Unlike Planet Fitness, which has locations all over the US, Workout Anytime is a lesser-known chain gym that’s primarily situated in the southeast. But just because a gym has a large presence doesn’t mean it has a lot to offer or will be a good fit for everyone.
So, is Workout Anytime or Planet Fitness a better gym? While neither gym is ideal for serious athletes, I’d recommend Workout Anytime over Planet Fitness for most people. It has a better selection of equipment and a more welcoming environment for people from all kinds of fitness backgrounds. It also offers more diverse personal training packages.
Whether you’re buying a gym membership for the first time or transitioning to a new gym, choosing the right one is an important decision. The atmosphere, equipment, amenities, and other factors can all contribute to how successful you are in reaching your goals.
In this article, I’ll discuss the similarities and differences between Workout Anytime and Planet Fitness so you can determine which one is better for you. You’ll be able to walk away with all of the information you need to make a confident decision about which one to join.
Table of Contents
Workout Anytime Overview
As the name implies, Workout Anytime is a gym where you can workout at any time that is convenient for you. It’s only about 23 years old and doesn’t have the strong brand recognition that some other chain gyms do, but it’s growing in popularity.
Workout Anytime is primarily only in the southeast region of the US. It’s not the only 24-hour gym in the US, but it’s filling the gap left behind by other 24-hour chains like 24 Hour Fitness that have been dwindling recently.
Workout Anytime doesn’t have a ton of amenities, but its low costs and supportive environment are attractive features. Because it’s not as well-known as other chains, some locations don’t get too crowded. This makes Workout Anytime a great option for anyone who wants to avoid huge crowds of people at the gym.
Pros
- 24/7 access
- Supportive environment
- All members can visit any location
- Well-maintained facilities
- Sprint 8 classes available for members with Premium plans
Cons
- Limited number of amenities
- No group classes
- Not a lot of locations
Check out my full review of Workout Anytime here.
Planet Fitness Overview
The bright yellow and purple color scheme of Planet Fitness are hard to miss, as are the chain’s seemingly innocent commercials and ads that poke fun at anyone who’s not its target customer.
It claims to have a judgment-free atmosphere, but the environment inside the gym is the opposite of inviting. If you’re a beginner or someone who’s not very serious about fitness, you’ll fit in just fine. But if you care about making progress and getting stronger, Planet Fitness won’t be the gym for you.
The chain does have some positive features like its affordable memberships, massage chairs, saunas, and smoothie bars. It’s also a sufficient option if you have no other gyms near you. But if you do have another gym close to you, it would likely be a better choice where you can make more progress.
Pros
- Inexpensive membership plans
- Black Card members can visit any location
- Reebok.com discounts for Black Card members
- Free Wi-Fi
Cons
- Not a lot of amenities
- Not a lot of strength equipment
- Policies against doing certain movements
Check out my full review of Planet Fitness here.
Workout Anytime vs Planet Fitness: 10 Differences
1. Cost
While you shouldn’t necessarily join a gym just because it has low prices, cost is still an important element to consider when choosing between two gyms. And in addition to monthly dues, most gyms also charge annual fees, enrollment fees, and taxes, which can all eat into your gym budget if you don’t account for them properly.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime offers Basic and Premium memberships. The basic plan costs $19.99/month plus taxes, and the Premium plan costs $29.99/month plus taxes.
A $50 enrollment fee is required for the Premium plan. Both plans also require a $39 annual fee.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has two membership plans: Classic and Black Card. The Classic membership is $10/month plus taxes. The Black Card membership is $22.99/month plus taxes.
If you sign up for the Classic plan, you’ll have to pay an initiation fee, but it’s often discounted to just $1. There is no initiation fee for the Black Card plan. Both plans require $39 annual fees.
The Winner
If you need a super inexpensive gym membership, you can’t beat Planet Fitness’s prices.
2. Contract Length
Comparing the types of contracts at different gyms is another important component of deciding which one to join. Some gyms only offer one type of contract, and it’s helpful to know what you’ll be getting yourself into before making a commitment.
Workout Anytime
You can usually find annual and month-to-month contracts at Workout Anytime, but the type of contract available will depend on the location.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness’s Classic membership is month-to-month. The Black Card membership is annual.
The Winner
There is no clear winner since both gyms have annual and month-to-month contracts.
3. Equipment
Joining a gym with a variety of equipment is important so you can make sure you’ll be able to do the workouts you enjoy and switch things up if you ever want to try a new routine. And if you like to strength train, taking stock of the free weights is a good thing to do so you can make sure you’ll have plenty of room to progress as you get stronger.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime has selectorized machines as well as treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, and step climbers. It also has a reACT training system, which is a machine that rocks back and forth while you do other movements so you can work on your balance and core strength.
In the free weights area, you’ll find dumbbells that go up to 100lbs, EZ curl bars, and fixed barbells that go up to 110lbs. There are also barbells and 10lb, 25lb, and 45lb plates. Most locations have squat racks, but not all of them have deadlift platforms.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has a large number of cardio machines, including ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, and treadmills. It has some strength and cable machines and a small selection of free weights. However, it doesn’t have barbells or plates, and the dumbbells at most locations don’t go higher than 60lbs.
Planet Fitness also doesn’t have any squat racks or deadlift platforms.
The Winner
Workout Anytime has a larger assortment of free weights, so I recommend it over Planet Fitness since you can do a larger variety of workouts.
4. Atmosphere
A gym with a toxic environment won’t leave you with much desire to work out. When deciding between two gyms, you’ll want to take note of how the staff and other members interact with each other to make sure you’ll fit in and will feel welcome.
It’s also beneficial to join a gym whose members do the same type of workouts you enjoy. You’ll be able to look to them for motivation even if you don’t interact with them regularly.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime has a laidback, inviting atmosphere. Not a lot of hardcore powerlifters or bodybuilders go there, but you’ll still find a good mix of people who enjoy both strength training and cardio workouts. It’s also a good place for beginners, senior citizens, or anyone who easily gets intimidated in the gym.
Because many Workout Anytime gyms are small, it’s not uncommon that the staff will greet you by name. It’s also rare that you’ll have an issue with any of the other members since they tend to be respectful of each other.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness caters to beginners, casual gym-goers, and people who prefer cardio and light strength training. Powerlifters, bodybuilders, people who do HIIT or other intense workouts like CrossFit will not fit in and may even be asked to leave.
Working out at Planet Fitness can also feel a bit like walking on thin ice since you have to worry about the lunk alarm. Not all staff members at all locations will set it off, but some others may ring it even for minor offenses.
The Winner
For a more welcoming environment where you won’t be humiliated for making a mistake in the gym, go with Workout Anytime.
5. Gym Policies
Gym rules exist to keep members safe and prevent significant damage to the equipment, but some gyms’ rules are a bit over the top. Before you decide which gym to join, it’s beneficial to learn as much about its policies as you can. This will prevent you from committing a huge faux pas during your workout and having conflicts with the staff and other members.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime does not allow chalk or dropping weights. Shoes and shirts need to be worn at all times, but all other appropriate workout clothing is allowed.
Guests are allowed during staffed hours, but you have to pay a small guest fee that’s usually about $20.
You have to provide 30 days’ notice to cancel your membership and submit a written request in person or via certified mail. If you have a term contract, you may have to pay a cancellation fee or pay for the remaining time left on your plan. If you have a month-to-month contract, you can cancel at any time.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has some odd policies. Members aren’t allowed to wear clothing that shows an excessive amount of skin. Grunting, dropping weights, and using chalk are not allowed. At some locations, even doing certain movements like overhead presses is forbidden.
Planet Fitness does have a good guest policy for Black Card members, who are allowed to bring an unlimited number of guests per month.
If you want to cancel your membership, you’ll need to fill out a cancellation form at the front desk. There are no cancellation fees for month-to-month plans, but there is a $58 cancellation fee for Black Card plans.
The Winner
Even though Planet Fitness has a better guest policy, I recommend Workout Anytime instead if you don’t want to worry about an unnecessary and obnoxiously loud alarm being set off when you’re in the middle of your workout.
6. Group Classes
Group classes are an excellent way to stay in shape and socialize at the same time. They’re also beneficial if you don’t want to program your own workouts or if having a scheduled workout helps you stay accountable.
Not all gyms offer group classes, though. If you want to take group classes, you’ll need to check the offerings at your preferred gym to make sure it has a good variety of classes that fit your schedule.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime doesn’t have traditional group classes like boot camp or Pilates, but it does have Sprint 8 HIIT classes built into some of its treadmills.
These classes are included with the Premium membership and guide you through sprint intervals at varying speeds and inclines. The classes are only 30 minutes, making them an excellent option for people who are short on time.
Workout Anytime also offers small group training sessions that are limited to six members.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has small group training sessions instead of group classes. These sessions are called PE@PF and are designed for beginners, people who want to complete a circuit workout within 30 minutes, or people who want to focus on specific muscle groups like chest and back or biceps and triceps.
The Winner
Neither gym is ideal if you want to take classes like yoga or Zumba, but Workout Anytime has a slight edge over Planet Fitness since it offers the Sprint 8 HIIT sessions.
7. Amenities
Gyms provide additional amenities to help make working out more convenient for you, but some budget-friendly gyms don’t offer a lot of extras in order to keep their prices low.
As well, some gyms only offer access to amenities for members with specific plans, which is something to watch out for if you know you’ll be using certain amenities frequently.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime has a limited number of amenities. There are no pools, saunas, or basketball courts. Only a handful of locations have smoothie bars, and there is no childcare. However, showers and locker rooms are available for all members.
Tanning booths are available, but only Premium membership holders are allowed to use them.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has smoothie bars, massage chairs, red light therapy, and tanning booths, but most of them are only available for Black Card members. Saunas, pools, basketball courts, and childcare are not available.
All members have access to the showers and locker rooms.
The Winner
Planet Fitness has a better selection of amenities, making it a better option if you’re looking for a gym with more than just workout equipment.
8. Personal Training
Personal trainers are valuable resources for anyone who needs accountability or extra guidance when it comes to fitness. However, not all personal training experiences are the same at all gyms.
If you want to work with a personal trainer, you’ll need to check the qualifications of the trainers at your preferred gym and make sure their training style suits your goals. You’ll also need to make sure you can fit the cost of a personal trainer into your budget.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime requires its trainers to have NASM, ACE, ISSA, or other similar certifications. Many also have college degrees in a related field and nutrition certifications, but these are not required.
Workout Anytime offers one-on-one, partner, and small group training sessions for either 30 or 60 minutes. Sessions can cost anywhere from $45 to $120. New members can sign up for a complimentary session, and Premium members get one free consultation per month.
You should also be aware that if you sign up for a personal training session at Workout Anytime, your trainer is required to take “before” photos of you.
This is so they can promote success stories about their clients. You may not have to get the photos done if you are really uncomfortable, but you should still be prepared for the possibility of this being asked of you..
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has certified personal trainers, but you can’t hire them for one-on-one training sessions. They’ll be available if you need help with the equipment or want to take advantage of a free consultation. They also run the PE@PF classes. But if you’re looking for a long-term personal training solution, you won’t find it at Planet Fitness.
The Winner
Workout Anytime is better if you want more one-on-one attention from a personal trainer.
9. Locations
A gym chain that has a lot of locations is more likely to have clubs that are convenient to where you live or work. It also makes it easier to stick with your routine when you’re on vacation or a business trip. But you’ll need to check each gym’s reciprocity rules since not all gyms allow members to visit all locations.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime is a smaller chain and only has about 100 locations in the US. Most of them are in the southeast, and only a few states elsewhere in the US have a Workout Anytime club.
You can visit any Workout Anytime location regardless of which membership plan you purchase.
Planet Fitness
There are over 2,000 Planet Fitness locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Puerto Rico.
Classic membership holders are only allowed to visit their home club, but Black Card members can visit any location.
The Winner
Planet Fitness is the better option if you live outside of the southeastern US and want to be able to go to the gym when you travel to other countries.
10. Hours of Operation
Most gyms offer convenient hours to accommodate people with busy schedules, but more and more gyms are starting to offer 24/7 access so you can work out at any time of the day or night. While some gyms have a universal 24/7 policy, the operating hours for other gyms will vary by location.
Workout Anytime
Even though the staff is only onsite during normal business hours, Workout Anytime is accessible 24/7. However, some things like access to certain amenities and guest privileges are only available during staffed hours.
Planet Fitness
Most Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7, but some locations are only open from 5 AM until 7 PM.
The Winner
It’s a tie since both gyms are open 24/7.
Who Is Workout Anytime For?
Workout Anytime is an ideal gym for:
- Non-competitive powerlifters
- People who want to work with a personal trainer
- People who are interested in small group training
- People who are interested in both cardio and lifting weights
Who Is Planet Fitness For?
Planet Fitness is an ideal gym for:
- People who want an inexpensive gym membership
- People who are only interested in cardio or light strength training
- People who want access to smoothie bars and massage chairs
- People who want to join a gym with thousands of locations in the US and abroad
Other Gym Comparisons With Workout Anytime and Planet Fitness
- Snap Fitness vs Planet Fitness
- Anytime Fitness vs Planet Fitness
- Planet Fitness vs Youfit
- Crunch vs Planet Fitness
- Planet Fitness vs Blink
- Planet Fitness vs World Gym
- Life Time Fitness vs Planet Fitness
- Gold’s Gym vs Planet Fitness
- Planet Fitness vs Onelife Fitness
- Planet Fitness vs 24 Hour Fitness
- YMCA vs Planet Fitness
- Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness
- Fit4Less vs Planet Fitness
- Workout Anytime vs Anytime Fitness
About The Author
Amandais a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industries. Growing up in a family that loved sports, she learned the importance of staying active from a young age. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in powerlifting and weightlifting. She's passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to fuel their bodies properly. When she's not training in her garage gym or working, you can find her drinking coffee, walking her dog, or indulging in one too many pieces of chocolate.
