Picking the right gym can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, so many price points, and so many promises. But two names keep coming up again and again — Planet Fitness and LA Fitness.

Both are big, popular, and well-known in the United States. But they are very different from each other. Planet Fitness is known for being cheap and beginner-friendly. LA Fitness is known for having more equipment and better amenities — but at a higher price.

In this full comparison guide, we will break down everything you need to know about Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness — pricing, equipment, locations, amenities, and who each gym is really best for. By the end, you will know exactly which one is right for you.

1. Quick Overview: Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness

Before we dive deep, here is a quick side-by-side look at both gyms. This will help you understand the key differences at a glance.

Inside a Planet Fitness location — the signature purple and yellow “Judgement Free Zone” makes it one of the most recognizable gym brands in America.

2. Pricing & Membership Costs

This is often the first thing people look at — and it is the biggest difference between these two gyms.

Planet Fitness Pricing

Planet Fitness is famous for being one of the most affordable gyms in the entire United States. They have two main membership plans:

Planet Fitness current membership options — the Classic plan and the premium PF Black Card plan. Note: prices can vary slightly by location and promotion period.

The Classic Membership starts at just $10 per month (sometimes shown at $15/month depending on the current promotion). This gives you unlimited access to your home club. It also comes with a $29 startup fee and a $49 annual fee charged once a year.

The PF Black Card Membership costs $24.99 per month. This is Planet Fitness’s premium plan and it includes several extra perks — you can bring a guest for free any time, access any Planet Fitness location in the country (over 2,400 clubs), use tanning beds, get discounts on partner brands, and access PF+ premium digital workouts. The startup fee for the Black Card is just $1, which is a great deal during promotional periods.

Both plans have no long-term commitment, meaning you can cancel anytime — online, which is very convenient.

LA Fitness Pricing

LA Fitness is more expensive than Planet Fitness, but the price varies more depending on your location and what type of membership you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay around $25 to $35 per month for a single-club membership. A multi-club plan that lets you visit any LA Fitness location usually costs closer to $35 to $45 per month.

LA Fitness also sometimes charges an enrollment fee or initiation fee, which can range from $0 (during special promotions) to $99 or more. Unlike Planet Fitness, LA Fitness does not always make its pricing transparent on its website — you often have to visit or call a location to get exact numbers.

There are also add-on services at LA Fitness, like personal training packages, which cost extra. Group fitness classes are usually included in the base membership, which is a nice benefit.

Pricing Verdict

Planet Fitness wins on price — by a lot. If your budget is the #1 factor, Planet Fitness is the clear choice. You get a clean, modern gym for as little as $10 a month with no contract. LA Fitness costs 2–3 times more, though you do get significantly more facilities for that price.

3. Equipment & Facilities

This is where the two gyms start to look very different from each other.

Cardio machines like treadmills are a staple at both Planet Fitness and LA Fitness — though the quantity and variety differ significantly between chains.

Planet Fitness Equipment

Planet Fitness has plenty of cardio equipment. You will find rows of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, stair climbers, and arc trainers. They also have a good selection of selectorized (weight stack) machines for beginners and casual gym-goers.

However, Planet Fitness is famously limited when it comes to free weights. Most Planet Fitness locations only carry dumbbells up to 60 or 75 lbs. There are usually no barbell benches, squat racks, or deadlift platforms. This is a deliberate choice — Planet Fitness markets itself as a “Judgement Free Zone” and wants to avoid the intimidating “hardcore” gym vibe.

If you are a beginner, this is actually a feature, not a bug. The machines are easy to use, nothing is too complicated, and you won’t feel out of place if you’re just starting out.

But if you are an intermediate or advanced lifter who wants to do compound movements like squats, bench press, deadlifts, or Olympic lifting — Planet Fitness will not meet your needs.

LA Fitness Equipment

A well-equipped weight room with multiple power racks, barbells, and a full range of plates — the type of setup you can expect at LA Fitness locations.

LA Fitness offers a much more complete equipment selection. You will typically find:

LA Fitness is equipped to handle every type of workout — beginner or advanced, cardio or strength, machine-based or free weights. This makes it a better fit for people who take their training seriously.

Equipment Verdict: LA Fitness wins clearly. Unless you only do cardio or light machine work, LA Fitness simply has more to offer in the weight room.

4. Amenities & Extra Features

Beyond the gym floor, both chains offer extra amenities — though they are very different in what they provide.

Planet Fitness Amenities

Planet Fitness keeps things simple. With the Black Card membership, you get access to tanning beds and massage chairs. These are unusual perks for a gym — most gyms don’t offer tanning at all. There are also HydroMassage loungers at many locations, which are a type of water massage bed that can help with recovery after a workout.

Planet Fitness also offers a free beginner-level personal training program called PE@PF (Planet Fitness Personal Electric Training). These are not one-on-one sessions but rather group circuit training sessions led by a trainer. They are free and included with your membership, which is great for beginners who need some guidance.

What Planet Fitness does NOT have: no swimming pools, no basketball courts, no racquetball courts, no saunas, no steam rooms, and no live group fitness classes. It’s a no-frills experience.

LA Fitness Amenities

LA Fitness is a step up in terms of amenities. Most LA Fitness locations include:

• 🏊 Swimming Pool — Indoor lap pools at the majority of locations
• 🧖 Sauna & Steam Room — Available at most clubs
• 🏀 Basketball Courts — Full-size courts for pickup games
• 🎾 Racquetball Courts — At select locations
• 🤸 Group Fitness Classes — Yoga, Zumba, Spin, HIIT, and more — usually included in membership
• 💪 Personal Training — One-on-one with certified trainers (paid add-on)
• 🧒 Kids’ Club — Childcare service at some locations (small fee)

For families or anyone who wants more out of their gym than just a treadmill and some weights, LA Fitness is significantly better value — even at its higher price point.

Amenities Verdict: LA Fitness wins by a wide margin. The pool, courts, sauna, and classes make it a complete recreational facility, not just a gym.

5. Locations & Availability

Both gyms are widely available across the United States, but Planet Fitness has a major advantage in terms of sheer number of locations.

LA Fitness locations are typically large, standalone buildings with parking — offering a premium gym experience in a well-maintained facility.

Planet Fitness Locations

Planet Fitness has more than 2,400 locations across all 50 states, plus international locations in Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, and Australia. This massive footprint means there is likely a Planet Fitness near you no matter where you live in the US.

With the Black Card membership, you can visit any of these 2,400+ locations for free. This is ideal if you travel frequently or want the flexibility to work out wherever you are.

Many Planet Fitness locations are also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (staffed hours vary), which is great for people with irregular schedules.

LA Fitness Locations

LA Fitness has around 700+ locations in the United States and Canada. While this is a large number, it’s considerably smaller than Planet Fitness. LA Fitness locations are concentrated in more urban and suburban areas.

LA Fitness also operates under related brands including Esporta Fitness and Club Fitness (in the Midwest), so a multi-club membership may give you access to these as well. Check with your local club for details on reciprocal access.

Locations Verdict: Planet Fitness wins if accessibility and travel flexibility matter to you. If you live near both, this factor may not change your decision.

6. Who Should Join Each Gym?

Both gyms are excellent — for the right person. Here’s a clear breakdown of who each gym is best for:

8. Frequently Asked Questions