Planet Fitness VS LA Fitness: Which Gym is Better in 2026?
A head-to-head look at pricing, equipment, amenities, atmosphere, and contract terms so you can decide which gym actually fits your goals, budget, and workout style.
Pricing and amenities are independently owned/operated or region-specific for both chains and can change without notice. Always confirm current rates with your local club before signing up.
Quick Verdict: Snapshot Comparison
If you only read one section, read this one. Both gyms are strong national chains, but they’re built for different people. Here’s the short version before we go deep on every category below.
Planet Fitness
Lower monthly cost, a relaxed “Judgment Free Zone,” and simple cardio/circuit equipment. Ideal if you’re new to the gym or just want a no-frills routine.
LA Fitness
Full free-weight sections, pools, basketball courts, and group classes, at a higher monthly price. Ideal if you lift heavy or want more than a cardio floor.
Neither gym is objectively “better” — the right pick depends on what you actually plan to do inside it. Keep reading for the full breakdown, or jump straight to our recommendation section.
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness: The Basics
Planet Fitness is a budget-focused chain built around a “Judgment Free Zone” philosophy, targeting beginners and casual gym-goers with a simple layout of cardio machines and circuit-style strength equipment. You can read our full Planet Fitness membership breakdown for a deeper look at exactly what each tier includes.
LA Fitness is a full-service “big box” health club chain that leans into variety: free weights, squat racks, indoor pools, basketball courts, and a regular schedule of group classes like yoga, cycling, and Zumba. It’s positioned as a mid-tier gym, priced above budget chains but below boutique studios or luxury clubs.
In short: Planet Fitness competes on price and approachability, while LA Fitness competes on facility variety and serious training space. That single difference drives almost every other comparison point in this guide.
Membership Cost Comparison
Cost is usually the deciding factor, so let’s put the real numbers side by side. Planet Fitness pricing comes from its official published membership page, while LA Fitness figures reflect commonly reported 2026 ranges, since LA Fitness pricing is dynamic and negotiated by ZIP code and promotion.
| Cost Factor | Planet Fitness | LA Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level monthly price | $15 (Classic) | ~$30–$40 (Basic/single-club) |
| Premium tier monthly price | $24.99 (PF Black Card®) | ~$39.99–$49.99 (multi-club/Signature) |
| Annual fee | $49 | ~$59 (can range $49–$79) |
| Initiation/enrollment fee | Not standard | $0–$99, often waived on promotion |
| Family/add-on member pricing | Varies by club | Roughly $10–$30 extra per person |
Both chains use independently priced, franchise-style or regionally adjusted rates, so your local club’s actual price may differ from either of these ranges. Always confirm directly with your home club before signing.
Membership Tiers & What You Get
Planet Fitness: Classic vs PF Black Card®
Planet Fitness keeps things simple with two tiers. Classic ($15/mo starting) locks you into one home club but includes free small-group training and app access. PF Black Card® ($24.99/mo starting) unlocks any of its 2,700+ clubs, a free guest every visit, and recovery amenities like massage chairs and HydroMassage™. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown on our Planet Fitness membership page.
LA Fitness: Basic, Multi-Club & Signature
LA Fitness structures its plans around club access rather than amenity level. A single-club plan is the cheapest entry point but restricts you to one location. A multi-club plan, the more popular choice in 2026, opens up nationwide access for a higher monthly rate. Some markets also offer a Signature Club tier at select premium locations, which adds more spacious layouts and upgraded equipment for the highest monthly price in the lineup.
Unlike Planet Fitness, LA Fitness amenities like pools and basketball courts aren’t strictly gated by tier — they mostly depend on which specific club has the space to offer them, so two members paying the same monthly rate in different cities can have very different in-club experiences.
Equipment & Workout Space
This is where the two chains diverge the most. Planet Fitness clubs are built around cardio machines and circuit-style strength equipment designed to be approachable for first-time gym-goers — you won’t typically find heavy squat racks, Olympic platforms, or a deep free-weight section.
LA Fitness clubs are built for a wider range of training styles. Expect squat racks, bench presses, barbells, a dedicated free-weight area, and a functional training zone with turf, kettlebells, and dumbbells for movement-based work. If your routine centers on progressive heavy lifting, powerlifting-style training, or Olympic lifts, LA Fitness gives you far more to work with.
Amenities: Pools, Courts, Sauna & Recovery
Both chains offer recovery-style perks, but they look completely different in practice.
Planet Fitness recovery amenities (PF Black Card® only)
- Massage chairs for post-workout muscle tension relief.
- HydroMassage™ beds that use heated water jets to work sore muscles.
- Total Body Enhancement, combining red-light exposure with vibration technology.
- Tanning, where local rules and club space allow it.
LA Fitness facility amenities (availability varies by club)
- Indoor heated pools, typically kept between 80–84°F, with lap lanes and Aqua Fitness classes.
- Basketball courts, with regular pickup games at many locations — something Planet Fitness doesn’t offer at all.
- Dry saunas, available at a large share of LA Fitness clubs, plus whirlpools/hot tubs at some locations.
- Racquetball or squash courts at select clubs.
- Kids’ club / childcare at many locations for a small added fee.
If your idea of recovery is a massage chair after a quick cardio session, Planet Fitness covers that at a lower price. If you want to swim laps, shoot hoops, or sit in a sauna after lifting, LA Fitness is built for that, though not every amenity is available at every single club in either chain.
Group Classes & Personal Training
Planet Fitness includes free small-group fitness training led by certified in-house staff, focused on equipment orientation and basic workout planning rather than a structured class schedule. It does not offer one-on-one personal training with outside trainers.
LA Fitness runs a more traditional group fitness schedule, with classes like yoga, cycling, and Zumba typically included in the base membership. Personal training is available as a paid add-on, generally running somewhere in the $50–$100 per session range depending on the trainer and package, and is not bundled into the standard membership price.
Club Hours & Access
Hours vary by location for both chains, so it’s worth checking your specific club before assuming 24-hour access. Many Planet Fitness clubs offer extended or 24-hour access, though this isn’t universal — check our Planet Fitness hours guide for how to confirm your local schedule.
LA Fitness clubs commonly run early-morning-to-late-evening hours on weekdays (often opening around 4–5 AM and closing between 9 PM and 11 PM) with shorter weekend hours, rather than staying open around the clock. If overnight or very early access matters to you, confirm your specific club’s posted hours directly, since this is one of the bigger practical differences between locations of either brand.
Guest Policy & Free Trials
PF Black Card® members can bring a guest for free on every single visit, with no separate guest pass needed. Classic members don’t get this perk. If you want to test out a club yourself first, check whether a Planet Fitness day pass is available at your local gym.
LA Fitness generally does not include unlimited free guest privileges on its standard plans. Instead, it commonly offers short free trial passes (often a few days) for prospective members, and paid guest passes for non-members in roughly the $5–$15 per visit range, though exact terms depend on the club and current promotions.
Atmosphere: Who Each Gym Is Really For
Planet Fitness feels like…
- A relaxed, low-pressure environment aimed at beginners.
- A simple, predictable layout at every location.
- A gym where you won’t be judged for taking it slow.
LA Fitness feels like…
- A busier, higher-energy “big box” health club.
- A place built for a wider mix of training styles and sports.
- A club where peak hours (often 5–8 PM) can get crowded.
Contracts, Commitment & Cancellation
Both chains can offer month-to-month or committed-term memberships depending on the specific deal at your home club, so it’s important to ask before you sign rather than assume.
Planet Fitness cancellations typically need to be handled in person at your home club or through the written process in your agreement. Our Planet Fitness cancel membership guide walks through that process step by step.
LA Fitness commonly requires 30 days’ written notice to cancel, processed in person or by certified mail rather than through a simple online form. If you signed up during a promotional initiation-fee waiver, double check whether cancelling early affects any promotional terms you agreed to.
Locations & Availability
Planet Fitness is the larger footprint of the two, with 2,700+ clubs available to PF Black Card® members across the U.S. and select international markets. LA Fitness operates roughly 700+ clubs across the U.S. and Canada, with a strong presence in larger metro areas.
If neither of these feels like a fit, it’s worth comparing other national chains too. We’ve also broken down Planet Fitness vs 24 Hour Fitness for readers weighing access hours as a top priority.
Pros and Cons Side by Side
Planet Fitness — Pros
- Lower starting monthly price
- Beginner-friendly, low-pressure atmosphere
- Free guest every visit with Black Card
- Consistent, simple layout at every club
Planet Fitness — Cons
- No pools, courts, or heavy free-weight section
- No outside personal training
- Some Black Card perks depend on local club setup
LA Fitness — Pros
- Full free-weight and functional training space
- Pools, basketball courts, saunas at many locations
- Included group fitness classes
- Wide equipment variety for serious training
LA Fitness — Cons
- Higher monthly cost plus annual and possible initiation fees
- Amenities vary significantly by club
- Not open 24/7 at most locations
- Reputation for sales-heavy sign-up experience
Which Gym Should You Choose?
Pick Planet Fitness if: you’re new to the gym, want the lowest possible monthly cost, mainly do cardio or circuit-style training, and value a judgment-free, low-key atmosphere over facility variety.
Pick LA Fitness if: you lift seriously and need racks and barbells, want access to a pool or basketball court, like having group classes included, and don’t mind paying more per month for a bigger facility.
Some people even use both strategically: a low-cost Planet Fitness membership for everyday cardio sessions, paired with occasional LA Fitness day passes when they specifically want to swim or play basketball. Whichever you choose, walk into your local club, ask about current promotions, and confirm the exact monthly rate, annual fee, and commitment term in writing before you sign anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness cheaper than LA Fitness?
Yes, in most markets. Planet Fitness starts at $15/month for Classic and $24.99/month for PF Black Card®, while LA Fitness typically runs $30–$50/month depending on the tier and location, plus a higher annual fee and a possible initiation fee.
Which gym has better equipment for lifting weights?
LA Fitness generally offers a deeper free-weight setup, with squat racks, bench presses, and barbells alongside a functional training area. Planet Fitness focuses on cardio machines and circuit-style strength equipment, so it’s a lighter option for heavy lifters.
Does LA Fitness have a Judgment Free Zone like Planet Fitness?
Not by that name. LA Fitness doesn’t market a specific “judgment free” code of conduct, though it’s still a mainstream, broadly welcoming gym. Planet Fitness’s Judgment Free Zone is a defined part of its brand identity, aimed specifically at putting beginners at ease.
Can I bring a guest to either gym for free?
PF Black Card® members can bring a guest free on every visit. LA Fitness doesn’t typically include unlimited free guest access on standard plans, though short free trial periods and paid guest passes are usually available.
Does Planet Fitness or LA Fitness have pools and basketball courts?
LA Fitness is the one to check for pools and basketball courts, and many of its clubs include both along with saunas. Planet Fitness does not offer pools, courts, or sports facilities at any of its locations.
Which gym is easier to cancel?
Neither is fully instant. Planet Fitness cancellations are usually handled in person or through a written process at your home club, and LA Fitness commonly requires 30 days’ written notice, in person or by certified mail. Check your specific agreement, since terms can vary by club.
Are group fitness classes included at either gym?
LA Fitness generally includes classes like yoga, cycling, and Zumba in its standard membership. Planet Fitness includes free small-group fitness training focused on equipment orientation and workout planning, rather than a full class schedule.
Is LA Fitness open 24 hours like some Planet Fitness locations?
Not typically. Most LA Fitness clubs run early-morning-to-late-evening hours rather than staying open around the clock, while a number of Planet Fitness locations do offer extended or 24-hour access. Always confirm the posted hours for your specific club.
Which gym is better for total beginners?
Planet Fitness is generally the more beginner-friendly option, thanks to its simpler equipment, lower price, and low-pressure Judgment Free Zone philosophy. LA Fitness can still work for beginners, but its larger, busier facilities suit people who already have a training style in mind.
Do both gyms charge an annual fee?
Yes. Planet Fitness charges a standard $49 annual fee across its plans, while LA Fitness typically charges around $59, though this can range higher depending on the club and current promotions.