitness is a lot cheaper–$10/month vs $44/month. And with a very flexible schedule, I can go during less-busy times.
They just opened up a PF a block or so from my house. They had an “open house” where we use the gym for free for a day and I must admit that I was impressed. I’ve gone to other PFs and they’re very hit or miss but I’d feel extremely comfortable at a newer one (in terms of cleanliness, upkeep, etc).
PF does tend to be very basic in terms of machines. I’ve personally always found it to be satisfactory though as I’m just looking to do a basic workout and not train for a marathon. The staff has always been super friendly and helpful, too.
I go to Planet Fitness. My first time there I spent an hour with the fitness instructor. I told him about my physical restrictions and what I had even doing in physical therapy. Then he took me around to all of the machines that he thought could be helpful and safe, showing me how to use each one and establishing the appropriate weights. Even wrote them down for me. He was really helpful.
They charge annual fees twice a year. My annual fee is due in February (joined in August). If I quit before then I will never have to pay the membership fee of $15, just the monthly $10.
It WOULD be nice to have classes but I also go to a water aerobics class three days a week at the local rehab center. PF is clean and friendly and provides inexpensive facili
You’d be surprised how difficult some of those water aerobics classes can be. There are different levels - and a good instructor will tell you how to make a certain movement more challenging, while allowing those who need to be more low-impact to do so.
Now… if I could only get them to move their music choices ahead by about five decades, I’d go back. The music about killed me. Music is a HUGE motivator for me, and I need it to be something I can at least jam to in my head, if not in the pool or on a floor.
I pay my $10 a month and usually go from about 10-noon. I never have trouble getting on a machine. There is a 30 minute workout area that I think is perfect for us old ladies. They have a nice stretching area.
My son has a $20 membership and with that you can always bring one guest, use the tanning bed, the infra-red machine and some aqua massage machine.
You can’t beat the price. Go for it! (but expect it to be busier than usual right after the opening)
I belonged to PF for 3 months. It was a nice one but I got really bored quickly. I was looking for more socialization, something more stimulating. I joined jazzercise and get kidded a lot from my friends. I love it. It’s a great cardio workout, with mat and weight work. It’s not your grandmothers Jazzercise! The only thing it really doesn’t do is gone your thigh muscles well…I have yo use the stationary bike for that.
Get the glass half full.