Is a Planet Fitness membership worth it?
Yes, if you just want a cheap place to work out.
It's the budget pick: basic equipment, no frills, and you can cancel anytime. What settles it: how often you'll actually go.
Checked Sep 8
How often do you plan to go each week?
Why?
Cheapest real gym Basic membership runs about $10 a month, and the $24.99 plan adds perks like tanning and guest passes.
No long-term trap You can cancel anytime, unlike many gyms that lock you in for a year.
Limited but enough You get cardio machines, free weights, and circuit training, but no pools, classes, or heavy squat racks at most locations.
Prices and perks can vary by location, and some clubs have added fees or changed their lineup since 2026.
If your situation is different
How often do you plan to go each week: 3+ times. Worth it. That's under a buck a visit. At the basic plan, three visits a week makes it one of the cheapest gyms around.
How often do you plan to go each week: 1 to 2 times. Probably still worth it, barely. Two visits a week is about $1.25 each, which beats most day passes.
How often do you plan to go each week: Rarely. Skip it. You'll pay for nothing. If you're not going, even $10 a month is wasted money.
Who is a Planet Fitness membership right for?
Right for
- First-timers who want a low-pressure gym
- Budget lifters who only need machines and dumbbells
- Travelers who use any of 2,600+ locations
- People who want to cancel without a fight
Wrong for
- Serious powerlifters who need heavy squat racks
- Swimmers or hot yoga fans
- Anyone who wants classes or a pool
- People who won't go more than twice a month
What does a Planet Fitness membership cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Basic membership | $10 a month, 2026 | The classic deal: access to one home club, no commitment. |
| Black Card membership | $24.99 a month, 2026 | Adds tanning, massage chairs, guest privileges, and all-club access. |
| Annual fee | $49 a year, 2026 | Billed once a year on top of monthly dues, so budget for it. |
| Locations | 2,600+ clubs in the US, 2026 | More clubs than any other gym chain, so one is likely nearby. |
| Cost per visit at 3x a week | About $0.83 per visit, 2026 | At $10 a month plus the annual fee, that's under a buck a session. |
What's the biggest Planet Fitness mistake?
The biggest mistake is paying for the Black Card when you only use your home gym. The $24.99 plan sounds like a deal, but if you never tan, never bring a guest, and never travel, you're throwing away $15 a month. Stick with the $10 basic plan unless you actually use the extras.
How do you decide if a Planet Fitness membership is worth it?
- Count how many times you went to any gym in the last month.
- If it's 3 or more, sign up for the $10 basic plan today.
- If it's 1 to 2, sign up but set a calendar reminder to cancel after 60 days if you don't go.
- If it's 0, skip it and save the $10 plus the $49 annual fee.
People also ask
What's the difference between the basic and black card plans?
Black card adds perks, not speed. Basic covers the core service; black card layers on extras like priority support and exclusive features. The exact perks shift over time, so check the current plan page.
Is the nearest location convenient?
Probably convenient, if it's close. Planet Fitness locations are everywhere, so the nearest one is usually a short drive. But 'convenient' depends on your commute and parking, not just distance.
Can I bring a guest with the basic plan?
Usually not, but check your plan's fine print. Basic plans typically allow one member only, no guest passes. The exception is if your specific plan includes a guest privilege, so verify the terms.
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