When I first stepped into Planet Fitness, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had read mixed opinions about their personal trainers—some people claimed they were helpful, while others said they were just there to guide beginners without much real expertise. Instead of relying on online reviews, I decided to test it out myself.
Like many others, I wanted to see if Planet Fitness trainers could actually help me achieve my fitness goals or if they were just there to make sure people didn’t misuse the equipment. So, after months of experiencing their training firsthand, here’s my honest review of whether or not Planet Fitness trainers are worth it.
What You Get with a Planet Fitness Trainer
One of the first things that stood out to me was that Planet Fitness trainers are free—which sounds amazing, right? At most gyms, hiring a personal trainer can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per session, so getting access to a trainer as part of my gym membership felt like a steal.
However, there’s a catch. The personal training at Planet Fitness isn’t like what you’d get at a high-end gym. Instead of one-on-one personal coaching, the trainers at Planet Fitness mostly run small group classes that focus on general fitness topics. These include:
- How to use gym equipment properly
- Full-body circuit training workouts
- Basic strength training techniques
- Weight loss-focused group sessions
The training sessions are designed to help beginners feel comfortable in the gym, which is great if you’re new to working out. But if you’re looking for a highly personalized workout plan, you won’t find it here.
Do Planet Fitness Trainers Know Their Stuff?
I attended multiple training sessions at my local Planet Fitness, and here’s what I noticed:
✅ What They Do Well:
✔️ They are great at explaining how machines work – If you’ve never used gym equipment before, they’ll walk you through each machine, making sure you use it correctly.
✔️ They provide basic workout structures – If you have no idea how to build a workout routine, they’ll guide you through a beginner-friendly program.
✔️ They create a no-judgment environment – One thing I liked is that they never made anyone feel uncomfortable, no matter their fitness level.
❌ Where They Fall Short:
❌ Not all trainers are certified personal trainers – Some have fitness-related certifications, but others are just Planet Fitness employees with some training experience.
❌ They don’t push you very hard – If you’re looking for intense motivation or someone to hold you accountable, you might not get it here.
❌ No personalized training plans – They give general advice but don’t create customized workout programs based on individual goals.
In short, Planet Fitness trainers are great for beginners, but if you have specific fitness goals like bodybuilding, athletic training, or serious weight loss, you may need to hire a professional trainer elsewhere.
My Personal Experience with Planet Fitness Trainers
When I joined Planet Fitness, I had some experience working out but wasn’t an expert. I knew how to use free weights and machines, but I wasn’t following a structured workout plan. I decided to sign up for a few training sessions to see if they could help me take my workouts to the next level.
First Impressions
The trainers were friendly and approachable. I never felt intimidated, and they explained exercises in a way that was easy to understand. The first session focused on a full-body circuit workout, which was helpful, but I quickly realized that the workouts were very general—there was nothing specifically tailored to my fitness level or goals.
Did I See Any Results?
Since I already had some gym experience, I didn’t find the training sessions particularly challenging. However, I noticed that complete beginners in my group gained confidence and improved their form after attending a few sessions.
One of my biggest takeaways was that Planet Fitness trainers are great for people who don’t know where to start, but if you’re already comfortable in the gym, you might outgrow their guidance quickly.
Who Should Use a Planet Fitness Trainer?
After spending time with the trainers, I think they’re best suited for:
✅ Beginners who need basic guidance – If you’ve never lifted weights or used gym machines before, they can help you get started.
✅ People who need motivation to stay consistent – The structured sessions can help you stay accountable.
✅ Those looking for a supportive, no-pressure environment – If you’re intimidated by regular gyms, Planet Fitness trainers create a welcoming space.
However, if you’re someone who:
❌ Wants a fully customized training plan
❌ Needs advanced guidance for muscle building or athletic performance
❌ Prefers one-on-one coaching with detailed feedback
Then you might need a more experienced personal trainer outside of Planet Fitness.
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How Planet Fitness Trainers Compare to Other Gyms
Since I’ve worked out at different gyms before, I compared my experience at Planet Fitness with trainers from other places like LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and independent personal trainers.
🔹 Planet Fitness Trainers: Great for beginners, free with membership, but limited in customization.
🔹 LA Fitness & Gold’s Gym Trainers: More personalized and push you harder, but expensive ($50-$100 per session).
🔹 Independent Personal Trainers: Completely customized workouts, but can be costly ($100+ per session).
If you’re on a budget and just need basic guidance, Planet Fitness trainers are a solid choice. But if you want serious muscle gain, fat loss, or performance training, investing in a professional trainer is probably a better option.
FAQ’s
1. Are Planet Fitness personal trainers free?
Yes, personal training sessions at Planet Fitness are included in your membership at no extra cost.
2. Do Planet Fitness trainers offer one-on-one coaching?
No, they mostly conduct small group sessions and provide general workout guidance rather than personalized training.
3. Are Planet Fitness trainers certified professionals?
Some trainers have basic fitness certifications, but not all are certified personal trainers with extensive experience.
4. Can Planet Fitness trainers help with weight loss or muscle gain?
They can provide basic workout plans, but for serious weight loss or muscle-building, a customized program with a professional trainer is recommended.
5. Are Planet Fitness trainers good for beginners?
Yes, they are great for beginners who need guidance on using gym equipment and learning basic exercises in a judgment-free environment.
Final Verdict: Are Planet Fitness Trainers Any Good?
So, are Planet Fitness personal trainers any good? Based on my experience, they can be useful, but only for the right people. If you’re a beginner who needs help learning the basics or someone looking for general workout structure and motivation, they’re worth trying. However, if you’re serious about fitness goals or need personalized coaching, they might not be enough, and you’ll likely need to look elsewhere. Ultimately, it depends on your needs—if you just want to feel comfortable in the gym and get a structured start, they’re a good option, but if you’re ready to take your workouts to the next level, investing in a professional trainer might be a better choice. Personally, I wouldn’t rely on a Planet Fitness trainer long-term, but I do appreciate that they create a welcoming environment for beginners.