Can't decide between Planet Fitness and Gold's Gym, Glen Burnie, MD

[jackaustin]

I've been thinking about joining a gym for about a month now and did a quick look at both of these clubs. I am probably going to go give each a try and have another look soon. I am 46 and trying to lose some weight. I am not looking to bulk up like a body builder, just get in better shape. I want to do cardio (well I don't really want to do it) and use the machines for the weight training part in a quick circuit. Maybe some free weights, but with no spotter/workout buddy, mostly machines. I don't want to spend hours in what ever one I choose. I know PF is limited in the free weight area, but it doesn't seem like a big deal to me. I would probably do the $20 Black Card membership at PF and the $30 all inclusive at Gold's. I like that PF has free use of the massage chairs, aqua massage bed and tanning. I think Gold's has at least the aqua message bed, not sure what other amenities they have, like tanning. I don't really tan, but like having the option. Gold's does have the dry sauna, I prefer a steam room, but they are getting harder to find. I also think Gold's has free wifi, I don't think PF has any wifi in my area. Both places allow you to bring a free guest on the higher level membership, which would be cool for my wife or brother. Gold's also has free classes, which I probably won't use, but again like having the option. I think I am worried about joining Gold's because I am afraid it's going to be too crowded and the crowd may be more geared to hard core weight lifters, or those that pretend to be. It's also a bit more expensive and I have heard scary stories about them being sneaky with the contracts/high pressure sales type things. I just don't want any surprises. PF seems like a decent place for average people. Some make fun of it for that reason, but I just want to go to a place where I can do what I need to do, with the stuff I want, or might want in the future since it's a year commitment.

[jackaustin]

Just now, jackaustin said:

I've been thinking about joining a gym for about a month now and did a quick look at both of these clubs. I am probably going to go give each a try and have another look soon. I am 46 and trying to lose some weight. I am not looking to bulk up like a body builder, just get in better shape. I want to do cardio (well I don't really want to do it) and use the machines for the weight training part in a quick circuit. Maybe some free weights, but with no spotter/workout buddy, mostly machines. I don't want to spend hours in what ever one I choose. I know PF is limited in the free weight area, but it doesn't seem like a big deal to me. I would probably do the $20 Black Card membership at PF and the $30 all inclusive at Gold's. I like that PF has free use of the massage chairs, aqua massage bed and tanning. I think Gold's has at least the aqua message bed, not sure what other amenities they have, like tanning. I don't really tan, but like having the option. Gold's does have the dry sauna, I prefer a steam room, but they are getting harder to find. I also think Gold's has free wifi, I don't think PF has any wifi in my area. Both places allow you to bring a free guest on the higher level membership, which would be cool for my wife or brother. Gold's also has free classes, which I probably won't use, but again like having the option. I think I am worried about joining Gold's because I am afraid it's going to be too crowded and the crowd may be more geared to hard core weight lifters, or those that pretend to be. It's also a bit more expensive and I have heard scary stories about them being sneaky with the contracts/high pressure sales type things. I just don't want any surprises. PF seems like a decent place for average people https://fitnessprofy.com/golds-gym-vs-planet-fitness/. Some make fun of it for that reason, but I just want to go to a place where I can do what I need to do, with the stuff I want, or might want in the future since it's a year commitment.

Sorry for the long post, just typing it out and getting my ideas lined up helps a bit.