Anytime Fitness vs. Planet Fitness: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing the ideal fitness center, Anytime Fitness vs. Planet Fitness is an ongoing problem for people looking to get fit.

Both fitness centers offer different options and features that are geared towards various needs.

In this article we’ll examine the key differences between Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness to assist users in making an informed decision about the fitness facility that is best suited to your objectives to be fit.

From gym memberships and memberships to the environment and pricing we’ll look at every element important to help you select the best fitness center for you.

What is Anytime Fitness?

Anytime Fitness is a well-established and well-known fitness company which provides access to gyms 24 hours a day. 

Since its beginning around 2002, it’s expanded to become one of the largest known gym chains across the globe. Anytime Fitness aims to promote an inviting and enjoyable fitness experience that allows its users to exercise when it is convenient for their schedule. 

The emphasis is on cutting-edge equipment custom-designed training solutions and a friendly community.

Anytime Fitness strives to help individuals reach their health and fitness goals. The vast range of gyms are available to those who love fitness from around the world.

What is Planet Fitness?

Planet Fitness is a well-known gym chain catering to those who want a low-cost and comfortable fitness experience. Established in 1992, Planet Fitness has grown to be one of the biggest gym franchises around the globe. 

The primary goal of the gym is creating a welcoming and non-judgmental space for its members regardless of their fitness levels. 

Planet Fitness provides a variety of gym equipment that is standard as well as group exercise classes with a particular emphasis on inclusivity and support for people who are new to the sport. 

Planet Fitness also offers a Black Card membership, which comes with benefits such as access to all of their locations as well as other facilities like the tanning bed and massage chair.

Anytime Fitness vs Planet Fitness: 12 Differences

By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which gym aligns better with your fitness journey.

Cost

The most crucial factor to take into consideration when choosing a gym is the cost.

It is not only important that your gym membership cost be within your budget, but it must also give you sufficient value that justifies the cost you pay for it.

Anytime Fitness

The cost of an Anytime Fitness membership varies by location. The place I reside in NJ The majority of gyms cost between $27 and $30, plus the tax every two weeks.

Along with the bi-weekly price, Anytime Fitness has a high cost of entry. At the time of joining, you must pay two weeks of dues as well as a $99 initial fee which covers the administrative and onboarding cost and a $25 fee to get your key fob.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of being a member at Anytime Fitness before, you could join for a no-cost 7-day trial to test how you feel about the facility before you join.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness has two membership plans: Classic and Black Card. The Classic plan is $10 per month, plus tax, and Black Card costs $22.99 per month. Black Card costs $22.99/month.

If you join both of these memberships, you’ll need to be able to shell out an annual cost of $39.

In addition, you’ll have to be prepared to cover an entry cost. However if you join during a promotional period that is running, the fee could be just $1.

Planet Fitness offers free one-day passes to all new members.

Hours

Anytime Fitness: The name isn’t Anytime because of nothing. The gym never closes.

Planet Fitness: The majority of locations are open all hours of the day; however, hours can differ on weekends or depending on the franchise. Check your local PF.

Equipment

Anytime Fitness: Includes everything you’ll require, including a complete set of cardio machines, dumbbells, free weights, as well as power racks.

Planet Fitness: It is somewhat known for its inability to cater to those who lift heavy weights.

You can expect to find only one Smith machine, a few weight machines and lighter dumbbells. However, there are a lot of cardio machines and treadmills.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere and general vibe of the gym could be the difference between its success or failure.

It is essential to locate an establishment that not only provides you with a warm welcome but also is also home to other members with similar goals to you.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness has a positive, friendly and warm environment. The staff members are extremely friendly to each other, and the staff and staff are willing to provide a space or help with equipment should you require it.

People of all ages, classes and fitness backgrounds attend Anytime Fitness, so you don’t have to be self-conscious when you’ve never attended an exercise facility previously.

Planet Fitness

Despite the claims of being an open-minded space that is open to everyone, Planet Fitness is quite the opposite.

If you’re only looking to exercise on a treadmill and lift light dumbbells, you’ll be a bit out of place there.

Planet Fitness is one of the few gyms in which I didn’t feel comfortable working out. A few of the other members were not respectful of my privacy.

This was quite disturbing. I also felt that the members haven’t been able to grasp the idea that women should be to the gym as men do.

Gym Policies

If you’re trying to choose between two different gyms, be sure to know the rules of each, particularly in regard to cancellation of the membership.

A lot of gyms follow similar cancellation rules. However, some have their own guidelines to adhere to.

Many fitness centres also enforce rules which are designed to safeguard the safety of their customers, But certain rules (for example, you cannot drop weights) aren’t necessarily necessary based on how you prefer to exercise.

Anytime Fitness

The policies of Anytime Fitness regarding drop weights and chalk, and grunting are different depending on the location.

The one I was at recently was not allowed to use chalk or drop weights and was not too enthusiastic about grunting. I’ve heard from other clubs that they are more accommodating about these matters, but.

Apart from that, Anytime Fitness is pretty flexible. Members are welcome to invite guests, and, in many instances, you are able to give your membership to a different person. There are no formal dress codes. However, members are required to apply common sense and wear appropriate gym clothes.

Cancelling your Anytime Fitness Membership isn’t a big deal, but it’s a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to provide at least 30 days’ notice and send a written notice in person or by certified mail.

Customers with term contracts are required to shell out a termination charge of $150. They may also be required to pay for any remaining time that was not used up on their contract.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness doesn’t allow chalk-dropping weights, chalk, or grunting. There have been reports of gym members in some gyms complaining that they generate too much noise when you’re working out on machines.

It’s also not permitted to work out wearing the form of a crop top or sports bra, or shorts that are too small are considered inappropriate.

Planet Fitness’ cancellation policy is comparable to the policies of other gyms. Monthly-to-month members can cancel at any time without needing to pay.

Black Card members who want to end their plan before the first 12-month period is up must pay a cancellation fee of $58.

You can cancel only at the gym by completing a cancellation application at the desk in front of you.

Classes

All-Time Fitness There are a lot of options which include Zumba, spin yoga, and much more.

The classes are occasionally, however, not always free for members. Find your local club to determine the cost of attending their group classes.

Planet Fitness: Nope. Sorry.

Planet Fitness offers some extremely basic classes (like teaching you how to utilize the equipment and making a basic workout plan for new customers), But there aren’t any yoga, Zumba or any other group fitness classes at Planet Fitness.

Contract Length

When you sign up for the gym, you need to know what the terms of its contracts are for. It’s not a good idea to be ensnared in an extended contract when you’ll only live near the gym for a brief period.

It’s also not a good idea to be locked into an agreement that is impossible to remove yourself from even if you do not like the fitness centre.

Anytime Fitness

The length of subscription with Anytime Fitness varies by location. Some offer only packages of 12- or 24 months while others provide monthly and term contracts.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness’ Classic plan is month-to-month, while Black Card memberships are month-to-month. Black Card membership requires a 12-month commitment.

Amenities

A few people just need a space to exercise and aren’t interested in amenities like pools and saunas. Some people are enticed by gym benefits which they can utilize to pamper themselves after working out.

Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness both offer extra benefits with their memberships. However, the facilities at Anytime Fitness aren’t universal across all locations.

Anytime Fitness

Certain Anytime Fitness clubs have amenities that other clubs don’t. Depending on the location you live in, there’s a chance to locate salon chairs for massage, tanning booths, lockers as well as booths for red light therapy, as well as smoothie bars. However, it is likely that your local gym may not have these.

There aren’t any saunas, swimming pools or basketball courts. You will also not find childcare facilities anywhere at an Anytime Fitness location.

Planet Fitness

As with Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness does not have pools, basketball courts, saunas, or childcare services.

However, it does include tanning booths and smoothie bars lockers, massage chairs and booths for red light therapy.

Group Classes

Many people are energized by the energy and motivating instructors during group fitness classes. The kids and the number of classes offered at every gym differ, however.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness has signature team fitness classes catering to different backgrounds and training goals. There are three options to choose from:

• The base is a basic class that allows participants to establish an initial baseline of their fitness levels and work towards increasing their endurance in the cardiovascular department.
• Burn is a class that is high-energy and combines strength and cardio moves.
• The build is an instructional class that concentrates mainly on building muscle strength and strength.

Certain Anytime Fitness locations also offer classes such as Zumba, Pilates, and boot camp, as well as small-group training sessions.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness doesn’t have group classes. It offers only small-group training sessions, which are known as PE@PF.

There are different kinds of PE@PF classes. Program:

• The orientation sessions teach participants how to use various equipment
• Express circuits that put participants through a full 30-minute exercise
• Specific classes that concentrate upon specific muscles, such as biceps and chest, or shoulders and legs.

Personal Training

Many chain gyms offer individual training sessions, but the quality of trainers differs at every gym.

The price, duration of a private training session, and the number of training sessions you receive in a package can differ between gyms.

Anytime Fitness

The trainers who work are employed by Anytime Fitness must be certified through an accredited personal-training institution.

Some locations also require their trainers to hold university degrees in kinesiology as well as exercise science.

Anytime Fitness memberships come with one complimentary consultation with a personal trainer. In addition, the personal training sessions begin with a fee of around $25 per 30 minutes and range from $30 to $85 for a 60-minute session.

Certain clubs also provide packages of 5, 10 or 20 sessions 10, 20, or 20 sessions to assist you in saving money over the long haul.

The instructors of Anytime Fitness will work with each of you individually and assist you in developing a personalized training program.

They will also provide nutrition advice, show you how to manage injuries, and teach you the correct form for common exercises based on strength.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness personal trainers are also required to hold certifications from an accredited school. However, they don’t have to hold a degree from a college in the same subject.

Contrary to personal trainers at other gyms, Planet Fitness trainers won’t stay close to you while you work out.

They conduct PE@PF classes, and you can talk to one of them for the best training program for you; however, you aren’t able to arrange one-on-one training sessions with them.

The PE@PF consultations and sessions are absolutely free regardless of what membership you have.

Hours of Operation

If a gym isn’t accessible at times that match your schedule, you’ll not visit it. It’s good to know that Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness have hours that are convenient, so you can work out anytime you’d like.

Anytime Fitness

If you’ve got your card with you and have your key fob, you are able to access Anytime Fitness anytime. The employees don’t work at night.

However, the security camera system is installed all over the fitness centre to watch the activity of the gym during non-staffed hours.

Planet Fitness

There are a few Planet Fitness locations that aren’t accessible 24 hours a day. However, the majority are.

If you live near a Planet Fitness that isn’t open 24/7 it’s likely to locate one that is operating early in the morning and late in the evening.

Locations

The proximity of a gym to the place you live or work, as well as the variety of locations it offers, could be an important aspect in deciding on which gym to join.

This is particularly important for those who travel frequently and would like the capability to join any gym while away from their home.

It’s also crucial to think about whether you need to shell out extra money to use other gyms, which can impact your budget if you need to pay regularly for drop-in fees.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness has more than 4500 locations across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Anyone who has been an Anytime Fitness member for at least 30 days has the option of going to any of the clubs around the world without having to pay an additional cost.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness has over 2,000 locations. However, most of them are located in the US. Black Card members are able to go to any location at no cost.

Anytime Fitness vs. Planet Fitness: Quick Comparison Table

Anytime Fitness vs. Planet Fitness: Quick Comparison Table:
Item:	Anytime Fitness:	Planet Fitness:
Membership Cost	Starting from $40/month	Starting from $10/month
Training and Classes	Group and personal classes are available	Only group classes are available
Equipment	More comprehensive	Mainly cardio and circuit
Atmosphere	More like a traditional gym	Less intimidating (Judgement-Free Zone)
Size and Location	Smaller but has more locations	Larger
Amenities	Wellness programs, private showers	Cardio theaters, lunk alarms
Accessibility	24/7	24/7

Similarities between Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness

Incredibly, Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness have a lot in common. For starters, a lot of the equipment for exercise is comparable. These include free weights, treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bicycles.

In addition, users will get locker rooms as well as personal fitness programs and a nationwide membership program on the two gyms.

The reason they are so alike is the fact that they are accessible 24/7. Users have the flexibility to work out whenever they’d like.

Anytime Fitness vs. Planet Fitness: Which is Better & How to Choose

Are you ready to make your choice on which fitness company to select? In the end, Planet Fitness is the perfect choice for those who are new to fitness or people who are looking for an affordable option that has an inviting and relaxed environment.

However, If you’re looking to commit yourself to your fitness goals and require the most advanced equipment for strength training to achieve this, it is recommended to select Anytime Fitness.

The equipment and facilities at this gym chain make it an ideal option for a lot of people, which includes veteran gym-goers and powerlifters who are not as experienced.

Is Anytime Fitness more expensive than Planet Fitness?

It is true that Anytime Fitness is generally thought to be more costly in comparison to Planet Fitness.

Anytime Fitness offers more flexible membership options as well as additional benefits, including 24-hour access to its facilities as well as bathrooms with private toilets at certain locations.

These extra features are a reason for the price being higher than Planet Fitness, which focuses on offering affordable membership choices. The cost differs depending on the location and membership levels.

In the end, it is up to individuals to evaluate their fitness requirements and personal preferences to determine if the benefits offered by Anytime Fitness justify the higher price or if, the more affordable pricing offered by Planet Fitness better suits their needs.

Which gym is better for beginners?

For people who are new to fitness, Planet Fitness is often considered to be the best option. Planet Fitness has built its reputation by providing a warm and non-stressful environment for gym-goers especially for those who are novices to fitness.

They have a “Judgement-Free Zone” policy that encourages people to feel relaxed and at ease when they embark on their journey to fitness.

The focus of the gym is on creating a relaxing environment as well as the friendly equipment and accommodating staff make it a perfect alternative for those who are just beginning their fitness journey and be unsure or self-conscious about beginning their fitness regimen.

Can I access Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness with a single membership?

There is no way to access Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness through one membership. Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness are two separate gym chains that have separate facilities and memberships.

Each gym needs an individual membership as well as operating independently from each other. If you plan to use both gyms, you’ll require separate memberships for each.

Both gyms have distinct services, and they don’t offer a common membership system that allows the use of both chains through one membership fee.

Pros and Cons of Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness

Pros

• Free Wi-Fi
• Your membership can be used at any time as long as you’re a Black Card member
• Membership plans that are affordable
• No hidden fees
• Black Card members enjoy discounts on Reebok.com

Cons

• No barbells, squat racks, or deadlift platforms
• The dumbbells can only be used up to 50 lbs.
• It is forbidden to use chalk.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, Both Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness have strengths and distinct offerings. 

The choice that is best for you will be determined by the person’s needs and fitness goals, as well as financial limitations. 

Anytime Fitness caters to those who want convenience, huge facilities, and individual attention. It is, however Planet Fitness is a excellent choice for beginners or those seeking an unprejudiced fitness environment, without the expense of a large sum. 

Before making a decision it is crucial to think about what you’re most interested in when selecting the gym.

FAQs – Anytime Fitness vs. Planet Fitness