Choosing between LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness is not as simple as comparing prices. While both gyms are popular across the United States, they are designed for very different types of users. Because of this, many people end up choosing the wrong one and later feel dissatisfied.
To help you avoid that mistake, this guide breaks down everything that actually matters including cost, equipment and real user experiences so you can make a decision that fits your lifestyle and fitness goals.
Before choosing, check the full LA Fitness membership cost breakdown.
You can also explore latest LA Fitness deals to save money.
What Is the Main Difference in LA Fitness Vs Planet Fitness?
LA Fitness is known for being a full service fitness club. This means you come in and choose from a wide selection of equipment, group classes, and amenities like basketball courts and pools. This appeals to a broader range of users.
In comparison, Planet Fitness lacks amenities like pools and group fitness classes, but it aims to provide the lowest cost memberships in the fitness industry by creating a no-frills environment in which you can still exercise.
With that in mind, your choice ultimately depends on more than your budget. LA Fitness and Planet Fitness have designed memberships for users at different fitness levels.
Which Gym Is Cheaper: LA Fitness Vs Planet Fitness?
Price is often the first thing people check, but the real question should be: what are you getting for that price?
Of the two gym options, Planet Fitness is more affordable. There are two memberships, normal and the Black Card. The normal card is about $10 a month while the Black Card is about $25 a month. They do not require long-term contracts either.
LA Fitness is a more expensive option. Monthly memberships are about $35 to $50. In addition to this, there are initiation and annual maintenance fees. These costs can be worth it, however, as it is a more gym facility conducive to more than just working out.
If your workout is solely going to consist of doing cardio, such as using a treadmill and possibly some gym equipment, LA Fitness may not be worth the price. If your workout includes classes, a lot of Weightlifting, and equipment, the value justifies the price.
So instead of asking which gym is cheaper, a better question is: which one matches how you plan to work out?
What Hidden Costs Should You Consider Before Joining?
Many users overlook additional fees, which can lead to frustration later so here is the LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness cost.
At LA Fitness, you may encounter:
- Initiation or sign-up fees
- Annual maintenance fees
- Higher charges for personal training
Planet Fitness also charges an annual fee, but the upfront cost is usually much lower. Normally, the payment is much less; however, upgrading to the Black Card does increase the price.
Calculating an annual total, rather than a monthly total, can provide a better perspective on how much a gym membership will actually cost.
Which Gym LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness, Offers Better Equipment and Training Options?
LA Fitness provides a complete training environment. You will find free weights, squat racks, benches, cable machines, and a wide range of cardio equipment. This allows you to follow almost any workout style, whether it is strength training, bodybuilding, or functional fitness.
Planet Fitness, in comparison, focuses more on machines and basic equipment. While it does include dumbbells and cardio machines, it usually lacks heavier free weights and traditional squat racks.
Because of this setup, beginners often feel comfortable at Planet Fitness, but more experienced users may find it limiting over time.
How Does the Gym Atmosphere Affect Your Experience?
The environment of a gym plays a bigger role than many people expect.
At LA Fitness, the atmosphere tends to be more focused and performance-driven. You will often see experienced lifters and people following structured routines. For some, this creates motivation. For others, especially beginners, it may feel overwhelming at first.
Planet Fitness takes a different approach. Its “Judgement Free Zone” concept is designed to remove pressure and make new members feel comfortable. As a result, the environment is generally more relaxed and less intimidating.
User experiences seem to differ across the board. What may be discouraging to some may help others stay consistent. Because of this, it is all about your preference.
Are the Extra Amenities at LA Fitness Really Worth It?
One of the biggest reasons people consider LA Fitness is its extra facilities.
Many locations include:
- Swimming pools
- Basketball courts
- Group fitness classes
- Sauna and steam rooms
In contrast, Planet Fitness’s amenities are simple. Although the Black Card membership offers perks like massage chairs and tanning, you will miss out on the other perks.
However, there is an important point to consider. Many users initially get excited about these extras but stop using them after a few weeks. If you are not planning to use these features regularly, paying extra for them may not be a smart decision.
So do not focus on the amenities offered, rather focus on the aspects of your daily routine.
LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness: Which Gym Is More Convenient in Terms of Hours and Accessibility?
In this case, Planet Fitness has the upper hand. They have the most locations open 24/7 like others.
LA Fitness also has long hours, but some locations are not open 24/7. Also, some of their clubs have lots of foot traffic in peak hours. That can affect your workout.
Distance is yet another essential factor. A gym that is nearer to you would likely be incorporated into your exercising routine. It does not matter how exceptional a gym is, if it is placed too far to visit, you won’t be able to make it part of your routine.
How Flexible Are Memberships and Cancellation Policies?
Planet Fitness generally offers no-contract memberships, making it easier to cancel if your plans change. This offers a lot more benefit to those that are starting and are not too certain about making a long term commitment.
LA Fitness, in contrast, often requires a contract. This can imply a better pricing in certain cases, although cancellation of the membership tends to be a lot more complex.
Because of this, if you prefer flexibility and low risk, Planet Fitness is the safer option.
What Do Real Users Say About LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness?
Sometimes, it may be hard to see the patterns that emerge from a description, and this is the benefit of seeing user reviews.
Most of the reasons that make people join Planet Fitness are pricing and location. For those who like a casual workout, this may be adequate. However, some eventually feel limited due to the lack of equipment.
On the other hand, LA Fitness is often praised for its variety of equipment and training options. At the same time, some users mention higher costs and occasional crowding as downsides.
Another important insight is that maintenance and cleanliness can vary by location for both gyms. This means visiting your local branch before joining can help you avoid surprises.
Which Should You Choose Between LA Fitness VS Planet Fitness?
Selecting the most appropriate gym largely depends on your needs.
Final Verdict: Which Gym Offers Better Value Overall?
When choosing between LA Fitness Vs Planet Fitness, there is no outright winner in this situation; for most gym-goers, the best choice is purely a question of how you are planning on using the gym.
If your most important goal is to remain active while investing as little as possible, Planet Fitness is an excellent option. It removes unnecessary pressure and keeps things simple, which is often enough for beginners.
However, if you are serious about improving your fitness and want access to more equipment and training options, LA Fitness justifies its higher price.
Ultimately, the top gym is not the gym that offers the most, it is the gym that you can work into your schedule and maintain consistency with.
FAQs
For most beginners, Planet Fitness is the more relaxed option. LA Fitness can also work, but you may spend more time working out because the atmosphere is more active.
Planet Fitness keeps costs low by offering fewer amenities and focusing mainly on basic equipment. This helps them attract a wider audience.
Yes, it is possible to build muscle using machines and dumbbells. However, advanced lifters may eventually find the equipment limiting.
Yes, LA Fitness offers squat racks, more advanced machines, and a larger free weight selection compared to Planet Fitness.
Planet Fitness is generally more flexible with cancellations because many memberships are contract free.
LA Fitness can be worth the higher price if you regularly use the additional equipment, classes, and amenities. If you are less consistent, it may not feel worth the extra cost.
This depends on the location, but Planet Fitness is often less crowded because of its simpler setup and extended hours.
Yes, visiting your local branch before joining is highly recommended. It allows you to check cleanliness, equipment condition, and the overall environment.
You can verify pricing directly on the Planet Fitness official website.
Michael Reynolds is a U.S.-based fitness writer and gym membership analyst with over 7 years of experience reviewing health clubs and workout programs. He specializes in breaking down pricing structures of major gym chains like LA Fitness, helping readers understand real costs, hidden fees, and the best membership options. When he’s not writing, Michael focuses on strength training and gym-based fitness routines.