blog #57: extreem gym mission statements defined: midcity gym and tanning vs. planet fitness

I just had so much fun with my "mission statement" post a few days back that I decided to compare two more facilities:
bodybuilding gym (midcity gym)
anti-bodybuilding gym (planet fitness)

Midcity gym and tanning (where I bring private clients to train)

planet fitness (I have never been to a planet fitness, but I interviewed a former member who is an athlete for this post. There is a planet fitness in Queens and Harlem here in NYC)

Midcity Gym and Tanning

"the last real gym"

Planet Fitness

"Judgement Free Zone® where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built."

So what does this mean? Bodybuilders arn't welcome at Planet Fitness, but they should hurry (but not to fast because true meatheads don't do cardio) on over to Mid city for a weight gainer shake which has about 10,000 calories. GROSS. Oh after the shake they should partner up with a spotter (who doesn't use one of those?) and get to the big three: deadlifts, squats and bench press. I do advocate the big three, but not the weight gainer shake. This is a very unique gym, and the point I am stressing is that it's crucial to understand your environment before you sign up for a gym-or even work out there. Save time by reading the mission statement. 

So whats up with planet fitness? 
I consider planet fitness to be like a Lucile Roberts type of gym from the mission statement, member feedback and the website. After interviewing a former member and athlete here is her response about plant fitness:

" The No Judgment Zone" statement is an oxymoron. Planet Fitness certainly does judge. They hold anyone who wants a really serious work out in contempt. The notion of someone pumping iron and at a very heavy weight is why most people go to the gym. We aren't there to look pretty, we are there to get fit so when we leave the gym and are in our normal settings, we DO look, we are, healthy, pretty, fit, strong, etc. Finally, the turn around from a standard, weight lifting gym (which, of course, included classes and aerobic machines) to this Planet Fitness not only judged the former members for their intensity, but took away their membership. Yes! Every former member had to repay to get to use Planet Fitness. This new business refused to honor member ships that were paid ahead, they refused to accommodate these original gym members. I think that is just bad business."-Nancy

bottom line: a goodworkout is possible ANYWHERE it's all about your attitude and comfort level. Where do you feel most comfortable? I take non-bodybuilders to midcity all the time, but we are aware of our surroundings which include: loud thumping weights, groans, dropping weights, snide remarks and smelly, smelly large men who stare.


If any of my readers have visited either gym please comment and share your experiences