Summary: Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness are two of the most popular gym chains in the United States, but which one is better? In this article, we will compare the two gyms across multiple aspects, including membership fees, amenities, locations, equipment, and classes to help you decide which gym is right for you.
1. Membership Fees
When it comes to membership fees, Planet Fitness has a reputation for being one of the most affordable gyms out there. A standard membership costs just $10 per month, whereas the Black Card membership, which grants access to all locations and features additional perks, costs $21.99 per month. On the other hand, VASA Fitness offers three different membership options: Basic, Basic+, and VIP. The Basic membership costs $9.99 per month, the Basic+ membership costs $19.99 per month, and the VIP membership costs $29.99 per month. While VASA Fitness’s VIP membership is pricier than Planet Fitness’s Black Card membership, it includes some extra perks like unlimited tanning and massage chairs.
However, both Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness offer frequent promotions and deals throughout the year, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those if you’re looking to save even more money on your gym membership.
In short, while Planet Fitness is generally the more affordable option, VASA Fitness offers additional perks and pricing tiers.
2. Amenities
When it comes to amenities, both Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness have a lot to offer. Planet Fitness is well-known for its purple and yellow branding, as well as its “Judgement Free Zone” philosophy. This means that the gym is designed to be a safe, welcoming space for people of all fitness levels, with no intimidation or judgement. Planet Fitness locations typically have a cardio area, a weightlifting area, and a circuit training area, as well as amenities like tanning beds, massage chairs, and hydromassage beds.
Similarly, VASA Fitness prides itself on offering a wide range of amenities, from traditional gym equipment like cardio machines and free weights to group fitness classes, a swimming pool, and basketball and racquetball courts. Additionally, many VASA Fitness locations have a Kids’ Club, where parents can drop off their children while they work out.
Overall, both gyms have a lot of amenities to offer, and it’s worth checking out each one to see which amenities are most important to you.
3. Locations
Another factor to consider when comparing Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness is their locations. Planet Fitness has more than 2,000 locations in the United States, making it one of the largest gym chains in the country. It’s likely that there is a Planet Fitness location near you, no matter where you live. On the other hand, VASA Fitness has about 50 locations in six states: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Utah. If you live in one of these states, VASA Fitness might be a convenient option for you, but if you live elsewhere, you may have to go out of your way to find a VASA Fitness location.
In short, while Planet Fitness has a much larger presence across the United States, VASA Fitness may be a more convenient option if you live in one of the six states where it has locations.
4. Equipment
When it comes to equipment, both Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness have a range of options to choose from. Planet Fitness is known for its “Lunk Alarm,” which goes off if someone drops weights or makes too much noise while working out. This policy is designed to encourage a non-intimidating, judgement-free environment. Planet Fitness also offers basic weightlifting equipment like barbells, dumbbells, and weight machines, as well as cardio equipment like treadmills and ellipticals.
Similarly, VASA Fitness has a range of traditional gym equipment, including cardio machines, free weights, and weight machines. However, VASA Fitness prides itself on having more unique equipment options, like an indoor turf area for functional training, a tire flip station, and a manual resistance training machine called the Tonal. Additionally, VASA Fitness locations often have special areas for activities like yoga, spin classes, and group strength training.
In short, both Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness have a good selection of equipment, but VASA Fitness might be a better option if you’re looking for more unique exercise options.
5. Classes
If you’re interested in taking group fitness classes, both Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness offer a variety of options. Planet Fitness offers free fitness training with a certified trainer in a small group setting, as well as a selection of classes like “PF 360,” which is a circuit-style workout that incorporates all muscle groups, and “PF Cycling,” which is a spin class. VASA Fitness offers a wide range of group fitness classes, including yoga, HIIT, dance, and bootcamp-style classes like “Warrior,” which combines cardio and strength training.
It’s worth noting that while both gyms offer group fitness classes, VASA Fitness has more options to choose from, especially if you’re looking for more unique or specialized classes.
In short, if group fitness is important to you, VASA Fitness may be the better option.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing between Planet Fitness and VASA Fitness, there is no clear winner. Both gyms have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your individual needs and priorities. If price is your main concern, Planet Fitness is likely the better option, but if you’re looking for more unique equipment or classes, VASA Fitness may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best way to determine which gym is right for you is to visit each one and see which amenities, equipment options, and class offerings are most important to you.
Regardless of which gym you choose, remember that the most important thing is to find a gym where you feel comfortable and motivated to achieve your fitness goals.