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Planet Fitness review: overcrowded and dirty 15

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8:12 am EST
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I have never written a review of a business on the web in my life, although I have often referred to them when I want to find out what people are saying. So, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to say how disappointed I am with Planet Fitness of Downingtown. I was one of the original members that signed up well in advance of their grand opening. I had been going to the Planet Fitness in Frazer (which I can't say enough nice things about!) So, I was thrilled that a planet fitness was opening up 13 miles closer to my house! The gym was clean and well managed in the beginning, but shortly there after the place has gone downhill. First, it is so crowded between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm that you have to wait to try and get on any cardio machine. The place is PACKED to the gills, you cannot usually get on a weight machine either, so you stand around trying to figure out what to do with yourself.

People are now bringing their children in (some look to be 10-12 yrs) and they are working out on the equipment. There is nothing more frustrating than waiting to use a piece of equipment while some kid goofs off on it. I am a mother working full time AND going to college part time. My time is super valuable to me and watching this kid "play" on equipment is infuriating.

The tanning booths are absolutely disgusting. First, you now have to wait for a booth because they only have 5 and they are ALWAYS busy. Second, they do not disinfect them! When one person comes out of the booth, they hand their tag back to the person behind the desk, the person hands it right over to you. There were some pretty gross things on the floor of those booths let me tell you!

The young kids behind the desk (high schoolers) really do not have a clue as to how to manage a business. I have been there many times (some times 5 days per week) and I have NEVER seen any staff member in that place that appears to be over 20. Where is the management? The trash cans are over flowing, there are many pieces of equipment that are broken, and the place is filthy.

I am very disappointed and unhappy that I am stuck in a contract with them until October.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

15 comments
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jen be
Exton, US
Sep 01, 2011 3:14 pm EDT

I question the cleanliness as well. Pay attention...they do not clean the tanning booth between uses. I don't think her concern was the handling of "the ticket" so much. And if you watch people clean the machine when they are done, they use the same brown paper towel over and over. I think it makes people feel like the equipment is clean, or something. They are just smearing germs everywhere! Myself, I clean the equipment BEFORE I use it, and then smear germs when I'm done. I always shower after a workout so, whatever...it is a gym. I will say this, they did withdrawal money from my account for my "annual" fee SIX months after I signed up, and then again ELEVEN MONTHS later. I see the scam there. And another thing, the "manager" there insisted that I use tanning bed "#4" with 1/2 of the bulbs burned out because "they have to use the beds in order". I'd rather wait for bed "#1" with all new bulbs, and when I informed them 1/2 the bulbs were burned out...I was told by the "manager" that "YOU ARE ONLY PAYING $20/MONTH" Oh, so as a member of an inexpensive gym, I am only entitled to 1/2 the working amenities? Bad choice of words there bucko! And he is ALWAYS the most miserable person. Other than him, most of the employees there are very friendly and helpful.

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PanchosMom
East Fallowfield, US
Aug 27, 2011 12:03 am EDT

I have a complaint about one of the members at the Downingtown Planet Fitness, but this could happen anywhere. I am sure this is not the first time this has happened and it wont be the last! While using the fly weight machine about 2 weeks ago a woman came over and stood about a foot from me leaning against the wall waiting to use the machine like she was waiting in line to buy a movie theatre ticket. I was really infuriated because it really disrupted my focus. Anybody with any common sense and courtesy KNOWS its extremely RUDE to do that. Be courteous to other members and DONT HOVER!

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Mark Lowenski
DT st, US
May 18, 2011 10:32 am EDT

All you old people need to STFU. All you do is complain about "kids". Kids working the desk, kids on the machine... It's only normal that when a gym is "busy" that there will be more of a mess to clean up. Especially in the times you go. "surprise" everyone working 9-5 will be at the gym when you are. DT needs to stop complaining and quit the gym if you don't like it. I think it's perfectly fine that a kid works out. Better than being obese and playing video games all day. You are just self centered and old. Get over yourself.

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i tell it how it is
Downingtown, US
Feb 25, 2011 7:01 pm EST

Lady, your nuts. If you're scared of getting handed a tag that someone else touched then maybe you should live in a bubble. The planet fitness in downingtown is perfectly clean and i see the employees wiping down the equipment all the time. Who cares if they are young, they need jobs too. Obviously they are working to pay off their college tuition just like you are. If you dont like it when its busy then find another time to work out, or go back to frazer. There is no need to bash on a perfectly good organization. and if you are standing around looking for something to do then you obviously are not looking hard enough becuase they have free weights and other equipment you can use that serve the same purpose as the ones that are busy. And If cardio machines are all full when you get there, then shut your trap and take a jog outside, you have the whole world at your fingertips, why do you think they make sidewalks? also, for the record ive never seen any kids there that look like they could be 10 so maybe you just had bad luck that day. and if your a mother than your a very hypocritical one because one day you wont have the option of leaving your kids at daycare and you will have to bring them with you to the gym and then you will understand how life works. get over yourself.

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JanLW
Glenolden, US
Jan 09, 2011 3:37 pm EST

I agree! I have no regrets about canceling my membership. The machines are so close together that the sweat off the person next to you splashes off on you. There is never any toilet paper in the stalls and the place is dirty.
Their contract is ridiculous and of poor business practice.

I would love to see an LA Fitness come to the area.

JLW

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Char-Chr
Downingtown, US
Jan 09, 2011 2:57 pm EST

Belonged to the Downingtown, PA Planet Fitness and discontinued my membership. Wasn't going and what did they care as long as they were getting my $30.00 yearly fee and $10.00 monthly. Hope they don't scam anymore money from me, but will carefully watch my account. After reading the above remarks now I am worried. The place was often dirty, especially the ladies locker room. Lockers thick with dust, never cleaned. Always young people working there. Hate to distrupt their day and ask them to show you how to operate a machine. The machines are way far too close. How in the world does a heavy set person get inbetween them to get on. When you ask they reply "we are up to specks". So much for no judgement law.

Young people working there, rotation alot with newer people. POORLY MANGAGED. Once again I WILL WATCH MY BANK ACCOUNT.

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JanL
Philadelphia, US
Oct 07, 2010 5:45 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My recommendation is to watch your bank account and the automatic withdraws from Planet Fitness. I would not recommend you give your account information. They are being investigated.

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JanL
Philadelphia, US
Oct 07, 2010 5:44 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have just filed a complaint against PLANET FITNESS IN DOWNINGTOWN and am requesting an investigation into unfair financial practices. I would never recommend this place to anyone and make sure I convey that to my friends.

I give it a year before its totally closed down.

LONG TERM DOWNINGTOWN RESIDENT.

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D-town Lady
Downingtown, US
Mar 11, 2010 7:46 am EST

Machines so close that you can hardly get on them. Yet they say they are judgement free when it comes to people and sizeswell NO WAY can a heavy set person squeeze through and get on a machine. They want your $10.00 a month, but don't want you to show up. Ladies locker room filty. Lockers have never, never been cleaned. Thick with dust. The young people who work at the staff desk are rather young and RUDE.

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JanLW
Glenolden, US
Feb 21, 2010 7:08 pm EST

Well I am relatively new, but am always able to find a treadmill to use. I constantly see customers cleaning machines after each use, as well as staff continuously monitoring the safety of customers using the machines. As well as cleaning.

So thus far, my experience has been pretty good. Its low in cost, close to my home which I am glad to have access to especially with the winter we have had here.

I am interested to learn, what hidden fees your talking about?

JLWeber

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Jon King
West Chester, US
Dec 28, 2009 11:05 pm EST

Agree 100%. Its a scam. Obviously for that low price they don't want you to use the club. They are selling memberships to a place where the vast majority of people will not be able to use it at the times they want. Thats a scam to me.

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East Earl,PA
East Earl, US
Oct 05, 2009 8:52 pm EDT

This gym is not the way it is made to sound ! The staff is young, but knowing some of them, they are 20s and older. One woman is a Math teacher who works there on week ends, and in her 40s. The other younger people are very nice and are well educated. Some are Trainers and are certified as required. Some are college students. I also joined when it first opened. I agree it is very crowded between 4-7pm, but I have never waited for any cardio machine and I made at least 190-200 visits in the last 11 months! I sometimes go here at 4 am and there are always people cleaning this gym! It is a gym for heavens sake! The cleaning solutions for the machines are always filled. Any complaints I've had which are few, have always been addressed. I also notice most members cleaning machines after each use. Maybe the person who wrote this review had a bad experience, but in the last year and a half, I've lost 145 lbs and Planet Fitness played a big part in at least half of those pounds for me! The atmoshere has always been friendly. For what it costs, I'll stay a member for a long time to come! You folks keep up the good work!

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Jasen
, US
Jul 30, 2009 5:44 pm EDT

I do not like the staff's attitude.

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Jasen
, US
Jul 30, 2009 5:43 pm EDT

I completely agree with the feedback and I ran into similar situation y'day at Downingtown branch.

When I had some questions and asking the staff about the same, the resopnse was very arrogant and the staff was not even bothered to answer my questions.

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sandybottoms
Downingtown, US
Jul 01, 2009 10:37 am EDT

WARNING! IT'S THE GYM YOU CAN'T QUIT WITH OUT FINANCIAL DAMAGE!