Lawrence, KS: "Comfortable", "Safe", "Accepted And Respected" ... I Don't Think So

Planet Fitness

2525 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
Phone number (785) 865-3771
Website: planetfitness.com

Prices: $$$$

If you travel as much as I do and like to stay in shape while on the road, then a gym membership with reciprocal privileges and numerous clubs across the U.S. is a convenience you cannot do without.

New on South Iowa, Planet Fitness is a breath of fresh air in Lawrence after being an abused member at The Summit and Genesis for the past three years. Planet Fitness has dozens of stationary bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, stair climbers, weight machines, and other top-shelf equipment. They also have 32 TVs with 8 set channels and free Wi-Fi available, all for $10 a month. That is why I left Genesis where we were paying $80/month. 

Oh, and by the way, guests are free and you can upgrade to a Black Card, adding hydro massages, tanning (not my bag), drink discounts, and reciprocity at Planet Fitness locations nationwide for just $10/month more. The hydro massage beds (2), recliners (2), and chairs (2) are a relaxing way to finish a workout and almost as good as a real massage. HOOAH! The only thing missing are towels, a sauna, and shampoo in the showers, but hey, what'ya expect for $10-$20 a month?

My one primary complaint are the giant, and I mean HUGE (as The Donald would say), ceiling fans whirling over the aerobic equipment and 30-Minute Workout area. There are two long rows of aerobic equipment divided into two groups, each with a giant fan overhead. As a matter of fact, I have been in the airflow created by a C-130 Hercules propeller with less force than these fans. Not all of us like cold air blowing on us when we are sweating profusely during rigorous exercise. Some do, but many, including me, do not. I have asthma and many of us who suffer from exercise induced asthma should not have unnecessary cold air blowing on us while working out. It exacerbates the condition and, in some cases, could lead to hospitalization or even death.

For reference, here is their philosophy as outlined on their website:

"We at Planet Fitness are here to provide a unique environment in which anyone - and we mean anyone - can be comfortable. ... As we evolve and educate ourselves, we will seek to perfect this safe, energetic environment, where everyone feels accepted and respected."

I went to the front desk to inquire about a suggestion box or other portal where I could share my dismay about the fans and was referred to the Assistant Manager. Because the machines are symmetrical with basically the same number of identical machines on each side, I asked her if it would be possible to turn one of the fans off so that people could have a choice whether or not they have cold wind blowing on them during exercise. It made perfect sense to me and a win-win situation in my estimation. However, her response was: "No that's not possible. We have to turn them on during business hours.", being the wrong answer from a customer service perspective. The correct answer would have been: "That's a great idea, let me look into it and get back to you!", but all I got was a bureaucratic, lazy, "that's the way it has always been done, so that's the way it's going to stay" attitude. Unacceptable. 

As a Disabled Veteran with asthma being one of my disabilities, it seems as though the Americans with Disabilities Act comes into play in this situation, but I will not play that card. It is up to Planet Fitness to do the right thing and accommodate a disabled patron. They talk-the-talk with their "customer friendly" philosophy, so we will see if they walk-the-walk. Based on management's prior inadequate response, I highly doubt it. If they do not and I continue to have to tolerate uncomfortable and unsafe conditions, I may just walk-the-walk to a health club that cares about customer satisfaction and well being

CombatCritic Gives Planet Fitness An Initial 5 Bombs Out Of 10 With A Three Bomb Deduction For Uncomfortable Conditions, Disabled Unfriendly Policies, And Management Complacency ... More Bombs Are Better!

Five Bombs Equates To:

Read Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - Elite '14/'15/'16

Tabelog - Official Judge (Silver)

Zomato - #1 Ranked "Verified" Foodie





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Read Chris S.'s review of Planet Fitness on Yelp

Title: Lawrence, KS: "Comfortable", "Safe", "Accepted And Respected" ... I Don't Think So

Key Words: Planet Fitness, planet, fitness, gym, gymnasium, health club, health, club, spa, aerobic, CombatCritic, TravelValue, Iowa, Lawrecne, Kansas, travel, value, service, review, Yelp

Translation for Civilians: Charlie-Mike = "Continue Mission"