Does Planet Fitness have a basketball court? No Planet Fitness does not have basketball courts at any of its standard locations. The gym focuses on affordable cardio and strength equipment rather than sports facilities, which helps keep membership costs low for everyday fitness users.
If you’re searching for a gym that fits your budget while also giving you space to shoot some hoops, you might be wondering about basketball court availability at Planet Fitness. This is a common question from people who want to combine their regular fitness routine with their love for basketball. Let me give you the complete answer and help you make the best choice for your fitness journey.
Why You Won’t Find Basketball Courts at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness does not have basketball courts at their standard locations, and this might come as a disappointment if you were hoping to work on your basketball skills while maintaining your gym membership. But there’s a good reason behind this decision that actually benefits most members.
Planet Fitness focuses on providing affordable fitness options with essential workout equipment rather than specialty sport facilities. The typical Planet Fitness location includes cardio machines, strength training equipment, free weights, and other basic amenities but you won’t find a hoop or full court for playing basketball.
The company keeps costs low by standardizing their facilities across all Planet Fitness locations. This means members pay a low monthly fee (starting at just $10) but sacrifice access to specialty areas like basketball courts, pools, or racquetball courts. The trade-off is simple: lower membership cost in exchange for focused, basic fitness equipment.
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Why Planet Fitness Doesn’t Have a Basketball Court
Planet Fitness built their entire business around being the most affordable gym option for everyday people. Their “Judgment Free Zone” philosophy targets individuals who want a simple, welcoming place to work on weight loss, build strength, or maintain general health—not necessarily athletes looking for court sports.
Here’s why Planet Fitness decided against including basketball courts:
- Space requirements: A regulation basketball court needs about 4,700 square feet of floor space. Planet Fitness gyms are designed to maximize cardio and strength equipment in smaller footprints.
- Maintenance costs: Basketball courts require special flooring, regular cleaning, liability insurance, and ongoing repairs. These expenses would drive up membership fees.
- Target audience: Most Planet Fitness members come for treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines—not to play pickup basketball games.
- Staffing needs: Court facilities need staff to monitor games, schedule time slots, and enforce rules. This increases labor costs.
The planet fitness have a basketball court question gets asked often, but the reality is their business model simply doesn’t support this type of amenity. They’ve chosen to excel at providing basic fitness equipment at unbeatable prices rather than becoming a full-service athletic facility.
Gyms That Have Basketball Courts (Comparison Table)
| Gym Type | Monthly Fee | Basketball Court | Pool | Basic Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Fitness | $10-$24.99 | No | No | Yes |
| LA Fitness | $35-$50 | Yes (most locations) | Yes | Yes |
| YMCA | $40-$70 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 24 Hour Fitness | $30-$60 | Some locations | Some locations | Yes |
| Lifetime Fitness | $100+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What Amenities Does Planet Fitness Actually Offer?
Even though fitness have a basketball court isn’t something you’ll find at PF, they do provide plenty of valuable amenities for their members. Let me break down what you actually get when you join:
Standard Membership Benefits ($10/month):
- Access to cardio equipment including treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and stair climbers
- Strength training equipment like leg press, chest press, lat pulldown, and more
- Free weights area with dumbbells up to 75 pounds
- Clean locker rooms with day lockers
- Free fitness training sessions to help you learn proper form
PF Black Card® Benefits ($24.99/month):
- Everything from standard membership
- Access to any Planet Fitness club nationwide
- Bring a guest for free every time you visit
- HydroMassage beds for recovery after intense workouts
- Massage chairs to relax your muscles
- Tanning booths (tan up to once per day)
- Half-priced Cooler drinks
- Use of exclusive Black Card member areas
The PF Black Card® gives you incredible value when you consider all the perks. While you won’t be playing basketball, you can work on your cardio and strength in a comfortable environment and then relax with a massage afterwards.
Best Gym Alternatives If You Need Basketball Court Availability
Since Planet Fitness doesn’t meet your basketball needs, let’s look at gyms that do offer court availability. These options cost more, but they give you the facility you’re looking for:
LA Fitness stands out as the top choice for basketball players. Most LA Fitness locations feature full-size indoor basketball courts with regular pickup games. Their membership runs about $35-$50 monthly with an initiation fee, but you get access to the court, pool, sauna, and all standard gym equipment. LA clubs often have league play and organized basketball sessions where you can compete with other members.
YMCA facilities are perfect for family-oriented basketball players. The YMCA has been providing community basketball for generations. Their monthly membership fee ranges from $40-$70 depending on your location, but they offer youth leagues, adult leagues, and open gym times. Plus, you get pool access and various group fitness classes.
24 Hour Fitness has basketball courts at select locations, particularly their larger “Super Sport” clubs. You’ll need to check with your specific location about court availability, as not every club has this amenity. Their app makes it easy to search for nearby facilities with the features you want.
Lifetime Fitness represents the premium option with excellent basketball facilities, but expect to pay $100+ per month. These luxury fitness club centers feature multiple courts, professional-grade equipment, and comprehensive training programs for basketball enthusiasts.
Creating a Basketball Training Program at Planet Fitness
Just because Planet Fitness doesn’t have a basketball court doesn’t mean you can’t improve your basketball skills and performance there. Many professional basketball players spend more time in the weight room than on the court during off-season training.
Here’s how you can build basketball-specific fitness at Planet Fitness:
Lower Body Power Development:
- Leg press machine: 3 sets of 12 reps for explosive jumping power
- Leg curl machine: 3 sets of 15 reps to strengthen hamstrings
- Calf raises: 4 sets of 20 reps for better vertical leap
- Squats with dumbbells: 3 sets of 10 reps for overall leg strength
Upper Body Strength for Shooting:
- Shoulder press: 3 sets of 12 reps for shooting strength
- Chest press: 3 sets of 10 reps to improve your push on drives
- Tricep extensions: 3 sets of 15 reps for shooting follow-through
- Lat pulldowns: 3 sets of 12 reps for rebounding strength
Cardio Conditioning for Game Endurance: Planet Fitness has excellent cardio equipment perfect for building the endurance you need during intense basketball games. Basketball requires quick bursts of energy followed by brief recovery periods, so focus on interval training:
- Treadmill sprints: 30 seconds hard running, 90 seconds walking recovery, repeat 10 times
- Stationary bike: 20 minutes at moderate intensity to build aerobic base
- Elliptical machine: Low-impact option for active recovery days
- Stair climber: Builds leg endurance while protecting your knees
You can use Planet Fitness as your strength and cardio center, then find outdoor courts or community centers for actual basketball practice. This combination approach costs less than a premium gym membership while giving you everything you need. The strength equipment at PF is perfect for building the power and endurance basketball players need.
How to Find the Right Gym for Your Basketball Needs
Choosing between Planet Fitness and a gym with a basketball court comes down to your priorities and budget. Ask yourself these questions:
How often will I actually use a basketball court? If you only shoot around once or twice a month, paying an extra $30-$40 monthly for court access might not make sense. You could use Planet Fitness for your main workouts and play basketball at free outdoor courts or community centers.
What’s my primary fitness goal? If you want to lose weight, build muscle, or improve general health, Planet Fitness gives you everything you need at an unbeatable cost. If basketball is your main sport and passion, spending more for a gym with court sports makes more sense.
Can I afford multiple memberships? Some dedicated basketball players keep their $10 Planet Fitness membership for strength training and cardio, then pay a separate fee at a basketball-specific facility. This hybrid approach costs $40-$50 monthly but gives you the best of both worlds.
Using the Planet Fitness App to Maximize Your Membership
Planet Fitness offers a mobile app that makes your gym experience much better. You can check which equipment is available at your home club, track your workout progress, and even find other Planet Fitness locations when you travel.
The app includes:
- Club finder: Locate any PF gym with address, hours, and contact information
- Crowd meter: See how busy your club is before you go
- Workout tracking: Log your exercises and monitor your progress
- Virtual fitness sessions: Follow along with guided workouts from home
While the app won’t help you find a basketball court at Planet Fitness (since they don’t have them), it does make your overall fitness experience more convenient and enjoyable. The app is especially useful for PF Black Card holders who travel and need to find locations across the country.
Conclusion
Does Planet Fitness have a basketball court? No, and they likely never will given their business model focused on affordable, basic fitness. But that doesn’t make Planet Fitness a bad choice it just means you need to match your gym selection to your specific needs.
For people who want an inexpensive place to do cardio, lift weights, and maintain general fitness, Planet Fitness is honestly hard to beat. The $10 monthly membership (or $24.99 for the Black Card with tons of extra perks) gives you access to quality cardio and strength equipment in a clean, friendly environment.
However, if basketball is central to your training and lifestyle, look at LA Fitness, your local YMCA, or community recreation centers that offer basketball facilities. Yes, you’ll pay more in membership fees, but you’ll actually get the court time you’re looking for.
The smart approach for serious basketball players on a budget is combining free outdoor courts for actual gameplay with a Planet Fitness membership for structured strength training and cardio workouts. This way, you get complete basketball training at the lowest possible cost.
Whatever you decide, make sure to visit potential gym locations in person, check their actual amenity availability, and choose based on what you’ll realistically use rather than what sounds good in theory. Your perfect fitness club is the one you’ll actually visit consistently whether that includes a basketball court or not.
FAQs
Does any Planet Fitness location have a basketball court?
No, there are no Planet Fitness locations with basketball courts. All clubs focus on cardio and strength equipment only, not sport-specific amenities.
Can PF Black Card members access basketball courts?
No, PF Black Card® members cannot access basketball courts because Planet Fitness doesn’t have this amenity. Black Card benefits include HydroMassage, massage chairs, and tanning—but not basketball facilities.
What is the cheapest gym with a basketball court?
Your local YMCA or community recreation center typically offers the most affordable basketball court access at $30-$50 monthly. LA Fitness is the cheapest national chain with courts, starting around $35 monthly.
Is LA Fitness better than Planet Fitness for basketball?
Yes, LA Fitness is better for basketball because most locations have full-size courts with pickup games. Planet Fitness has no basketball courts. However, LA Fitness costs $35-$50 monthly versus Planet Fitness’s $10-$25.
Does Planet Fitness have pools or other sport facilities?
No, Planet Fitness does not have pools, basketball courts, or racquetball courts. They focus on cardio machines, strength training equipment, and free weights only.
Where can I play basketball if I have a Planet Fitness membership?
You can use outdoor public courts (free), community center courts ($5-$15 per visit), YMCA day passes ($15-$20), or join a second gym like LA Fitness for basketball court access.
