Nov 18 2007
Work out at Planet Fitness
After settling in for a few weeks, one of the big items on our “to find” list was a gym (the other was a church, more on that in a later post). Unsurprisingly for a “large” metropolitan area, Portland offers a mix of franchise fitness centers and small local joints. I am a fairly regular gym-goer, working out 2-3 times per week usually, but She needs some additional motivation to put on the spandex and hit the treadmill. Thus, cost was a large factor in our decision. We’d like for Her to be able to work out when she wants, but paying for a full second membership is not particularly cost effective.
Thus, we selected the Black Card membership at Planet Fitness on Marginal Way in Portland. The location is very convenient at a short 3 mile drive around Back Cove. It’s just down the street from our grocery store, so I’ve been able to work out, shower at the gym, and do the groceries on the way back on a few occasions. The Black Card is nice because it allows me unlimited guest privileges (meaning She works out for free when she wants to go), and I can work out at any other PF in the country without paying a guest fee. There is also PF location in Westbrook, so if I’m ever out that way, I can work out without needing to drive all the way back to Portland (unlikely for someone who works from home, but hey, you never know).
The Portland facility is pretty nice. It’s got two floors—the ground floor is mostly cardio, with a stretching station and some core (ab and lower back) machines, and the upstairs has free weights, locker rooms, tanning, and resistance machines. The number of cardio machines is quite large, which is good, because the place gets crowded after work. The resistance machine selection could be a bit better, but it’s certainly adequate. The only piece I definitely miss is a rotary oblique machine. I’m told there are cardio classes in Westbrook too. The Portland site does not have a studio, so classes are not an option—not something I miss, but She misses Cardio Kickboxing and some of the other classes she used to take.
The Black Card also comes with 50% discounts on drinks, and free tanning. I’ve not really taken advantage of either of those yet, but they may be factors in the decision for some people. The best part about the whole deal, though, is the price. For $20.00 a month, She and I can work out whenever we want (though She can’t go without me). This is certainly a much better deal than Gold’s was back in Albany. I’ve used the guest privileges at two other locations and was granted access without any problems. Overall, I think Planet Fitness was a great decision for a regular, but casual, weight lifter and his “do I have to go to the gym today?” wife.
If I upgrade my current Augusta Maine $10.00 / month membership fee to use the $5.00 add’l cost per month upgrade coupon recieved in the mail will this allow me to use the Westbrook Maine location as well as stil continue to use the Augusta location as well? also i I understand it correctly by pgrading to a black card I will be able to bring a guest on occasion ? Is there any limitations to this upgrade reciprocal black card?
Dean, I received those coupons in the mail as well, but since I’m already a Black Card member, I didn’t really read them that closely. My understanding is that a Black Card entitles the account holder unlimited use of all Planet Fitness locations, so you would be able to go to Westbrook with a Black Card membership.
When I signed up, I picked a home location (Portland) and am allowed unlimited guest privileges for that location only. I can bring my wife with me to Portland every day if I want (and she’s willing) for free. However, I cannot bring her as a guest to other locations. I’m not sure what they mean by reciprocal though, so I don’t know if you’d be able to bring a guest to both locations or not. I’m guessing not, but you never know. I think your best bet is to call PF and ask. Good luck!
Hey Dean,
I’m a marketing major doing a project on health club marketing and I am trying to collect as many “direct mailers” as possible from different clubs. The only health club I haven’t been able to get is Planet Fitness. I see that you are receiving their mailers in the mail and was wondering if you would be able to mail me the mailers you get? or scan them and email them to me so I can see what they are like? I would truly appreciate it. Thank you!!
Kris