You’ll find both Planet Fitness and LA Fitness within a few miles of each other in most neighborhoods, yet the experience inside each is completely different. Cost and amenities are the biggest drivers of the comparison — one offers a low monthly fee and a beginner-friendly setup, the other charges more but brings pools, heavy free weights, and a full class schedule to the table.
Picking the wrong one usually means wasted money and slower progress toward your goals. This guide compares pricing, equipment, amenities, and cancellation policies side by side, so you can land on the membership that actually fits your budget and training style.
What’s the Main Difference Between the Two?
LA Fitness runs as a full-service athletic club. Planet Fitness runs on a low-cost, high-volume model with branding built specifically to welcome beginners. That distinction is really the root of every other comparison in this guide.
- LA Fitness clubs tend to be larger, with pools, sports courts, and full free-weight sections — built more for intermediate and advanced members
- Planet Fitness clubs are more compact and standardized, focused on machines, cardio, and a low-pressure atmosphere for people just starting out
Fitness International, LLC (LA Fitness’s parent company) and Planet Fitness, Inc. are chasing different growth strategies entirely — one prioritizes bigger clubs, the other prioritizes opening more of them.
Which Gym Is Cheaper?
Planet Fitness wins on price by a wide margin. Basic memberships start around $15/month, compared to LA Fitness’s $29.99–$49.99 range.
| Feature | LA Fitness | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rate (Basic/Classic) | $29.99 | ~$15 |
| Premium monthly dues | $39.99–$49.99 | $24.99 |
| Annual fee | $59 or $69 | $49–$59 |
| Initiation fee | $0–$99 | $1–$49 |
| Multi-club access | Included on higher tiers | Included with Black Card |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Before joining either one, factor in a few costs that don’t show up in the headline price:
- Annual maintenance fee
- Enrollment or initiation fee
- State or local sales tax
- Early termination fee
- Extra charges for certain amenities
- Late payment or reactivation fees
Equipment: Which Gym Offers More?
LA Fitness comes out ahead here, with free weights, Olympic lifting platforms, and a bigger class schedule. Planet Fitness sticks to basic cardio and circuit machines aimed at budget-conscious beginners.
At LA Fitness: – Full free-weight sections with Olympic bars and benches – Squat racks and dedicated power-lifting platforms at most clubs – Functional training rigs and turf areas – Dumbbell ranges up to 100+ lbs – Cardio decks with treadmills, bikes, and rowers
At Planet Fitness: – Strong cardio lineup (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes) – Beginner-friendly strength machines – Smith machines instead of traditional squat racks at most locations – A deliberately limited amount of free weights, to keep the space low-pressure – Total Body Enhancement and recovery equipment on Black Card plans
Group Fitness: Which Has Better Class Variety?
LA Fitness has the edge here too — a wide range of studio classes like Zumba, yoga, cycling, and aqua fit. Planet Fitness keeps things simpler, with basic machine orientation and small-group circuit training (PE@PF).
| Class Type | LA Fitness | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga | Yes | Limited |
| Cycling | Yes | No |
| HIIT or bootcamp | Yes | Occasional |
| Aqua fitness | Yes (pool clubs) | No |
| Small-group strength coaching | Select clubs | Yes |
Personal Training
LA Fitness offers structured one-on-one training — starts with an assessment, followed by a plan tailored to your goals, priced per session or as a package. Cost per session drops as the package size goes up, and coaching is available for goals like strength, muscle gain, or sport-specific performance. This is offered at full-size clubs.
Planet Fitness takes a different approach: free PE@PF small-group sessions that teach basic exercises and gym etiquette, aimed at getting new members comfortable rather than coaching toward advanced goals. One-on-one attention is limited, but there’s no added cost beyond the standard membership.
Practical tip:
If you’re brand new to weightlifting, Planet Fitness’s free sessions cover the basics fine. If you’re after muscle gain, strength, or sports performance specifically, budgeting for LA Fitness’s paid training is probably the better move.
Gym Atmosphere
The environment shapes how comfortable you’ll feel showing up regularly. Planet Fitness leans into an affordable, judgment-free vibe, while LA Fitness runs more like a traditional club packed with amenities.
LA Fitness tends to draw intermediate lifters, athletes, and group-class regulars — busier and more performance-oriented. Planet Fitness specifically cultivates a judgment-free, beginner-friendly space, which is a big part of why first-time gym-goers gravitate there.
Best for beginner comfort: Planet Fitness Best for a performance-driven environment: LA Fitness
Are LA Fitness’s Extra Amenities Worth It?
Only if you’ll actually use them — the lap pool, basketball courts, or group classes need to be part of your routine to justify the higher price.
| Amenity | LA Fitness | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | Available at many clubs | Not offered |
| Basketball/racquetball courts | Available at select clubs | Not offered |
| Sauna or steam room | Available at many clubs | Not offered |
| Massage chairs/HydroMassage | Not standard | Black Card tier only |
| Childcare | Kids Klub at family clubs | Not offered |
Cleanliness and Maintenance
This varies club to club within both chains, but a few patterns hold up:
- Both brands run regular equipment servicing and maintenance schedules
- Locker room cleanliness comes up constantly in reviews for both
- Newer clubs from either brand tend to score better in cleanliness feedback
Reddit and Quora threads swing all over the place on this topic for both chains, so national averages and internet reviews aren’t that reliable. A quick visit to your actual local club beats reading reviews every time.
Hours and Accessibility
Operating hours matter more than people expect, especially for early-morning or late-night workouts.
Planet Fitness runs extended hours at many locations, with a good number staying open 24 hourshttps://lafitnesscost.com/la-fitness-hours/ — particularly for Black Card members. LA Fitness hours vary more by location, and many clubs don’t stay open overnight.
Membership Flexibility and Cancellation
LA Fitness memberships typically involve contract terms — cancel before the term’s up, and you may owe a buyout or early termination fee. Planet Fitness’s “Classic” plan is generally easier to cancel on a month-to-month basis, though some promotional plans still carry commitment terms.
Rules shift by state, club, and enrollment agreement, so your signed contract is the actual authority here — always verify cancellation procedure with your home club directly.
Common Mistakes People Make
Choosing based on price alone is the top reason people end up unhappy with their membership. Other frequent missteps:
- Picking a plan without checking if the gym actually has the equipment you need
- Skipping an in-person visit before signing
- Assuming you’ll use premium facilities like a pool or courts more than you actually will
- Not reading the cancellation and exit terms upfront
- Assuming the national average price applies at your local club
Pro tip:
Ask the specific club for a complete written quote instead of going off the brand’s general pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LA Fitness better than Planet Fitness?
Depends on your goals, budget, and preferred amenities. LA Fitness brings heavy free weights, pools, and group classes; Planet Fitness offers an affordable, beginner-friendly setup.
Which gym is cheaper?
Planet Fitness. Basic plans run about $15–$24.99/month versus LA Fitness’s $29.99–$49.99.
Does Planet Fitness have pools like LA Fitness?
No. Planet Fitness sticks to low-cost, basic equipment layouts rather than pools, hot tubs, or saunas.
Can I switch between LA Fitness and Planet Fitness memberships easily?
No — they’re separate, competing companies, so there’s no direct transfer between them.
Which gym has more total locations?
Planet Fitness, by a solid margin — it operates roughly 2,900 clubs nationwide, compared to LA Fitness’s approximately 650–700 locations across the US and Canada.
Final Verdict
This isn’t really about which gym is objectively better — it’s about which one matches your goals. Serious lifters and pool users get more value out of LA Fitness. Budget-conscious beginners tend to do better with Planet Fitness.
Independent Fitness Membership Researcher
Her role is as an independent researcher specializing in fitness memberships. She has several years of experience tracking membership costs and contacting individual clubs directly to ensure the accuracy of pricing information. Her research is focused on helping individuals make informed decisions before committing to long-term gym contracts. She works independently and has no official affiliation with any gym chain, ensuring that her information remains unbiased and objective.