Planet Fitness starts at $10 per month for its Classic tier and $25 per month for Black Card, according to published Planet Fitness membership pricing as of 2026. LA Fitness charges $30 to $40 per month for a single-club standard membership, based on published LA Fitness rate cards. Planet Fitness wins on price. LA Fitness wins on amenities. The right choice depends entirely on which amenities you actually use.
What does each gym charge per month?
The price gap between Planet Fitness and LA Fitness is significant at the entry level but narrows if you account for what each tier actually provides.
| Membership tier | Monthly cost | Key inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness Classic | $10 | Equipment access, cardio machines, no guest privileges |
| Planet Fitness Black Card | $25 | Classic + guest access, unlimited tanning, PE@PF group sessions, hydromassage |
| LA Fitness Standard (single club) | $30 - $40 | Equipment, pool, sauna, racquetball, group fitness classes |
| LA Fitness Multi-Club | $35 - $45 | Standard + access to all LA Fitness locations |
Prices are based on published rate cards from both chains as of 2026 and may vary by market. LA Fitness pricing is set at the regional level, so rates in major metros can run $5 to $10 higher than the national average. Planet Fitness pricing is more nationally consistent but varies by franchise owner.
For a broader view of what gym formats charge at each tier, see Gym Membership Cost: What You Pay Across Formats.
What equipment does each gym provide?
This is the category where the two chains diverge most clearly for people with specific training goals.
Planet Fitness equipment. Most locations stock cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, stair climbers), selectorized weight machines, and dumbbells. Dumbbell racks at Planet Fitness locations typically top out at 75 to 80 pounds. Smith machines are standard. Traditional power racks or squat cages are absent at most locations. The chain's policy on heavy lifting behaviors, enforced by the "lunk alarm" at some locations, reflects a design choice to serve casual exercisers rather than competitive lifters.
LA Fitness equipment. LA Fitness locations include a more complete free-weight area with barbells, power racks, and dumbbell sets that typically reach 100 pounds or higher. Plate-loaded equipment is generally available. The floor plan at most LA Fitness locations is larger than a typical Planet Fitness, which accommodates both cardio zones and a more complete strength area.
What classes and amenities does each gym offer?
Planet Fitness amenities. Black Card members gain access to PE@PF -- guided group exercise sessions taught by a staff member rather than a certified group fitness instructor in the traditional sense. Tanning beds and hydromassage are included with Black Card. Planet Fitness does not offer pools, saunas, racquetball courts, or a dedicated group fitness studio at most locations.
LA Fitness amenities. The standard LA Fitness membership includes group fitness classes across multiple formats -- cycling, yoga, pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, and strength-based classes depending on the location. Pools (lap and recreational), saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and racquetball courts are available at most full-size LA Fitness locations. Basketball courts are present at many clubs. These amenities are included in the base membership with no add-on cost.
Note
Amenity availability at LA Fitness varies by location. Smaller or older clubs may lack a pool or racquetball court. Confirm what is available at your specific location before signing up.
Which is better for beginners?
Planet Fitness is deliberately designed to be beginner-friendly. The low price, non-intimidating environment, and availability of staff who walk new members through equipment are consistent positives in member feedback. The PE@PF group sessions (Black Card) provide some structure without the cost of personal training. For a complete beginner who wants a low-pressure environment to learn cardio and basic machine training, Planet Fitness works well at the $10 to $25 price point.
LA Fitness is also accessible to beginners. The wider equipment range can feel overwhelming initially but gives beginners more room to progress as their training advances. Personal training packages are available at LA Fitness for members who want structured guidance, which Planet Fitness does not offer in an individualized format.
Tip
If you are a beginner who is not sure which equipment you will use, start with a month at Planet Fitness Classic at $10. If you find yourself wanting more after a few weeks -- heavier weights, a pool, classes -- switch. The low entry cost makes it an easy trial.
Which is better for experienced exercisers?
Experienced exercisers who rely on barbell compound movements -- squats, deadlifts, bench press with free-weight barbells -- will find Planet Fitness limiting. The restricted barbell setup and culture around heavy lifting are documented constraints for anyone running a strength-focused program.
LA Fitness is better suited to experienced lifters who want a full free-weight area alongside cardio and recovery amenities. The trade-off is higher monthly cost. For anyone comparing LA Fitness to a dedicated barbell gym (24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, or local powerlifting gyms), the amenities package at LA Fitness may justify the price if you use the pool or classes regularly.
For a broader comparison that includes boutique studios and CrossFit alongside big-box chains, see Boutique Gym vs. Big-Box Gym: Cost and Value Compared.
What personal training options does each gym offer?
Planet Fitness does not offer individual personal training. The PE@PF group sessions available to Black Card members are the only form of coached training the chain provides. If personal training is a priority, Planet Fitness is not the right match.
LA Fitness offers personal training packages as a paid add-on. Session rates at LA Fitness are typically $50 to $80 per session for one-on-one training, based on published add-on pricing and member-reported rates, though rates vary by market and trainer experience level. The gym membership and personal training costs are separate line items.
If personal training is part of your plan, the total monthly cost at LA Fitness -- membership plus sessions -- will be meaningfully higher than the gym fee alone. Run the math for your realistic session frequency before committing.
How to make the final call
The decision between Planet Fitness and LA Fitness comes down to two questions. First, what equipment do you actually need? If your training plan relies on barbells, power racks, and progressive loading with free weights, Planet Fitness will not serve that plan at most locations. If you use cardio machines and selectorized equipment, Planet Fitness works and costs less.
Second, will you use the extra amenities at LA Fitness? The pool, sauna, and group fitness classes at LA Fitness are included in the monthly membership. If you swim regularly, use the sauna for recovery, or plan to take group classes two or three times per week, the $20 to $30 monthly premium over Planet Fitness Black Card is easily justified by value per visit. If you will only use the weight floor, that premium is harder to justify.
If you are evaluating whether a gym membership is worth it at all compared to a home setup, see Home Gym vs. Gym Membership: A Real Cost Comparison.
Individual results from any training program vary depending on consistency, nutrition, sleep, and starting fitness level. No gym membership, regardless of price or amenity level, guarantees specific outcomes.
Key takeaway
Planet Fitness at $10 to $25 per month is the right choice if you need basic equipment, low overhead, and no long-term commitment risk. LA Fitness at $30 to $40 per month makes sense if you will regularly use the pool, group classes, or sauna, or if you plan to add personal training. Choose based on what you will actually use, not the feature list you might use.
Frequently asked questions
Is LA Fitness worth the extra cost over Planet Fitness?
LA Fitness is worth the cost difference if you use amenities Planet Fitness does not offer -- pools, saunas, racquetball courts, and included group fitness classes. If you only need floor equipment and cardio machines, the Planet Fitness Classic membership at $10 per month covers the basics at a fraction of the price.
Does Planet Fitness have personal trainers?
Planet Fitness offers PE@PF group fitness training at no extra cost to Black Card members. These are guided group sessions, not individual personal training. Planet Fitness does not offer one-on-one personal training packages comparable to those available at LA Fitness or most full-service gyms.
Can I bring a guest to Planet Fitness or LA Fitness?
Planet Fitness Black Card members can bring one guest per visit at no extra charge. LA Fitness allows guests for a day pass fee that varies by location, typically $10 to $15 per visit. Neither chain offers unlimited free guest access on their entry-level membership tiers.
Which gym chain has better equipment for strength training?
LA Fitness has a broader free-weight and barbell selection than Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness enforces a lunk alarm policy discouraging heavy lifting behaviors and typically stocks dumbbells up to 75 to 80 pounds with Smith machines rather than power racks at many locations, according to published member reviews and chain facility guides.
Does LA Fitness include group fitness classes in the membership?
Yes. Group fitness classes including cycling, yoga, pilates, Zumba, and step aerobics are included in the standard LA Fitness membership at $30 to $40 per month, based on published LA Fitness pricing. Planet Fitness includes PE@PF group sessions only on the $25 per month Black Card tier.
Is Planet Fitness good for weight loss?
Planet Fitness provides adequate cardio machines and light to moderate strength equipment for a weight-loss program. The limitation for weight loss training is the restricted barbell equipment at many locations. If your plan involves progressive barbell compound lifts, LA Fitness or a barbell-equipped gym is a better fit.