In his latest YouTube video, fitness influencer Will Tennyson dives into the controversy surrounding Planet Fitness, often dubbed the “world’s most hated gym.” 

But is the widespread criticism really justified? 

To find out, Will took on the challenge of becoming Planet Fitness’ most loyal member for a few days, thoroughly testing their amenities, equipment, and overall vibe. 

Here’s what he discovered.

First Impressions: A Bold but Polarizing Aesthetic

Walking into Planet Fitness, the first thing that strikes you is the color scheme—a loud mix of purple and yellow.

It’s as if they designed the gym with the intent of making it unforgettable, though not necessarily in a good way. For some, the bright colors might be motivating; for others, it’s reminiscent of a children’s TV show.

But personal taste aside, I signed up for their Black Card membership, a $29.99-per-month package that includes various perks like guest privileges and access to their Black Card Spa.

Equipment Evaluation: A Mixed Bag of Functionality and Frustration

One of the most common complaints about Planet Fitness revolves around its equipment, particularly the stark imbalance between cardio machines and weightlifting options. Upon entering the gym, it’s clear that cardio reigns supreme.

The sheer number of treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes is overwhelming, but many are in a state of disrepair. On the day I visited, I found myself on the only functioning treadmill in a row of broken machines.

The weightlifting area didn’t fare much better. Serious lifters will likely be disappointed to find no squat racks, hack squats, or pendulum squat machines.

Instead, Planet Fitness relies heavily on Smith machines, which were often occupied, leading to long wait times. The limited selection of weights also poses a problem—dumbbells max out at 75 pounds, and there aren’t enough plates to load heavy on the machines available.

This setup is far from ideal for anyone looking to make significant strength gains.

Rating: The cardio variety is impressive, but the poor condition of the equipment and the lack of serious weightlifting options drag down the experience.

The “Lunk Alarm” and Gym Policies: Surprisingly Tame

Planet Fitness is infamous for its “Lunk Alarm,” a loud siren that goes off if someone drops weights, grunts too loudly, or does anything deemed too aggressive by gym standards.

I expected to trigger it during my visit, but despite lifting heavy and pushing myself, the alarm remained silent. This inconsistency is echoed in their dress code and water bottle policies.

While the gym has rules against bodybuilding tank tops, slides, and gallon jugs, enforcement varies. One staff member politely asked me to change my shoes, but other members with similar attire were left alone.

Rating: The policies are strict in theory, but in practice, they’re enforced haphazardly, leading to confusion and frustration among members.

The Black Card Spa: A Surprisingly Luxurious Escape

The Black Card membership includes access to the gym’s spa area, which turned out to be one of the highlights of my visit.

The Hydro Massage beds were a particular favorite, delivering a surprisingly deep and effective massage that left me feeling relaxed and refreshed.

The spa also features massage chairs, tanning beds, and a curious machine called the “Total Body Enhancement” chamber—a red light therapy booth that jiggles your entire body. While it was an odd experience, it added an unexpected element of fun to the visit.

Rating: The spa amenities are a standout feature, offering a level of relaxation that you wouldn’t expect at a budget gym. However, the equipment’s cleanliness and upkeep could be better.

The Gym Atmosphere: A Community Lacking Cohesion

One of the most disappointing aspects of Planet Fitness was the lack of community. Unlike traditional gyms, where you often build camaraderie with fellow members, Planet Fitness felt more like a collection of individuals working out in the same space rather than a cohesive community.

The gym was also packed with high schoolers, making it feel more like a hangout spot than a serious place to train. The atmosphere was far from the motivating, high-energy environment that many gym-goers seek.

Rating: The social dynamics at Planet Fitness are lacking. If you’re looking for a gym with a strong sense of community, this might not be the place for you.

Cancellation Process: A Pleasant Surprise

After a few days of testing out the gym, I decided it was time to cancel my membership. Despite Planet Fitness’ reputation for making cancellations difficult, I found the process surprisingly easy.

A quick visit to the front desk, a brief explanation, and I was out the door—no questions asked.

Rating: The cancellation process was hassle-free, which was a refreshing end to my membership experience.

Final Verdict: Is the Hate Justified?

Planet Fitness certainly has its merits, particularly for beginners or those looking for a low-cost gym option. The Black Card Spa offers excellent relaxation perks, and the gym is accessible to a wide range of people.

However, for serious fitness enthusiasts, the lack of proper weightlifting equipment, inconsistent policy enforcement, and a weak sense of community make it hard to recommend.

The gym’s reputation as the “world’s most hated” stems from these shortcomings, but it might still be a suitable option for those who prioritize affordability and a non-intimidating environment.

That said, if you’re serious about your fitness goals and value a strong gym community, you might want to look elsewhere.

In the end, my journey at Planet Fitness has come to a close, and while I can appreciate what the gym offers, I’m ready to return to a more traditional fitness environment.