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How Much Are The Bars At Planet Fitness: Your Price Guide
When you ask, “How much are the bars at Planet Fitness?”, the simple answer is that you do not buy them. The use of all the bars and strength training equipment at Planet Fitness is part of your gym membership. You pay a monthly fee, and the equipment, including various types of barbells, is there for you to use. This guide will help you grasp what bars Planet Fitness has. It will also cover other costs you might find inside.
Deciphering the Cost of Using Strength Equipment
Planet Fitness is known for its low prices. Its main goal is to make fitness easy and open to everyone. This means you do not pay extra for each piece of equipment you use. Your membership covers it all.
Membership Basics and Bar Access
The cost of your membership is the main thing. This cost gives you access to the whole gym. This includes all the Planet Fitness strength training equipment. You get to use the weights, machines, and cardio gear.
Planet Fitness offers different kinds of memberships. Each one gives you different things.
- Classic Membership: This is the most basic plan. It often costs about $10 a month. With this plan, you can use one Planet Fitness gym. You can use all the exercise machines. This includes the Planet Fitness barbell weights and the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar.
- Black Card Membership: This plan costs more, often around $24.99 a month. It gives you more benefits. You can visit any Planet Fitness gym. You can bring a guest with you. You get to use special massage chairs and tanning beds. Both membership types let you use the bars. The main difference is where and how you use them.
So, when we talk about Planet Fitness membership costs equipment, it means the monthly fee covers all the gym’s gear. You do not pay for each use of a barbell.
Examining Planet Fitness Barbell Options
Planet Fitness has specific types of barbells. They are not like a traditional powerlifting gym. They focus on safety and a comfortable feel for most people.
- Planet Fitness fixed weight barbells: These are very common at Planet Fitness. They are barbells where the weight is already set. You cannot change the plates. They come in many sizes. You will see barbells that weigh from 20 pounds up to 100 pounds or more. They are great for many exercises. You can use them for curls, rows, or presses.
- Planet Fitness Smith machine bar: The Smith machine is a key piece of equipment. It has a barbell that moves up and down on a fixed path. This means the bar is always stable. You cannot move it side to side. It is great for beginners. It helps people feel safe when lifting. The Planet Fitness Smith machine bar is very popular. You can use it for squats, bench presses, or shoulder presses. The bar itself might feel heavy. But it is balanced by the machine. So, it feels lighter than a free bar.
- Does Planet Fitness have free weights? Yes, Planet Fitness does have free weights. But they are mostly dumbbells. They usually have dumbbells up to 75 pounds. Sometimes they go up to 100 pounds. They also have the Planet Fitness fixed weight barbells. What they usually do not have are traditional barbells with plates you can load yourself. This means no standard Olympic barbells. No power racks for heavy squats or deadlifts. This is a big difference from other gyms.
A Closer Look at Planet Fitness’s Strength Zone
The strength area at Planet Fitness is designed for general fitness. It is not for very heavy lifting or powerlifting.
What Kind of Bars Will You Find?
- Fixed Barbells: These bars are easy to use. They are set in weight. They come in racks. You just pick up the one you need. They are great for full body workouts. They help you build muscle without needing a spotter for very heavy lifts. You can do exercises like:
- Bicep curls
- Tricep extensions
- Overhead presses
- Bent-over rows
- Lunges
They are color-coded or clearly marked by weight. This makes it simple to choose.
- Smith Machine: This machine is a favorite for many. The Planet Fitness Smith machine bar slides along rails. This offers a stable path. It is very good for learning new movements. It is also good if you lift alone. It has safety stoppers. You can set them to catch the bar if you cannot lift it. People often use it for:
- Squats
- Bench presses
- Shoulder presses
- Calf raises
The bar itself weighs something. But the machine helps balance it. So, it feels lighter than a truly free bar. The weight you feel is usually less than the actual bar weight.
- Dumbbells: While not “bars,” dumbbells are a type of free weight. They are handles with weights on each end. Planet Fitness has many sets of dumbbells. They go from very light to pretty heavy. They are used for many of the same exercises as fixed barbells. They allow for more range of motion. They also help work each side of your body evenly.
When thinking about the maximum weight at Planet Fitness, it is good to know this. The heaviest fixed barbells might be 100 pounds or more. The dumbbells go up to 75 or 100 pounds. The Smith machine can hold many plates. But the overall feel of the gym is not for lifting extreme amounts of weight.
The Squat Rack Situation
This is a key point for many people looking at gyms. Planet Fitness squat rack policy is different from other gyms. Planet Fitness does not have traditional squat racks or power racks. These are the big cages where you can do very heavy barbell squats and deadlifts.
Instead, they use the Smith machine for squat-like movements. This means you do not lift a barbell that is completely free. This design is part of their “Judgement Free Zone” idea. They want to avoid loud noises. They want to avoid people dropping weights. These actions can be called “Lunk” behavior at Planet Fitness. If you drop weights or make loud noises, an alarm might sound. This is called the “Lunk Alarm.”
This policy means:
* No traditional barbell squats: You cannot load a barbell with heavy plates and squat in a power rack.
* No heavy deadlifts: Deadlifts often involve dropping weights. This is not allowed.
* Focus on machines and fixed weights: The gym setup pushes members toward machine weights and fixed weight barbells. These are quieter and seen as safer for general users.
So, if you are a powerlifter, or if you want to lift very heavy free weights, Planet Fitness might not be the best fit. If you like using machines and fixed barbells, it is a good place.
More Than Just Barbells: Other Costs at Planet Fitness
While the use of gym equipment is covered by your membership, Planet Fitness offers other things. Some cost extra.
The Cost of Protein Bars and Snacks
Inside most Planet Fitness locations, you will find a small store area. This area sells drinks and snacks. This includes cost of protein bars at Planet Fitness.
* Protein Bars: You can buy many kinds of protein bars. Prices are similar to what you would pay at a gas station or convenience store. They might range from $2 to $4 or more per bar. They are good for a quick bite after your workout.
* Drinks: They sell bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drinks.
* Snacks: Other snacks like chips or small treats might be available.
These items are not part of your membership. You pay for them each time you buy them. It is for your convenience.
Other Amenities and Their Value
The Black Card membership offers many extra benefits. These are part of the Planet Fitness amenities and equipment. They add more value to your higher membership fee.
- Guest Passes: Black Card members can bring a guest every time they visit. This guest can use the gym equipment. This is a great perk if you like to work out with friends.
- Massage Chairs and HydroMassage Beds: These are special chairs and beds. They use water jets to massage your body. They are very relaxing after a workout. They are only for Black Card members.
- Tanning: Black Card members can use tanning beds.
- Total Body Enhancement: This is a red light therapy booth. It is said to help with skin and muscle recovery. It is also only for Black Card members.
- Reciprocal Club Access: Black Card members can visit any Planet Fitness location. This is useful if you travel often.
- Discounts: Sometimes, Black Card members get discounts on retail items or other services.
These extra amenities are a big part of the Black Card value. They make the higher monthly fee seem worth it for many members. You are not paying extra for these each time you use them. They are covered by your Black Card fee.
What You Get for Your Membership Dollar
For a low monthly fee, Planet Fitness gives you a lot. You get full access to all their gym machines. This includes many Planet Fitness strength training equipment options.
You get:
* Cardio machines: Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes.
* Weight machines: For every body part.
* Fixed weight barbells: For easy lifting.
* Smith machine: For stable barbell exercises.
* Dumbbells: For free weight training.
The Planet Fitness barbell weights and Planet Fitness Smith machine bar are key parts of their strength offerings. The gym is clean. It is open long hours. It is made to be a friendly place for everyone.
The value is especially good if:
* You are new to working out.
* You like using machines.
* You prefer fixed weights over very heavy free weights.
* You want a gym that is not too serious or crowded.
* You want a low price.
If you choose the Black Card, you get even more. The added perks like guest access and massage chairs make it a full fitness and wellness package.
Weighing Your Options: Is Planet Fitness Right for You?
Deciding if Planet Fitness is right for you depends on your fitness goals.
Pros of Planet Fitness:
* Very low cost: One of the cheapest gyms around.
* Beginner-friendly: Easy to use machines, no heavy lifters.
* Clean and bright: Gyms are usually well-kept.
* “Judgement Free Zone”: A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
* Many locations: Easy to find a gym near you.
* Good for general fitness: Plenty of cardio and machine weights.
* Black Card perks: Extra benefits like guest passes and amenities.
Cons of Planet Fitness (especially for strength training):
* Limited free weights: No Olympic barbells or power racks.
* No heavy deadlifts or squats: Due to their “Lunk Alarm” policy.
* Maximum weight at Planet Fitness is lower for barbells compared to other gyms.
* Focus on machines: If you prefer barbells and dumbbells for all exercises, you might feel limited.
* No specific coaching: No personal trainers included with membership.
If your main goal is to build a lot of strength with heavy, free barbells, Planet Fitness might not be the best choice. This is because of their Planet Fitness squat rack policy and lack of traditional free barbells. If you want a simple, affordable place to stay active, lift some weights, and use machines, it is an excellent option.
The “cost” of the bars is always part of your membership. You never pay extra to pick up a Planet Fitness fixed weight barbells or use the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar. The real decision is whether their equipment style fits what you want to do.
It is wise to visit a local Planet Fitness. Ask for a tour. See the equipment yourself. This will help you decide if it is the right gym for your fitness journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a monthly fee for the bars at Planet Fitness?
No, there is no extra fee for the bars. The use of all Planet Fitness strength training equipment, including barbells and the Smith machine, is covered by your monthly membership fee.
Does Planet Fitness have real barbell weights?
Planet Fitness has Planet Fitness fixed weight barbells. These barbells have the weight already built-in and cannot be changed. They usually do not have traditional Olympic barbells where you load separate weight plates.
What is the heaviest fixed weight barbell at Planet Fitness?
The maximum weight at Planet Fitness for fixed barbells can vary by location. But usually, they go up to 100 pounds or even 120 pounds. You can check with your local gym.
Can I do deadlifts at Planet Fitness?
Generally, no. Planet Fitness has a policy against dropping weights or making loud noises, which are common with deadlifts. This is related to their “Lunk Alarm” system and their Planet Fitness squat rack policy. They do not have power racks for traditional deadlifts.
How much does the Planet Fitness Smith machine bar weigh?
The Planet Fitness Smith machine bar usually weighs between 15 to 20 pounds. However, because it moves on a guided track, it can feel lighter. It is often balanced by counterweights inside the machine.
Does Planet Fitness have squat racks?
No, Planet Fitness does not have traditional squat racks or power cages. They offer the Smith machine for squat movements. This machine has a bar that moves on a fixed path, which is different from a free barbell squat.
How much do protein bars cost at Planet Fitness?
The cost of protein bars at Planet Fitness varies. They are usually priced similar to other convenience stores, around $2 to $4 or more per bar. These are sold separately and are not included in your membership.
What are the main differences between Planet Fitness membership types for equipment use?
Both the Classic and Black Card memberships let you use all the Planet Fitness strength training equipment. The Black Card membership gives you more perks. These include access to all locations, bringing a guest, and using special amenities like tanning and massage chairs.
Do all Planet Fitness locations have the same amenities and equipment?
Most Planet Fitness locations have very similar Planet Fitness amenities and equipment. However, there might be slight differences in the exact number of machines or the availability of certain amenities. It is always a good idea to check with your local club.