Planet Fitness — Attraction in Port Saint Lucie

I used to like going to this gym, but it hasn't been the same lately. The staff is not very friendly and like the other reviewer "Ramon" said, they are more concerned about the rules than the satisfaction of the customers. I brought a guest in who forgot his drivers license, and the girl at the front gave us a snotty attitude and said "this is the last time, understand?". Seriously little girl? What are we toddlers signing in for day care? In addition to needing a drivers license for guest check-in, they require you to sign in on a clipboard using your name, date of birth, and the member who brought you. They leave this check-in clipboard in the open for everyone to see. These girls at the front are too busy chomping down on pizza to realize if anyone takes down guest information. You really think it's safe to leave your full name and d.o.b. just laying around in that place? If you do, you obviously haven't seen some of the people that work out there. And yes, they carelessly bring in pies of pizza from next door and eat it at the front as people are working out. I've seen those skinny little girls do this on many occasions. C'mon girls, have some common courtesy for those who are dieting and trying to get in shape. I understand you need a lunch break, but do it in the back or outside where you can't torture everyone with that delicious smelling pizza. If you can't eat your lunch anywhere else, suffer through some kale like the rest of us. There's also another staff member (possibly manager/bald guy who looks like Mr.Clean), who somehow thinks it's okay to work out during the busiest times of the day. People are literally waiting around for machines and this guy is pumping iron like "I lift things up and put them down". He needs to let the paying customers use the machines and work out when it's less packed. This gym is becoming way to busy for my liking, but can only blame it on the fact that it's the only one around...besides LA Fitness. If you are one to use the tanning beds, make sure to ask them for the disinfectant spray bottle and paper towels so you can clean it. They do not clean these themselves, nor do they leave these products in the tanning...

My issue wasn't with the gym itself, but with one of your trainers. I say as someone who worked at a gym previously and was involved in the training of personal trainers. I believe you need to change how you train them to speak to patrons of the gym so that they do not come across as condescending or rude. There are certain ways to approach patrons and introduce your training program without implying that the patrons "need" you and that they look like they don't know what they are doing. I had a trainer approach me today after working out with a family member; I was teaching her how to use some of the free weights and we were having a good time trying out different workouts. The trainer approached us and introduced herself, and then it went downhill from there. She immediately said something along the lines of "I noticed it looks like you guys don't know what you're doing, have you worked out before?" It was jarring and condescending to start off your trainer sales pitch in a way that implies we are out of shape or new to the gym. There are many ways to approach a patron, and this is NOT the way. She continued after I told her I have been working out for years, asking "Is this your first time at Planet Fitness?" and when we said we have a membership, she said "Oh what time do you work out here? I've never seen you before," further implying that we don't work out often, or that she doesn't believe we ever work out here. It was very uncomfortable and made us both want to leave immediately, because now all we can think about is how we are being judged and watched by trainers who will approach us at any moment. She didn't offered constructive criticism for the workout we were doing- only questioned if we knew how to work out and if we have been to the gym before. Of course I have no problem with the sales pitch itself, I know it's how they get leads. But the condescending approach is not the way to do it- if I wasn't confident in my body and fitness level, I would have felt extremely self-conscious and bad about myself. That is not the way you want your customers to feel, especially when you are trying to sell...

The budget-friendly nature of this gym always brings a diverse crowd of PSL residents here. In fact, this place may be the most "Port St. Lucie" place I've found in Port St Lucie. Definitely seems like the kind of place where your car might get broken into (but mine hasn't yet! 🤞).

First the negatives: The 7 pm closing time on weekends is too early. Equipment sometimes stays broken for too long, IMO. I only go about once every 10 days, so if I am noticing the same thing broken on multiple visits, it's because they lack urgency to fix it. Not a lot of broken stuff though; it's a minor problem for sure. Shower takes forever to heat up. I feel guilty for having wasted 65 gallons of water by the time I actually start my shower. Not sure how they could fix this; maybe they already have? It was a while ago that I showered here, but it definitely left an impression on me. Some equipment is hard to come by during busy hours. Partially this is because of limited supply, but also because people hog stuff or stay on the equipment for long rests between sets. For example, 10 lb. weights, the resistance pulley stations, and even the benches by/for the weights when it's especially crowded. The parking lots (especially the one behind, but also in the main shopping plaza in front) are so dark at night that you need to be highly attuned to your personal safety.

Now the positives: I use the gym for free as the guest of a member, so definitely high value for the money. The location is convenient, centrally located on PSL Blvd. near gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, etc. Many entrances / exits & lots of parking make it easy to get in and out. The staff is always courteous. The gym and bathroom areas are kept clean. There's a good variety and amount of equipment; it seems like they have almost everything standard at a gym except for those boxes that athletes jump on.

Overall, this is a great budget option if you live nearby or you're not willing to fork over excessive $ for...