When it comes to affordable gym memberships, XSport Fitness and Planet Fitness are two of the most popular options. But which one is right for you?
Here’s a detailed comparison of XSport and Planet Fitness including pricing, amenities, classes, and more to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | XSport Fitness | Planet Fitness |
| Monthly Membership Cost | $9.99 – $29.99 | $10 – $22.99 |
| Number of Locations | Around 230 | Over 2,000 |
| Locations Found | Midwest and East Coast | Nationwide |
| Membership Access | 1 – all clubs depending on tier | 1 home club or all clubs |
| Facilities | Pools, courts, spas, cafes | Basic gym equipment |
| Group Classes | 50+ classes/week included | 5-6 classes/day included |
| Personal Training | Available for fee | Not offered |
| Cancellation Policy | Cancel anytime | 12 month commitment, fees to cancel early |
| Equipment/Crowding | More equipment, less crowded | More limited, often crowded |
| Overall Vibe | Upscale, hotel-like | No frills, relaxed |
Overview
XSport Fitness and Planet Fitness aim to provide budget-friendly access to fitness equipment and facilities. However, they have some key differences:
- XSport tends to offer more amenities like pools, basketball courts, etc. It has locations in major metro areas, primarily in the Midwest and East Coast.
- Planet Fitness focuses on just providing basic cardio and strength training equipment at an ultra-low price point. It’s a nationwide chain with locations all across the US.
Now let’s explore each gym more in-depth.
Pricing And Membership Options
Both XSport and Planet Fitness keep costs low but XSport offers more flexibility in membership types.
XSport Pricing
XSport has three membership tiers:
- Standard ($9.99/month) – Access to one “home” location.
- Premium ($19.99/month) – Access to all locations and basic amenities like tanning.
- Elite ($29.99/month) – Access to all locations, all amenities, and ability to bring a guest.
They also offer short-term memberships for 1-3 months.
Planet Fitness Pricing
Planet Fitness only has two straightforward membership options:
- $10/month Classic – Access to one “home” location.
- $22.99/month Black Card – Access to any location and use of massage chairs/tanning.
So at Planet Fitness you get fewer amenities for the cheaper $10/month plan compared to XSport’s $9.99/month basic membership. But the higher-tier Black Card offers similar perks to XSport’s Premium plan for slightly less per month.
Also Read: Is Planet Fitness Better Than Fitness 19?
Facilities And Amenities
When it comes to what’s available at each gym, XSport offers greater variety while Planet Fitness sticks to the basics.
XSport Facilities
XSport locations commonly include:
- Extensive cardio and strength training equipment
- Indoor swimming pools
- Basketball courts
- Group fitness studios
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Spas for massage therapy
- Juice bars or cafes
- Child care
So you’ll find a broad range of fitness options and recreational facilities. The larger “Super Sport” clubs particularly have more amenities.
Planet Fitness Facilities
All Planet Fitness gyms provide:
- Cardio machines like treadmills, ellipticals, bikes
- Circuit-style resistance machines and some free weights
- Basic locker rooms with showers
- Massage chairs
- Tanning beds/booths
Planet Fitness caters to more casual gym-goers and focuses on providing just cardio and strength essentials. Most locations do not have pools or courts for sports.
Classes And Personal Training
XSport generally offers more group fitness classes, both included and paid add-ons. Planet Fitness has some classes but more limited options.
XSport Classes
Standard membership at XSport entitles you to basic classes like Zumba, yoga, and cycling.
With Premium or Elite memberships, you also get access to specialty classes like barre, pilates, martial arts, and small group personal training.
There are typically 50+ free classes offered per week at larger locations. Paid classes and personal training are available a la carte.
Planet Fitness Classes
Most Planet Fitness gyms host around 30 minutes classes like Abs Workout and Zumba Circuit. These are free and included with any membership.
However, class schedules tend to be limited to just 5-6 classes daily. One-on-one or small group training is not offered.
So XSport provides greater variety and flexibility with group fitness compared to Planet Fitness.
Equipment And Crowding
In terms of equipment, you’ll usually find more available at XSport along with generally less crowded gyms.
XSport Equipment and Crowds
With more locations concentrated in major cities, XSport gyms can get busy during peak hours. But most clubs have ample equipment and space.
Larger XSport gyms have 200+ cardio machines and several hundred weight machines/free weights. You can typically find what you need without long waits.
Planet Fitness Equipment and Crowds
Planet Fitness clubs are often packed during the after-work rush. They tend to have more limited equipment compared to the memberships sold.
Expect just 20-30 cardio machines and 1-2 dozen circuit resistance machines. Free weights don’t go past 60-75 lbs dumbbells. You may need to wait for equipment at busy times.
So while both can get crowded at peak times, XSport generally offers more equipment and space per gym.
Also Read: Choose Between Tmpl And Equinox.
Contracts And Membership Terms
Neither gym requires long-term commitments. You can go month-to-month at both. But there are some differences in contract policies.
XSport Contracts
With XSport you simply pay your dues monthly via credit card or bank account debit.
You can cancel at anytime with no termination fee. Canceling mid-month leads to forfeiture of the rest of that month’s payment.
Planet Fitness Contracts
Planet Fitness has more rigid terms. When you join, you authorize payment for at least 12 months.
You can cancel after that point with 30 days written notice. If you want to cancel earlier, you must buy out 75% of the remaining contract.
So XSport gives you more flexibility to cancel anytime without penalties or buyouts.
Perks And Discounts
Both gyms offer some valuable perks and ways to save on membership.
XSport Perks
- Members get discounts on select gear, fitness products, and services at XSport locations.
- Occasional promotions like waived signup fees or one week free.
- Free guest passes to bring friends are sometimes offered.
Planet Fitness Perks
- Nationwide membership means you can use any location.
- Free fitness training for teenagers under 18 with a parent member.
- Occasional giveaways like free t-shirts or water bottles for joining.
So the ability to use any Planet Fitness gym regardless of where you live is a nice perk over XSport’s more regional access.
Overall Experience
When it comes to the overall workout experience, XSport locations generally feel more upscale while Planet Fitness offers a simpler gym experience.
XSport Experience
XSport gyms have a polished, hotel-like feel with contemporary design and amenities. Locker rooms are regularly cleaned and maintained.
The standard and premium memberships provide solid value for access to facilities and classes. But the Elite membership is expensive for a budget gym.
Planet Fitness Experience
Planet Fitness clubs have a purposefully no-frills, judgment-free culture. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to all fitness levels.
They provide exceptional affordability with the $10/month Classic membership. But crowds and limited equipment/classes can detract from the overall experience.
So weigh the culture and facilities against membership costs at each gym.
Also watch this video about Planet Fitness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main competitors for Planet Fitness are other budget national gym chains like Anytime Fitness and Crunch Fitness. Smaller regional budget gyms also compete with individual Planet Fitness locations.
Planet Fitness is an excellent choice if you want very inexpensive access to basic cardio and strength machines. It’s a great starter gym for beginners. But the limited amenities and potential crowding are downsides.
Planet Fitness tends to have the cheapest gym memberships at $10/month nationally. Other budget gyms like XSport Fitness also offer plans under $20/month. Community rec centers and YMCAs can provide the lowest rates.
The Classic membership at $10/month is by far the most popular for its ultra-low cost. Though it only provides access to your home gym, the majority of members opt for this basic plan.
So in summary, Planet Fitness is an affordable, laid-back option – just be prepared for limited amenities and potentially busy gyms at peak times. Consider all the pros and cons before choosing between Planet Fitness and competitors like XSport Fitness.
Also Read: Choose Between Gold’s Gym And Crunch Fitness.
The Verdict
To recap the key differences:
- XSport has more location amenities, extensive classes/training, nicer facilities but higher base membership rates.
- Planet Fitness focuses just on budget-friendly basics yet provides national access and super-low $10/month memberships.
Here are some final tips on choosing between XSport and Planet Fitness:
- If you want low costs above all, Planet Fitness can’t be beat.
- XSport is better if you want lots of classes, training and sports facilities.
- Try out each gym’s free trial periods to get a hands-on feel.
- Consider month-to-month over contracts for flexibility to switch gyms.
- Look at clubs nearest your home or work when it comes to accessibility.
Overall both XSport and Planet Fitness offer quality equipment and facilities on a budget. Pick the one that best matches your fitness priorities.