I am looking for some feedback and tips from any current Planet Fitness members. My wife and I just joined earlier this week after she heard an ad for a special rate for new memberships. We had discussed it in the past, but this finally caused her to pull the trigger.
I actually enjoy walking outdoors in the winter - as long as I am bundled up, but with the winter ice and darkness (I usually walk prior to sunrise) it can be dangerous. My wife has back issues and isn't able to tolerate the cold weather walking outdoors.
I also do regular 3x weekly workouts on my own in my basement. I enjoy going at my own pace using my own equipment - a decent weight bench and some dumbbells with interchangeable weight plates. I prefer the privacy of doing my own thing and listening to my own background noise (whether music or news/podcasts) without needing earphones to avoid disturbing other people around me.
This kind of exercise is also something my wife isn't able to physically endure. We have an unfinished/wet basement which she never likes to set foot in anyway. So - bonus for me - it's a literal man cave.
So I am generally able to fulfill my exercise needs and expectations without Planet Fitness, whereas she is unlikely to have many wintertime opportunities without it. We are both trying to drop a few pounds and get into better shape prior to our daughter's wedding next October and I want to do whatever I can to help with her motivation and give positive reinforcement.
Initially, she was going to just get a solo membership, but I let her talk me into a minimal one to just try it out. So I got up early this morning to go in with her and did about 30 minutes on the treadmill. She went in by herself yesterday morning before I was signed up. I think that she preferred having me there with her as opposed to going alone, and I have to say that it was kind of neat to walk and plug my headphones into the machine while picking the audio to match whichever TV screen captured my attention.
My wife is off work on Fridays for the remainder of the year and has scheduled an appointment with a trainer tomorrow to talk about workout routines that won't aggravate her back. I suppose maybe I should do the same if I really want to get my money's worth. But is it really a waste of money to just go in with her periodically to walk on a treadmill or elliptical if it is providing her with moral support?
Can any existing Planet Fitness members sell me on the prospect of doing more?