Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness: Complete Gym Comparison

Planet Fitness is the better choice if you want affordable memberships, beginner-friendly workouts, flexible hours, and convenient locations, while LA Fitness is ideal for premium amenities, diverse fitness classes, and a more serious training environment. 

Still unsure which gym fits your needs? Read this article to compare pricing, amenities, atmosphere, hours, classes, cleanliness, cancellation policies, and overall value.

When comparing membership plans and pricing, Planet Fitness is the more affordable option, while LA Fitness offers more membership choices at a higher cost.

Planet Fitness Membership Plans:

• Classic: $15 per month

• PF Black Card: $24.99 per month

LA Fitness Membership Plans:

• Basic: $30 per month

• Classic (with initiation fee): $40 per month

• Classic (without initiation fee): $50 per month

Overall, Planet Fitness is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly gym membership. 

On the other hand, LA Fitness costs more but provides access to a wider variety of equipment, fitness classes, and premium gym facilities, making it a better fit for those who want more features.

When it comes to gym amenities, both Planet Fitness and LA Fitness offer a variety of features, but they cater to different fitness needs.

Planet Fitness Amenities:

• Cardio and strength training equipment

• Functional training area and workout spaces

• Small group training

• Touchless check-in and free Wi-Fi

• Locker rooms, showers, and drink stations

• Planet Fitness app

• Premium wellness perks, including massage chairs, HydroMassage, tanning, vibration training with red light therapy, and the Wellness Pod

LA Fitness Amenities:

• Cardio equipment, free weights, and selectorized machines

• Functional training area

• Pool, spa, and sauna

• Group fitness classes

• Sports courts

• Kids Klub childcare

• Personal training

• Pilates by LA Fitness

Overall, Planet Fitness focuses on convenience, comfort, and post-workout recovery, making it a great choice for beginners and casual gym-goers. 

In contrast, LA Fitness provides a broader range of fitness and recreational amenities, making it a better fit for those who want more workout variety and additional facilities.

Planet Fitness gives you a relaxed, beginner friendly environment with a diverse crowd and a Judgment Free Zone that discourages aggressive lifting and loud behavior. 

LA Fitness offers a more energetic, performance focused atmosphere with experienced members, making it better if you enjoy serious training. 

You also get extra amenities like pools, courts, saunas, and group classes for a more complete fitness experience.

When it comes to operating hours and location accessibility, Planet Fitness has a clear advantage over LA Fitness. 

Most Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7, although some clubs operate 24 hours a day for five days a week and follow shorter hours on the remaining two days, depending on staffing and local demand. 

In comparison, LA Fitness typically operates from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, with reduced hours on Fridays and weekends, making it less flexible for members with busy schedules. 

Planet Fitness also has a wider network, with more than 2,750 locations across the United States, while LA Fitness has over 750 clubs. 

Members with a PF Black Card® can access any Planet Fitness location worldwide, whereas LA Fitness requires a multi-club membership to use most locations beyond the one where you enrolled. 

With longer operating hours, a larger number of locations, and broader membership access, Planet Fitness wins this comparison for convenience and accessibility.

If you compare LA Fitness and Planet Fitness based on group fitness classes, LA Fitness is the clear winner because it offers a much wider variety of instructor-led classes.

Planet Fitness mainly offers small group training, including:

• New Member Orientation

• 30-Minute Express Circuit

• Chest & Biceps

• Back & Triceps

• Legs & Shoulders

• Core

• Stretching

In comparison, LA Fitness offers a much broader range of group fitness classes, such as:

• Yoga

• Zumba®

• Cycling

• Pilates

• Kickbox Cardio

• Aqua Fit

• Total Body Conditioning

• HIIT

• Boxing

• Strength

• Mobility

• POP Pilates

• Warrior

If you want more variety and the flexibility to try different workout styles, LA Fitness is the better choice. 

Whether your goal is to improve flexibility, build strength, lose weight, increase endurance, or simply enjoy fun instructor-led workouts, you'll find significantly more class options at LA Fitness than at Planet Fitness.

If cleanliness matters most, you will likely prefer Planet Fitness because staff clean equipment regularly, members are expected to wipe down machines, and maintenance is usually prompt. 

LA Fitness offers more amenities but often struggles with inconsistent cleaning, outdated equipment, and poorly maintained locker rooms, showers, pools, and saunas, especially in high traffic areas during busy periods.

When comparing Planet Fitness and LA Fitness, you should consider both costs and cancellation rules. 

Planet Fitness offers no commitment or 12 month memberships with lower monthly fees, while LA Fitness usually charges higher monthly rates, upfront fees, and a yearly maintenance fee. 

If you cancel early, both may charge penalties for term contracts, but no commitment plans offer greater flexibility.

• Planet Fitness Wins for Membership Plans and Pricing Differences: Planet Fitness is the better choice if affordability is your priority. Its lower monthly membership fees and budget-friendly plans make it ideal for beginners, casual gym-goers, and anyone looking to save money while still accessing essential fitness equipment.

• LA Fitness Wins for Gym Amenities: LA Fitness offers a wider range of amenities, including pools, saunas, sports courts, childcare, Pilates, personal training, and group fitness classes. It is the better option for members who want a complete fitness and recreation experience.

• Planet Fitness Wins for Atmosphere: Crowd Levels and Gym Culture: Planet Fitness stands out for its relaxed, beginner-friendly environment and Judgment Free Zone®. It creates a comfortable atmosphere for new exercisers and people who prefer a less intimidating gym experience.

• Planet Fitness Wins for Operating Hours and Location Accessibility: With many locations operating 24/7, over 2,750 clubs across the United States, and PF Black Card® access to all Planet Fitness locations, Planet Fitness provides greater convenience and accessibility than LA Fitness.

• LA Fitness Wins for Group Classes and Fitness Programs Offered: LA Fitness clearly wins by offering a much larger selection of instructor-led classes, including yoga, Zumba®, cycling, HIIT, boxing, Pilates, Aqua Fit, and strength training, giving members far more workout variety.

• Planet Fitness Wins for Cleanliness, Maintenance, and Hygiene Standards: Planet Fitness performs better in cleanliness by regularly cleaning equipment, encouraging members to sanitize machines after use, and generally providing more consistent maintenance than LA Fitness.

• Planet Fitness Wins for Contract Terms, Fees, and Cancellation Policies: Planet Fitness offers lower monthly costs and more flexible membership options, including no-commitment plans. Compared to LA Fitness, it has fewer upfront costs and is generally the more budget-friendly option.

Overall, Planet Fitness is the better choice for budget-conscious members, beginners, and anyone who values affordability, convenience, cleanliness, and flexible memberships. 

LA Fitness is better suited for people who want premium amenities, a larger variety of group fitness classes, and a more performance-focused gym environment. 

The right choice depends on whether you prioritize low cost and convenience or more facilities and workout options.