Planet Fitness – Manhattan – Washington Heights

I give this place 1 star for bad customer service. I have called and even asked face to face with these front desk people certain questions I have and they just look at me with an empty face. They are not intelligent beings and could not explain why my membership is charging me more than the 10 dollars advertised. Complete fools. I guess that’s what happens when you have only an 8^th grade education.

Awful. Don’t purchase membership with this company, especially not with the scam artists at this location.
I, unfortunately, decided to purchase membership at the Washington heights planet fitness last year. In January, I called the 1800 number to cancel my membership. After being given the run around on the phone they told me I had to mail in a written request to cancel the membership. The next day I mailed in my cancellation to the Washington heights location, as instructed by corporate. So tell me how I am still being charged monthly membership in June? Do yourself a favor — sign up at a reputable establishment and save some grief.

They are a well
Priced gym for the neighborhood. I was however not happy that they did not have anything for the kids for Halloween. They keep
Bowls of tootsie rolls but couldn’t give any out to the kids… Smh they receive enough funds from they neighborhood to do small things for the community that keeps them in business.

Decent cheap neighborhood gym. Staff are friendly enough and the facility is clean. Lots of lunkheads on the first floor by the weights and a few people that talk non-​stop on their cells while doing cardio. Otherwise fine and you get what you pay for.

I must admit I was a bit adamant about going to a planet fitness gym from all the news I’ve heard, yes it’s a no judgment zone but apparently if your «fit» a subjective term imo, then you make others uncomfortable? Anyway I’ve had no issues so far. The gym is clean and so are the locker rooms. I can appreciate that it’s not crazy packed even during peak hours. I can see myself moving from blink to planet fitness out of convenience and the fact that it doesn’t get über packed.
Thanks to Michael W for dragging my derrière here. Clean, affordable, and plenty of machines what else can you ask for! PF your a solid 4 in my book.

I have never had any issues at this location. There are a couple of regulars that are obnoxious and probably need to be checked. Like, really dude nobody cares how many reps you’ve done — you don’t have to shout them out at the top of your lungs. Similarly nobody wants to hear you drop the weights to the mat and grunt like an out of place gorilla with brain damage.
Moving on, when I come here there has never been a wait for anything. Cardio machines are open and there are tons, there is a lot of variety in machines and free weights. Then again, I make it a point to go during off-​hours (something working graveyard down the street awards me the capability of doing). So if you come during busy hours, I am sure they get as busy as any other gym. One thing that helps though is they recently opened a location at 177^th-​ish street (too lazy to check) and they have another one on 125^th street. So that definitely helps with the overload during busy hours.
For 20 $/​month I get unlimited gym access at one of the largest national gyms, and access to the tanning booth and other perks (which I don’t use, but at least they provide it). Or pay 10 $/​month for 1-​gym access.

The two stars are for cleanliness and the affordable membership.
My issue is with the 30 minute express circuit and the staff dealing with the problem. The circuit has posted rules that after the light changes YOU MOVE TO THE NEXT MACHINE. For some reason people cannot read and stay on the same machine for 15 – 20 min. This gym says they enforce an intimidation free zone but I call bs on that. I have asked these guys nicely if I can jump in so I can complete the circuit. Some have blatantly told me no or ‘I have 2 more sets’. That’s not how it works!!!
I have gone downstairs to the manager twice. He is very kind and states they are understaffed but will do everything they can. Maybe if his staff quits standing around flirting or socializing someone could occasionally go upstairs to monitor the circuit. Well the problem has been brought to your attention so your move Planet Fitness– I’m waiting to see you actually do something about it.

Worst gym experience I’ve ever had. This place is overcrowded every day at every hour. I ended up quitting my membership here after I was told I couldn’t use my jump rope. It’s a fitness tool, in a gym… ok bye.
I ended up coming back here just for the tanning as you can’t beat the deal. When I went to leave because I was moving out of the country, the nice guy at the front told me I could get out of paying the fee if he switches me to a «white card» membership and then we cancel that one. So I was there for a solid 30 min, opened and closed a new account, left with my receipts and paid nothing. Happy customer. UNTIL, I kept getting billed for the «white card» membership. I called them immediately, the manager spoke to me and had me bring in my bank statement to prove I actually got charged. When I brought it in, he wasn’t there but I was told he would get it and call me. Never did. Low and behold another billing cycle passed and I was billed AGAIN. I called, and called, and called, and each time I was promised I would stop getting charged and that this manager would contact me. It has been 4 months, I’ve been charged $ 40 in total and I’m in France and nobody will fucking refund me. I am irate and fed up with this poorly run establishment.
Don’t go here. Not for the gym, not for the tanning, not for anything.

For what it is: a cheap, local gym it is pretty good. I would give it 3 ½ stars but I rounded up to 4. I usually go early mornings on weekdays and early Saturday and Sunday. At those times it is not crowded at all. Very spacious, bright and relatively clean. I like the purple, black and yellow color scheme. Tons of treadmills and other cardio equipment. I never use the shower/​lockers so I cannot comment on those.
I am very happy I joined and the price is really good. I would recommend it to those in the area.

At $ 10 a month (for a single location) this gym is great. The first floor has free weights and a few machines. The second floor has cardio and weight machines. Overall, the space is tidy and there’s plenty of space. My only complaint is that I wish more members would re-​rack weights properly and that management took steps to ensure such.

Front desk is rude there this blonde girl that works there super unprofessional and guetto!

Where to start… Well for starters the staff is rude. I asked for help with a man who was taking completely over a machine for about 30 minutes, he was just sitting on the machine relaxing, when I asked him if I could use the machine or share with him he said no. I asked the staff for help and I was told «there’s nothing we can do». Well that definitely was not helpful. Most guys there make rude remarks as you walk by. BEWARE WOMEN.
Next. Its dirty, the bathrooms never seems to be cleaned and the equipment either. There is always a mess of toilet paper in the bathroom stalls. When I do see the janitorial staff in the bathrooms, their usually on their phone NOT cleaning what so ever.
Lastly. Its FULL of people in the evening, I can never seem to find a machine. It also seems to be extremely loud, to the point where I can have my headphones on at the loudest and still the background noise. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m young and I like loud, but this is beyond loud.
I would not recommend this place.

The meathead quotient in this gym keeps getting worse. People move the weights to wherever they want and don’t ever leave machines unless you hover over and ask them to leave at which point they ask for another 10 minutes

I’m tossing up between giving this 3 stars or 4 stars. The real rating of this gym really depends on what you use it for. I really wish the free weights section was quite a bit better, so to me it’s 3 Stars only. See below for more info.
If you’re mainly a cardio person — 4 Stars, you can’t go wrong.
If you’re a mix of cardio and playing around with the weight machines, 3.5 to 4 stars. It’s a great deal.
If you want to use free weights, 2.5 stars — it’s not going to be greatest experience for you.
If you’re a cross-​fit kind of person — 1 Star, stick away, nothing for you here.
Cleanliness
5 Stars — always very clean and tidy.
Price
5 Stars — it’ basically free.
Cardio
4 Stars. Never had any issue with getting a machine, but I’ve knocked off a star because there are no rowing machines, which I’ve really missed.
Changing Rooms
3 Stars
They’re OK. Knocking off a couple of stars because, particularly in the Men’s changing rooms, there is a lot of theft. I saw just the other day someone got their lock broken and all their stuff stolen. I wouldn’t leave anything in the locker rooms at all if you live nearby and can just walk down.
Weight Machines
3.5 Stars.
Reasonable selection of your standard machines. Sometimes have to wait a few minutes for a machine, but other than that never had any issue. Wish there was a lying hamstring curl machine, and a better bicep curl machine (I hate the one they have, where each arm is separate. I much prefer the single bar ones).
Weights /​Freeweights /​Cables
2 Stars
This is where the rating for this gym really comes in to question. Basically, this is the smallest part of the gym and the most busy. No matter what time of the day, it’s always going to be relatively busy in here. Sometimes you have to wait a while to get a bench, and the three Smith machines are always busy.
There is only one Leg-​Press machine, although, I’ve found people cycle through it relatively quickly. If you need more than 8 plates/​160KG loaded though, you’ll have to carry plates from the other side of the room.
I often find issues finding the right free weights. There are only a couple of sets of each weight, so if you need a popular weight then you might be waiting a while. And people often put them back in the wrong place, so expect to be walking around the area looking at the shelf for the one dumbbell you’re missing.
Honestly, they should remove all the massage machines etc. and just expand this section. Go and get a massage from an actual masseuse, and people can have better work outs!
Bodyweight Workouts /​Cross-​fit
1.5 Stars
There are a couple of dip machines and ab benches etc. But there is virtually no space to set up a mat and work out, no kettle balls, no swiss balls, no thick ropes, skip ropes, TRX’s etc. Don’t expect to set up a circuit here — this is a relatively barebones gym in that regard, they only non-​machine workouts you’ll get are with dumbbells.
Summary:
These guys make their money selling volume, and it’s so cheap that you basically get what you pay for. Overall, if you live in the area, there’s no point not joining for cardio and casual workouts. There are people who spend a lot of time here and are in some seriously good shape. But if you’re really serious and don’t want to be waiting around or dealing with a super busy free weight area, then I’d join another gym as well as this one to get better serious workouts.

I’ve found the staff to be extremely rude. I’ve walked up to pay for water and three people have been behind the desk doing nothing but playing on their cellphones and they all ignored me. I have a friend who goes here and has the same problem with rude staff. The equipment is minimal at most but if you’re just looking for a place to move around this place is okay but I wouldn’t use it for any real training.

Like other reviewers have said-​you get what you pay for here. I have the $ 20/​month black card which has it’s perks. You get unlimited tanning (which I’ve never used), hydromassage, massage chairs, and guest privileges at other planet fitnesses.
The gym is always clean as are the locker rooms, and there are ample machines — I’ve never had an issue finding a machine to use even during peak hours.
I mostly use the cardio machines here as I prefer to use free weights at home, so I can’t comment on the weight lifting area too much, except that there are definitely still super ripped guys who work out here.
Staff is nice and helpful-​never had an issue with them. Overall it’s usually pretty quiet too– not toooo many people that come here to chat, and the gym has a no cell phone policy when working out to prevent people from having phone conversations while at the gym, which I appreciate.

You get what you pay for which at $ 10 a month isn’t much!
Pros –lots of machines and the cleaning staff is thorough.
Cons — front desk is slow and always on their cell phones. If you have a question, keep it to your self.

Roy’s Top 5 Things to Know:
1. I’ve never had to wait too long for a machine even when it’s «crowded». This includes the squat racks/​bench press. There are four of them in this gym btw. I’ve even been able to get both sides for cable chest crossovers without an issue each time.
2. This staff is friendly here, but mostly you slap on your headphones and you really don’t interact with anyone.
3. The people are friendly here, never received attitude from anyone.
4. The locker rooms are clean and overall the gym is clean.
5. You can’t really do the 12 minute ab workout or 30 minute express workout as planned since mostly everyone doesn’t follow the system in place in these areas.

Anyone taking away stars from this gym due to crowdedness, cleanliness or options are missing the point. This is a place where in New York City, you can come to work out for $ 10/​month (plus a $ 20 annual fee). Annually, you pay as much as you’d pay in a month other spots in the city, half if you take into account other gym’s signup fees.
Having quite a bit of experience with gyms over the course of my lifetime, I must say I was worried to come to this one after some of the reviews I read. However, no matter how you twist and turn it, it must be taken into account that you basically work out for free. Here is my assessment:
Yes, it can be quite crowded. However, they have been highly efficient in their use of space, and on the second floor you rarely have to wait long for anything. Even if you do have to wait a bit, just be a little creative, make an exception and work that particular muscle group somewhere else. If you’re uncertain how to do so, the staff has in my experience been very helpful and I am sure they would know how to accomodate you.
Any remarks on the cleanliness of this gym is beyond me. It’s a gym, you will see some sweat and dirt after people work hard and wear outside shoes. They are doing a tremendous job in keeping it as clean as they can. Mark: as clean as they CAN. If you or I can’t wipe our sweat off a machine, it’s our fault, they don’t have the capacity to always watch us, nor should they have to.
Also, with their 12 min abs, and 30 min full body offering, not to mention the $ 20/​month options they provide, this is a fantastic option. If you have some work out experience and know how to work different muscle groups, there are no limitations, you can get them ALL at this gym!
As if that wasn’t enough, Erica, the manager would be enough to provide this gym with 5 stars. Incredibly kind and knowledgable, not to mention, she gave me a private tour of the facility when I first got there and has always been right there to help out with any questions I might have.
Great spot, absolutely recommended, as long as you are AWARE that you are paying $ 10 or $ 20 pr month and not $ 100-​$ 200.

(BRING A VOIDED CHECK. You CANNOT sign up without one. I’ve seen tons of angry people stomp out when they realize that after waiting in line)
When you sign up for Planet Fitness, you know you’re not signing up for the greatest gym in the world. There aren’t free weight benches, inclines, declines, and lots of other things. But if you’re looking for cost efficiency and an adequate gym, look no further because this is the new spot in Wash Heights.
Aside from the fact that the décor looks like the Lakers had a baby shower in there with all the purple and yellow, its’s a pretty nice set up. The gym lockers are very clean and has a fresh smell (soon will be overcome by sweat and blood no doubt). The weight area on the first floor is pretty small and there aren’t as many dumbells and bars as you’d think they’d have. Upstairs are the plentiful treadmills and other standard machines. If you’re working on cardio, legs, and abs, Planet Fitness has everything you could ever want. If you’re looking for upper body stuff, this place could use a little more.
The cost is ridiculously amazing. Only $ 10 a month with a $ 1 joining fee (though $ 31 if you include the $ 30 annual membership fee) you can’t get any cheaper anywhere. Because this place is brand stinking new and not like the crappy one I tried going to in Astoria, it’s a real bargain.
What I would like to say is «No, don’t sign up!» because I don’t want people clogging up the machines. But in all fairness, it’s a pretty cool gym.