Planet Fitness — Attraction in Hoboken

Very surprised and disappointed by the unprofessionalism by Planet Fitness, particularly at the Hoboken location and from its manager, Adrian.

I signed up for my membership on 3/4/20 and my last visit at the location was 3/10/20, right before everything shut down because of the pandemic.

On 9/17 they charged me for the membership fee, and today, 10/1 for the annual fee WITHOUT ANY notice that they had reopened and will begin charging me.

When I spoke to Adrian and requested to cancel my membership and refund for the charges, I was denied the refunds bcs of their policy. I explained my situation to him and also that I was NEVER CONTACTED about the Hoboken location reopening. He said he could've refunded me if I called on 9/17 or a few days after, but he can't anymore. I asked him why wasn't I notified of their reopening and that they will resume billing? Why is Planet Fitness' expectation that customers check their accounts every day in order to realize they are getting charged and can go back to the gym?? I didn't check my account on 9/17. But I did today, 10/1. And today, they charged me again for their annual fee, EVEN though I told them I want to cancel my membership. Where is the rhyme and reason to anything they say?

When I questioned why wasn't I notified of their opening and that they will resume charging, he told me the Mayor of New Jersey opened things in September (yes, I'm not kidding - he expected people to know the Hoboken Planet Fitness location reopened because the mayor announced some businesses can begin to open in September). He then apologized that Planet Fitness' marketing department "dropped the ball" on letting customers know about their reopening and billing customers. He also said that I should have kept their policy in mind (Yes, even me, who joined the gym in March 2020, went there 3-4 times, and then everything shut down bcs of COVID, and I was never contacted by them from April- October). Had I not checked my account today, I would never have known this location reopened and is billing me.

I understand there are policies in place, but I'm absolutely shocked at the incredible lack of judgment and reason from Adrian. He can refund customers, but literally CHOOSES not to do so. And what's worse is that Planet Fitness as a business doesn't respond to this either and can care less about customers and their health.

2020 is not a regular year and Planet Fitness' policies should be amenable to this. Instead, we have a manager on a power trip blindly enforcing policy at the risk of customers' health and comfort. Might as well have a monkey run the franchise.

This horrible interaction left a sour taste. I will never be returning to Planet Fitness and URGE others to go elsewhere. So many options in JC and Hoboken where they won't...

I was on the fence giving this place a 4 star over a 3-star rating. But to what others have said, "how can you rate it less than 4 stars for a $10/mo gym?", holds true. There is a value here. I’ve been a member at a number of other local gyms here and in NYC but had to try PF. My honest review and thoughts: PROS: • The staff is friendly and helpful. Especially the trainers that I’ve seen working with members there. They’re solid. • The brand is more me than the muscled-headed gyms around • The location is central in town. Though no parking or a citibike hub is nearby which is fine since my warmup is the run there and back. • Its nearly 24-hrs/day open means there are no excuses for not going – even when crowded – go later. • It has the basics for a full body workout and cardio. • Its freakin’ $10/mo!

CONS: (At least for me but maybe not you) • The layout compared to other PF gyms is a bit odd and small. It is two floors, but the equipment is spaced very close together. Normally, I wouldn’t mind but in a COVID era, I don’t like it. Especially, when members hover over me waiting on the machine or treadmill during a set. I’ve even been sprayed with sweat while running on the treadmills – not kidding. • You’re above a pizzeria and smelling garlic knots during a workout hasn’t helped my goals for leaning out. Shame on me but I’ve been known to grab a slice or two on the way out. • The crowd meter is a joke. I’ve gone there during peak hours and the meter reads 2/3 level however, you’re waiting and waiting and waiting to get a planned workout in. This slows me down and often I vary the routine based on what equipment I can get on which is not on-goal. Honestly – I’ve learned to go off-peak (mid-day) and just work later to be more efficient. • The stretching area is a 4x6’ landing next to front desk. Basically, there is no stretching area. As I mentioned before, the equipment is too packed-in so you’ll need to stretch at home. Seriously PF, get rid of the skin-cancer booths and layout some mats there. • There are no mirrors next to the free weights. When I read this complaint in another review, I laughed because I figured he’s a lunk who wants to pose. BUT he’s totally right. It’s the first time I’ve been in a gym with no mirrors! This hurts your form during various free-weight routines. • People sitting on equipment using their phones. This drives me batty and is the norm these days – yet it seems more common at PFs than other gyms. This is where a staff member was very helpful once.

In the end, I decided to bite the bullet and splurge on a premium gym elsewhere. My health is worth it. Kodos to PF for giving me the...

Look, at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

Pros: 1. It’s $10/month + $39 annual fee, so net ~$13.25/month. That’s simply unbeatable. 2. Tons of treadmills, 30min workout zone, tanning, massage chairs, adequate weights. 3. Solid staff, never had any issues.

Cons: 1. A lot fewer machines (specifically weight related) than your typical planet fitness. Makes sense because of location, but it’s still a bit inconvenient. 1a. No rowing machines. 2. Equipment tends to stay broken for a little while, but I’ve noticed this has improved recently. 3. Not necessarily the club’s fault, but there’s a lot of nasty gym goers (makes sense considering the price) i.e never wipe the equipment down, spend 45min+ on one machine and refuse to split sets with you, use 2+ machines at the same time during rush hour, etc. Typical gym etiquette 101 that is simply ignored here — consistently, mind you, it’s not the exception.

Look, overall, it’s 100% worth $10 and you can get in a solid workout, though if your budget allows, this might be best as a ‘backup’ gym (which is what I use it for).

As an aside: The ‘teens workout free’ program they run in the summer (mind you this is national) has to be one of the dumbest business ideas I’ve ever seen. These kids have absolutely no idea what they’re doing, they spend excessive amounts of time the machines, break equipment, act like they own the place, smoke in the locker room, etc. I know, I know, I sound like an old man, but when I’m a paying customer and they’re not, it rubs me...